Expanding Access to Help Keep Care Local
ThedaCare is the first health system in northeast and central Wisconsin to use a new image-guided laser technology to treat tumors and lesions in the brain.
The technology, called NeuroBlate® laser therapy, uses real-time magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to guide a precisely-controlled laser probe to a treatment area to help ablate abnormal tissue while potentially minimizing damage to surrounding healthy areas.
ThedaCare used the technology to help successfully treat the first patient in mid-January.
“This procedure may be a good alternative to treating a brain tumor or lesion through a large incision,” said Dr. Joseph Bovi, a Radiation Oncologist with ThedaCare Cancer Care. “For many patients, laser ablation may offer an important option when health status, age or tumor location makes traditional surgery too risky or when a less invasive approach is preferred.”
Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin is the first health care organization in the state to have used the NeuroBlate technology. Support from ThedaCare Foundation-Neenah helped facilitate ThedaCare’s purchase of the equipment.
“Transformative innovations like NeuroBlate are only made possible through the unwavering generosity of our donors,” said Barbara Beuscher, CFRE, Senior Vice President and Chief Philanthropy Officer, ThedaCare Family of Foundations “Their support is the catalyst that empowers ThedaCare to bring groundbreaking, life-changing technologies to our community, offering new hope to patients and families facing the most challenging diagnoses. We are profoundly grateful for their partnership in to improve the health and well-being of the communities we serve.”
Embracing the New Technology
NeuroBlate can be used to treat newly diagnosed (primary) brain tumors, especially deep-seated or hard-to-reach ones, as well as recurrent tumors, Dr. Bovi said.
With NeuroBlate, the surgeon attempts to ablate lesions in the brain. Unlike traditional brain surgery, a procedure with the laser therapy system does not require a large opening in the skull. Instead, the care team creates a small hole in the skull, about the diameter of a pencil.
While the patient is in the MRI machine, the surgeon uses an MRI compatible robot to help precisely position the laser probe into the lesion. The probe delivers laser light energy that can heat and destroy the affected tissue. Because NeuroBlate is MRI guided, the surgeon may better visualize the specific area of the brain to be treated and monitor temperature changes in real time, Dr. Bovi explained.
Utilizing the precision of MRI guidance may offer several benefits to a patient’s surgical experience, said Dr. Evan Krueger, a neurosurgeon with Neuroscience Group. He performs surgeries at ThedaCare.
“Patients who undergo laser ablation may experience a shorter hospital stay, lower risk of complication and hospital readmission rates,” he said. “For many, recovery may be faster, and patients may return more quickly to their daily activities.”
NeuroBlate laser therapy also offers a potentially decreased risk of surgical site infections, Dr. Krueger added.
Bringing the new technology to northeast and central Wisconsin is part of ThedaCare’s continued efforts to expand local access to health care services, Dr. Bovi said.
“Many patients have had to travel to southern Wisconsin to receive similar technology. With the support of the ThedaCare Family of Foundations, we are now able to provide this technology locally,” he said. “Enhancing access to advanced neurosurgical care close to home can help reduce long-distance travel for both pre- and post-operative visits, keep patients near their support systems, and may help improve overall recovery and experience.”
For more information about ThedaCare’s surgical and cancer care services, please visit ThedaCare.org.
About ThedaCare
For more than 115 years, ThedaCare® has been improving the health and well-being of the communities it serves in northeast and central Wisconsin. The organization delivers care to more than 650,000 residents in 17 counties, and employs approximately 7,000 providers and team members at 180 points of care, including 10 hospitals. As an organization committed to being a leader in Population Health, team members are dedicated to empowering people to live their unique, best lives. ThedaCare is a not-for-profit health system with a level II trauma center, comprehensive cancer treatment, stroke and cardiac programs, as well as primary care. ThedaCare also partners with communities to understand needs, find solutions together, and encourage health awareness and action. ThedaCare is part of Froedtert ThedaCare, Wisconsin’s most comprehensive health care system.