Surgeons at Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) have successfully treated an epilepsy patient using a high precision thermal (laser) therapy. It allows for greatly reduced invasive surgical treatments for epileptic patients.
MRI is used to help target the area of the brain to be operated on. The procedure is able to eliminate a seizure focus with pinpoint accuracy.

“This procedure is indicated for patients suffering from drug-resistant epilepsy when the seizure focus has been clearly identified,” Philippe Ryvlin, head of the clinical neuroscience department at the CHUV is quoted as saying.

During the procedure, an MRI is done first to precisely map out the area of affected brain. The laser is then applied to this area through a tiny perforated hole in the skull, without the need for open brain surgery.

The method also allows for a shortened period of hospitalisation compared with conventional surgery, according to the statement.