Advantages & Outcomes
Hope in the Heartland: Arkansas Woman Benefits From Cutting-Edge
Medical Technology
Cindy was 21 years old when her arteriovenous malformation
(AVM) of the brain hemorrhaged. After a hospital stay of one
month, Cindy was discharged in the care of her parents and
was unable to walk or sit up and had very poor memory. She
gradually recovered at home for the next 18 months, following
which she obtained an apartment of her own. Because there
was significant risk for further hemorrhage in her lifetime,
Cindy and her parents reviewed and researched the options
for treatment, including surgical removal of the AVM or stereotactic
radiosurgery. Cindy did not want to take the chances associated
with surgery or go through another extended period of recuperation.
She elected to proceed with Gamma Knife radiosurgery. On September
16, 1994, Cindy had the Gamma Knife procedure, which was performed
by neurosurgeon, Jonathan Chilton, M.D., and radiation oncologist,
Jay Robinow, M.D. Cindy had no problems with the procedure
and returned to Arkansas the following day.
Slightly more than one year after treatment, on October 2,
1995, Cindy had a cerebral angiogram that showed nearly total
obliteration of the AVM. A second angiogram at 37 months post
treatment showed complete obliteration of the malformation.
Cindy no longer has to worry about the possibility of a devastating
hemorrhage from this AVM, and no additional follow up will
be necessary.
Today, thanks to Gamma Knife treatment, Cindy leads a healthy
and happy life. "Gamma Knife is rapidly replacing the
need for open skull surgery for arteriovenous malformations"
explains Dr. Chilton, who is Director of the Midwest Gamma
Knife Center. "Although not all patients with AVM's are
candidates for radiosurgery, every patient with an AVM should
discuss this option with their neurosurgeon before proceeding
with treatment."
Wichita Woman Benefits From
Cutting-Edge Medical Technology
Topeka Man Benefits From Cutting-Edge
Medical Technology
Kansas City Woman Benefits From Cutting-Edge
Medical Technology
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