Upload date : Ağustos 25, 2023

Gamma Knife Icon

Introduction

Developed by a Swedish neurosurgeon, Gamma Knife is a technology to treat cranial diseases with gamma beams with millimeter accuracy.The current model of Gamma Knife device, Gamma Knife Icon, is used for treatments at Emsey Gamma Knife unit.

How does it work?

Gamma Knife directs the beams originating from hundreds of cobalt sources to a punctual target.Although each source directs low energy ray bundles, it is possible to transmit very high energy to the target by combining hundreds of rays on a single focus.It is considered that the effect of Gamma Knife therapy is the result of damage to genetic codes of tumors in brain. This damage follows two different pathways in different brain diseases.The therapy intends to destroy the rapidly growing tumors and arteriovenous malformations and to stop growth in slowly growing tumors. Diseases of brain can be treated with Gamma Knife along with the diseases that involve bones, vessels, nerves, skin and other tissues around the brain.Gamma Knife is most commonly preferred for metastases of various cancers to brain, AVMs, metastatic brain tumors as well as benign brain tumors, such as vestibular schwannomas and meningiomas.Gamma Knife has been installed at more than three hundred facilities and used to treat more than one million patients around the world. It is a standard treatment for intracranial diseases. 7000 patients have been treated at Acıbadem Gamma Knife Unit since 2005.What are Target Organs for Gamma Knife? Gamma Knife has been designed and developed for intracranial diseases. Diseases of brain can be treated with Gamma Knife along with the diseases that involve bones, vessels, nerves, eyes, skin and other tissues around the brain. Different technologies are used to treat diseases that involve other body parts. Gamma Knife has been installed at more than three hundred facilities and used to treat more than one million patients around the world. It is a standard treatment modality for intracranial diseases.

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Usage Areas

Gamma Knife has been installed at more than three hundred facilities and used to treat more than one million patients around the world. It is a standard treatment modality for intracranial diseases. 7000 patients have been treated at Emsey Hospital Gamma Knife Unit since 2005.Gamma Knife technology has been ever increasingly used since 1968 when it was introduced to routine clinical use. Statistics show that more than one million patients have been globally treated with Gamma Knife for various brain diseases.

- Cerebrovascular Diseases
- Arteriovenous malformation (AVM - Abnormal arteriovenous plexus in brain)
- Cavernomas
- Benign Brain Tumors
- Vestibular schwannoma (Acoustic neuroma)
- Hemangioblastoma
- Meningioma
- Chordoma
- Pituitary tumor
- Trigeminal schwannoma
- Tumors of pineal gland
- Craniopharyngioma
- Glomus jugulare tumor
- Malignant Brain Tumors
- Metastases
- Uveal melanoma
- Some glial tumors
- Hemangiopericytoma
- Nasopharyngeal carcinoma
- Patients with Movement Disorders
- Tremor secondary to Parkinson’s disease
- Essential tremor
- Patients with Functional Disorder
- Trigeminal neuralgia
- Patients with tumors at hardly accessible and deep locations of brain
- Patient who cannot tolerate surgical procedures due to certain reasons like age, medical condition, general health status
- Patients who refuse open surgery. Furthermore, Gamma Knife Icon is used for treatment of following diseases.

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How tot Treat

Stereotactic Frame

Leksell stereotactic frame is fixed to head of patient to maximize precision, accuracy (in millimeters) and safety of treatment. Local anesthesia is administered to suppress pain. Procedure is performed in presence of an anesthesiologist for children and pediatric patients are sedated, if necessary.

Mask

Treatment can be performed with a mask instead of stereotactic frame in Gamma Knife Icon Device. This allows treatment to be administered in fractions over several days. As a result, sensitive structures that are located nearby the tumor, such as optic nerves and brainstem, can be protected. Moreover, mask can be used if use of the frame is not possible or poses risk.

Neuroradiology Imaging

After the frame is affixed, an imaging method is selected that best fits the pathology of the patient. Nowadays, MRI is scanned for all patients. In cases of AVM, angiography is performed, while stereotactic frame is affixed. Computerized tomography is also used to plan the treatment in skull base tumors and for the patients with contraindications for an MRI scan.

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Services

Pediatric Oncology

Radiation Oncology

Medical Oncology

Doctors

What are the qualifications and experience of the doctors and medical staff at the hospital?

The doctors and medical staff at the hospital are highly qualified and experienced in their respective fields, with many holding specialized certifications and degrees. They have years of experience in their areas of expertise and have performed many successful procedures.

What types of treatments and services does the hospital offer?

The hospital offers a wide range of treatments and services, including general surgery, orthopedics, cardiology, neurology, oncology, and much more. We also have a range of diagnostic and imaging services, including CT scans, MRI, and X-ray .

Are there any specialties that the hospital is known for?

The hospital is known for its excellence in cancer treatment, spine surgery and bone marrow transplantation.

How can I schedule an appointment?

You can schedule an appointment by contacting us by phone or email, or by filling out an online appointment request form on our website.

How long does it take to get an appointment?

Appointment availability can vary depending on the specific treatment or procedure. We will do our best to schedule your appointment as soon as possible, and we will keep you informed of any delays or waiting times.

What are the costs of the treatments and procedures?

The cost of treatments and procedures can vary depending on the specific treatment or procedure. We recommend that you contact us for a detailed cost estimate or to speak with one of our financial counselors.

Are there any international patient services available?

Yes, we have international patient services available, including translation services, airport pickup, and accommodation arrangements.

Are there any financing options available?

Yes, there are financing options available for patients, such as payment plans and insurance options. Our financial counselors can help you explore these options.

What is the success rate of the hospital's treatments and procedures?

The hospital has a high success rate for its treatments and procedures, and our patients have reported excellent outcomes.

Gamma Knife Icon

EMSEY HOSPITAL