Stereotactic Laser Ablation Program

The Neuroscience Institute at Children's Hospital Colorado is a nationally recognized leader in the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy and seizure disorders in babies, kids and young adults. As a Level IV Epilepsy Center, we offer the highest level of care possible. 

Stereotactic Laser Ablation (SLA) is a minimally invasive procedure that destroys lesions (tissue that has suffered damage through injury or disease) in the brain that cause seizures. In this procedure, a laser fiber is placed into the area causing seizures with computer-assisted stereotactic guidance. The laser offers precise destruction of soft tissue that can be visualized in real time on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which maximizes control and safety. 

Children’s Colorado was one of the first children’s hospitals to embrace this new technology. SLA has been developed and extensively tested over the past decades by Visualase.

Benefits of Stereotactic Laser Ablation:

• A minimally invasive surgical option for some patients with refractory epilepsy (seizures that are not controlled with seizure medications)
• Short hospitalization (many patients go home the day after surgery)
• Minimal surgical pain and scarring
• Maximal safety due to real-time MRI monitoring of the surgery
• The chance to cure certain cases of epilepsy

Why choose Children's Hospital Colorado?

The Neuroscience Institute at Children’s Colorado cares for babies, kids and young adults who suffer from neurological disorders including epilepsy and seizures. The Pediatric Epilepsy Program at Children’s Colorado offers state-of-the-art treatment and evaluation by a multidisciplinary care team consisting of neurosurgeons, neuropsychologists, social workers, nurses, dietitians and epileptologists (doctors who specialize in the treatment of epilepsy) who are all trained in child-centered care. 

Our patients range from children who have just experienced their first seizure, to those suffering from chronic and debilitating epilepsy. We’re also closely affiliated with local organizations and epilepsy resources to understand and meet the needs of our patients.

Learn more about our treatment for epilepsy.