BOB体育

When it comes to treating complex brain conditions, patients and physicians alike seek effective, targeted, and minimally invasive options. Laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) meets that need. At BOB体育, we offer one of the nation鈥檚 most experienced LITT programs, providing advanced care for patients with deep-seated brain tumors, radiation necrosis, and epilepsy caused by structural abnormalities. Our team combines the precision of thermal ablation with the experience of advanced brain surgery techniques.

What is LITT?

Laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) 鈥� also known as MRI-guided laser thermal ablation 鈥� is a minimally invasive neurosurgical thermal therapy that uses focused laser energy to destroy abnormal brain tissue while sparing healthy tissue. The entire process is performed inside an MRI scanner, allowing for real-time imaging and precise thermal targeting.

Using a tiny laser fiber inserted through a small hole in the skull, neurosurgeons deliver carefully controlled heat to target tumor tissue. MRI thermometry monitors temperature levels in real time, ensuring accurate thermal ablation and minimal collateral damage. Most patients are discharged the day after treatment.

BOB体育 is one of only a few centers in Florida using the Monteris Medical NeuroBlate庐 laser ablation system, a technology that offers significant advantages over open surgery and conventional surgery. We perform one of the highest volumes of LITT procedures for the treatment of malignant brain tumors in the United States. To ensure precision and safety, our care team uses patented technology developed at the University of Florida鈥檚 computer-assisted surgical laboratory for stereotactic laser probe placement.

Benefits of LITT

• Minimally invasive treatment with reduced surgical complications
• Shorter hospital stays and faster recovery times
• Real-time MRI guidance preserves healthy tissue
• Effective for tumor tissue in locations unsafe for traditional or open brain surgery
• An option for patients who have undergone radiation therapy or have radiation necrosis
• Improved access to deep-seated lesions using image-guided laser energy
• Potential to improve outcomes for those seeking seizure freedom
• Can be a safer alternative to open surgery for eligible patients

How the LITT procedure works

Before brain surgery, BOB体育 neurosurgeons use patient-specific imaging and a custom stereotactic face mask to map the precise target area. During the procedure, the laser fiber is guided through the skull opening and into the lesion or seizure focus. Inside the MRI suite, real-time visualization and temperature monitoring allow for continuous assessment of treatment effectiveness and safety. The heat destroys abnormal brain tissue through coagulative necrosis while preserving healthy tissue. This targeted approach ensures that even a small or deep-seated lesion can be treated with minimal disruption.

Why choose BOB体育 for your LITT procedure?

BOB体育 is a national leader in laser interstitial thermal therapy. The LITT team includes Dr. Rahman, Dr. Roper, Dr. Murad, Dr. Bova, and the OR and MRI staff. The program features:

• One of the highest volumes of the LITT procedure for malignant brain tumors in the United States
• Use of the Monteris Medical NeuroBlate庐 system, offering precision and advanced safety features
• Patented stereotactic technology developed at the University of Florida's computer-assisted surgical lab
• A multidisciplinary care team, including neurosurgeons, medical physicists, anesthesiologists, and radiologists
• Access to clinical trials exploring the use of the procedure with immunotherapy and targeted chemotherapy for recurrent gliomas

What is The Monteris Medical NeuroBlate庐 System?

The only system that monitors ablation contours in three dimensions and provides real-time imaging to support a neurosurgeon鈥檚 clinical decision matrix.

• The system employs diode laser energy delivered via a gas-cooled fiber-optic, which allows safe targeting and selective ablation of soft tissue and lesions, including some that may have traditionally been deemed 鈥渋noperable鈥�
• This allows surgeons to have a new tool for treating diseased cells with lethal heat, while helping to preserve healthy tissue
• Therapy is minimally invasive 鈥� blood loss may be reduced during the procedure; the surgical opening can usually be closed with only a small suture
• The system combines hardware, software, and disposable surgical devices used with an existing MRI scanner

Conditions treated with LITT

LITT is effective for patients with:

• Malignant brain tumors (e.g., glioblastomas, brain mets)
• Brain lesions in deep or hard-to-reach locations
• Radiation necrosis following prior radiation therapy
• Structural brain abnormalities causing epilepsy

Application in epilepsy

LITT is an increasingly preferred treatment for patients with drug-resistant focal epilepsy. It uses selective ablation to precisely target epileptogenic foci 鈥� the brain tissue responsible for seizure activity 鈥� while minimizing disruption to healthy brain structures.

This approach is especially beneficial for conditions such as hypothalamic hamartoma, where open surgery presents greater risks. By using focused laser energy, our care team can deliver a minimally invasive treatment that helps the patient achieve seizure freedom.

BOB体育 is among the leading centers in the United States performing LITT for epilepsy, and we welcome inquiries from both local and international patients exploring advanced neurosurgical care options.

Is LITT right for you?

LITT be an option for patients with brain tumors, lesions, radiation necrosis, or epilepsy caused by structural abnormalities 鈥� especially when these conditions are located in deep or hard-to-reach areas of the brain. It may also benefit patients who have experienced complications from previous treatments, such as radiation therapy.

LITT may be appropriate if:

• You have a brain tumor, lesion, or seizure focus in a deep or delicate area
• You are not a candidate for traditional surgery
• You prefer a minimally invasive treatment
• You have experienced complications from prior radiation therapy
• You want to avoid the extended recovery time associated with conventional surgery

LITT may not be recommended if:

• You have a non-MRI-compatible implanted device (e.g., pacemaker)
• You have generalized epilepsy not linked to an apparent structural abnormality
• Your tumor is too extensive or located in critical brain regions
• You are pregnant or unable to undergo MRI
• Your skull geometry prevents safe energy transfer from the laser fiber

News and stories

Listen to Dr. Maryam Rahman discuss the use of laser ablation in treating malignant brain tumors. This insightful podcast explores the clinical applications, expected outcomes, and the role of complementary technologies, like intraoperative MRI, in enhancing treatment effectiveness.

See how the laser probe precisely heats and destroys targeted tumor tissue in real-time, as shown in this MRI-guided laser ablation clip.

Ongoing research and innovation

BOB体育 is actively engaged in research at the Preston A. Wells Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy to expand the possibilities of LITT. Our scientists are studying how lasers can work with chemotherapy and immunotherapy to improve outcomes for recurrent brain tumor tissue. They are also exploring new ways to use LITT to temporarily disrupt the blood-brain barrier (BBB) 鈥� enhancing drug delivery 鈥� and assessing how laser therapy may benefit patients with treatment-resistant epilepsy.

At BOB体育, we combine technical precision with compassionate care to help patients navigate even the most challenging brain conditions. From advanced surgical planning to pioneering research, we鈥檙e proud to be a destination for innovative, patient-centered LITT treatment. For more information or to schedule a consultation, please contact the BOB体育 neurosurgery team.