For patients with drug-resistant epilepsy, i.e. failure to become and stay seizure free with adequate trials of at least two antiepileptic drugs, LITT has shown promise in targeting seizure-causing tissue with precision. For this patient category LITT may be considered medically necessary (ref Blue Cross¹).

In treating brain tumors, including glioblastoma and metastases, LITT allows surgeons to ablate tumor tissue while preserving nearby critical structures, which can lead to faster recovery and shorter hospital stays. These are important considerations for both patient comfort and healthcare resources. The AANS-CNS position statement 2021² concludes “consensus that intracranial LITT should be considered as a potential option for patients with recurrent or progressive malignant tumor (primary or metastatic), lesion(s) inaccessible to surgical resection, or when the patient is unable to tolerate surgical resection due to medical comorbidities.”