What’s new at the hospital: Gamma Knife arrives

The new Gamma Knife is the first of its kind in Alberta, and only the second in Canada to include the Icon upgrade, which will allow brain surgeons to perform non-invasive, life-saving brain surgery on patients.

“There’s no incision – which means no risk of infection, and no prolonged recovery,” says Dr. Keith Aronyk, Clinical Head of Neurosciences at the University of Alberta Hospital. “This is huge for people with debilitating brain conditions, or hard-to-reach tumours.”

With the arrival of Gamma Knife, the Scott and Brown Families Advanced Imaging & Gamma Knife Centre is officially complete. The Gamma Knife will be guided by the precise imaging of the clinical 3T MRI, which opened at the centre in October 2016.

“Albertans want the right care, in the right place at the right time. Innovation and technology like the Gamma Knife is critical to achieving this,” said Sarah Hoffman, Health Minister and Deputy Premier, at Wednesday’s official opening.

Gamma Knife will begin treating patients on December 4, 2017. Alberta Health Services projects that 300 patients will receive Gamma Knife treatment each year.

Donors to the University Hospital Foundation’s Brain Centre Campaign fully funded the Scott & Brown Families Advanced Imaging and Gamma Knife Centre, contributing $17.5 million towards the purchase of the 3T MRI and the Gamma Knife, and the renovation of the program area.

Gamma Knife in the news:
Gamma Knife offers scalpel-free brain surgery at Edmonton hospital (Edmonton Journal)

Incision-free brain surgery now possible at Edmonton hospital (Global Edmonton)

Non-invasive brain surgery arrives at University of Alberta Hospital (CTV Edmonton, 31:40)

Gamma Knife suite opens at University of Alberta Hospital (Alberta Health Services)