Advanced Surgical Techniques
1) Stereotactic Neurosurgery
With use of highly sophisticated computerized localization and the use of CT and MRI scanning, tumors deep in the brain can be safely biopsied. Patients with conditions such as Parkinson's Disease and intractable pain can also be helped by this procedure.
2) Stereotactic Radiosurgery
This new service permits us to aim the radiation beam from a linear accelerator with stereotactic precision for the treatment of deep arteriovenous malformations, malignant and some benign tumors, and otherwise inoperable or difficult to reach lesions.
This technique offers a means to precisely deliver high focal radiation to lesions without damaging vital areas of the brain. The procedure is non-invasive and can be performed on an outpatient basis. Stereotactic radiosurgery may be appropriate for patients with:
- Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs)
- Benign brain tumors
- Skull base tumors
- Primary malignant brain tumors
- Metastatic brain tumors
- Spinal tumors
3) Frameless Stereotactic Surgery and Neuro-navigation
In conjunction with Caritas Holy Family Hospital and Lowell General Hospital, New England Neurological Associates has introduced state of the art frameless stereotactic surgery appropriate for some patients. The integration of MRI and CT scanners with a computer in the operating room provides constantly updated three dimensional information for detailed surgery of the brain or spine. This highly sophisticated system provides both planning and operative information that allows for small incisions and minimal manipulation of the normal brain and spinal cord.
This new methodology is the natural outgrowth of standard stereotactic techniques and combines these with microsurgery to provide the benefits of both in a minimally invasive way. Most brain operations and many complex spine operations will be safer and more precise with this high powered computerized system that is available at only a few select institutions, including the Caritas Holy Family Hospital and Lowell General Hospital.
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