Gamma Knife is an “alternative to brain surgery” for tumors, trigeminal neuralgia and more.
What is Gamma Knife?
It's not a knife at all. At The Valley Gamma Knife Center, we prefer to call it Knife(less)®
Though the name may sound like a surgical procedure, Gamma Knife is actually an advanced form of radiation therapy that uses multiple focused beams of high dose gamma radiation to target a specific area without touching surrounding brain..
Because it is so focused, stereotactic radiosurgery does not affect as much of the surrounding tissue as traditional radiation therapy, such as whole brain radiation, resulting in fewer side effects. And, because it is minimally invasive, the gamma knife procedure does not carry any of the risks associated with surgery, has less post-procedural pain, and has a minimal recovery period.
People who have been told that they need brain surgery for conditions like trigeminal neuralgia, acoustic neuroma (vestibular schwannoma), meningioma, AVM (cluster of blood vessels), or a brain metastasis should learn about gamma knife as an alternative to brain surgery.
Using a CT scan or an MRI, the Gamma Knife team (brain surgeon and radiation oncologist) develop a “treatment plan” specifically designed for the patient. No incisions. No ventilator. No overnight hospital stay.
Outpatient Procedure
Gamma Knife is non-invasive and does not require a hospital stay.
Highest Accuracy
We deliver targeted radiation only to the treatment area, sparing healthy surrounding tissue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Will I Experience During Gamma Knife Treatment?
Gamma Knife takes place in an outpatient setting in 15-60 minutes. No hospital stay is required, allowing patients to return home that same day.
How Effective is Gamma Knife?
Each condition and each patient are different, but Gamma Knife is 80% – 90% effective for many of the conditions we treat.
What Conditions are Treatable with Gamma Knife?
Generally speaking, Gamma Knife radiosurgery can be used to treat conditions of the head and neck, including brain tumors, vascular malformations and management of chronic pain.
Does Insurance Cover Gamma Knife Treatment?
Our Patient Financial Advocates are here to counsel you and your family on insurance benefits and copayments, and will contact your insurance company directly on your behalf to resolve coverage questions.
Five Stars From Our Patients
of the Staff
Care You Received
at The Valley Hospital
About the Procedure
Hear From Our Patients
of the Staff
Care You Received
Valley Hospital Gamma Knife Center
About the Procedure
I was not going to back down from cancer; I had to get moving and find my best treatment option.
Kathlene
Brain Metastases
Get Your Questions Answered, By a Real Person.
Our Patient Liaisons are here to help you understand your next step. After discussing your specific case, they can help you navigate your medical records, answer insurance questions, and connect you with one of our nurses, at no charge to you.
For your convenience and safety, we offer both virtual and in-person consultations.
