Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery at New York Methodist -- 718.246.8610

Treatment for Back Pain

Traditional spinal surgery for back pain and sciatica ranges from removal of herniated or slipped discs, to decompressing constricted nerves, to spinal fusion. The goal of surgical intervention is to take pressure off the nerves, and if necessary, stabilize and fuse the bones of the spine. This improves symptoms such as pain, numbness, and weakness.

Traditional surgical techniques often involve extensive muscle dissection, resulting in significant patient discomfort and prolonged recovery times. Minimally invasive spinal fusion is now possible, using small poke-hole incisions with minimal tissue dissection and live x-ray guidance, resulting in a faster recovery, less tissue damage, and less pain than traditional open spinal fusion surgery.

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) for Back Pain

With Radiofrequency Ablation (or RFA) doctors use radio waves to generate heat around a cell or tissue to ablate (or disable) it. RFA has also shown great promise in managing severe or chronic pain. This includes lower back (or lumbar) pain, certain types of spinal arthritis and post-traumatic pain (or whiplash).

Simply, the heat that is produced by the RFA signal ends the nerve cells ability to transmit pain indicators to the brain. By turning off the cells capacity to deliver the message the cell is then considered to be ablated or disconnected from the bodys communication system and the patient is relieved of pain.

RFA is a minimally invasive procedure so there are few side effects and recovery time is rapid. Secondly, you will be given a local anesthetic and mild sedative through an intravenous (IV) line, but you will remain fully awake throughout the entire process

Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson's, MS and Tremors

Patients with Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, or multiple sclerosis, who can no longer be helped with medication, can often be treated for tremors with deep brain stimulation (DBS).  This involves the implantation of electrodes that are placed in a small region of the brain that contributes to the symptoms.  These electrodes are placed through a minimal opening in the skull. A computer-guided brain navigation system, along with microelectrode recording—a highly advanced brain mapping method--are used to maximize accuracy. The electrodes are then connected by wires to a type of pacemaker device (called a pulse generator) that is implanted under the skin of the chest, below the collarbone. Once activated, the device sends continuous electrical pulses to the target areas in the brain, blocking the impulses that cause tremors. The stimulation can be turned on or off by the patient, with a hand-held magnet or an access control device. When necessary, the stimulator can be adjusted by the physician via a “remote control” device which works painlessly through the skin, thereby maximizing the benefits while minimizing the side effects.

Treatment for Brain Tumors

Tumors of the brain may arise from the brain tissue itself, or metastasize to the brain from a cancer in another part of the body. Common tumor types treated include: meningioma, glioma, ependymoma, vestibular schwannoma and pituitary tumor.  The goal of surgery is to remove as much of the tumor as possible while minimizing risks to the patient.  One of the ways risks are minimized is by using a computerized guidance system that allows for smaller openings and a more direct route to the tumor thereby minimizing unnecessary brain manipulation – a “GPS” system for the brain. In addition, other techniques such as neurophysiologic monitoring, make the surgery safer. If surgery is not indicated, highly focused radiation, also called stereotactic radiosurgery, is available.

Visit our Institute for Neurosciences. Or for more information, call 718.246.8610.