Patient Selection

The three primary indications for treatment are brain tumors, epilepsy, and radiation necrosis. The ability of LITT to facilitate the effects of chemotherapy will also become a defined indication in the near future.

All treatment decisions are made unanimously after detailed evaluations in brain tumor and epilepsy councils.

Planning

High-resolution MRI of the patient are introduced to the neuronavigation or stereotactic system.

The orientation that provides the safest and most effective treatment approach to reach the diseased tissue is determined and recorded.

Surgical Procedure

Under general anesthesia, the patient is positioned according to the pre-established surgical plan. A 3.2 mm circular window is created in the skull, and the LITT catheter is placed in the center of the target diseased tissue.

Transfer to MRI Unit

While the patient remains under general anesthesia, they are transferred to the MRI unit and secured in an appropriate position.

Preparation for Treatment

In the MRI unit, the LITT catheter, which has been placed inside the diseased tissue for treatment purposes, is connected to the LITT device and cooling system.

Treatment

MRI scans, suitable for recording the heat map used for ablation, are prepared. The correct positioning of the catheter is confirmed using MRI before the procedure. The anatomical points where maximum and minimum heat elevation is desired are marked to ensure the safety of the procedure, and the treatment is initiated. The ablation is carried out under MRI guidance.

To prevent any damage, the procedure can be stopped immediately or paused to re-plan the heat distribution, with the option to resume the treatment at any time during the process.

Post-Treatment Control and Closure

Once the treatment is completed, the ablation catheter is removed, and a control MRI scan is performed using appropriate sequences. The patient is then taken back to the operating room, where the surgical incision site is closed under sterile conditions. The patient is awakened and monitored in the recovery area. After resting for a while, they are transferred to their room.

Follow-up and Discharge

Our patients are discharged the next day, and a follow-up MRI scan is scheduled for six weeks later.