Stereotactic Radiosurgery is the non-invasive delivery of a precise dose of high energy radiation to completely obliterate the AVM nidus through endothelial cell proliferation, progressive thickening of the blood vessel walls, and eventual tumor closure. This is also used to shrink or control the growth of a tumor by killing tumor cells or interfering with their ability to grow. Radiosurgery plays an important role in the treatment of AVM’s and other brain

tumors. Legacy Emanuel Medical Center was the first hospital in Oregon to establish a stereotactic radiosurgery program and over the years has continued to treat a high volume of patients. Our experienced team includes radiation oncologists, neurosurgeons, neurointerventionalists, a neurooncologist, neuroradiologists, physicists, therapists, and nurses who all have a keen interest in providing the best care for patients with brain ailments.

Last year, Legacy Emanuel Hospital was the second radiosurgery center on the west coast to obtain the New Novalis Radiosurgery System. Improving on earlier systems such as the gamma knife, the Novalis Shaped Beam Surgery treatment requires no incision and the procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, eliminating the major complications and substantial recovery time associated with open surgery. Patients remain awake for the entire procedure, which is usually completed in 30 minutes. Additionally, treatment can take place in the morning and patients can return to their normal routines the same day. Novalis Shaped Beam Surgery has had a wide application in the management of cerebral AVM’s in

critical brain locations. The roles of microsurgical resection, embolization and radiosurgery are now more clearly defined so that physicians and patients can choose specific strategies. A latency interval of one to three years is usually necessary before AVM obliteration occurs.

Using precise and detailed computer generated images as well as a highly accurate patient positioning
system, the Novalis treatment exactly mirrors the shape and size of a patient’s AVM or brain tumor. Each beam of radiation conforms to the AVM/tumor’s exact dimensions, specifically targeting and, unlike conventional beam radiation, treating diseased tissue while minimizing the dose to surrounding healthy normal brain tissue.