How many cobalt sources are contained in the gamma knife unit?

The gamma knife unit is a specialized tool used in stereotactic radiosurgery, primarily for treating small brain tumors and other neurological conditions. It utilizes gamma radiation emitted from cobalt-60 sources to deliver precise doses of radiation while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues.

The number of cobalt sources in a traditional gamma knife unit is indeed 201. This large number of sources allows for a highly focused and conformal radiation dose to be delivered to the target area, which is critical for maximizing treatment effectiveness and minimizing harm to healthy structures in the region. The arrangement of these sources in a spherical configuration around the treatment area contributes to the unique ability of the gamma knife to converge many beams of radiation onto a single point, resulting in a concentrated dose at the tumor site.

Understanding this quantity and configuration of sources is key to comprehending how the gamma knife achieves its therapeutic goals and how it differentiates itself from other radiation therapy modalities.