How many 60Co sources are used in gamma knife radiosurgery?

In gamma knife radiosurgery, the treatment system typically utilizes a specific configuration of cobalt-60 (60Co) sources to deliver precise and targeted radiation doses to tumors within the brain. The correct answer indicates that this system uses 201 cobalt-60 sources.

The design of the gamma knife aims to achieve a high level of precision and conformity in radiation delivery, which is facilitated by the use of multiple sources. The 201 sources are symmetrically arranged within the head frame of the device, allowing for focused convergence of the beams onto the target area. This configuration enables the treatment of complex lesions while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues.

This number on the gamma knife system is also associated with the ability to finely tune the dose distribution, which is critical in radiosurgery. Understanding the mechanics of the gamma knife's use of 60Co sources is essential for dosimetrists to accurately plan treatments and calculate radiation dose distributions effectively.