Leksell Gamma Knife Society Convenes in New York to Discuss Latest Radiosurgical Results and Technological Advances

NEW YORK, May 8, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Over 500 participants from 40 countries, including neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists, physicists and other healthcare providers, will gather next week (May 11-15) in New York City for the 17th International Leksell Gamma Knife Society Meeting to discuss the latest results of Gamma Knife® radiosurgery

"The multidisciplinary scientific program covers all aspects of innovation in Gamma Knife radiosurgery for complex brain disorders. It reflects expanding use of this non-invasive, cost effective therapy which is an adjunct and alternative to brain surgery and radiation therapy,"  said Jonathan Knisely, MD,  co-director of the North Shore-LIJ Cancer Institute's Center for Stereotactic Radiosurgery, which is hosting the event with North Shore-LIJ's Cushing Neuroscience Institute at the Sheraton Times Square.  "The theme is 'Giving It Your Best Shot,' in homage to the New York mindset but also to the Gamma Knife community's commitment to strive for excellent patient care through sharing best practices and collaborating on research."

To complement its existing stereotactic radiosurgery program, the North Shore-LIJ Health System installed the Leksell Gamma Knife® Perfexion™, earlier this year at its Center for Advanced Medicine in Lake Success, NY.  "The technological capabilities of the Gamma Knife are in increasingly high demand for the treatment of benign brain tumors, secondary malignant tumors (metastases), and other complex neurological disorders," said Michael Schulder, MD, FAANS, co-director of the North Shore-LIJ Cancer Institute's Center for Stereotactic Radiosurgery, director of the Cushing Neuroscience Institute's Brain Tumor Center and co-chair of the meeting. "With the addition of this technology, our multidisciplinary team of experts is able to provide patients with the most comprehensive options for minimally invasive treatment of neurological conditions at a single location."

About the Leksell Gamma Knife Society
The Leksell Gamma Knife Society was established in 1989 to provide a forum for Gamma Knife users to share best practices, clinical techniques and advanced scientific research in the quest to improve patient outcomes.  The biennial meeting results in a large number of clinical publications, in recent years published as a supplement to Journal of Neurosurgery. The Society plays an important role in increasing the visibility and acceptance of Gamma Knife surgery in the worldwide medical community, among healthcare providers and among patients. The open sharing of results and experiences allows all Gamma Knife users to maintain leadership in the field of intracranial radiosurgery, based on the most recent clinical advancements.

About North Shore-LIJ Health System
One of the nation's largest health systems, North Shore-LIJ delivers world-class clinical care throughout the New York metropolitan area, pioneering research at The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, a visionary approach to medical education highlighted by the Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of Medicine, and healthcare coverage to individuals, families and businesses through the North Shore-LIJ CareConnect Insurance Co. Inc. North Shore-LIJ cares for people at every stage of life at 17 hospitals and more than 400 outpatient physician practices throughout the region. North Shore-LIJ's owned hospitals and long-term care facilities house more than 6,000 beds, employ more than 10,000 nurses and have affiliations with over 9,400 physicians. With a workforce of about 48,000, North Shore-LIJ is the largest private employer in New York State.  For more information, go to www.northshorelij.com.

SOURCE North Shore-LIJ Health System; Leksell Gamma Knife Society