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The Gamma Knife and Stereotactic Radiosurgery at Johns Hopkins
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Introduction |
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The Leksell Gamma Knife at Johns Hopkins represents the
latest addition to our multidisciplinary, multimodality stereotactic radiosurgery program - the most comprehensive program in the region.
Gamma Knife is the most technologically advanced approach to treating brain disorders on the market today.
Using the latest in physics, robotics and computer technology, procedures can
be performed in a short time period with unmatched precision.
This cutting edge technology makes it possible for physicians to reach even the deepest recesses of the brain and correct disorders not
treatable with surgery. |
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The Gamma Knife uses precisely targeted beams of radiation that converge on a single point to painlessly
"cut" through brain tumors, blood vessel malformations, and other brain abnormalities. As a result, patients have less discomfort and much shorter recovery periods.
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The Gamma Knife at Johns Hopkins is part of our Stereotactic Radiosurgery Program that brings together leading Johns Hopkins experts in brain disorders, who specialize in neurosurgery, radiosurgery, radiation oncology, and radiology. Specialized technicians and nurses round out the team and provide the ideal balance of technology and compassionate care.
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Patient Video |
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"Gamma Knife Surgery – Information for Patients."
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This video will describe Gamma Knife Surgery and what you as a patient will experience before, during and after treatment.
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QuickTime or Real Player are required to view the video:
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Gamma Knife Treatment |
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The Gamma Knife is really not a knife at all, but 201 highly-focused x-ray beams that make up the "knife" and "cut" through diseased tissue. Treatment itself may take from several hours to a full day to complete. Patients should expect to be discharged the same day.
The safety and effectiveness of Gamma Knife make it an optimal choice for treating a wide variety of brain disorders, including those conditions listed below. Patients with other health conditions, such as high blood pressure or heart disease who are concerned about the rigors of surgery may find Gamma Knife their best option. |
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Brain Disorders and Tumors
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Brain metastases
(Metastatic cancers are those
that have spread to the brain)
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Arteriovenous malformation (AVM)
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Dural Arteriovenous Fistula (DAVF)
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There are many therapies for managing brain tumors and other neurological disorders. Individualized treatment plans are developed by experts in the Johns Hopkins Stereotactic Radiosurgery Program to fit the needs of each patient. The procedure itself involves several steps. |
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Step 1 - Headpiece Frame Placement
A local anesthetic and mild sedative are given to prevent discomfort and relax patients while the headpiece frame is attached to the patient's head with four pins. Once in place, the frame is used to localize the target area and immobilize and position the patient's head during treatment with the Gamma Knife.
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Step 2 - Diagnostic Imaging
Patients then undergo an MRI to help physicians determine the precise location and size of the tumor or abnormality. Patients with AVM will also undergo an angiogram. |
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Step 3 - Treatment Planning
Using the information obtained from diagnostic imaging, the Gamma Knife's computerized treatment-planning software develops a three-dimensional picture of the target lesion and the surrounding tissues. Radiation dosage and duration of treatment are then determined.
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Step 4 - Gamma Knife Procedure
Convergent X-ray beams of cobalt radiation are aimed at the targeted tumor or malformation. At the site of the tumor or abnormality, the separate beams converge delivering enough radiation to eradicate diseased tissue while sparing surrounding normal tissue. The Gamma Knife at Johns Hopkins has been designed and built with the most current robotics and computer technology to ensure accurate positioning. Treatment time ranges from approximately 15 minutes to a couple of hours depending on the nature of the diagnosis. It is non-invasive and painless, so patients remain awake during treatment. Specially trained staff, located in an adjoining room, maintain constant visual and voice contact with patients during treatment.
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Step 5 - Recovery
Most patients are treated on an outpatient basis. In some cases, an overnight stay in the hospital is required for observation and monitoring. The majority of patients resume normal activities within a few days. Patients will return to their personal physician or to Johns Hopkins for follow-up diagnostic tests to monitor and assess their progress.
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Treatment for Children |
Certain brain lesions in children are ideally suited for treatment with Gamma Knife. The non-invasive nature of the therapy and shorter treatment and recovery periods are particularly attractive to parents of younger patients. Treatment with Gamma Knife is essentially the same for adult and pediatric patients, however, children may receive general anesthesia and typically remain in the hospital overnight. Children treated at our Gamma Knife Center have at their disposal the full expertise and resources of the world renowned Johns Hopkins Children's Center. |
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| The Gamma Knife Team |
Daniele Rigamonti, M.D., FACS
Dr. Rigamonti is Director of Stereotactic Radiosurgery
and Professor of Neurosurgery and Radiation Oncology.
Board certified in Neurosurgery.
Dr. Rigamonti specializes in arteriovenous malformation (AVM), arteriovenous fistula (AVF),
and cavernoma. Dr. Rigamonti also specializes in the management of cerebral metastasis, meningioma, schwannoma, and hemangioblastoma. |
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Lawrence Kleinberg, M.D.
Dr. Kleinberg is Co-Director of Stereotactic Radiosurgery and
Associate Professor of Radiation Oncology and Neurosurgery.
Board certified in Radiation Oncology,
Dr. Kleinberg specializes in stereotactic
radiosurgery and the radiological treatment of cancers that have spread to the brain and tumors of the central nervous system. |
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Alessandro Olivi, M.D.
Dr. Olivi is the Director of the Department of Neurosurgery at the Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, Director of Neurosurgical Oncology, and Professor of Neurosurgery at the
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. |
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Michael Lim, M.D.
Dr. Lim’s surgical interest is in the treatment of primary and metastatic brain tumors as well as pituitary and skull base tumors. Dr. Lim also has expertise in radiosurgery for brain tumors, arterial venous malformations, trigeminal neuralgia, and spine lesions. |
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Making an Appointment |
To schedule an appointment with a specialist in the Stereotactic Radiosurgery at Johns Hopkins,
please call (410) 614-2886.
You may also email an appointment request form
to:
RadioSurgery@jhmi.edu. |
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