Gamma Knife Olympia

At South Sound Gamma Knife®️, we pride ourselves on offering world-class Gamma Knife®️ surgery, an exact and non-invasive treatment for brain disorders. Located in Olympia, WA, our center is the only facility of its kind between Seattle, WA, and Portland, OR. Our dedication to excellence and state-of-the-art technology has made us a beacon of hope for patients from all corners of the country seeking advanced care in neurosurgery.

The Premier Gamma Knife Facility in South Puget Sound

South Sound Gamma Knife at St. Joseph Medical Center is the only center for Gamma Knife treatment in the South Puget Sound. Our unique position allows us to serve a wide geographical area, ensuring that patients do not have to travel far for this cutting-edge Gamma Knife surgery. Our facility is specially designed with the latest technology and staffed by a multidisciplinary team of experts, including neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists, radiation physicists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. This team approach ensures that our patients receive comprehensive care tailored to their specific needs.

What is Gamma Knife Surgery?

Gamma Knife radiosurgery, also known as stereotactic radiosurgery, is a type of radiotherapy treatment that does not require incisions or the use of a blade. Despite its name, it is a non-surgical procedure that uses precise beams of gamma radiation to target and destroy abnormal cells in the brain. This high dose of intense radiation is focused precisely on the tumor or affected area, ensuring minimal impact on surrounding healthy tissue.

The extreme accuracy of Gamma Knife technology helps protect healthy brain tissue and results in a very low risk of side effects. This precision allows it to focus the beams of radiation on the area of disease with very low effect on nearby tissue. Gamma Knife surgery is most often used in the brain, and the procedure is overseen by a radiologist or neurosurgeon.

Gamma Knife Procedure Olympia

Gamma Knife Technology: Leksell Gamma Knife Icon™️

At South Sound Gamma Knife, we use the Leksell Gamma Knife Icon™️, the newest and most advanced Gamma Knife technology available. This system employs up to 192 converging beams of high-dose cobalt-60-generated photons on a computer-mapped target. The sophisticated three-dimensional treatment planning provides exemplary precision, ensuring that the radiation is delivered exactly where it is needed.

Patients undergoing Gamma Knife treatment are outfitted with a custom-fit headframe or mask, which keeps the head in place and ensures the Icon’s ultra-precise targeting. This technology allows us to treat difficult-to-access tumors and lesions near critical areas in the brain, offering hope to patients with conditions that were previously considered inoperable.

Conditions Treated with Gamma Knife Surgery

Gamma Knife surgery is used to treat a variety of brain disorders, including:

• Acoustic Neuroma: A benign tumor on the nerve that connects the ear to the brain.
• Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs): Abnormal tangles of blood vessels in the brain.
• Brain Tumors: Both benign and malignant tumors can be treated.
• Essential Tremor: A neurological condition that causes involuntary shaking.
• Metastatic Tumors: Cancer that has spread to the brain from other parts of the body.
• Pituitary Adenomas: Tumors in the pituitary gland that can affect hormone production.
• Trigeminal Neuralgia: A chronic pain condition affecting the trigeminal nerve in the face.

Our goal at South Sound Gamma Knife is to provide the most advanced and effective treatment in a compassionate and comfortable setting. Our attentive team is comprised of neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists, radiation physicists, technicians, and nurses, all working together to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients.

Gamma Knife Treatment Olympia

Gamma Knife treatment is a safe, painless, and effective procedure used on more than 80,000 patients a year worldwide. Here’s what patients can expect during the treatment process:

• Consultation and Planning: Patients consult with our medical team to determine if Gamma Knife treatment is appropriate for their condition. Detailed imaging studies, such as MRI or CT scans, are conducted to map the precise location of the abnormal cells.

• Preparation: On the day of the procedure, a custom-fit headframe or mask is placed on the patient to ensure precise targeting. The patient is positioned comfortably on the treatment table.

• Treatment: The Gamma Knife machine delivers focused beams of gamma radiation to the targeted area. The treatment is typically completed in a single session, lasting a few minutes to a few hours, depending on the complexity of the case.

• Post-Treatment Care: After the procedure, patients can usually return to their normal activities immediately. Follow-up visits are scheduled to monitor the treatment’s effectiveness and the patient’s progress.

Benefits of Gamma Knife Surgery

Gamma Knife treatment offers several benefits compared to traditional surgical methods:

• Non-Invasive: No incisions are required, reducing the risk of infection and complications.
• Precision: The high accuracy of Gamma Knife technology minimizes damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
• Low Risk of Side Effects: Patients experience minimal side effects compared to conventional radiotherapy.
• Quick Recovery: Most patients can return to their normal activities immediately after treatment.
• Effective for Inoperable Cases: Gamma Knife provides hope for patients with conditions considered inoperable by traditional surgical methods.

Why Choose South Sound Gamma Knife?

At South Sound Gamma Knife, we are committed to providing the highest standard of care to our patients. Our state-of-the-art facility, combined with our experienced multidisciplinary team, ensures that each patient receives personalized and effective treatment. We understand that every patient is unique, and we tailor our approach to meet the specific needs of each individual.

Our mission is to offer a safe, painless, and effective treatment option for patients with brain disorders. We strive to improve the quality of life for our patients by providing advanced medical care in a compassionate and supportive environment.

Schedule Your Gamma Knife Procedure

South Sound Gamma Knife is a leader in Gamma Knife surgery, offering advanced, non-invasive treatment for a variety of brain disorders. Our state-of-the-art technology and experienced multidisciplinary team ensure that our patients receive the best possible care. We are the only Gamma Knife center in the South Puget Sound, serving patients from all corners of the country. If you are seeking a safe, effective, and precise treatment option for brain disorders, South Sound Gamma Knife is here to help.

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 at South Sound Gamma Knife is here to answer your questions and guide you through the treatment process. We are dedicated to providing the highest quality care and helping our patients achieve the best possible outcomes.