Neurosurgeons at St. Joseph's Hospital Treat Patients by Using Advanced Surgery Procedures

St. Joseph's Hospital has three dedicated neurosurgery operating rooms manned by our highly skilled, specially trained staff. Our neurosurgeons are well known for their clinical expertise in treating a variety of issues including:

• Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs)
• Brain and spine tumors
• Brain aneurysms
• Carotid artery disease
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Degenerative disc disease
• Parkinson's disease
• Peripheral nerve conditions
• Spinal fractures and injuries
• Stroke

A Variety of Surgical Options Provides Individualized Results

The neurosurgeons use the latest techniques to provide expert care. Our surgical areas of expertise include:

3-D Image-Guided Surgery System

CT or MRI images used in diagnostic testing are converted into 3-D and synchronized with real-time information provided by LED cameras in the operating room. Physicians using a 3-D image-guided system have the ability to create an exact and detailed plan for surgery, as well as the ability to track the instrument.

Artificial Disk Replacement

This cutting-edge procedure provides a motion-preserving alternative treatment to spinal fusion. The surgeon replaces the damaged disk with an implantable artificial disk made of polyethylene plastic.

Endovascular Neurosurgery

This evolving specialty uses cutting-edge medical technology to provide minimally invasive treatment of neurovascular diseases affecting the brain. Neuro-endovascular therapy is used in the treatment of:

• Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs)
• Brain tumor
• Carotid artery stenosis
• Cerebral aneurysms
• Intracranial stenosis
• Stroke

Catheters are used to treat blood vessels with balloons, platinum coils, liquid adhesive or stents, depending on the type of problem. Specialty-trained physicians perform these procedures in a state-of-the-art, bi-plane angiography suite that provides real-time visual navigation. Interventional treatment options include:

• Carotid stenting
• Embolization
• Intracranial coiling
• Intracranial stenting
• Intracranial tPA (the medication used to dissolve blood clots)

Diagnosis and treatment of these neurovascular conditions is enhanced by our TeraRecon workstation. A computer-aided reconstruction of 3-D images allows for full-color visualization of vascular structures and aides in the evaluation and treatment of vascular disease. 

Patient benefits of endovascular neurosurgery include:

• Viable alternative for patients who cannot undergo open surgical procedures due to medical condition, health or age
• Minimally invasive
• No brain or cranial nerve manipulation
• Less painful
• Faster recovery compared to traditional treatment options
• Shorter hospital stay.

Minimally Invasive Spinal Fusion

Using microsurgical and endoscopic instruments, surgeons make two mini-incisions to perform lumbar fusion surgery. Patients of this method experience a quicker recovery and shorter hospital stay.

Treatment of Ruptured Aneurysms

A study found that in patients equally suited for both treatment options--endovascular coiling versus surgical clipping--that the coiling treatment produces substantially better patient outcomes than surgery in terms of survival free of disability at one year. This study provides compelling evidence that, if medically possible, all patients with ruptured brain aneurysms should receive an endovascular consultation as part of the protocol for the treatment of brain aneurysms.