Gamma Knife treatment is a non-invasive procedure that utilizes the principles of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). It involves focusing multiple beams of gamma radiation onto a precise point within the brain, typically a tumor or other abnormal tissue. The treatment leverages the concept of stereotactic localization, which allows for the accurate mapping of the target area within the brain.
During a Gamma Knife procedure, a helmet equipped with multiple collimators is placed on the patient's head. Each collimator directs a beam of gamma radiation towards the target. When the beams converge at the targeted location, they deliver a high dose of radiation that is capable of causing localized damage to the DNA of the cells within the targeted tissue, leading to cell death over time. This process can result in the shrinkage or stabilization of the targeted lesion.
The surrounding healthy brain tissue receives only a fraction of the radiation dose because the beams are designed to pass through it without depositing significant energy. This selective targeting minimizes damage to the surrounding healthy tissue and reduces the risk of side effects.
Gamma Knife treatment is particularly effective for small to medium-sized brain tumors, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), and other neurological conditions that require precise intervention. It offers a less invasive alternative to traditional open-brain surgery, with minimal recovery time and a lower risk of complications.
