Stereotactic radiosurgery
Precise. Minimally invasive. Complete. This is stereotactic radiosurgery.
As one of the top neurology and neurosurgery departments in the nation, we employ the successful use of a linear accelerator for stereotactic radiosurgery instead of a Gamma Knife or CyberKnife. We have found that the linear accelerator - or LINAC - can be used for all types of radiation - and specialized for the kind of radiosurgery that successfully targets small lesions; deep, inaccessible lesions; or patients with comorbidities (coexisting conditions) that may make open surgery risky.
Our approach offers hope. And our team provides compassionate care. When we began our program, there were only 20 such programs in the country. Now, there are 200. We're proud we're still at the top.
Patients Who May Benefit
We expertly treat a wide range of patients, including individuals diagnosed with:
- Acoustic neuromas
- Arteriovenous malformations, also called AVMs
- Arteriovenous fistulas, also called AV fistulas
- Benign brain tumors such as meningiomas
- Brain tumors that are malignant, primary or metastatic
- Spinal metastases
Our Approach
We use a linear accelerator, or LINAC, to deliver precise, conventional external beam radiation therapy. Although we call the treatment "surgery", we do not use a scalpel. We position a "halo" frame around the patient's head during treatment. This keeps the patient totally stationery and acts as part of the compass guidance system to pinpoint the exact place for radiation. We do procedures on an outpatient basis. Afterwards, we remove the frame, and the patient goes home.
Our health care team:
- a neurosurgeon (M.D.) who places the frame
- a radiation oncologist (M.D.) who delivers the radiation dosage
- a nurse (R.N.) who is specially trained in neurosurgical procedures
- a physicist (a Ph.D. scientist trained in physics)
- a dosimitrist who makes sure that the prescribed dose of radiation is delivered by the therapy plan
- a radiation technician trained in LINAC treatment
We all have one thing in common: Our patients and their families come first.
The Michigan Difference
As one of the largest research universities in the world, we are the source of many major clinical research trials. Our Tumor Board meets weekly to discuss individualized treatment options and plans for our patients. And we never lose sight of the two most important groups in the picture: our patients - and their families.
Resources
Knowledge is power. We have assembled the following resources to help you learn more about your diagnosis. We provide these links for informational purposes only.
Acoustic neuroma - Acoustic Neuroma Association
Arteriovenous malformation ( AVM) - National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Brain Tumor - National Brain Tumor Foundation Fact Sheet: Issues to Consider When Choosing a Brain Tumor Treatment Center
Brain Tumor - American Brain Tumor Association
Meningioma - Brain Science Foundation
| Service Name | Appointment |
|---|---|
| Adult Neurosurgery | Brain Tumor Program | 734-936-7010 |
| Radiosurgery Program | 734-936-7010 |
