Saint Luke’s Marion Bloch Neuroscience Institute is First in the Region to Use MRI-Guided Laser System to Ablate Malignant Brain Tumors
Kansas City, Missouri (PRWEB) June 17, 2014 -- Neurosurgeons at the Saint Luke’s Marion Bloch Neuroscience Institute (SLMBNI) are using MRI-guided laser technology to successfully ablate malignant brain tumors, becoming the first in the region to use this FDA-cleared system. The minimally-invasive procedure, known as NeuroBlate®, can reach malignant tumors deep in the brain using thermal therapy while cooling and preserving surrounding tissue.
With this new procedure, Saint Luke’s neurosurgeons use a specially designed laser probe to burn away tumor tissue with one side of the probe, while the CO2-cooled tip on the other side protects surrounding healthy tissue from damage.
“The MRI provides us with a continuous thermal map during treatment, enabling us to visualize the effect of heat on the tumor in real time and adjust as needed to control precisely where therapy is delivered,” said Darren Lovick, M.D., surgical director of Saint Luke’s Marion Bloch Neuroscience Institute. “We anticipate this level of precision will increase positive outcomes and provide options for our patients with tumors that otherwise would be deemed inoperable.”
The procedure is performed inside an MRI machine while the patient is under general anesthesia. The laser-tipped probe is inserted into the tumor using computer guidance. Because the procedure is less invasive than traditional surgery, patients experience a significantly shorter recovery and hospital stay.
Saint Luke’s neuro-oncology program is comprised of a multi-disciplinary team of medical and surgical specialists who convene weekly to develop an individualized tumor treatment plan for each patient. Those plans now include NeuroBlate® System therapy, where appropriate.
“This therapy is an exciting addition to our neuro-oncology program and provides us with another weapon in our fight against malignant brain tumors,” said Lovick. “What could not be reached previously may now be treated. For malignant tumors deep within the brain, this is a safe, minimally invasive and effective option.”
The NeuroBlate® System is a product of Monteris Medical of Plymouth, Minn. The MRI-guided laser ablation system is used to ablate brain tumors and other lesions. For more information visit Monteris.com.
About Saint Luke’s Marion Bloch Neuroscience Institute
Saint Luke’s Marion Bloch Neuroscience Institute (SLMBNI), a member of Saint Luke’s Health System, is a global leader in utilizing both drug and mechanical interventions to block and reverse the permanent and debilitating effects of ischemic strokes. Its legacy of innovation began in 1993 when doctors performed one of the world’s first intra-arterial stroke reversal procedures. Since then, Saint Luke’s specialists have continued to pioneer new stroke treatments and reverse stroke’s debilitating effects for thousands of patients, and is one of the world’s most experienced and prolific leaders in the use of Tissue Plasminogen Activator (t-PA) clot-busting medication for treatment of ischemic stroke. SLMBNI, headquartered in Kansas City, Mo., brings together a team of the country’s most accomplished neurologists to provide a comprehensive treatment center for the most complex neurological issues, such as stroke, epilepsy, brain tumors, facial pain, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, headaches, aneurysms, and the latest in minimally invasive spinal surgical techniques. SLMBNI’s advancements in neurology have made it a national leader in neurological treatment and care.
Saint Luke’s Health System
Saint Luke’s Health System consists of 10 area hospitals and several primary and specialty care practices, and provides a range of inpatient, outpatient, and home care services. Founded as a faith-based, not-for-profit organization, our mission includes a commitment to the highest levels of excellence in health care and the advancement of medical research and education. The health system is an aligned organization in which the physicians and hospitals assume responsibility for enhancing the physical, mental, and spiritual health of people in the Kansas City metropolitan area and the surrounding region.
Laurel Gifford, Saint Luke's Health System, +1 (816) 502-8532, [email protected]
Share this article