Gamma Knife Lakewood

Premier Gamma Knife Surgery in Lakewood, WA

Located at St. Joseph Medical Center, South Sound Gamma Knife is the premier center for Gamma Knife®️ treatment in the South Puget Sound. As the only facility offering this advanced treatment between Seattle, WA, and Portland, OR, it has become a beacon of hope for patients not only from the Pacific Northwest but from all over the country. The facility’s unique combination of state-of-the-art technology and a multidisciplinary team of specialists sets it apart as a leader in non-invasive brain surgery.

Understanding Gamma Knife Radiosurgery

Gamma Knife radiosurgery, also known as stereotactic radiosurgery, is a specialized form of radiotherapy. Despite being termed “surgery,” it involves no incisions or blades. Instead, it uses precise beams of gamma radiation to target and destroy tumor cells or other affected areas in the brain. This high dose of intense radiation is meticulously focused to ensure that only the diseased cells are affected, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

Precision and Non-Invasiveness

One of the standout features of Gamma Knife treatment is its non-invasive nature. This makes it an excellent option for patients with conditions previously deemed inoperable. For those considered high-risk for traditional open surgical procedures due to other health issues, Gamma Knife provides a safe and effective alternative. The precision of the treatment allows for targeting of even the most difficult-to-access tumors and lesions, especially those located near critical areas of the brain.

Gamma Knife Treatment Lakewood

The Technology Behind Gamma Knife

At South Sound Gamma Knife, we use the latest in Gamma Knife technology: the Leksell Gamma Knife Icon™️. This cutting-edge equipment employs up to 192 converging beams of high-dose cobalt-60-generated photons, which are directed at a computer-mapped target. This sophisticated three-dimensional treatment planning ensures exemplary precision. Patients are fitted with a custom headframe or mask to keep their head in place, guaranteeing the Icon’s ultra-precise targeting during the procedure.

Benefits of the Leksell Gamma Knife Icon™️

The Leksell Gamma Knife Icon™️ represents the pinnacle of Gamma Knife technology, offering several advantages:

• Exemplary Precision: The technology allows for ultra-precise targeting, ensuring minimal impact on surrounding healthy tissues.
• Non-Invasiveness: With no need for incisions, the risk of infection and complications is significantly reduced.
• Comfort and Convenience: The custom-fit headframe or mask used during the procedure ensures patient comfort and stability.
• Versatility: Capable of treating a wide range of brain conditions, including tumors, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), and functional disorders.

Conditions Treated with Gamma Knife

Gamma Knife radiosurgery is a versatile treatment used for various conditions affecting the brain. It has proven effective for both benign and malignant tumors and several other functional disorders. At South Sound Gamma Knife, we provide treatment for the following conditions:

• Acoustic Neuroma: A non-cancerous tumor that develops on the nerve leading from the inner ear to the brain.
• Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs): Abnormal tangles of blood vessels in the brain.
• Brain Tumors: Both benign and malignant tumors.
• Essential Tremor: A neurological disorder causing involuntary and rhythmic shaking.
• Metastatic Tumors: Tumors that have spread to the brain from other parts of the body.
• Pituitary Adenomas: Non-cancerous tumors in the pituitary gland.
• Trigeminal Neuralgia: A chronic pain condition affecting the trigeminal nerve in the face.

How Gamma Knife Works for Different Conditions

Gamma Knife treatment works by delivering a concentrated dose of radiation to the target area, which can:

• Destroy Tumors: By damaging the DNA of tumor cells, it prevents them from multiplying and growing.
• Alter Function: In cases of hormone-producing tumors in the pituitary gland or pain sensations in the trigeminal nerve, Gamma Knife can effectively alter function.
• Generate Changes in Blood Vessels: For AVMs, the radiation induces changes in the blood vessels to treat the condition.

Gamma Knife Procedure Lakewood

What to Expect

The Gamma Knife procedure at South Sound Gamma Knife is designed to be as comfortable and efficient as possible. Here’s a step-by-step overview of what patients can expect:

Consultation and Planning

Before the procedure, patients consult with our team of specialists, including neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists, and radiation physicists. During this consultation:

• Medical History Review: A thorough review of the patient’s medical history and condition is conducted.
• Imaging Studies: Advanced imaging studies, such as MRI or CT scans, are performed to map the target area precisely.
• Treatment Planning: Using the imaging data, the team develops a personalized treatment plan to ensure optimal results.

Day of the Procedure

On the day of the procedure:

• Preparation: Patients are fitted with a custom headframe or mask to keep their head in place during the treatment.
• Positioning: The patient is positioned on the Gamma Knife couch, and the headframe or mask is secured.
• Treatment Delivery: The Gamma Knife machine delivers the precise beams of radiation to the targeted area. The entire process is painless and typically takes a few hours.

Post-Treatment Care

After the procedure:

• Recovery: Patients can usually go home the same day. There is no need for an overnight hospital stay.
• Follow-Up: Regular follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor the patient’s progress and ensure the treatment’s effectiveness.

Safety and Effectiveness

Gamma Knife treatment is widely recognized for its safety and effectiveness. With over 80,000 patients treated annually worldwide, it has a proven track record of success. The extreme accuracy of the treatment minimizes the risk of side effects, making it a preferred choice for many patients.

Advantages of Gamma Knife Treatment

• Non-Invasive: No incisions or anesthesia are required, reducing the risk of complications.
• High Precision: The targeted nature of the treatment protects healthy brain tissue.
• Minimal Side Effects: The precision of the treatment results in a very low risk of side effects.
• Outpatient Procedure: Most patients can return home the same day, allowing for a quick recovery.

Conclusion: Why Choose South Sound Gamma Knife?

Choosing South Sound Gamma Knife for your treatment means opting for the highest standard of care in a compassionate and comfortable setting. Our multidisciplinary team of neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists, radiation physicists, technicians, and nurses is dedicated to providing the most advanced and effective treatment options available.

Contact Us

If you or a loved one is considering Gamma Knife treatment, consult with your medical provider or call us at 866.254.3353 to learn more. Our team is here to answer your questions and guide you through every step of the process.

South Sound Gamma Knife at St. Joseph Medical Center is committed to delivering unparalleled care and hope to patients facing complex brain conditions. Trust us to be your partner in health and recovery.