Most Gamma Knife radiosurgery procedures are performed on an out-patient basis using only a local anesthetic and mild sedation.
After a discussion with the treating physicians regarding the benefits and risks of Gamma Knife radiosurgery, the patient comes to the Cleveland Clinic Gamma Knife Center.
A reference frame is then applied which will stay in place until the procedure is completed. Most Gamma knife procedures are performed on an out-patient basis using only a local anesthetic and mild sedation.
Special scans (MRI, CT and or angiograms) are then performed and loaded into a planning computer using sophisticated GammaPlan software.
There, the neurosurgeon, radiation oncologist, and physicist devise the optimal treatment plan.
Soon thereafter, the patient is brought to the treatment area where the reference frame is fitted to one or more treatment helmets that are responsible for focusing the beams of gamma rays onto the target.
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 the Cleveland Clinic Gamma Knife Center at 866.588.2264. More information including bibliographies and reprints of scientific articles on specific Gamma Knife radiosurgery procedures are also available at these same numbers.
To schedule an evaluation with a Cleveland Clinic Brain Tumor and Neuro-Oncology Center specialist, please call our Patient Access Coordinator at 216.636.5860, or toll-free at 866.588.2264.
