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Changing what’s possible

For your brain tumour patients, the Visualase™ MRI-Guided Laser Ablation system changes what’s possible in terms of treatment and recovery. By ablating tumours in the brain with unmatched precision,1-3 the Visualase™ system has the potential to not only treat, but cure patients4 – in a minimally-invasive procedure.5,6

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Is the Visualase™ system right for my patient?

Treatment with the Visualase™ system can mean less time in the hospital, and faster recovery for your brain tumour patients.7 Find out more about the approved indications.

How can I refer my patient for a Visualase™ procedure?

We can connect you with neurosurgeons who perform Visualase™ procedures in your area. Fill out the contact form at the bottom of the page to speak with a Medtronic representative – or join the Visualase™ community to access information and resources that can help guide you.

Tumour removal

Brain tumour or neoplasm are the variety of diseases in which cells escape the control mechanisms that normally limit growth and division.8

Brain tumours can be benign or malignant; localised or infiltrating.8

The likelihood of an adult surviving a brain tumour is > 10 years in England and Wales, 2010-11.9

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Standard removal

Resective surgery is the recommended treatment option for various tumour types in adults, according to the U.S. National Cancer Institute.10

For brain metastases, resective surgery has a more restricted role; however, evidence shows survival benefits for selected patients with good prognosis with up to three metastatic sites.11,12

With advancements in intraoperative image guidance and microsurgery, mortality and morbidity rates related to craniotomies for metastases have decreased over the years.13

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Maximal resection improves survival in glioblastomas

+3.2 months with 100% extent of resection.14
There is growing evidence suggesting that more extensive resection is associated with longer life expectancy for both low and high-grade gliomas.14

High risk of complications

Resective surgery for brain tumours comes with a significant risk of major complications.15

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The main risk factors

Patients who undergo a longer resective surgery tend to have more incidences of complications, than those with a shorter surgery duration. Several groups are at higher risk of complications, including patients who are obese.16

Those with a normal immune response still face substantial risks when undergoing neurosurgery, including the risk of infection, particularly meningitis, subdural empyema, and cerebral abscess.17

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The Visualase™ system for brain tumour

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Resolving symptoms

For patients with metastatic brain cancer, treatment with the Visualase™ system means radiation necrosis is less likely to progress, or recur. 76% of metastatic brain cancer patients had no recurrence or progressions of radiation necrosis after treatment with the Visualase™ system.4

Patients with brain metastases have had similar results after treatment with the Visualse™ system. Before treatment, headaches, seizures, weakness, and ambulation were common symptoms; after treatment with the Visualase™ system, 71% of patients saw a complete symptom resolution or reduction.4

 

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Lower risks

Treatment with the Visualase™ system is associated with a lower likelihood of complications than other treatment options. Patients are at low risk of permanent complications, and low to moderate risk of symptomatic complications after Visualase™ treatment.18

Less invasive

Hospital stays are usually just a day for most patients who undergo a Visualase™ procedure. Not only does less time in the hospital mean patients get to go back to their lives sooner, but this could also offset costs to hospitals. Laser ablation for brain tumour costs the same as, or less than craniotomy.19

Associated with a shorter hospital stay

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Treatment with the Visualase™ system often means less time in hospital for brain tumour patients, with most patients being discharged in as little as a day after surgery.

Less time in the hospital means more time for living.

Disease control

 

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Early evidence from one study suggests that the Visualase™ system may be effective in providing local control and resolving or reducing symptoms.

Low risk of complications

 

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Early evidence shows a low risk of permanent complications and a low to moderate risk of symptomatic and devicerelated complications

Better support

We can help you find a treatment option that is right for your patient. Our team is here to support you with the information you need to make the most informed decisions for your patient’s care.

Sign up to be contacted by a Medtronic representative for more customised support, to be notified of educational opportunities, and to hear about our latest product innovations.

Contact us

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Brief statement:
See the device manual for detailed information regarding the instructions for use, indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions and potential adverse events. For further information, contact your local Medtronic representative and/or consult the Medtronic website at www.medtronic.eu.
  1. Yuen et al, 2014, Stereotact Funct Neurosurg. 92(3):160-169
  2. Hawasli et al, 2012, Operative Neurosurgery, 70:onsE332-onsE338
  3. Mohammadi et al, 2014, Expert Review of Medical Devices, 11(2):109-119
  4. Rao et al, 2014, Neurosurgery, 74:658-667
  5. Petito et al, 2018, Epilepsy & Behavior, 78:37-44
  6. Waseem et al, 2015, Epilepsy & Behavior, 51:152-157
  7. Tan et al, 2003, Neurosurgery, 53, 82-89
  8. Hanahan et al, 2011, Cell, 144
  9. Cancer Research UK, 2016
  10.  U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2016
  11.  Paek et al, 2005, Neurosurgery, 56, 1021-1034 
  12. Stark et al, 2005, Neurosurgery Rev, 28, 115-119
  13.  As compared to open craniotomy. Leuthardt et al, 2017, Pharmacoecon Open, 1, 53-63
  14.  Sanai et al, 2011, Neurosurgery, 115: 3–8
  15. Bekelis K, Bakhoum SF, Desai A, et al. J Neurooncol 2013;113:57–64.
  16.  Dasenbrocket al, 2016, J Neurosurg., 20:1-13
  17.  Gaviani et al, 2011,Neurol Sci., 32 Suppl 2:S233-6
  18.  Carpentier et al, 2011, 43(10):943-50
  19.  Jethwa et al, 2012, Neurosurgery, 71(1 Suppl Operative):133-44; 144-5