Laser-Tissue Interactions


Book Description

Basic concepts such as the optical and thermal properties of tissue, the various types of tissue ablation, and optical breakdown and its related effects are treated in detail. Special attention is given to mathematical tools (Monte Carlo simulations, the Kubelka—Munk theory etc.) and approved techniques (photodynamic therapy, laser-induced interstitial thermotherapy etc.). The part on applications reviews clinically relevant methods in modern medicine using the latest references. The last chapter covers today’s standards of laser safety, with a careful selection of essential guidelines published by the Laser Institute of America. With numerous research photographs, illustrations, tables and comprehensive summaries.




Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy in Neurosurgery


Book Description

​This book serves as a foundation for MRI guided laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) across neurosurgical diseases. It provides state-of-the-art information on the latest indications and results for LITT in CNS applications, as well as prerequisite historical perspective and technical fundamentals. Written by experts in the field, the text reviews the historical development of LITT, the technical and technological components required to perform LITT, its indications and contraindications, areas that still require investigation, LITT complications, and challenges to starting up LITT within one’s practice. As early adopters of the technology, the authors provide sage advice that reflects the initial learning curves of many of the users. The book then concludes with a practical guide to starting up a LITT practice in the current medical socioeconomic environment. Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy in Neurosurgery is a guide that will allow all neurosurgeons interested in LITT to successfully adopt the technology and incorporate its use seamlessly, safely and appropriately into their individual practices.




Central Nervous System Metastases


Book Description

This is a multi-specialty book on the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of CNS metastases of the brain and spine. Written by renowned experts in their fields, the book covers essential contemporary topics in CNS metastases care. The book is divided into seven parts that begin with chapters that cover the fundamental biology of disease so that subsequent chapters on imaging, diagnosis, treatment, and palliation can be properly contextualized. This text also provides a framework for understanding the biology of radiation therapy so that radiation treatment options of the brain and spine can be more fully understood. New medications and technologies are reviewed from the perspective of maximizing efficacy and minimizing toxicity, independently and as combinatorial therapy. Central Nervous System Metastases: Diagnosis and Treatment serves as a practical reference for health care providers and trainees. It provides the comprehensive, detailed perspective required to provide holistic care to patients with metastatic disease to the brain and spine.




Transpupillary Thermotherapy


Book Description




Laser-induced Interstitial Thermal Therapy for Liver Metastases


Book Description

Laser-induced thermotherapy is a non-surgical method for treating tumors in solid organs. The method is experimental and considered primarily in treating patients with liver metastases when surgery is not an option. 1. It is uncertain whether or not laser-induced thermotherapy extends life in patients with liver metastases. Comparative studies are lacking. Studies published to date show that this treatment method can ablate metastases, and that risks associated with the procedure are minor. However, the beneficial effects of metastases ablation, in terms of symptoms and quality of life, have not been demonstrated in the literature. 2. Use of the method should be limited to controlled trials. This implies, e.g., that patients must be informed about the different treatment options and the scientific evidence available at the time.




Surgical Neuro-Oncology


Book Description

Part of the Neurosurgery by Example series, this volume on surgical neuro-oncology presents exemplary cases in which renowned authors guide readers through the assessment and planning, decision making, surgical procedure, after care, and complication management of common and uncommon disorders. The cases explore a number of different types of nervous systems tumors, including glioblastoma, medulloblastoma, skull tumors, and more. Surgical Neuro-Oncology is appropriate for neurosurgeons who wish to learn more about this subspecialty, and those preparing for the American Board of Neurological Surgery oral examination.




Glioma


Book Description

The past three decades have been marked with huge enthusiasm from scientists and professionals in an effort to find a cure for glioma disease. Methods to confirm the kinds and grades of glioma have taken a path from classical macro- to microscopic pathohystological confirmation of tumors, through morphological-histological, molecular, and genetic diagnosis. Surgically, progress was made possible with the development and use of technological aids, for example neuronavigation, cortical mapping, electrocorticography, neuromonitoring, functional and intraoperative MRI, magnetoencephalography, etc. Great hope was placed on the extension of tumor resection and popular supratotal resection. Significant progress has been made generally in glioma treatment with the use of modern radiotherapy and new chemotherapeutics. What do we want to see for the future? By way of stem cells, a specific medicine will be produced, individualized for the particular patient, and by using a microcapsule it will be implanted into the brain zone affected by the tumor by way of robot surgery and injection needle. This is not at all an unrealistic expectation in the next decade or two.




Radiotherapy in Managing Brain Metastases


Book Description

This book provides a radiotherapy perspective on the management of brain metastases with case-based discussion. This management has been rapidly evolving in the face of changing technology, progressing systemic therapy, and paradigm changes that all impact practice. These changes can be difficult, and this text gives a practical approach to help practitioners and trainees understand these changes and incorporate them into their practices. The work has two main sections: Clinical and Technical. The clinical section has chapters that address all aspects of radiation therapy for brain metastases, including integrating advances in surgery and drug treatments. The technical section focuses on the “how to” aspects of treatment, including treatment planning and delivery. This is an ideal guide for practicing radiation oncologists and trainees.




New Techniques for Management of ‘Inoperable’ Gliomas


Book Description

New Techniques for Management of 'Inoperable' Gliomas radically challenges the assumption that certain gliomas cannot be removed with modern techniques, contesting stereotypical thinking and establishing new paradigms in the field. Gliomas are primary brain tumors which are often fatal. Recent data has demonstrated that despite the fact that surgery cannot cure gliomas, patient survival is substantially improved by removing as much of the tumor as possible. This fact has raised the imperative that neurologists try to improve techniques to bring surgical resection to as many patients as possible. This book brings new insights and technologies to the forefront, giving hope to patients. Provides the first comprehensive book to discuss techniques for removing gliomas that are traditionally deemed ‘inoperable’ Presents a great reference tool that challenges stereotypical thinking by offering techniques by innovative surgeons Includes chapters that are organized by different glioma types and surgery/techniques