The CyberKnife represents an entirely new approach to radiosurgery.  Incorporating a compact, lightweight linear accelerator mounted on a robotic arm (2), the CyberKnife provides the surgeon unparalleled flexibility in targeting.  The CyberKnife is the only stereotactic radiosurgery / radiotherapy instrument with true image guidance.  It is the only system to utilize the skeletal structure of the body as a reference frame for localizing the target.  And it is the only system that monitors and tracks patient position continually during treatment. 

The image guidance technology includes two diagnostic x-ray tubes (1), two x-ray generators, and two image detectors (3) that monitor patient movement.  The image guidance software, similar to that used for cruise missiles, communicates the target location to the robot to maintain alignment with the target, despite small patient movements.  The CyberKnife is currently cleared in the U.S.A. for treatment of tumors and other conditions of the brain, base of skull, neck, and spine as far inferior as the cervicothoracic junction.  Please visit Accuray Oncology for further information.