A new system for minimal invasive ablation of deep seated brain tumours

The paper presents the design of a novel stereotactic probe for minimal invasive, laser-based treatment of deep seated brain lesions. It promises to overcome the restrictions of present treatments where, due to the critical location, the resection of tumour or necrotic tissue is not possible. The probe is coupled to a Nd:YLF laser system which generates laser pulses with a pulse width of only a few picoseconds. These pulses initiate a plasma-induced tissue ablation and cause no unwanted thermal or mechanical side effects. Further parts of the probe system are formed by mechanical components to generate a preplanned movement of the laser focus, an irrigation and pressure control system, and a confocal laser scanning microscope. The probe has a diameter of 5.5 mm and may be inserted into the brain up to a depth of 100 mm based on stereotactic planning methods. Preclinical tests have successfully demonstrated the functionality of a prototype system.