The Department of Neurological Surgery offers a three-day basic training course for nurses and other allied health care personnel interested in providing clinical care for patients undergoing Gamma Knife radiosurgery.

Through attendance at this continuing education program, registrants should demonstrate proficiency at the practical aspects of patient care during stereotactic radiosurgery using the Leksell Gamma Knife. Principles of device management, patient preparation, patient education, neuroimaging, and post-radiosurgery care, as they apply to single-session, focused, small volume irradiation will be covered in depth. At the close of the program, participants should be able to discuss those issues relevant to patient preparation and care during radiosurgery.

The next course is scheduled for September 14-16, 2009.

For additional training options, or other information, please contact Jonet Vacsulka at (412) 647-9992.

Topics
Course Directors/Faculty
Registration

Topics

Overview of Gamma Knife Radiosurgery
Frame/Fiducials/Coils/Angiograms Care and Set-Up
MR Issues with Tour of MRI, CT and Angio Suites
Patient Teaching and Preparation
Patient Scheduling/Insurance Issue
Dose Planning
Informed Consent
Hands On Training
Frame Application
MRI Experience

Course Directors/Faculty

Dr. L. Dade Lunsford, MD
Lars Leksell Professor, Department of Neurological Surgery
Co-director, Center for Image-Guided Neurosurgery
University of Pittsburgh

Dr. Douglas Kondziolka, MD, MSc, FRCS (C)
Peter J. Jannetta Professor of Neurological Surgery
Co-director, Center for Image-Guided Neurosurgery
University of Pittsburgh

• Nursing Faculty

Jonet Vacsulka, RN, BSN
Donna Brenlove, RN
Cheryl Rodgers, RN
Debra Jeannette, RN
Frank Taormina, ST

• Neuroradiology

Michael Horowitz, MD
Associate Professor of Neurological Surgery/Radiology
University of Pittsburgh

• Neurosurgery

Ajay Niranjan, MCh
Assistant Professor Neurological Surgery
University of Pittsburgh

• Radiation Oncology

John C. Flickinger, MD
Assistant Professor of Radiation Oncology
University of Pittsburgh

• Administration

Charlene H. Baker

Registration

Please contact Jonet Vacsulka at (412) 647-9992 regarding registration and tuition costs. As course enrollment is limited to 20 persons, early registration is recommended. Fax number is (412) 647-8447.

A .pdf version of the program/registration form is available for download.