Lateral positioning technique for the treatment of far-lateral targets with the Leksell gamma knife: technical note

Neurosurgery. 2002 Dec;51(6):1512-7; discussion 1518-9.

Abstract

Objective: To describe a procedure for Leksell gamma knife (LGK) radiosurgery in a lateral position, for treatment of far-lateral intracranial lesions.

Methods: Positioning of the patient in the lateral decubitus position during LGK treatment switches the x and y axis coordinates. This increases the range of the x axis from 52 to 148 mm to 40 to 160 mm (i.e., 12 mm in each direction).

Results: Conversion of the coordinates of the isocenters is easily performed with simple mathematical algorithms and does not impair the precision of target positioning at the isocenters during LGK radiosurgery.

Conclusion: LGK treatment in the lateral decubitus position is a simple accurate procedure for the treatment of far-lateral lesions that cannot be reached with normal supine positioning.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations / diagnosis
  • Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations / surgery*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Posture*
  • Radiosurgery / instrumentation*
  • Temporal Lobe / blood supply*