Sutter Gamma Knife Center

Sutter Neuroscience Institute established the Sutter Gamma Knife Center in 1998 at the Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento campus. The Sutter Gamma Knife Center in Sacramento was the first in the country to receive the Leksell Gamma Knife® Icon™ system. Our Gamma Knife Center has treated more than 2,000 patients with this innovative, lifesaving and proven technology.

Gamma Knife radiosurgery utilizes one of the world’s most technologically advanced machines to treat brain tumors, trigeminal neuralgia, vascular malformations, epilepsy, essential tremor and other neurological disorders. The procedure was first approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1989, but the technology has greatly advanced over time. Our center's multidisciplinary team includes neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists, radiation physicists, neuroradiologists, nurses and support staff who have extensive experience working with Gamma Knife technology.

About Gamma Knife

The Gamma Knife is a sophisticated instrument that pinpoints and delivers precise beams of radiation to tumors and other brain abnormalities. This 20-ton machine offers a noninvasive alternative to open brain surgery that eliminates the risk of surgical complications. It enables neurosurgeons and radiation oncologists to accurately target the treatment area in the brain. The Gamma Knife also allows doctors to treat previously inoperable lesions, while minimizing damage to surrounding normal tissue.

Gamma Knife treatment can be used alone or as an additional therapy for patients who have undergone brain surgery, interventional neuroradiology, conventional radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Gamma Knife radiosurgery doesn’t require cutting or shaving of your hair and treatment is silent and totally painless. Patients typically go home immediately after the treatment and can resume their normal routines the next day.

Understanding the Procedure

Prior to Gamma Knife treatment, our multidisciplinary team meets to evaluate each patient's case. Once you and your doctor have determined that Gamma Knife is the best option for treating your condition, you can start planning and preparing for the procedure.

Securing Accuracy

Due to the precise nature of Gamma Knife surgery, it's important your head not move during treatment. This stability is achieved through either a frame or frameless mask that holds your head in place. The method used depends on the nature of your disease or medical condition, as well as the size, shaped and location of the tissue or area of your brain being treated.

Stereotactic Mask

If you will be using a stereotactic mask, you will come to the clinic prior to your treatment day so your custom mask can be created.

The mask is made of breathable material that becomes flexible when heated. Your care team will heat the material and place it over your face, shaping it to your specific facial contours and leaving an opening around your nose. After a few minutes, the formed mask begins to set and is removed.

Once fully set, the mask is strong enough to securely hold your head still. When you are positioned for treatment, you will notice that the mask fits snugly. A cushion is also custom shaped to support your head and aid in your comfort during the treatment session.  

Stereotactic Frame

If you are using a frame, your care team will affix a stereotactic head frame to your skull using four small pins. Before the frame is secured, your physician injects local numbing medication where the pins are to be inserted. The frame helps ensure that the Gamma Knife beams are focused on the correct area of the brain to be treated.

After the head frame is in place, an imaging study is done to locate the treatment area and assist the Gamma Knife team in planning your treatment. The Gamma Knife nurse accompanies you to the imaging center for either an MRI or CT scan. After the process is complete, the nurse escorts you back to the Gamma Knife suite, and the Gamma Knife team begins mapping out your treatment plan. During this planning time, you  remain in the Gamma Knife treatment area. You may listen to music of your choice or sleep while waiting.

Once final plans are made for administering your treatment, you are taken into the Gamma Knife suite and positioned so that the head frame keeps your head steady and secure in the Gamma Knife docking device. Your care team informs you of how long each treatment takes prior to the team exiting the room. You are able to talk with the team via a microphone located inside the machine. There are also three cameras in the suite which allow the team to see you at all times.

When your treatment session is finished, the stereotactic head frame is removed. In most cases, patients are able to leave the center on the same day as the procedure. Make sure to take it easy over the next 12 to 24 hours. While you can’t hear or feel the Gamma Knife treatment, you may feel some discomfort after the procedure such as a headache or mild nausea. In a day or so you should be able to return to your normal routines.

Contact Us

The Sutter Gamma Knife Center is located at the Fort Sutter Medical Complex, 2801 K St., Suite 110, Sacramento, CA 95816. Onsite parking is available, and the entrance is on K Street.

Phone — (916) 887-4600 or toll-free (888) 287-2270
Fax — (916) 887-4605
Email — gammaknife@sutterhealth.org