Neuro-Oncology Breakthroughs

The Future is Here: A Closer Look at LITT Brain Surgery

Illustration of LITT procedure in the brain - Probe Insertion
LITT uses an MRI-guided laser probe to target deep brain tissue.
Thermal dosage zones in LITT MRI scan
MRI scan showing tumor outline and thermal dosage zones during LITT.

Imagine treating deep-seated brain tumors or epilepsy-causing lesions with an incision barely larger than a pencil lead. This is the reality of Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT), a groundbreaking procedure transforming the landscape of neurosurgery.

A beacon of hope for patients once deemed inoperable, LITT offers a minimally invasive alternative to traditional open-brain surgery. It is particularly revolutionary for those with complex health conditions, such as heart disease, who may be at high risk for conventional operations. This advanced approach has been transforming neurosurgical care with the Visualase System™ since 2014.

How LITT Works: A Symphony of Precision

The elegance of LITT lies in its simplicity and precision. The procedure is a carefully orchestrated process that leaves healthy tissue virtually untouched:

  1. 1. Pinpoint Incision: Surgeons begin with a tiny, 2-millimeter incision in the scalp, eliminating the need for a large opening or brain flap.
  2. 2. MRI-Guided Navigation: Using real-time MRI, a hair-thin laser catheter is meticulously guided through the small opening to the exact location of the brain lesion or tumor.
  3. 3. Targeted Thermal Ablation: The laser's tip is gently heated to temperatures high enough to destroy the abnormal cells, all while preserving the delicate, healthy brain tissue surrounding it with sub-millimeter accuracy.

Key Advantages for Patients

The benefits of LITT extend far beyond the operating room, focusing on a faster, safer, and more comfortable patient experience. This technique has already been used successfully to treat many patients, with remarkable outcomes reported in clinical practice.

🚀 Faster Recovery

Most patients are discharged after a single overnight hospital stay, returning to their lives with minimal disruption.

🩹 Minimal Scarring & Pain

The tiny incision requires only one stitch and minimal hair removal, resulting in little to no pain and a nearly invisible scar.

🎯 Unmatched Precision

MRI guidance ensures only targeted tissue is destroyed, leaving healthy surrounding brain structures unharmed.

🔁 Repeatable & Radiation-Free

LITT delivers no ionizing radiation, making it a safe option that can be repeated if necessary for new or recurring lesions.

A New Horizon for Complex Cases

LITT is proving to be especially beneficial for patients who do not respond to other treatments like stereotactic radiosurgery or those who have developed radiation necrosis (tissue damage from previous radiation). Its ability to reach deep, otherwise inoperable lesions while ensuring a swift recovery marks a significant leap forward in neurological care.