TA24-Stereotactic Radiosurgery using the Leksell Gamma Knife standard

Theodore Thorson, Ph.D.

Elekta Inc.

The use of stereotactic principles to achieve high levels of precision for brain surgery was first proposed by Professor Lars Leksell, at the Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden, in 1948.  The first systems to utilize radiation for radiosurgery involved the use of kilovoltage X-ray sources and were quite primative.  However, the first successful use of precision, highly focused radiation beams was accomplished with the development of the first prototype Gammaknife system installed at the Karolinska in 1968.

Since the introduction of the Leksell Gamma Knife, it has become a standard neurosurgical tool for the treatment of a wide range of cranial disease with over 200 systems in operation around the world.  This presentation will discuss fundamental concepts in stereotactic radiosurgery, review key technical and operational details and highlight evolving new applications for this high precision methodology.