Avoiding a Collision in Gamma Knife Radiosurgery : A Modified Mask Fixation Method

• Published in: Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society Vol. 66; no. 4; pp. 476 - 481
• Main Authors: Hyeong Cheol Moon, Doheui Lee, Byung Jun Min, Young Gyu Kim, Yun-Sik Dho
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Korean
• Published: 2023
• Subjects: Collision; Modified mask fixation method; Head cushion; Gamma knife radiosurgery; Meningioma
• ISSN: 2005-3711; 1598-7876

Objective : The latest version of the Leksell Gamma Knife IconTM allows for mask- and frame-based fixation. Although mask fixation provides fractionated treatment and immobilization using a noninvasive method, it is not free from collision. The authors investigated the collision problem with a modified mask fixation method. Methods : This study presents a case of two meningiomas in the frontal area, where a collision occurs in the occipital area. A modified mask fixation method was introduced to avoid the collision : first, the edges of the head cushion were cut off and polystyrene beads with a diameter of approximately 5 cm were removed. Next, the head cushion was sealed using a stapler. Finally, the head cushion was flattened in the adapter. We compared the shot coordinates, 3-dimensional (3D) error, clearance distance, and vertical depth of the head cushion between the initial and modified mask fixations. Results : When comparing the initial and modified mask fixations, the difference in the shot coordinates was +10.5 mm along the y-axis, the difference in the 3D error was approximately 18 mm, and the difference in clearance was -10.2 mm. The head cushion was approximately 8 mm deeper in the modified mask fixation. Conclusion : Based on these findings, we recommend a modified mask fixation method for gamma knife radiosurgery using ICON with a collision.