ixtasis

I guess I'm a couple years behind, but this is fascinating:




"...The device delivers over 200 precisely targeted, intersecting beams of cobalt gamma radiation that all converge on a single point deep inside the brain, to painlessly "cut" through brain tumors, blood vessel malformations, and any other type of brain abnormality. Since there is no incision, there are none of the risks typically associated with traditional surgical methods such as infection and blood clots. A single treatment lasts only 15 to 40 minutes, with the patient lightly sedated but awake throughout the procedure. Any hospitalization required afterward is short—at most an overnight stay—but most patients are treated on an outpatient basis. The only residual effect may be a slight headache.

This leading edge technology is unusually revolutionary in that it enables doctors to reach down into even the deepest recesses of the brain to correct disorders that are not treatable with conventional surgery. When used to treat a tumor, the tumor stops growing and eventually shrinks or disappears entirely. Because the Gamma Knife is so accurate, a high dose of radiation can be delivered precisely to its target with minimal risk to nearby structures and tissues. "

http://www.buzzle.com/editorials/8-10-2005-74612.asp