Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
The Gamma Knife is a machine made by Elekta Instruments AB, a Swedish company. It was discovered and designed by Prof. Lars Leksell in Stockholm in 1968. It started Stereotactic Radiosurgery.
SRS or Stereotactic Radiosurgery is the technical name for 'single fraction brain radiosurgery'. read more...
Both Gamma Knife (Elekta Instruments AB, Sweden) and Cyberknife (Accuray Inc, USA) are machines made by different companies to perform accurate Stereotactic Radiosurgery. While Gamma Knife is dedicated to brain radiosurgery, Cyberknife can be used for radiosurgery of the whole body. They are technically different as Gamma Knife uses gamma rays from a cobalt source, while Cyberknife use X-rays from a linear accelerator. But the biological effect or property of both types of radiation is the same. read more ....
The decision to treat a patient does not depend on the size of the tumour alone. There are multiple factors involved, including location, type of tumour, clinical situation of patient or deficit, and complaints. Also, how experienced is the neurosurgeon who is treating the patient? read more...
Yes, as radiation is an essential part of treatments of malignant brain tumours. It's a clinical decision.
No. Presently, only the Gamma Knife procedure requires a metal frame attached to the head. All the rest of the machines follow frameless radiosurgery. The purpose of a frame is for immobilization in order to achieve accuracy in treatment. Many Linac machines too used frames before. Most of the dedicated radiosurgery machines follow frameless radiosurgery with a non-invasive thermoplastic mask used for immobilization. They have dedicated position verification systems to confirm accurate position. read more...
A qualified neurosurgeon who has experience and has been trained in Radiosurgery.