Introducing Leksell Gamma Knife® 4C
for Treatment Solutions in the Brain

Leksell Gamma Knife® 4C: the most successful radiosurgery weapon in the fight against brain disorders.

Leksell Gamma Knife® 4C* is the fourth generation of the most successful radiosurgery weapon in the fight against brain disorders, with enhancements designed to improve workflow, increase accuracy and provide integrated imaging capabilities. The integrated imaging, powered by Leksell Gamma Plan®, offers users an unprecedented ability to integrate images from multiple sources to achieve the most accurate treatment capability ever. These images can also be exported on a CD-ROM, so the referring physician can receive pre-op or post-op images for reference and follow-up.

The new features and advancements on Leksell Gamma Knife® 4C are both visually appealing and increase functionality. Operators now have the flexibility to view planning information on both sides of the couch, and the redesigned operator console is more intuitive and easier to use. The faster, more efficient helmet changer and robotic Automatic Positioning System® streamline operations and reduce treatment time.

The Head Frame

One of the key components of Leksell Gamma Knife® - the tool that allows your doctor to precisely pinpoint your tumor or problem - is the special stereotactic head frame.

This lightweight frame, which is attached to your head with four small screws, ensures that the radiation beams are precisely targeted. The frame also prevents your head from moving during the treatment procedure, which ensures that only the target area in your brain receives radiation.

Imaging

After your head frame is in place, a number of advanced imaging tests - such as an MRI or CT scan - will be required to precisely locate the size, shape and location of your tumor, lesion or abnormality.

If your physician is treating a blood vessel abnormality, an angiogram may also be required. As you may already know, an angiogram involves the injection of a dye into your bloodstream so that the imaging procedure clearly shows the blood vessels and arteries in the brain.

The coordinate markers on your head frame, which are part of the images taken, will help your physician develop an exact plan for your procedure.

Treatement Planning

Once your images have been taken, you can sleep, rest or relax while your physician develops your specialized treatment plan. First, your brain images are computerized. Then, using Leksell Gamma Knife® 3-D planning software, a treatment protocol is planned.

No two treatment plans are alike; every Leksell Gamma Knife® patient's plan is specifically designed to address his or her specific medical condition.

Because Leksell Gamma Knife® includes a set of unique helmets that have 201 holes for the precise delivery of radiation to your brain, your plan will consist of one or more treatments using these helmets.

The Treatment

Once your treatment plan is complete, you'll lay down on the treatment table and your head frame will be attached to the helmet for your first treatment. You'll be awake during the procedure and able to communicate with your Leksell Gamma Knife® team through a video and audio connection.

When Gamma Knife® Surgery begins, the treatment table, which is much like the one you were on for your MRI or CT scan, will move into the dome section of the unit.

The team will be monitoring your procedure at all times. There may be several treatments lasting anywhere from two to forty-five minutes during your Leksell Gamma Knife® session.

Back To Your Normal Routine

Once your treatment is complete, the head frame will be removed. If you had an angiogram, you might have to lie quietly for several more hours. Some patients experience a mild headache or minor swelling where the head frame was attached, but most report no problems. Your doctor will tell you whether or not he wants you to stay overnight for observation or if you can go home immediately. Either way, you should be able to return to work or your normal routine in another day or so.

The effects of your Leksell Gamma Knife® treatment will occur over time. Radiation treatments are designed to stop the growth of tumors or lesions, which means they won't disappear immediately but over a period of weeks or months. Your physician and Leksell Gamma Knife® team will stay in contact with you to assess your progress, which will include follow-up MRI or CT images in the near future and periodic check-ups.