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" Each of the three practices that are now part of BSSNY had certain specialties that made it a strong presence in the area. We have united all these strengths in one organization, providing excellent, comprehensive care. We cover the whole spectrum of neurosurgical and spine care." — JOHN M. ABRAHAMS, MD, PRESIDENT OF BRAIN & SPINE SURGEONS OF NEW YORK AND CHIEF OF NEUROSURGERY AT NORTHERN WESTCHESTER HOSPITAL "The O-arm has been one of the most dramatic technological improvements we've incorporated over the past few years," Dr. Abrahams says. "That's why we've integrated it into the process at our Nor thern Westchester Hospita l, White Plains Hospital, Vassar Brothers Medical Center and Westchester Medical Center locations." Some of the other advanced techniques BSSNY surgeons utilize include: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) — DBS uses a surgica lly implanted, batter y- operated neurostimulator to treat a variety of disabling neurological conditions, such as Parkinson's disease. The neurostimu- lator delivers electrical stimulation to targeted areas in the brain that control movement. These signals block irregular nerve signals that can trigger Parkinson's disease symptoms. Endoscopic surgical techniques — These minimally invasive techniques use thin surgical instruments and video images to perform intricate procedures with little or no trauma. Surgeons can resect or destroy tumors or abnormal tissue and remove that material through tubes. Sodium fluorescein — This yellow dye, traditionally used in tests involving the eye, has more recently been adapted to help physicians identify tumors in the brain. It is injected into the body but is not absorbed by norma l brain tissue. Under a blue light, the tumor — which does absorb the dye — glows the color of a green highlighter, allowing the surgeon to remove more of it without harming normal brain tissue. Scoliosis surgery — The team has two prominent spine surgeons who special- ize in the treatment of scoliosis, both in pediatric patients (younger than 17 years old) and in adults. A FOCUS ON RESEARCH A further goal of BSSNY's expansion is to engage in clinical research. In recent months, the practice has taken a number of concrete steps toward achieving that objective. Among them is hiring a full- time research associate, Dr. Abrahams says. Additionally, in order to track patient outcomes against a national cohort, BSSNY has joined the Quality Outcomes Database (QOD), formerly the National Neurosurgery Quality and Outcomes Database. "This database is supported by the American Association of Neurological Surgeons a nd is considered the gold standard of data collection for our field," Dr. Abrahams explains. "We can only get better if we know where we stand." In addition, in an effort to increase effi- ciency and reduce healthcare spending, BSSNY has adopted an outcomes database for its own surgical patients to determine which ones benefit from physical therapy versus a home exercise program. This information is then used to extrapolate to both operative and non-operative patients in order to develop better treatment algo- rithms for spine patients, according to Dr. Abrahams. Finally, BSSNY is involved with the genomics program in conjunction with the Department of Pathology at New York Medical College. This allows the practice to support a research project that evaluates brain tumor genomics and helps determine any pertinent receptors that can be used for treatment in the future. "We have been able to grow the practice by adding research and clinical trials," Dr. Abrahams says. "That is much easier in a larger group." To learn more about Brain & Spine Surgeons of New York or to refer a patient, visit www.bssny.com. n The office of Brain & Spine Surgeons of New York in White Plains, New York 1 0❱❱❱❱❱ C O V E R F E A T U R E