1. Anesthesia & Head Positioning
You are placed under general anesthesia, and a specialized frame may be used to stabilize your head during treatment.
Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LiTT) is a minimally invasive neurosurgical procedure that uses laser-generated heat to treat selected abnormalities in the brain. It may be considered for certain brain tumors, medication-resistant epilepsy, and other neurological conditions where precise treatment is needed.
At Haynes Neurosurgery Group, our experienced neurosurgeons use advanced imaging and laser ablation techniques to target abnormal tissue through a small surgical opening. We carefully evaluate your condition to determine whether LiTT is an appropriate treatment option.
Laser therapy, or Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LiTT), uses concentrated laser energy to heat and destroy targeted abnormal brain tissue through a process called thermal ablation.
This treatment works by:
A specialized laser probe directs energy toward the targeted tissue.
The tissue absorbs laser energy, converting it into heat that destroys abnormal cells.
MRI-based temperature monitoring helps control heat delivery and limit its effects on surrounding healthy structures.
Laser therapy allows neurosurgeons to treat selected brain abnormalities without the extensive surgical exposure required for traditional open brain surgery.
For appropriately selected patients, LiTT may offer several advantages compared with traditional open brain surgery.
Smaller incisions minimize disruption to surrounding tissues, potentially reducing postoperative discomfort and scarring.
Precise laser ablation allows neurosurgeons to treat affected brain tissue while limiting damage to surrounding healthy structures.
LiTT may allow treatment of certain deep-seated or difficult-to-access brain abnormalities without extensive surgical exposure.
LiTT often requires only a brief hospital stay, and some patients may return to everyday activities sooner than after traditional open surgery.
Laser therapy has shown remarkable efficacy in the treatment of various neurological conditions. At Haynes Neurosurgical Group, we have used it effectively in treating the following conditions.
For patients with medication-resistant epilepsy or seizures originating from a specific area in the brain, laser therapy can be a valuable treatment option. It helps target and ablate the focus area precisely to reduce seizure frequency and intensity. This approach may provide relief for patients who have not responded well to medication or are not suitable candidates for traditional epilepsy surgery.
Laser therapy offers a highly precise and effective treatment option for certain types of brain tumors. It may be considered for particularly small tumors or those located in critical or hard-to-reach areas of the brain, where traditional surgery may pose higher risks.
Unlike surgical resection, LiTT does not physically remove the tumor. The treated tissue may shrink over time, and additional treatment may be necessary depending on the tumor's characteristics and response.
Laser therapy may also be considered for selected skull-base conditions, including certain tumors and vascular malformations. These abnormalities may occur near important nerves, blood vessels, and other sensitive neurological structures. MRI-guided laser ablation can provide targeted thermal treatment for appropriately selected lesions where a safe probe pathway is possible.
We evaluate the lesion's type, size, location, and relationship to surrounding structures to determine whether LiTT is appropriate.
Established in 1954, Haynes Neurosurgical Group brings decades of experience treating complex brain and neurological conditions. Our neurosurgical team combines specialized expertise in brain surgery, neurosurgical oncology, and microneurosurgical techniques to approach procedures involving sensitive neurological structures.
With laser therapy, the location of the abnormal tissue and the path used to reach it are critical to treatment planning. Our neurosurgeons focus on:
Assessing the lesion or seizure-producing area, its size, location, and relationship to nearby neurological structures to determine whether laser ablation is appropriate.
Using MRI findings, anatomical knowledge, and stereotactic navigation to plan a targeted path for laser probe placement.
Monitoring heat delivery with MRI thermometry to guide tissue ablation while limiting exposure to surrounding healthy brain structures.
We prioritize minimally invasive techniques when appropriate while considering whether conventional surgery or other treatments may be better suited to the patient's condition.
At Haynes Neurosurgical Group, we use advanced imaging and surgical navigation to plan and perform laser ablation. LiTT is typically performed in a surgical setting equipped with intraoperative MRI technology.
Before the LiTT procedure, we will capture detailed images of the targeted area using advanced MRI technology. These images are used to identify precise areas for the placement of the lasers during the procedure. This careful planning helps protect healthy tissue from damage and ensures accurate treatment delivery.
The LiTT procedure is typically performed in a surgical room with an intraoperative MRI machine. The procedure involves five main steps:
You are placed under general anesthesia, and a specialized frame may be used to stabilize your head during treatment.
A small incision and opening in the skull allow the surgeon to access the targeted brain region.
Using stereotactic navigation, the surgeon guides a thin, fiber-optic laser probe toward the treatment area. MRI imaging helps confirm its position.
Laser energy generates heat to destroy the targeted abnormal tissue. Treatment temperatures may reach approximately 113–138°F, while MRI thermometry helps monitor heating and guide energy delivery to limit damage to surrounding structures.
Once the targeted area has been treated, the laser probe is removed, and the incision is closed, typically with one or two sutures.
The specific surgical approach and extent of ablation depend on the location and characteristics of the abnormal tissue.
After the LiTT procedure, you may be placed under observation in the hospital for one or two nights, although some procedures may involve shorter stays. Swelling in the treated area may occur for up to three months but is typically mild and resolves on its own.
Recovery varies depending on the condition and treatment area. Patients may experience:
Temporary swelling around the treated tissue, which may continue to develop during the weeks following treatment.
Medication may be prescribed to manage discomfort or treatment-related swelling.
Most patients can resume routine activities within approximately a week, although complete recovery may take several weeks.
Our team provides postoperative guidance and follow-up based on your recovery needs. Haynes Neurosurgical Group also maintains after-hours physician call coverage for urgent concerns that require medical guidance.
Possible side effects and complications include:
Inflammation or swelling around the treated tissue, which may cause headaches or neurological symptoms.
Temporary or potentially lasting speech difficulties, weakness, or other changes in neurological function.
Bleeding, infection, or, in rare cases, cerebrospinal fluid leakage.
Seizure activity associated with the procedure or the underlying neurological condition.
Our neurosurgeons review the potential benefits, risks, and treatment limitations when determining whether laser therapy is appropriate for your condition.
The Haynes Neurosurgical Group team is focused on helping you achieve a better quality of life through innovative neurosurgical interventions. If you’re curious about whether laser therapy can be a viable treatment option for your specific neurological condition, we can help.
Our seasoned neurosurgeons use highly advanced technologies and employ a patient-centric ethos at Alabama’s premiere neurosurgical practice.
To schedule a consultation with one of our experts, call us at (205) 787-8676 or request an appointment online.
Phone: (205) 787-8676
Fax: (205) 785-7944
801 Princeton Avenue, S.W.
Suite 310
Birmingham, AL 35211
Located on Floor 3 of Professional Office Building 1.