Gamma Knife Milton

Leading the Way in Non-Invasive Brain Treatment

At South Sound Gamma Knife, located at St. Joseph Medical Center, we pride ourselves on being the only center for Gamma Knife® treatment in the South Puget Sound. Situated conveniently between Seattle and Portland, our facility has provided life-changing treatments to patients from all corners of the country. With our state-of-the-art technology and a dedicated multidisciplinary team, we are committed to offering advanced, compassionate care for those facing challenging neurological conditions.

Understanding Gamma Knife Surgery

Gamma Knife radiosurgery is a sophisticated form of radiotherapy, often referred to as stereotactic radiosurgery. Despite its name, Gamma Knife does not involve any incisions or traditional surgical procedures. Instead, this non-invasive treatment utilizes precise beams of gamma radiation to target tumors and other affected areas in the brain. The goal is to destroy targeted cells, effectively halting their growth and providing hope for patients previously considered inoperable.

Non-Invasive Treatment for High-Risk Patients

One of the standout features of Gamma Knife surgery is its non-invasive nature. Many patients who are deemed high-risk for traditional open surgical procedures due to age, underlying health conditions, or other factors can consider Gamma Knife as a viable alternative. Our facility in Milton ensures that these patients receive the same high level of care, with advanced technology that allows for effective treatment without the complications associated with conventional surgery.

Precision and Safety: The Hallmarks of Gamma Knife Treatment

At South Sound Gamma Knife, we utilize the Leksell Gamma Knife Icon™—the latest in Gamma Knife technology. This innovative system employs up to 192 converging beams of high-dose cobalt-60-generated photons, which are carefully mapped to target specific areas in the brain with remarkable precision. This three-dimensional treatment planning is crucial in protecting healthy brain tissue while effectively targeting tumors.

The extreme accuracy of Gamma Knife minimizes the risk of side effects, making it a safe option for patients. Unlike traditional surgical methods, where incisions can lead to complications and longer recovery times, Gamma Knife treatment is designed to be painless, allowing patients to maintain their quality of life during and after treatment.

Gamma Knife Treatment Milton

Gamma Knife has proven effective in treating a variety of neurological disorders and conditions. At South Sound Gamma Knife, we provide specialized treatment for:

• Acoustic Neuroma: A benign tumor affecting the auditory nerve, which can cause hearing loss and balance issues.
• Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs): Abnormal tangles of blood vessels in the brain that can lead to serious complications.
• Brain Tumors: Both benign and malignant tumors can be treated effectively with Gamma Knife, reducing the need for invasive surgeries.
• Essential Tremor: A neurological condition that causes involuntary shaking, often affecting the hands and head.
• Metastatic Tumors: Cancerous tumors that have spread to the brain from other parts of the body.
• Pituitary Adenomas: Tumors of the pituitary gland that can disrupt hormone production and cause various symptoms.
• Trigeminal Neuralgia: A chronic pain condition that affects the trigeminal nerve, causing severe facial pain.

Our experienced team of neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists, radiation physicists, and nurses is dedicated to tailoring treatment plans to the individual needs of each patient, ensuring they receive the most effective care possible.

The Treatment Process: What to Expect

When patients come to South Sound Gamma Knife for treatment, they can expect a thorough consultation process. Our team will review their medical history and discuss the specific condition being treated. If Gamma Knife is deemed appropriate, the treatment process will proceed as follows:

1. Custom-Fit Headframe or Mask: Patients are outfitted with a custom-fit headframe or mask designed to keep the head stable during treatment. This precision is crucial for the accurate targeting of the gamma rays.

2. Treatment Planning: Using advanced imaging techniques, our radiation physicists create a detailed treatment plan that maps out the exact location of the tumor or affected area.

3. Radiation Treatment: During the procedure, patients are comfortably positioned, and the treatment can often be completed in a single session, lasting anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the complexity of the case.

4. Post-Treatment Care: After treatment, patients are monitored for a brief period before being discharged. Most patients can return to their normal activities shortly after the procedure.

The Advantages of Gamma Knife Treatment

The advantages of Gamma Knife surgery are numerous, making it a preferred choice for many patients:

• Non-Invasive: No incisions mean lower risks of infection and shorter recovery times.
• Minimal Side Effects: The targeted nature of the treatment helps to spare healthy tissues, resulting in fewer side effects compared to traditional surgery.
• Quick Recovery: Most patients experience little to no downtime and can often resume their daily activities immediately.
• Effective Treatment for Challenging Cases: Gamma Knife can address tumors and lesions that may be difficult to access with traditional surgery

Gamma Knife Procedure Milton