Gamma Knife and Stealth Computerized Surgical Guidance System

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Gamma Knife
The Gamma Knife, not really a knife at all, is used to treat brain abnormalities without a single incision. It focuses the radioactive energy of 201 cobalt-60 sources on a target in the brain. Individually, these low density beams of radiation are too weak to cause any damage. However, when they converge on a target – like a brain tumor – they slow the target’s growth and destroy the targeted cells.

Click here for more information on Gamma Knife technology at Saint Vincent. You need the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to view this file.

Stealth
Stealth is a computerized surgical guidance system that allows a neurosurgeon to safely navigate through the brain or spine during surgery. Pictures of the brain or spine are loaded into a computer system before surgery. During surgery, the neurosurgeon uses the computer images as a guide, similar to the way GPS technology works. Stealth makes brain and spinal surgery much safer because the surgeon can see where critical structures are in relation to his location and lets him adjust his plan accordingly.

Click here to see a web streaming video on stealth technology, featuring Dr. Muccio.