CT Scanning

The gamma-knife machine was the first instrument developed for radiosurgery. The instrument precisely focuses 201 beams of gamma radiation on a precisely located area, each beam originating from a slightly different point.

Before the procedure, a frame is attached to the head of the patient with four pins and stays in place throughout the treatment. In addition to holding your head perfectly still, the head frame serves as a reference point in determining exactly where the beams of radiation should converge. The head frame is actually the key to the precision of the gamma-knife machine.

When it's time for the treatment, the patient is reclined onto a platform that slides into the gamma-knife machine. Treatment times may vary, depending on the size and number of targets. This procedure works best for targets less than 4 centimeters in size.