Leskell Gamma Knife® was developed by Professor Lars Leskell
of the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden, together with
biophysicist Professor BÃrje Larsson of the Gustaf Werner
Institute, University of Uppsala.
In 1949 Professor Leskell created the Leksell
Micro-Stereotactic System, which permitted the mechanical
placement of a needle, cannula or electrode at precise
locations within the brain without direct visual guidance.
Professor Leskell recognized the need for a tool to allow
for treatment of deep-seated intracranial structures without
opening of the skull and the hazards of open surgery. He was
convinced that agents other than cannulas or electrodes could
be used to eradicate pathologies or to create therapeutic
lesions in functional disorders.
In 1951, externally applied X-rays were substituted for the
instruments used in the open stereotactic procedures. By
coupling a source of radiation with a stereotactic guiding
device, the first radiosurgical procedure was thus performed.
Leskell found that by administering a single dose of radiation,
it was possible to successfully destroy deep brain structures.
He called this technique stereotactic radiosurgery.
During the 1950s and 1960s, Professor Leskell conducted
intensive research in order to identify the ideal radiation
source and equipment for stereotactic radiosurgery. Linear
accelerators (photons) and synchrocyclotrons (protons) were
tried and evaluated. However, none proved to be satisfactory in
terms of accuracy, reliability, simplicity, patient safety,
expense or maneuverability. A set of criteria for radiosurgical
equipment was formulated and Gamma Knife was developed in
response to these needs.
The first stereotactic Leskell Gamma Knife using cobalt-60
sources was constructed and installed in Stockholm in 1968.
That unit was primarily intended for use in functional brain
surgery for the section of deep fiber tracts, as in the
treatment of intractable pain and movement disorders.
As sophisticated neuro-imaging (computerized tomography,
magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography)
evolved, Leskell realized the potential of Gamma Knife surgery
in the treatment of neoplastic and vascular disorders.
In 1974, a second Leskell Gamma Knife was installed at the
Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, and intense clinical
activity commenced. Elekta has subsequently installed Gamma
Knife units at leading neurosurgical institutions throughout
the world. Elekta is a leading supplier of advanced and
innovative radiation oncology and neurosurgery systems and
services.
Since 1968, Leskell Gamma Knife has established its efficacy
and safety and offers an operative system that makes the depths
of the brain more accessible. More than 200,000 patients have
been treated using Gamma Knife surgery.
Referrals
To refer a patient for a Gamma Knife consultation, call
252-847-2611. Or you may call ReferDirect, the
24-hour physician referral line at PCMH at 1-800-816-PCMH
(7264).