Technical Considerations for LITT: Getting Through the Procedure

Laser ablation has become an integral tool within the neurosurgeon’s armamentarium. Applicability to a wide range of pathologies, while maintaining a minimally invasive profile, has been a key driving factor for laser ablation’s success. It has become increasingly utilized in the management of epilepsy and intracranial tumors. Two major laser ablation systems are commercially available at the present time. Neurosurgeons around the world utilize various stereotactic systems for laser insertion. However, the general principles guiding this procedure remain similar. This chapter should serve as a step-by-step how-to guide for operators. Our hope is that neurosurgeons can use this as a manual in their own practice for performing this operation.