Lateral positioning technique for the treatment of far-lateral targets with the Leksell gamma knife: technical note.

Abstract

To describe a procedure for Leksell gamma knife (LGK) radiosurgery in a lateral position, for treatment of far-lateral intracranial lesions. Positioning of the patient in the lateral decubitus position during LGK treatment switches the x and y axis coordinates. This increases the range of the x axis from 52 to 148 mm to 40 to 160 mm (i.e., 12 mm in each direction). Conversion of the coordinates of the isocenters is easily performed with simple mathematical algorithms and does not impair the precision of target positioning at the isocenters during LGK radiosurgery. LGK treatment in the lateral decubitus position is a simple accurate procedure for the treatment of far-lateral lesions that cannot be reached with normal supine positioning.