Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT) is a minimally invasive neurosurgical technique that uses laser-induced heat to thermally ablate intracranial or spinal lesions under real-time magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guidance.

While MRI is not absolutely required, effective and safe LITT—especially in the brain—relies on real-time MRI guidance. Alternative imaging lacks the precision and feedback necessary for delicate intracranial procedures.

Magnetic resonance image-guided laser interstitial thermal therapy

- A laser fiber is inserted stereotactically into the target lesion. - The laser emits infrared energy, which heats and destroys tissue via coagulative necrosis. - MRI thermometry is used during the procedure to monitor temperature distribution in real time and ensure precise thermal ablation while avoiding damage to adjacent healthy tissue.

- Brain metastases (especially post-radiation or deep-seated) - Radiation necrosis - Gliomas (low- and high-grade) - Epilepsy surgery (e.g., mesial temporal lobe sclerosis) - Occasionally used in spinal tumors and abscesses

- Minimally invasive (percutaneous) - Real-time thermal monitoring - Shorter recovery compared to open surgery

- Not suitable for large or irregularly shaped lesions - Risk of thermal injury to nearby eloquent structures - Lack of long-term randomized controlled trial data for many indications

- Stereotactic laser ablation - MR-guided laser interstitial therapy (MRgLITT)

🧷 Tag: `LITT` `minimally_invasive` `thermal_ablation` `neurosurgery`