Complications of the Gamma Knife

Radiosurgery, originally described by Leksell1in 1951, describes the method of focusing multiple beams of radiation on an intracranial target. Many methods can be used to deliver the radiation, regardless of its source. Leksell developed the method of using multiple fixed cobalt sources for radiation. This system was called a "gamma knife," although no incision is made. The gamma knife represents one of many methods to use stereotactically focused radiation to "treat" an intracranial target.2