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A revolution in brain surgery, Gamma Knife treatment - a safe, non-invasive, bloodless alternative - was introduced by Northwest Hospital Gamma Knife Center to the Pacific Northwest in 1993. This non-invasive procedure has given new hope to patients with brain tumors and other problems in the brain that were once thought to be inoperable.

At Northwest Hospital Gamma Knife Center, a multi-disciplinary team of medical professionals pools their individual expertise on brain anatomy, medical radiation, and radiation physics to provide the patient with the utmost in patient care and treatment. Selection of patients for Gamma Knife Radiosurgery is made by the treatment team and is based on individual case analysis, taking into account existing imaging studies, physician records, and patient health.

The patient's referring physician is also an active partner in the treatment process. He or she is informed of the patient's initial evaluation results, treatment status, and progress noted on follow-up studies, and is welcome to be present at the treatment session. Following Gamma Knife treatment, the patient is returned to the care of the referring physician.

About Gamma Knife
The Gamma Knife is a remarkable tool that allows neurosurgeons to operate on abnormal areas of the brain without making an incision. Using a technique called stereotactic radiosurgery, the Gamma Knife is designed to precisely target and destroy abnormalities within the skull using highly focused gamma radiation. Patients experience minimal pain and, in most cases, can resume regular activities the day after treatment.

Gamma Knife treatment is not experimental. The Gamma Knife has been in use for over 30 years, and has been used successfully to treat more than 190,000 patients worldwide. It is one of the most advanced techniques in the treatment of disorders affecting the brain and its adjacent structures. It's not surprising that the Gamma Knife is regarded as the "gold standard" for stereotactic radiosurgery.