First MRI-Guided Laser Ablation Surgery for Drug-Resistant Epilepsy Performed at Beijing Tiantan Puhua Hospital

On August 11, Beijing Tiantan Puhua Hospital achieved a significant milestone by performing its first MRI-guided laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) for a 13-year-old patient with drug-resistant epilepsy. The patient, who had experienced frequent seizures since the age of six, had not responded to multiple antiepileptic drugs or previous surgeries.

The epileptic focus was located in the right paracentral lobule. Utilizing advanced MRI guidance, the surgical team precisely targeted the lesion using a laser fiber inserted through a small incision. The procedure was completed in 50 minutes, with postoperative imaging confirming the accuracy of the ablation.

Post-surgery, the patient experienced a smooth recovery and was discharged shortly thereafter. This case highlights the effectiveness of LITT in treating drug-resistant epilepsy, offering a safer and less invasive option compared to traditional open surgery.