Gamma Knife Tacoma

Premier Gamma Knife Surgery in Tacoma, WA

Welcome to South Sound Gamma Knife at St. Joseph Medical Center, the leading provider of Gamma Knife®️ treatment in the South Puget Sound. Conveniently located in Tacoma, WA, our facility is the only one of its kind between Seattle, WA, and Portland, OR, attracting patients from all corners of the country. Our state-of-the-art technology and multidisciplinary team offer hope and healing through non-invasive, precise radiosurgery. Here, we delve into the intricacies of Gamma Knife treatment, our advanced technology, the range of conditions we treat, and why South Sound Gamma Knife is the trusted choice for so many.

Gamma Knife Radiosurgery: An Overview

Gamma Knife radiosurgery is a highly advanced form of radiotherapy known for its precision and effectiveness. Despite its name, Gamma Knife surgery involves no actual incisions. Instead, it uses focused beams of gamma radiation to target and treat specific areas within the brain. This technique allows for the precise destruction of targeted cells, halting their growth and offering a non-invasive alternative to traditional brain surgery.

One of the key benefits of Gamma Knife radiosurgery is its extreme accuracy. The precise nature of the procedure ensures that healthy brain tissue is protected, minimizing the risk of side effects. This level of precision makes it possible to treat conditions that were once considered inoperable, providing new hope for patients with challenging diagnoses.

Advanced Technology at South Sound Gamma Knife

At South Sound Gamma Knife, we utilize the latest in Gamma Knife technology: the Leksell Gamma Knife Icon™️. This cutting-edge system employs up to 192 converging beams of high-dose cobalt-60-generated photons, which are directed at a computer-mapped target within the brain. The sophisticated three-dimensional treatment planning offered by the Icon™️ ensures exemplary precision, with minimal impact on surrounding healthy tissue.

Patients undergoing Gamma Knife treatment are fitted with a custom-made headframe or mask, which keeps the head securely in place during the procedure. This ensures that the radiation beams are accurately focused on the target area, maximizing the effectiveness of the treatment.

Gamma Knife Treatment Tacoma

Conditions Treated with Gamma Knife Surgery

Gamma Knife surgery is used to treat a wide range of conditions affecting the brain. Its non-invasive nature and high precision make it an ideal option for many patients. Some of the conditions treated at South Sound Gamma Knife include:

• 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 with Gamma Knife.
• Essential Tremor: A neurological disorder causing 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.

The ability of Gamma Knife to treat such a diverse array of conditions showcases its versatility and effectiveness. Whether targeting tumors, malformations, or functional disorders, Gamma Knife offers a safe, painless, and highly effective treatment option.

The Team at South Sound Gamma Knife

Our success at South Sound Gamma Knife is driven by our dedicated and experienced team of professionals. Our multidisciplinary team includes neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists, radiation physicists, technicians, and nurses, all working together to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients.

• Neurosurgeons: Highly trained specialists who oversee the surgical aspects of the treatment.
• Radiation Oncologists: Experts in radiation therapy who plan and execute the treatment.
• Radiation Physicists: Professionals who ensure the accuracy and safety of the radiation equipment.
• Technicians and Nurses: Provide essential support and care throughout the treatment process.

Our team is committed to providing compassionate, personalized care in a comfortable setting. We understand that a diagnosis requiring Gamma Knife treatment can be daunting, and we strive to make the experience as smooth and reassuring as possible.

Precision and Safety: The Hallmarks of Gamma Knife Treatment

The precision of Gamma Knife treatment is one of its most significant advantages. The targeted approach allows for high doses of radiation to be delivered to the affected area while sparing surrounding healthy tissue. This precision is particularly important when treating conditions in critical areas of the brain.

Gamma Knife treatment is also known for its safety and low risk of side effects. Because it is a non-invasive procedure, there are no incisions, reducing the risk of infection and other complications associated with traditional surgery. Most patients experience minimal discomfort and can often return to their normal activities shortly after the procedure.

Gamma Knife Procedure Tacoma – Comprehensive Gamma Knife Treatment Process in Tacoma

Understanding the Gamma Knife treatment process can help alleviate some of the anxiety associated with undergoing the procedure. Here is a step-by-step overview of what patients can expect:

1. Consultation: The process begins with a thorough consultation with our multidisciplinary team. During this consultation, we will review the patient’s medical history, conduct necessary imaging studies, and discuss the potential benefits and risks of Gamma Knife treatment.
2. Preparation: On the day of the treatment, patients are fitted with a custom-made headframe or mask to keep their head still during the procedure. This ensures that the radiation beams are accurately focused on the target area.
3. Imaging: Detailed imaging studies, such as MRI or CT scans, are conducted to precisely locate the area to be treated. These images are used to create a personalized treatment plan.
4. Treatment Planning: Our team of experts uses advanced software to develop a three-dimensional treatment plan. This plan determines the precise angles and intensities of the radiation beams.
5. Treatment: During the treatment, the patient lies on a comfortable treatment bed while the Gamma Knife machine delivers the radiation beams. The procedure is painless and typically lasts a few hours, depending on the complexity of the treatment.
6. Post-Treatment Care: After the treatment, patients are monitored for a short period before being discharged. Most patients can resume their normal activities within a day or two.

Why Choose South Sound Gamma Knife?

Choosing the right treatment facility is a critical decision for patients and their families. Here are several reasons why South Sound Gamma Knife is the premier choice for Gamma Knife treatment in Tacoma, WA:

• Expertise: Our team of highly skilled professionals brings years of experience and specialized training in Gamma Knife radiosurgery.
• Advanced Technology: We use the latest Gamma Knife technology, ensuring the highest level of precision and effectiveness.
• Comprehensive Care: From initial consultation to post-treatment follow-up, we provide comprehensive, personalized care.
• Patient-Centered Approach: We prioritize our patients’ comfort and well-being, offering compassionate care in a supportive environment.
• Proven Results: Gamma Knife treatment has been used on more than 80,000 patients a year, with a proven track record of safety and effectiveness.

Contact Us to Book an Appointment

If you or a loved one is considering Gamma Knife treatment, we invite you to consult with your medical provider or contact us directly. Our team is here to answer your questions and provide the information you need to make an informed decision.