How CyberKnife works

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How does CyberKnife® work?

CyberKnife is a revolutionary new way of performing stereotactic radiosurgery and combines three advanced technologies.

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How cases are assessed

CyberKnife treatments

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Precision robotics

This is a particularly lightweight and compact 6MV linear accelerator using a dose rate of 6Gy/min and which is mounted on the robotic arm. Multiple beams of high-energy radiation are delivered from multiple points and converge precisely at the tumour or lesion inside the body.

With the computer assisted image guidance system the CyberKnife can target the tumour throughout the treatment and compensate for smaller patient movements throughout the treatment.

The patient lies free on the treatment couch whilst the CyberKnife moves from one position to the next and there is no tunnel to cause feelings of claustrophobia.

CyberKnife tracks the tumour between doses, so allowing radiation to be delivered without the use of a stereotactic frame. In most cases there is also no need for anaesthesia as the treatment is painless.

CyberKnife < How CyberKnife works

The robotic arm, which is also used in the automobile industry, provides unparalleled access to tumours anywhere in the body. It moves in six planes to reach areas of the body that are untreatable with other radiosurgery systems and allowing more flexible delivery of radiation for optimum treatment.

Out of a possible 1,400 beam directions about 150 beams are selected for a complete treatment cycle, though he actual number in any specific case varies with the size, location and complexity of the tumour. Treatments typically last between 45 and 90 minutes.

Radiation device

Each individual beam is insufficient to cause harm, but the convergence of all the beams at the tumour results in the lesion receiving a very high dose of radiation. The high energy photon beams cause significant damage to the DNA of the tumour cells, leading to subsequent cell death without harming the adjacent healthy tissue.

Image guidance system

What is CyberKnife? The development of radiosurgery The advantages of CyberKnife Clinical acceptance

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