Abstract: Recent technological advancements in intraoperative imaging are shaping the way for a new era in brain tumor surgery. Magnetic resonance thermometry has provided intraoperative real-time imaging feedback for safe and effective application of laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) in neuro-oncology. Thermal ablation has also established itself as a surgical option in epilepsy surgery and is currently used in spine oncology with promising results. This article reviews the principles and rationale as well as the clinical application of LITT for brain tumors. It also discusses the technical nuances of the current commercially available systems.