The Rose Ella Burkhardt Brain Tumor and Neuro-Oncology Center of Cleveland Clinic has launched an advanced laser technology treatment called AutoLITT for treating brain tumors.
AutoLITT – Offering new hope to patients with previously inoperable brain tumors.
Treating inoperable brain tumors like glioblastomas remained complicated over the years and such challenges are now being met with the introduction of AutoLITT that is based on a minimally invasive surgical treatment option known as laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT).
The Director of the Burkhardt Brain Tumor Center, Gene Barnett, MD was the first physician ever to execute this advanced laser therapy in a human being with brain tumor. In 2008, first clinical trials for the therapy were carried out at Cleveland Clinic. Finally, in May 2009, the FDA approved this novel AutoLITT treatment for application.
A diode laser, also known as solid state laser, in the AutoLITT generates infrared heat that subsequently passes on to the neighboring tissues. Based on this approach, AutoLITT modifies earlier technologies by facilitating the penetration of laser probe deep into the brain precisely. Heating up of the tumor in distinct directions takes place, once the laser probe is placed precisely on to the substrate. The process of heating can then be determined with specialized intra-operative MRI techniques that analyze the overall heating process including the part of the tumor being heated, besides monitoring the temperature.
Following its approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in May 2009, the AutoLITT procedures have been executed by Cleveland Clinic several times. Information on AutoLITT techniques and related services are currently being offered at the Cleveland Clinic.