The Gamma Knife and Gamma Knife radiosurgery are considered by many to be the “gold standards” of stereotactic radiosurgery for brain lesions, providing results comparable to or better than conventional surgery in many cases, without the need for a surgical incision or protracted recovery in hospital.
Cleveland Clinic Gamma Knife Radiosurgery Faculty
Cleveland Clinic Neurosurgeons and Radiation Oncologists were the first to bring stereotactic radiosurgery to Ohio in August of 1989 using a modified linear accelerator. Their extensive experience in over 300 radiosurgery cases at Cleveland Clinic led them to conclude that the benefits of stereotactic radiosurgery would be available to more patients by offering Gamma Knife radiosurgery as an alternative or, in some cases as an adjunct, to conventional neurosurgical procedures. In its first year the Program treated 214 cases, making this the most successful first-year Gamma Knife Center in North America at that time. Our Gamma Knife Center is also one of three training centers world-wide certified by the manufacturer of the Gamma Knife for training of professionals new to Gamma Knife radiosurgery procedures.
In July 2007, we were the second Center in the country to upgrade our equipment to the most technologically advanced model available, Elekta's Gamma Knife Perfexion, which allows treatment in a wider range of anatomical structures, improves treatment planning, increases patient comfort and reduces treatment time. The new equipment, uses all image modalities, including PET, CT and MR, as well as reduced treatment time. We have treated over 2500 patients with Gamma Knife radiosurgery.
The most common indication for Gamma Knife radiosurgery procedure is brain metastases, a condition that afflicts nearly a quarter of patients suffering from cancer. For the past several years, the most common indication of all Gamma Knife radiosurgery treatments at our center was for metastatic disease. The remaining percentage of Gamma Knife radiosurgery treatments were for primary and benign tumors, trigeminal neuralgia and arteriovenous malformations.
Neurological Institute Faculty
- Gene H. Barnett, MD, FACS Director, Brain Tumor and Neuro-Oncology Center, Director, Gamma Knife Center
- Lilyana Angelov, MD Head, Section of Spinal Radiosurgery
- Peter Rasmussen, MD Director, Cerebrovascular Center
- Burak Sade, MD
- Michael Vogelbaum, MD, PhD Associate Director, Brain Tumor and Neuro-Oncology Center
- Robert Weil, MD Director, Laboratory Research
Radiation Oncology Faculty
Radiation Physics Faculty
Treating Surgeons
Information, Referrals and Appointments
We strive to provide physicians and patients with accurate information, clinical excellence, and prompt service. Appointments, second opinions or consultations can typically be arranged within 48 hours. When travel is inconvenient, cases will be reviewed by our Gamma Knife Case Review Board through our eCleveland Clinic second opinion program.
Physician referral, patient self-referrals, second opinions and case reviews are welcome and can be arranged by calling our physicians at the numbers listed on the faculty page or through Cleveland Clinic Gamma Knife Center. More information, including bibliographies and reprints of scientific articles on specific Gamma Knife radiosurgery procedures is also available at these same numbers.
To schedule an evaluation with a Cleveland Clinic Brain Tumor and Neuro-Oncology Center specialist to determine if Gamma Knife radiosurgery is an option for you. Please call our Appointment Center at 216.636.5860, or toll-free at 866.588.2264.
Visit Our Quality Measures Web Site
