The latest in full body radiosurgery offers faster, more accurate treatment.
Novalis Shaped Beam Surgery -- the Cleveland Clinic is adding a new device to its arsenal of radiosurgery technology. Called the Novalis Shaped Beam Surgery system, it is the most advanced device designed to combine the benefits of the latest radiosurgery and radiotherapy technology into one tool.
Like other radiosurgery technology, such as Gamma Knife, Novalis is non-invasive. However, the Novalis shaped beam offers several unique features that should translate into more accurate treatment, improved results and faster treatment time.
“One of the most exciting features of the Novalis system is its ability to deliver a maximum dose of radiosurgery ‘sculpted’ precisely to the shape of the tumor,” says Roger Macklis, M.D. of Cleveland Clinic's department of Radiation Oncology. “This feature allows accurate targeting while protecting surrounding, healthy tissue.”
Additionally, Novalis is designed to treat a wider range of tumor sites than similar technology. The system can be used to treat lesions in the brain and sensitive sites near the spinal cord using spine radiosurgery, as well as in the lung, kidney, liver and other sensitive sites throughout the body, including the ability to perform spine radiosurgery. In some cases, patients who have been told that they have reached their maximum safe radiation doses may still be candidates for the Novalis radiosurgery, including spine radiosurgery. Also, those with previously untreatable tumors or those who could only have been helped by high-risk surgical procedures may benefit from treatment with Novalis, explains Dr. Macklis.
Novalis shaped beam surgery also offers unique patient positioning capabilities. The system detects patient movement, as well as involuntary movements—breathing is one example—and will gate its target profile accordingly.
Treatment with Novalis is painless and takes between 20 and 60 minutes. Following treatment, patients typically will be able to go home and return to their usual activities. Follow-up appointments are outpatient. For more information about the Novalis Shaped Beam system or stereotactic radiosurgery or spine radiosurgery, call 216.444.1939 or 800.223.2273, ext. 4-1939.
Novalis® is a registered trademark of BrainLAB AG
