ThedaCare Offers a New Treatment for Brain Tumors

A new, minimally invasive treatment option for brain tumors and lesions is now available in northeast and central Wisconsin. ThedaCare became the first health system in the region to implement NeuroBlate® laser therapy in mid-January, successfully treating its first patient with the technology.

A New Approach to Brain Treatment

NeuroBlate utilizes real-time magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to precisely guide a laser probe to abnormal tissue within the brain. This allows for the ablation – or destruction – of tumors and lesions while potentially minimizing damage to surrounding healthy areas. The procedure differs significantly from traditional brain surgery, requiring only a small opening in the skull, approximately the diameter of a pencil.

Did You Know? Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin was the first healthcare organization in the state to utilize the NeuroBlate technology.

According to Dr. Joseph Bovi, a Radiation Oncologist with ThedaCare Cancer Care, the new technology “may be a good alternative to treating a brain tumor or lesion through a large incision.” He further explained that laser ablation could be a valuable option for patients for whom traditional surgery presents too high a risk due to health status, age, or tumor location, or when a less invasive approach is desired.

Benefits of Laser Ablation

The precision offered by MRI guidance during NeuroBlate therapy may lead to several benefits for patients. Dr. Evan Krueger, a neurosurgeon with Neuroscience Group who performs surgeries at ThedaCare, suggests patients undergoing laser ablation may experience shorter hospital stays, a lower risk of complications and readmission, and a faster recovery, allowing them to return to daily activities more quickly. The therapy also potentially reduces the risk of surgical site infections.

Expert Insight: The introduction of NeuroBlate represents a significant step toward expanding access to advanced neurosurgical care in a region where patients previously had to travel to southern Wisconsin for similar treatments. This localized availability could substantially improve the patient experience by reducing travel burdens and keeping individuals closer to their support networks.

ThedaCare’s adoption of this technology was supported by a contribution from ThedaCare Foundation-Neenah. Barbara Beuscher, CFRE, Senior Vice President and Chief Philanthropy Officer, ThedaCare Family of Foundations, emphasized the crucial role of donor support in bringing “transformative innovations” like NeuroBlate to the community.

Dr. Bovi noted that NeuroBlate can be used to treat both newly diagnosed and recurrent brain tumors, particularly those that are deep-seated or difficult to reach with conventional methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is NeuroBlate used to treat?

NeuroBlate can be used to treat newly diagnosed (primary) brain tumors, especially deep-seated or hard-to-reach ones, as well as recurrent tumors.

How does NeuroBlate differ from traditional brain surgery?

Unlike traditional brain surgery, NeuroBlate does not require a large opening in the skull. Instead, a small hole, about the diameter of a pencil, is created.

What are the potential benefits of NeuroBlate?

Patients who undergo laser ablation may experience a shorter hospital stay, lower risk of complication and hospital readmission rates, faster recovery, and a decreased risk of surgical site infections.

As ThedaCare integrates this new technology, it could potentially offer more treatment options and improved outcomes for patients facing challenging brain conditions. Further experience with NeuroBlate may reveal additional benefits and refine its application within the health system.