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The Gamma Knife offers a myriad of advantages. Some of the most notable, as outlined by IRSA, are: + Precision — The accuracy of the device ensures patients can receive a high dose of radiation with minimum risk to nearby tissue. + Reduced expense — The procedure often costs 25 to 30 percent less than traditional neurosurgery. + Protection from infection — Lack of incisions eliminates the risk of infection or hemorrhage. + Broader application — The Gamma Knife allows treatment of lesions that were formerly considered inoperable and of patients who previously could not be treated or faced very high risk from open skull surgery. + R apid recover y — Ga mma Knife procedures generally are performed on an outpatient basis or with only an overnight hospital stay. In either case, patients typically may resume normal activities immediately. AN EMPHASIS ON TECHNOLOGY Use of the Gamma Knife is one way BSSNY demonstrates the priority it places on incor- porating technology to enhance patient outcomes. However, the practice also uti- lizes a range of other advanced technologies and techniques for precision treatment of an array of brain and spinal conditions. The O-arm is an additional example. This device allows surgeons to acquire a real-time scan of the patient's spine during fusion surgery. The high-quality 2-D and 3-D images help the surgeon navigate dur- ing an operation — resulting in improved accuracy and radically reduced complica- tion rates, Dr. Abrahams notes. The O-arm provides significant advan- tages over conventional X-ray methods traditionally used during posterior fusion procedures. The patient undergoes a CT scan. Pedicle screws and rods are then placed, and another CT scan is performed after the procedure to confirm the place- ment is correct. "This process does not increase opera- tive times," Dr. Abrahams says, "and the outcomes are better because there are certainly fewer complications." According to a 2014 review in Surgical Neurology International, the mobile O-arm scanner increased the accuracy of instru- mentation placement during minimally invasive spine surgery. The review cited one study which noted that of 290 pedicle screws placed using the system, 280 — or 96.6 percent — were in an acceptable position. No vascular or neurological complications were observed, and no revi- sion surgery was required. Another study found O-arm use significantly reduced the time required for pedicle screw placement during scoliosis surgery. Entrepreneurial Spirit John M. Abrahams, MD, is a successful entrepreneur cur- rently involved with four startup companies and is the author of over 10 patents. The companies he has founded include development of: (1) a surgical hydrogel to combat surgical bleeding in brain surgery, (2) a fusion device for spine surgery, (3) a mobile communications platform for healthcare profession - als and patients, and (4) a cranial robotics system. The entire team reviews a patient's MRI to develop the most effective treatment paradigm. Dr. Abrahams with his Executive Assistant, Lisa Carretta 0 8❱❱❱❱❱ C O V E R F E A T U R E