Visualase™ | Neurosurgical Laser Ablation
MRI-guided laser ablation using the Visualase™ system
Treatment for brain tumours including gliomas, astrocytoma and glioblastomas
What is a laser ablation?
At The Harley Street Clinic, we are able to provide MRI-guided laser ablation to our patients using the Visualase™ system, which helps us to treat tumours that were previously thought to be inoperable. Ablation refers to the destruction of soft tissue and can be used to treat the most common brain tumours known as gliomas; including astrocytomas and glioblastomas, as well as epilepsy also. By using the Visualase™ system your surgeon is able to monitor the tissue ablation in real-time and benefits to the patient include minimal incision and faster recovery times.
Professor Ashkan and Mr Bhangoo, both consultants at London Neurosurgery Partnership, part of The Harley Street Clinic, are the only consultants in the UK who are able to provide treatment using the Visualase™ system for tumours in both adults and children.
Groundbreaking brain tumour treatment
Mr Bhangoo and Professor Ashkan, both part of London Neurosurgery Partnership at The Harley Street Clinic, use the minimally-invasive Visualase® system to treat brain tumours. The treatment is ideal for those who are unable to undergo a major operation as it requires a very small incision. This means there is reduced risk of infection to the patient as well as faster recovery times and less scarring compared to open procedures. Additionally, depending on the location of the tumour, it is often possible to perform the operation without shaving the patient's head.
At The Harley Street Clinic, consultants use the Stealth Autoguide® cranial robotic guidance platform to accurate locate the tumour and ensure the treatment is delivered. The robotic system we’ve invested in is fast and agile, allowing consultants to deliver treatment precisely and accurately while cutting down operating times.
This pioneering technique has also proved very successful as a treatment for epilepsy. The same laser-guided process is used to ablate (remove with heat energy) brain tissue mutations which cause epileptic seizures, providing epileptic patients with a far more immediate, alternative treatment option to traditional medication and surgery.
Treating brain tumours using the Visualase™ system
Need to know
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What happens icon plus
The procedure is carried out under general anaesthetic, so you will be asleep throughout. You will lie inside an MRI machine during the operation so that your consultant can monitor the tumour destruction in real time.
A thin laser probe will first be inserted through a small hole into your brain. The tip of this probe emits laser energy to destroy the tumour while leaving surrounding healthy tissue undamaged. Your consultant will assess the destruction of the tumour tissue via the high res images delivered from the MRI and they can control the procedure by redirecting the laser energy as necessary.
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How to prepare icon plus
Your consultant will let you know exactly how to prepare depending on the treatment you’re having. Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you.
As the procedure is carried out under general anaesthetic your consultant will let you know how long you should avoid eating or drinking beforehand.
A 3D scan of the area to be operated on will first be performed to allow your neurosurgeon to plan your surgical plan. This plan is programmed into the Visualase™ system meaning that optimal positioning of the ablation is achieved.
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Afterwards icon plus
You will remain in hospital for a few days after your surgery. Your consultant or nurse will let you know when you can leave the hospital and if you should arrange for someone to take you home.
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020 7079 4344