How Does It Work?
CyberKnife is a revolutionary radiosurgery device that improves outcomes while
providing unprecedented patient comfort. It takes a radically different approach
from other SRS by using a miniature linear accelerator (LINAC)
mounted on a robotic arm to
deliver its therapeutic radiation. A real-time targeting system eliminates the
need for the uncomfortable head
frame.
Image guidance cameras locate
the position of the patient and guide the
robotic arm to deliver precisely targeted, small beams of radiation that
converge at the tumor from multiple angles. The cumulative dose is high enough
to destroy the cancer cells, while radiation exposure to surrounding healthy
tissue is minimized.
The level of accuracy
achievable by this system allows higher doses of radiation to be used -
resulting in greater tumor-killing effectiveness and a higher likelihood of
radiosurgical success.
Prior to the CyberKnife treatment, CT images are taken to define the spatial
relationship between the patient's bone anatomy and the tumor. During the actual
treatment, patient movement is monitored in real time by the system's low-dose
X-ray cameras. The CyberKnife's computer-controlled
robotic arm compensates for any changes in tumor position during treatment.
Its accuracy
rate is under a millimeter.
The level of