"This action by BCBSNC represents a significant win for patients we see every day at Duke that don't otherwise have good surgical options due to the location of their tumor, recurrence, or their relative inability to undergo an open procedure," said Dr. Peter Fecci, neurosurgeon and director of the Duke Center for Brain and Spine Metastasis in Durham, N.C. "LITT has become an absolute staple of what we do at Duke to fulfill a clinical need for patients. I am also very appreciative of the collaborative efforts of the medical directors at BCBSNC."

NeuroBlate is the only minimally invasive, robotic, laser ablation tool that uses MRI-guided surgical ablation technology designed specifically for use in the brain. Unlike a craniotomy, in which part of the bone from the skull is removed and then replaced with multiple sutures, the NeuroBlate procedure is performed through a small hole in the skull about the diameter of a pencil. After the procedure, the skin is usually closed with one or two sutures, and the patient can return home after a short hospital stay.


To date, more than 3,000 procedures have been performed with the NeuroBlate System at more than 80 hospitals in the U.S. and Canada.


About Monteris® and the NeuroBlate® System
Monteris Medical is a privately held company that develops and markets innovative MRI-guided, laser based systems to perform minimally invasive brain surgery, commonly referred to as "LITT" (Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy) or "SLA" (Stereotactic Laser Ablation). Current investors include Birchview Capital, Versant Ventures, SightLine Partners, and BDC Capital. The Monteris NeuroBlate System is the only minimally invasive system that enables a robotic interface for the precise and safe delivery of laser energy. The NeuroBlate System is a tool and is not intended to treat any specific disease. Physicians should use their clinical judgment and experience when deciding whether to use NeuroBlate.

Back to HCB News

Rad Oncology Homepage