In the last decade, a number of novel methods—mostly minimally invasive—of surgical approaches to treating epilepsy have become more widespread. Among them are laser ablation, focused ultrasound, and responsive neurostimulation, among others. Specifically, the use of laser interstitial thermal ablation has grown extraordinarily popular.

At the 2019 International Epilepsy Congress, June 22-26, in Bangkok, Thailand, NeurologyLive® sat with Michael Sperling, MD, director, Jefferson Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, professor of neurology, Thomas Jefferson University, who gave an informative talk at the meeting about a number of new therapeutic technologies in the treatment of epilepsy. Sperling spoke about one specific method, laser ablation, which has been utilized at the Jefferson facility for almost 7 years.

Additionally, he shared insight into how this new minimally invasive method compares to traditional resective surgery in epilepsy, particularly by removing the need for craniotomy and thereby allowing patients to have a much shorter hospital stay and recovery time.

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