Takeaway
Adoption of stereotactic laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) for tumor reduction in neuro-oncological indications is growing rapidly, but still accounts for a very small minority of patients compared to those receiving conventional craniotomy.
Why this matters
Uptake of new technologies is an essential component of advancing healthcare, exemplified by the adoption of magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography techniques that now underpin modern neurosurgical care.
LITT is an innovative neurosurgical technique which uses a fiber optic probe to induce hyperthermia of an abnormal target, such as a tumor, resulting in thermal ablation and reduction of the tumor mass. It is minimally invasive and provides access to tumors that are difficult to reach with standard craniotomy.
Investigating the speed and characteristics of LITT uptake is important to understanding how novel technologies diffuse into the healthcare system.