Gamma Knife suite opens at University of Alberta Hospital

Technology enables surgeons to perform brain surgery without making an incision

EDMONTON – Media are invited to learn how Albertans now have access to painless, scalpel-free brain surgery for certain conditions with the opening of the Gamma Knife suite at the University of Alberta Hospital.

The Gamma Knife delivers a highly accurate dose of radiation to tumours less than 3.5 centimetres in diameter while minimizing the impact on the patient's normal brain tissues.

The highly focused beams of gamma rays are guided with surgical precision, without a scalpel and without the usual risks of open neurosurgery.

Donors to the University Hospital Foundation’s Brain Centre Campaign fully funded the Scott & Brown Families Advanced Imaging and Gamma Knife Centre, contributing $17.5 million towards the purchase of a 3T MRI and the Gamma Knife and the renovation of the program area.

Media can interview Sarah Hoffman, Minister of Health, Dr. Keith Aronyk, Zone Clinical Department Head of Neurosciences with Alberta Health Services; Dr. Samir Patel, a radiation oncologist at the Cross Cancer Institute; Joyce Mallman Law, President of the University Hospital Foundation; donors Jim and Sharon Brown and Guy and Shelley Scott; and a local patient who received Gamma Knife treatment in Winnipeg.

Media availability details:

DATE:
Wednesday, Nov. 15

TIME:
9:15 a.m. to 10 a.m. Gamma Knife suite media tour
10 a.m. Formal program and speeches followed by interviews

LOCATION:
University of Alberta Hospital, Walter C Mackenzie Centre, 8440 112 St.

Media are asked to meet at the 114 St. (Stollery bear statue) entrance on the west side of the building where they will be escorted to the availability.

The University Hospital Foundation raises and manages funds to advance patient care, research and healthcare education at the University of Alberta Hospital, the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute and the Kaye Edmonton Clinic.

Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.

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