Korea University Guro Hospital has begun full-scale clinical operation of Esprit, the latest-generation Gamma Knife system designed for the treatment of brain tumors and cerebrovascular diseases.
The newly installed Esprit system marks a significant advancement in Gamma Knife technology, incorporating and refining the key strengths of earlier platforms, including Perfexion and ICON. Through this upgrade, the hospital seeks to enhance patient comfort while delivering greater precision and efficiency in radiosurgical treatment.
One of the most notable advancements of the Esprit system is its frameless treatment capability, which significantly enhances patient comfort. Conventional Gamma Knife procedures required a rigid frame to be attached to the patient’s skull using screws for precise targeting. Esprit, however, replaces this invasive approach with a custom-fitted thermoplastic mask that enables secure immobilization without pain. Integrated with a real-time infrared motion management system and submillimeter accuracy of up to 0.15 mm, the platform continuously tracks even the slightest patient movement, allowing highly precise radiosurgical treatment without invasive fixation. As a result, the system greatly reduces both the physical discomfort and psychological stress associated with treatment.
In addition, Esprit incorporates Lightning, the latest AI-powered treatment planning software designed to streamline radiosurgical workflow. Treatment plans that once required labor-intensive manual optimization can now be generated automatically, reducing planning time by more than 80%, while radiation delivery time may be shortened by up to 50%. This improvement not only minimizes patient waiting times, but also enhances protection of critical normal structures—including the optic and auditory nerves, which are particularly sensitive to radiation—thereby enabling safer and more precise treatment.
President Byung Wook Min of Korea University Guro Hospital stated, “The introduction of this next-generation Gamma Knife system underscores our commitment to delivering safer, more precise, and patient-centered care for patients with complex brain disorders. We will continue to invest in advanced medical infrastructure and innovative technologies that improve both patient experience and clinical outcomes.”