Author: Neurosurgery News

Device for noninvasive brain biopsies via blood draw moves closer to market approval

FDA grants WashU-based technology ‘Breakthrough Device’ designation A device aimed at enabling neurosurgeons and other physicians to perform noninvasive blood-based biopsies in adults with brain tumors has received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) “Breakthrough Device” designation. The device includes technology from Washington University in St. Louis and developed by Cordance Medical Inc., a medical device […]

Singing a new song: surgery as a curative option for epilepsy

Marie Zeligman has always loved music. She started singing at a young age in school plays like Annie and The Sound of Music. In high school, she began writing her own songs and even recorded her first CD in Nashville, TN. “I have a classic country sound,” she explained. “I was told that I always […]

Inaugural Grubb Lecture debuts

For more than 40 years, Robert L. Grubb, Jr., MD, served in the Washington University Department of Neurosurgery as an outstanding scientist, surgeon, and exceptional teacher. Dr. Grubb even wrote the definitive history book about the department – Neurosurgery at Washington University: A Century of Excellence. On Oct. 11, the inaugural Robert L. Grubb, Jr., […]

Aum named the 2023 Dacey Neurosurgeon Scholar 

The purpose of the award is to recognize and promote the development of a neurosurgery resident, as both an outstanding clinician and scientific investigator. On Sept. 22, Diane Aum, MD, a PGY6 neurosurgery resident, was named the 2023 Dr. Ralph G. Dacey Neurosurgeon Scholar. The award was presented by Dr. Dacey, Dr. Joshua Osbun, Residency […]

Noninvasive, ultrasound-based brain biopsy is feasible, safe in people

Sonobiopsies generate genetic, molecular data to inform treatment decisions for brain diseases The blood-brain barrier, the body’s way of shielding sensitive brain tissue from viruses, toxins and other harmful substances in the blood, can pose a problem for physicians caring for patients with suspected brain diseases such as cancer. Molecular and genetic information would be […]

Complex spinal surgery: smaller incisions, greater precision

From using Augmented-reality goggles to making an incision smaller than your fingernail, read how Drs. Camilo Molina and John Ogunlade are using innovative procedures to treat complex spinal issues. Imagine surgeons performing surgery with the assistance of augmented reality glasses. Or doing complex, minimally invasive procedures through an incision smaller than your fingernail. These aren’t some-day scenarios; they represent the latest […]

Dr. Limbrick named Chair of Neurosurgery at VCU

After two decades of service, a beloved member of the pediatric neurosurgery division is leaving Washington University. David D. Limbrick, MD, PhD, the T. S. Park, MD, Professor of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Washington University School of Medicine will become the next Chair of the Department of Neurosurgery at Virginia Commonwealth University. His tenure at VCU […]

WashU Neurosurgery welcomes back Dr. Bhuvic Patel

Brain tumor neurosurgeon is returning to his WashU roots.  The Department of Neurosurgery at Washington University is thrilled to announce the return of Bhuvic Patel, MD, as a member of the neurosurgery faculty. Dr. Patel has a long history with Washington University, having received his medical degree and completed his neurosurgery residency training at the […]

NIH funds study of ultrasound with genetics to treat brain disorders

Researchers have developed methods to study and manipulate areas of the brain, though many of those methods are restricted by the limited depth that light can reach within the brain. A multidisciplinary team at Washington University in St. Louis plans to overcome that limitation by integrating ultrasound with genetics to precisely modify neurons in the […]

Christian Hospital welcomes neurosurgeon Kumar Vasudevan, MD

Vasudevan previously practiced in Atlanta, GA, where his clinician peers selected him as one of Atlanta’s Top Doctors for 2023. Kumar Vasudevan, MD, a fellowship-trained, board certified neurosurgeon, has moved his practice to Christian Hospital and officially joined the WashU Neurosurgery faculty as an assistant professor. Vasudevan earned his undergraduate and medical degrees at Brown […]