Laser Ablation for Epilepsy

Laser Ablation is an innovative procedure used to target and destroy brain tumors and epileptic foci. For epilepsy, surgical planning begins after the epileptogenic focus has been precisely located on a high-resolution MRI scan. A 4-millimeter incision and 3.2-millimeter drill hole are then made in very precise fashion using either a stereotactic head frame or a stereotactic robot. This drill hole is used for the insertion of the laser applicator. After the applicator has been positioned in the target area, the patient is placed in an MRI scanner and thermal destruction of tissue by elevation to lethal temperatures is carried out while obtaining MRI scans.

During the procedure, the neurosurgeon uses the system’s temperature maps and real-time damage models to precisely ablate the target and minimize the risk of potential damage to surrounding healthy tissue.