Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT)
Laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) uses focused heat delivered through a small laser probe to treat certain brain lesions or tumors with minimally invasive techniques.
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Brain & Spine Tumors
We have decades of experience caring for patients with brain & spine tumors, pioneering minimally invasive treatments and leading research for new treatments to improve patient outcomes.
What Is Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT)?
Laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) is a minimally invasive treatment that uses a thin laser probe to deliver controlled heat to a targeted area in the brain. The heat is used to destroy abnormal tissue while helping protect nearby healthy structures. LITT may be considered for some brain tumors, recurrent tumors or other carefully selected brain lesions.
Why Choose Baptist Health?
At Baptist Health Brain & Spine Care, patients receive care from physicians who focus on complex neurological conditions and advanced treatment planning. For people being evaluated for LITT, care often involves a multidisciplinary team that may include neurosurgery, neuro-oncology, radiation oncology, neuroradiology and supportive care services.
Because LITT is not the right treatment for every patient, the care team start with a careful review of imaging, symptoms, overall health and treatment goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
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LITT is considered a minimally invasive surgical treatment. It uses a small opening and a thin laser probe rather than a larger open operation, but it still requires careful planning, imaging guidance and specialist care.
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LITT may be used for certain brain tumors, recurrent tumors, radiation-related tissue injury or other selected brain lesions. Whether it is appropriate depends on the location, size, symptoms and your overall treatment plan.
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Some patients may be candidates when a lesion is small, in a hard-to-reach area or when a less invasive option is being considered. Candidacy can only be determined after imaging review and evaluation by a physician.
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LITT may reduce tissue disruption because it is minimally invasive, but no procedure is risk-free. The safest option depends on the exact diagnosis, where the lesion is located and what treatment goals need to be achieved.
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Recovery time varies from person to person. Some patients recover faster than they would after open surgery, but the timeline depends on the condition being treated, the area of the brain involved and whether additional therapy is needed.
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Possibly. Some patients need follow-up imaging, medicines, rehabilitation, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or another procedure. LITT is often one part of a broader care plan rather than the only treatment.
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LITT is typically planned and performed with detailed imaging guidance. During treatment, temperature monitoring helps physicians see how heat is affecting the target area in real time.
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Risks can include bleeding, infection, swelling, seizures, neurological symptoms or anesthesia-related complications. The exact risks depend on the treatment area and your medical history, so your physician will review the details with you.
Pioneering The Cures Of Tomorrow
Our researchers play a vital role in helping us better understand brain and spine disease. They participate in a wide variety of clinical trials dedicated to improving treatments that will ultimately lead to better patient outcomes. Learn more about their work and what it means to be involved in a clinical trial.
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