These two procedures are
used to treat osteoporosis. Cement is injected
between the vertebrae to give support and strength to
the spine, relieving pressure on the nerves and pain.
Deep brain
stimulation
This procedure is used to
treat Parkinson’s disease and essential tremors. It
involves using stimulation through a wire in the brain
to find the portion of the brain that is causing the
tremors. A wire is then placed in that spot and
attached to a battery to block the nerve messages that
cause the tremors.
Gamma Knife
A Gamma knife for the treatment
of brain cancer and disorders is on site. For more
information see gkspokane.com
Brachytherapy
(Radioactive seed implantation)
Brachytherapy is the temporary
or permanent implantation of radioactive seeds. The
radioactivity destroys cancer cells. It is most
often used in brain, prostate, lung, breast, esophageal,
rectum and GYN procedures.
High-Dose-Rate
(HDR) Brachytherapy
Deaconess has the only HDR
technology in this area. It uses radioactive
pellets or seeds to apply radiation to a very specific
area. The HDR machine delivers a higher dose rate of
radiation than routine brachytherapy. A catheter
(tube) is placed in the cancerous area. A seed
is sent down the catheter, left in for a few minutes
to achieve the radiation dose and then removed. The
catheter may be left in place for up to a few days if
more than one application is prescribed.
