Rotating Gamma Technology FAQs

Rotating Gamma Technology in Anaheim - (714) 816-8705

What is stereotactic radiosurgery?

Stereotactic radiosurgery uses gamma rays generated by radioactive Cobalt to treat brain tumors and other brain disorders and abnormalities. Radiosurgery offers an alternative option to traditional and invasive brain surgery. Patients having radiosurgery do not undergo general anesthesia but local anesthesia is used to anesthetize portions of the scalp where a stereotactic frame is placed. Patients can return home on the same day as treatment.

Is radiosurgery effective?

While results do vary, with just one treatment, radiosurgery can effectively shrink many types of brain tumors and improve neurological function with other brain disorders and abnormalities.

Is radiosurgery safe?

Radiosurgery is a safe, proven procedure. A very highly focused beam of radiation is directed only at the tumor, while the rest of the surrounding healthy tissue gets minimal radiation. Because there is no incision, there is much less risk of infection when compared to open skull surgery. Although it is unusual damage to normal brain tissue can occur following treatment. In rare cases such effects may worsen the patients neurological condition. Your physicians will explain the risks of your individual treatment.

What is the Rotating Gamma System (RGS) Vertex360?

Beverly Oncology & Imaging uses The Rotating Gamma System (RGS) Vertex360, a highly advanced radiosurgery tool. With its patented rotating technology, helmet-free design and advanced treatment planning system, the RGS Vertex360 represents a new signaficant advancement of care in stereotactic radiosurgery.

What are the advantages of rotating gamma technology?

The patented design of the Rotating Gamma System features full 360 degree rotating Cobalt sources that provide enhanced precision and unprecedented tumor reach. The RGS’ helmet-free design maximizes patient comfort and reduces treatment time.

How does rotating gamma technology work?

The Rotating Gamma System features two sets of rotating bodies. The outer body houses thirty cobalt-60 radioactive sources with a combined initial source strength of 6,000 Ci. The inner body houses collimators of 4mm, 8mm, 14mm and 18mm size. Collimators produce a beam of radiation. Varying collimator size allows for radiation beams of different strength.

Built-in secondary collimators are distributed on a hemispherical body inside the source carrier. When the RGS Vertex360 is not treating a patient, all sources are aligned with a dead locking position on the secondary collimators, essentially blocking all radiation. At the start of treatment, the sources and primary collimators are aligned automatically with the secondary collimators of a user-selected diameter. During the treatment, the source carrier, the primary collimator and the secondary collimator rotate as one unit.

By rotating the source body, primary collimators and secondary collimators together, a smaller number of radiation sources can be utilized. Because the beams converge from multiple angles as compared with the static design, the radiation dose to normal, healthy tissue surrounding the target can be reduced.

What types of conditions does Beverly Oncology & Imaging treat?

Stereotactic radiosurgery is used to treat the following: arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), benign brain tumors such as, pituitary tumors, meningiomas, acoustic neuromas, skull base tumors, primary malignant brain tumors, metastatic brain tumors and trigeminal neuralgia.

What types of insurance do you take?