Main description:

The History of the Gamma Knife presents the evolution of concepts and technology which ended in the production of the modern Gamma Knife. The story starts before the Second World War and links pioneers in Berkeley and Sweden. To the best of the author's belief it is the first detailed, factually accurate account of the development of this important therapeutic method.

Contents:

1. Background knowledge in the early days 2. Some physics from 550 BC to AD 1948 3. Medical physics - particle accelerators - the beginning 4. From particle accelerator to radiosurgery 5. Stereotactic and radiosurgery concepts in sweden 6. Stereotactic and radiosurgery research in sweden 7. The journey from proton to gamma knife 8. The earliest gamma unit patients 9. Stockholm radiosurgery developing 1968-1982 10. From stockholm to pittsburgh 11. Changing times and early debates 12. The development of dose planning 13. Changing the gamma knife 14. Conclusion and possible future trends