Visualase™ laser ablation. Small incision. Big difference.
The minimally invasive alternative to open brain surgery that means less time in hospital, and more time making memories.
What is laser ablation?
If medication isn’t working for you, there’s still hope. Visualase™ laser ablation uses MRI images to guide a small catheter to the exact location of the seizure focus. This precision ensures only the problematic tissue is targeted, protecting healthy tissue nearby.
What this means compared to open brain surgery
- A shorter hospital stay1-8
- Shorter recovery time1
- Lower risk of infection9-10
- Higher patient satisfaction1,11,12
- Less scaring from a small incision (4mm)
- You keep your hairstyle due to minimal shaving
As with any surgical procedure, there can be risks associated with Visualase MRI-guided Ablation. Be sure to discuss the safety and potential risks of this therapy with your doctor. A prescription is required. This therapy is not for everyone. Individual results may vary.
How it works
What you can expect
Brain surgery doesn’t have to mean a lengthy recovery period. With nearly 20 years of experience, we help you get back to what matters most – spending time with the people you love.
Preparation
Your physician will get all the precise information they need to ensure they have everything ready for your procedure.
- MRI images of the area to be ablated and “maps” where the lasers will be applied
- Precise measurement
Procedure
Laser ablation is typically inserted in a surgical room before the ablation is performed in an MRI under general anesthesia.
- A special frame may be attached to the scalp under anesthesia to help locate the exact target within the brain
- A small hole in the skull is made to make access easier
- The surgeon uses “mapping” to direct a catheter to the problem lesion. This is confirmed with MRI images
- The laser at the tip of a thin tube gives off heat to destroy the problem tissue. Doctors watch the temperature closely with MRI and keep it cooled using saline
- Once the area has been ablated, the catheter is removed, and the incision is closed with one or two sutures (stitches)
Recovery
You can get back to living life sooner with Visualase™, with lower infection risk9,10, shorter hospital stays1-8 and lower 30-day readmission rates11,12 than open brain surgery.
- 1-2 nights in hospital for observation
- Medication to reduce swelling if needed
- Most people begin normal activities within a week
- Complete recovery may take several weeks
- Recovery instructions will vary for each person, please consult your doctor.
Is Visualase™ right for you?
Visualase™ has already changed the lives of over 11,000 people with focal epilepsy and brain tumors. While it’s not suitable for everyone, this simple checklist can help you explore whether it might be a good fit for you. The best way to find out what’s right for your specific situation is to talk to your doctor.
Visualase™ may be an option if you:
- Have focal epilepsy (your epilepsy is limited to a specific location in the brain)
- Are drug-resistant to antiepileptic medications
- Are a candidate for resection surgery, you may be a candidate for laser ablation.
You may not be eligible for Visualase™ if:
- You’re diagnosed with generalized epilepsy
- You have medical conditions that are contraindicated for MRI
- You have implanted medical devices that are contraindicated for MRI
- Your physician has determined that laser ablation (LITT) is not acceptable
- Invasive surgical procedures in the brain are not appropriate for you
John's story
Hear first-hand how Visualase™ has given John the freedom to enjoy his passions again.
“Now I can drive a car and get my driver’s license. That is true freedom”
— John, 18. Patient with focal epilepsy
This video expresses individual experiences with Medtronic Visualase™ laser ablation. Not everyone who receives Visualase™ laser ablation will receive the same results.
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Medtronic provides this listing to assist indicated patients’ access to care. Medtronic has no vested interest in any specific provider, nor do we provide any recommendation, assurance, or guarantee with respect to their service. Medtronic does not verify or monitor the license, credentials, accreditations or qualifications of any provider listed in the Physician Finder. Information on this site should not be used as a substitute for physician consultation. Patients should always talk with their provider about diagnosis and treatment information. The list of providers may not include all of those in your area who are qualified to deliver care. There is no cost associated for providers to be included on this list. Some providers on this list may purchase products from Medtronic or may act as paid consultants to Medtronic.
What to ask your doctor
We've put together some things to consider when talking with your physician.
