Handbook Of Laser Neurosurgery

​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.

This book is concerned primarily with operative endoscopy utilizing lasers, presenting proved and future endoscopic applications of lasers in medicine. It includes new concepts of cancer therapy, such as photodynamic therapy, because of the laser's endoscopic application.

This practical guide, beautifully illustrated with line drawings and images throughout, covers the basic science, laser physics, patient selection, diagnostic maneuvers and useful imaging methods of PLDD. In addition, step by step instructions are given on needle placement, how to enter difficult discs and delivery of laser energy. Also included are chapters on possible complications and how to manage them, when to consider a repeat procedure, as well as long term rehabilitation. Succeeding generations of specialists as they graduate from residency programs will benefit from this practical book. Physicians will have to be able to answer questions as well as learn the technique as the procedure continues to expand. As more patients become familiar with this minimally invasive technique, practitioners are likely to be inundated with patients seeking PLDD treatment for agonizing back pain.

Lasers were developed out of Einstein's theories, but the first work ing device was not produced until 1960. Since then, they have found applications in many areas of medicine, and hold promise for many more. This book has been written to provide a basic found ation on lasers - what they are, how they work, and what they can do for the patient. It assumes only a basic scientific background in the reader, and has many simple and clear diagrams. It should be of interest to clinicians, surgeons, nurses, safety officers, patients and interested laymen. The book consists of six chapters, and following a glossary of technical terms, begins with a brief discussion of the physics behind laser action. This section is illustrated with clear diagrams, and is written in an easy-to-follow style. It describes how laser light originates, and how it differs fundamentally from ordinary light. The remainder of the book is concerned with the use of lasers in medicine. Chapter 2 deals with the various ways in which a laser beam can interact with tissue, and shows how this depends on the particular laser being used. The following chapter describes some properties of those lasers which are most usually used in current medical practice, but also discusses new and experimental develop ments. There are various methods of getting the laser beam to the target tissue, and these are described in Chapter 4.

With treatment approaches and the field of neuro-oncology neuroimaging changing rapidly, this third edition of the Handbook of Neuro-Oncology Neuroimaging is very relevant to those in the field, providing a single-source, comprehensive, reference handbook of the most up-to-date clinical and technical information regarding the application of neuroimaging techniques to brain tumor and neuro-oncology patients. This new volume will have updates on all of the material from the second edition, and in addition features several new important chapters covering diverse topics such as imaging for the use of Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy, advanced imaging techniques in radiation therapy, therapeutic treatment fields, response assessment in clinical trials, surgical planning of neoplastic disease of the spine, and more. Sections first overview neuro-oncological disorders before delving into the physics and basic science of neuroimaging and great focus on CT and MRI. The book then focuses on advances in the neuroimaging of brain tumors and neuroimaging of specific tumor types. There is also discussion of neuroimaging of other neuro-oncological syndromes. This book will serve as a resource of background information to neuroimaging researchers and basic scientists with an interest in brain tumors and neuro-oncology. Summarizes translational research on brain imaging for brain tumors Discusses limitations of neuroimaging for diagnosis and treatment Presents advanced imaging technologies, including CT, MRI, and PET Contains new coverage on Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy, radiation therapy, clinical trials, and more