Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy
Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT) is a cutting -edge, minimally invasive procedure that uses precise heat to target and eliminate areas of abnormal brain cells, such as brain tumors or cells causing seizures.
LITT allows neurosurgeons to treat:
- Epilepsy that does not respond to medications or drug-resistant epilepsy.
- Hard to reach brain tumors that are challenging to reach with conventional surgery.
- A condition called radiation necrosis.
How Does LITT Work?
A neurosurgeon can use LITT to implant a laser catheter into the part of the brain responsible for seizures in epilepsy or the tumor for brain cancer. The neurosurgeon guides the laser using real-time MRI guidance. Through thermal ablation the laser is then heated to temperatures high enough to eliminate the tumor or the seizure-causing area of the brain.
Unlike conventional surgery, LITT does not require a large opening in the skull. Instead, neurosurgeons create a small hole in the patient’s skull that is easily stitched.
The Benefits of LITT
- Faster recovery time
- Shorter hospital stays, often just one day
- Minimal post-procedure pain
- Little or no hair removal is required at the treatment site
- Reduced post-surgery cognitive side effects
- Reduction in seizures/ improved seizure control
- Enhanced quality of life
Excellence in Laser Interstitial Therapy
- Epilepsy Care Experts: Epileptologists are experts at treating epilepsy that does not respond to medication. They offer holistic options to address your intractable epilepsy, including LITT and other minimally invasive treatments.
- Comprehensive Brain Tumor Specialist: Our brain tumor team provides personalized care tailored to each patient’s needs. Neuro-oncology, neurosurgery, and radiation therapy specialists work collaboratively to develop effective treatment plans.
- Multidisciplinary Approach to Care: If you have been diagnosed with a brain tumor, you may receive care through a comprehensive brain tumor clinic. At UI Health, your care team includes a neuro-oncologist, neurosurgeon, radiation oncologist, and nurse coordinator, all working together.
Learn More
Consult with your neurosurgeon to explore your personalized treatment options.
To learn more about Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT); you will be referred to our team, who will help you determine if LITT is the best treatment option for you.
For More Information
To learn more or request an appointment, call 312.355.0510.
