The revolution of sophisticated software and computer technology combined with advanced radiation physics has produced a new tool for the successful treatment of many neurologic conditions. The Gamma Knife (otherwise known as Gamma Knife Stereotactic Radiosurgery) is not a knife; rather, it is complex machine that uses cobalt-60 as the energy and is able to focus a precise intersection of 201 beams of these gamma rays to perform radiosurgery. It has been the evolution of high resolution CT and MRI scans coupled with computer technology that allows for targets to be clearly defined. Currently there are 120 gamma knife centers around the world and 45 in North America.

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PROJECT INFORMATION:
By: Min-Joo Cha
Grade Category: 10-12
Team Size: 1
Project Type: Descriptive
Subject Area: Physics/Astronomy/Mathematics
Language: English
Project Title: Gamma Knife - Neurosurgery Without Incisions
Project Abstract: This research-based project explores one of the most new, revolutionary method of brain surgery, gamma knife. It describes the surgery in detail, how it works (in a scientific perspective), and faqs for prospective patients, and also explores and advantages and disadvantages of gamma knife.