The Procedure

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Gamma Knife treatment does not mean use of a surgical scalpel. Under local anesthesia, a special head frame is fitted to the patient; then the patient undergoes an MRI or a CT scan. Next, our Gamma Knife team develops a precise custom-fit dose plan for the patient's particular condition. Once the optimal dose plan has been determined, the Gamma Knife treatment begins and typically lasts about an hour. Patients return home as soon as the radiosurgeon says it's all right -- usually within 24 hours. Best of all, patients are able to resume regular daily activities within a few days.

Frame Fitting - A stereotactic frame is attached to the patient's head using local anesthesia and, if necessary, mild sedation. For the pediatric patient under 14, general anesthesia is used throughout the treatment.
Diagnostic Imaging - After the frame is fixed, a Magnetic Resonance Imaging or a Computed Tomography scan is conducted to define the target tissue. For patients with an arteriovenous malformation, an angiogram is required.
Computerized Treatment Programming - While the patient rests, physicians and medical physicists operate a sophisticated computer using neuroimaging studies to plan the Gamma Knife treatment. The goal in treatment planning is to assure that the dose being delivered is accurately placed and adequate to effectively treat the targeted lesion or tumor.
Gamma Knife Treatment - The actual delivery of the radiation is painless. The procedure may take between 30 and 90 minutes depending on the complexity of the lesion. Following treatment, the frame is removed and, after resting a few hours, the patient returns home the same day or the next morning, depending on the advice of the patient's radiosurgeon.
Follow-up Care - The effects of Gamma Knife radiosurgery are realized over time and periodic imaging studies are required to monitor the procedure's effect. As in all stages of a Gamma Knife treatment, close collaboration with the patient's primary physician is standard procedure.

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Thomas Witt, MD (standing) and Robert Timmerman, MD, Co-Directors of the Indiana Lions Gamma Knife Center, use sophisticated computers to prepare each patient's Gamma Knife treatment.

Dr. Timmerman (left) and Dr. Witt prepare a patient for her Gamma Knife procedure.

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