Hypothalamic Hamartoma Center

Our Hypothalamic Hamartoma Center brings together a dedicated team of specialists who are committed to delivering comprehensive care for patients with hypothalamic hamartomas. Our approach ensures that each patient receives a thorough evaluation. This includes a detailed review of medical records, and our team may conduct advanced imaging and other diagnostic tests to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to each patient's unique needs.

Our multidisciplinary team not only provides extensive assessments and diagnostic services, but also provides cutting-edge treatments, including state-of-the-art Laser ablation brain surgery, also known as Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT), which uses heat from precisely focused lasers to treat epilepsy and remove brain tumors.

We also facilitate regular patient care conferences to foster collaboration between clinical and research teams and provide educational programs aimed at improving the understanding, management and outcomes of this condition.

Laser Surgery for Hypothalamic Hamartomas

Phoenix Children’s is one of the few children’s hospitals in the country to offer Laser Ablation, also known as Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT), surgery for epilepsy and brain tumors. Between 2017 to 2023, our team has completed 148 LITT cases with no ablation-related complications. Approximately 64% of patients achieve seizure freedom with a minimum of 12 months follow-up, highlighting the efficacy and safety of this technique.

Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT) is a promising, minimally invasive alternative for treating hypothalamic hamartomas. This technique uses a laser, guided by real-time MRI, to precisely remove the hamartoma. LITT combines the immediate effect of thermal ablation with the precision of stereotactic navigation and real-time magnetic resonance thermography, significantly improving safety and efficacy.

Treating hypothalamic hamartomas has traditionally been challenging due to their deep location in the brain and proximity to critical structures. LITT is a less invasive alternative to conventional brain surgery, allowing for a much smaller incision and less disturbance to surrounding brain tissue. The use of real-time imaging allows for precise targeting of the hypothalamic hamartoma, ensuring accurate removal. Patients also generally experience a rapid recovery and a short hospital stay, highlighting the minimally invasive nature of the procedure.

Additionally, LITT's flexibility allows for repeat treatments if necessary, making it a versatile and adaptable option for managing hypothalamic hamartoma and other forms of epilepsy.