Treating brain and spinal cord tumors can be difficult. The blood-brain barrier, which normally serves to protect the brain and spinal cord from damaging chemicals getting into those structures, also keeps out many types of chemotherapy drugs. Surgery can be difficult and risky due to proximity to critical structures, and radiation therapy can damage healthy tissue. However, new technologies have improved the survival rates of patients with brain tumors.Visualase is one such new technology that might be of great benefit to some patients. Visualase is a laser technology that utilizes light energy to destroy soft tissue including tumor tissue. Laser energy is delivered to the target area (the tumor) using a laser probe that is inserted directly into the target area. As light is delivered through the laser probe temperatures in the target area begin to rise, destroying the unwanted tissue.
The Visualase laser technology process has been shown to be highly precise, allowing the physician to destroy only the targeted tissue, leaving healthy surrounding tissues unharmed (+/- 1mm). Because Visualase procedures are guided by MRI images, the procedure can be more precise than conventional surgery. The procedure is minimally invasive and has been reported in medical journals to be pain free and require a shorter recovery time.
Visualase Laser Technology
- Destroys only the target, leaving surrounding tissue unharmed (within 1mm)
- Can be performed with patient wide awake
- Requires no radiation and no brain flap, the large skull opening in traditional craniotomies
- Causes little or no pain during or after procedure
- Is minimally invasive, access smaller than typically created during a biopsy.
- Usually requires only a one day hospital stay
- Does not limit use of additional or other treatment options
- Is often performed on inoperable tumors
If you want to know if you or someone you know might be eligible for the Visualase Technology, please use our patient form.
A Typical Visualase Brain Tumor Ablation Procedure
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A small flexible laser probe
is guided to the intended target area. |
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The patient is transported to an MRI unit. The MRI allows a physician to precisely monitor treatment using special software to measure temperatures. |
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Laser light heats and destroys target area or tumor tissue. Temperature maps show the physician the extent of the tissue being destroyed, allowing precise control, minimizing damage to healthy tissue. |
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The laser applicator is removed and the small hole can be covered with a Band-Aid. |
Brain Tumor Treatment Comparison
The links below are compilations of general information on the most common procedures done for brain cancer. Remember that every case is different and this in no way represents your treatment options. A patient’s case is always specific to them and must be discussed with their treating physician as to what may be an appropriate treatment for them. If in doubt, the patient should consider a second or third opinion.
Laser Thermal Ablation (LITT) and Stereotactic Radiotherapy (SRS) Comparison
Laser Thermal Ablation (LITT) and brain surgery tumor removal Comparison
Visualase Technology
Visualase utilizes laser-induced interstitial thermal therapy (LITT). For more information on LITT and the Visualase Laser Technology visit our technology section.




FDA Statement