High-intensity laser probe
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Washington University neurosurgeons at Barnes-Jewish Hospital were among the first in the nation to use an MRI-guided, high-intensity laser probe in the treatment of inoperable brain tumors. Use of the technology is being led by Eric Leuthardt, MD, a neurosurgeon and director of the Center for Innovation in Neuroscience and Technology.
CONDITIONS & TREATMENTS
The probe is used to “cook” cancer cells deep within the brain while leaving surrounding brain tissue undamaged. Neurosurgeons drill a small burr hole about the diameter of a pencil through the patient’s skull and use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to guide the probe through the brain into the tumor. Once inside the tumor, the laser discharges highly focused thermal energy to coagulate and kill cancer cells. The MRI-directed positioning of the laser occurs in real time so the discharge of energy to the tumor leaves the healthy surrounding brain tissue undamaged.
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| The Monteris AutoLITT® System MRI-guided laser probe is passed through a hole in the skull to deliver laser therapy to heat and coagulate the tumor (right). Images courtesy of Monteris Medical Inc. |
Brain tumors treated with the laser probe include gliomas, anaplastic astrocytomas and glioblastomas, and cancers that have spread to the brain from other regions of the body. Neurosurgeons may also use the system to treat radiation-resistant tumors. Typically, tumors are in hard-to-reach regions of the brain such as the basal ganglia, thalamus and insula, although patients with cancer in other areas may be considered if they are too sick for open surgery.
Follow-up MRI studies of the tumor typically begin to show evidence of cell death within days to weeks. The patient’s recovery usually takes several days but is much quicker than with open surgery.
The high-intensity laser probe is FDA-approved for neurosurgical use.
Patients may not be eligible for treatment with the Monteris AutoLITT® if one of the following applies:
- Patient is unable to get an MRI (example – patient has pacemaker or other metals in body).
- Tumor location that, if treated, could cause other significant neurological impairment (example – brainstem).
Considerations
If taking Avistan, patients will be required to stop taking prior to treatment with AutoLITT.
For more information, contact Jeanette Stoney, RN, in the Department of Neurosurgery at (314) 362-9087.
Brain Tumor Treatment
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FACULTY
Adult Neurosurgery Providers
Eric C. Leuthardt, MD
Ralph G. Dacey Jr., MD
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT
Adult Patients
Contact: Jeanette Stoney
Phone 314-362-8012
Email: stoneyj@wustl.edu
Adult Referring Physicians
Contact: Jeanette Stoney
Phone 314-362-8012
Email: stoneyj@wustl.edu
PATIENT OFFICE LOCATIONS
Adult Patients
Neuroscience Center
Center for Advanced Medicine
4921 Parkview Place, Suite 6C
St. Louis, Missouri 63110
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