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 […]

Neurosurgery Chiefs prepare for their next chapter

It’s that time of year again. Time for our chiefs to conclude their neurosurgery residency, prepare for the next phase of their careers and reflect on their seven years at WashU. Rupen Desai, MD It’s been seven years, but can you remember what initially drew you to applying to the WashU residency program?  After completing […]

Two new researchers join WashU Neurosurgery and Brain Tumor Center

Rui Tang, PhD, is joining the Brain Tumor Center at Washington University School of Medicine, where he will serve as an assistant professor with an appointment in the Department of Neurosurgery. Tang completed his PhD research at the University of Georgia, where he studied vascular cell interactions in cardiovascular development and cancer. At Stanford University, […]

New research shows ultrasound can be used to noninvasively induce a hibernation-like state in mice, rats

Hong Chen, PhD, associate professor of biomedical engineering and neurosurgery, authored a new paper that appeared in Nature Metabolism. Her work describes the use of focused ultrasound to induce a torpor-like state in rodents. Chen’s research has been shared in the New York Times, multiple science blogs and podcasts: Science, Live Science, The Guardian, New Scientist, […]

Spine fellow joins WashU Neurosurgery faculty

The Department of Neurosurgery at Washington University is excited to announce that Magalie Cadieux, MD, MMSc, FRCSC, will join the spine division in July 2024. Cadieux is currently finishing out her neurosurgery spine fellowship at WashU. A native of Montreal, Canada, Cadieux earned her medical degree at Université Laval in Quebec prior to completing her residency […]