Radiosurgery treatments can be performed with precision and speed, often in just a few minutes per day

In a promising development for cancer patients in the Caribbean region, North Shore Medical Center is the first hospital in Miami to install the Edge™ system for high-precision radiosurgery. This new technology gives patients a non-invasive alternative to traditional surgery.

Developed by Varian Medical Systems, the Edge™ radiosurgery system accurately targets tumors and other abnormalities without an incision or the need for recovery in a hospital setting. Its knifelike beam can accurately target tumors of the brain, spine, lung and other areas that are typically difficult to treat surgically.

“The addition of this technology allows us to offer patients a fully-integrated solution for planning and administering radiosurgery treatments,” said Dr. Vincent H. Patone, radiation oncologist and medical director of the Cancer Center at North Shore Medical Center. “With cancer being the second leading cause of death in the Caribbean and Latin America., it is our goal to make sure we are doing everything possible to achieve a positive outcome for our patients.”

The Edge™ system delivers radiosurgery treatments quickly while monitoring and compensating for motion through the use of advanced imaging and real-time motion tracking technologies. A complex radiosurgery that typically takes 30 to 60 minutes can usually be completed in less than 15 minutes.

“We are pleased to bring to the global community a promising new cancer therapy that can potentially save lives and dramatically reduce the length and risk of treatment,” said Manny Linares, hospital CEO. “This investment builds on the strength of our oncology program and demonstrates our commitment to diagnosing and treating patients with the latest cutting-edge medical technology.”

Varian’s Calypso® “GPS for the Body” system is also used to track tumor position in real time. Even tumors that move when a patient breathes (for example, those in the lung, liver or breast) can be precisely targeted due to special tools that compensate for motion throughout a treatment.

Additionally, the Edge™ system can alert clinicians if a patient has moved in a way that could compromise treatment accuracy. A sophisticated treatment couch with six axes of motion enhances treatment precision by providing many angles of attack for targeting tumors while minimizing exposure of nearby critical organs.

Almost everyone is touched by cancer at some point – whether personally, or through a loved one. If you’re interested in learning more about the Cancer Center at North Shore Medical Center, please visit www.tenetfloridainternational.com

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About Tenet Florida International:

With its close proximity and world-class healthcare, south Florida has been a preferred destination for patients from the Caribbean and Latin America seeking healthcare outside of their borders. As one of the largest healthcare networks in south Florida, Tenet Florida hospitals and outpatient centers are swiftly becoming a favored choice for health services by international patients. Tenet Florida comprises nine acute care hospitals with ten sites of service throughout Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade Counties.

Tenet Florida Hospitals’ specialized centers of excellence include:

2 major trauma hospitals (Level I)
1 pediatric hospital
6 bariatric centers
5 cardiac centers
10 orthopedic hospitals
3 NICU centers – level III (highest certification)
4 oncology centers
10 comprehensive & primary stroke centers
1 pediatric cardiology center
1 pediatric neurosurgery center
1 gamma knife center

Together, the nine hospitals with ten sites of service provide some of the most comprehensive, specialized medical, surgical and outpatient services in a single healthcare network. From the routine to the most challenging cases, Tenet Florida hospitals and outpatient centers have a strong reputation for delivering high quality healthcare and outstanding customer service. For more information on Tenet’s International program please email our team at [email protected]

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