Advanced neurosurgical care at St. Joseph's Hospital
At St. Joseph’s Hospital, an expert team of neurosurgeons provides cutting-edge surgical care using the latest technology and innovative procedures. With three dedicated neurosurgery operating rooms and a highly skilled, specially trained staff, we offer advanced treatment options tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Our neurosurgeons are renowned for their clinical expertise in addressing a wide range of neurological conditions, helping patients regain their health and improve their quality of life.
Comprehensive conditions we treat
Our neurosurgery team specializes in diagnosing and treating a wide range of complex neurological conditions, addressing issues affecting the brain, spine and nervous system. Because the brain serves as the body's command center, controlling everything from movement and sensation to thought and emotion, any condition that affects it can impact every aspect of a person’s health and longevity.
With this in mind, we approach each case with the utmost care, science-backed precision, and deep respect for the delicate systems involved. Our treatments are grounded in decades of experience, countless hours of research, and a commitment to the most advanced medical techniques available. Whether managing vascular disorders, spinal issues, tumors, or degenerative diseases, we are dedicated to healing and protecting the system that powers your every move, thought and heartbeat.
- Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) – Abnormal tangles of blood vessels connecting arteries and veins.
- Brain and spine tumors – Benign and malignant growths affecting the brain and spinal cord.
- Brain aneurysms – Weak, bulging areas in blood vessels of the brain that can lead to life-threatening ruptures.
- Carotid artery disease: Narrowing of the carotid arteries reduces blood flow to the brain and increases stroke risk.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome – A condition caused by compression of the median nerve, leading to numbness and tingling in the hand.
- Degenerative disc disease – Wear-and-tear on spinal discs, often causing chronic back or neck pain.
- Parkinson's disease – A progressive nervous system disorder affecting movement and coordination.
- Peripheral nerve conditions – Disorders affecting the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, causing pain, weakness or numbness.
- Spinal fractures and injuries – Traumatic or degenerative damage to the spine requiring stabilization or repair.
- Stroke – A medical emergency caused by blocked or burst blood vessels in the brain.
Innovative surgical techniques for individualized care
At St. Joseph’s Hospital, we combine state-of-the-art technology with advanced surgical techniques to deliver precision-driven care in every procedure. Our neurosurgical team doesn’t just follow best practices—we help define them. With access to some of the most sophisticated tools in the field, we’re able to diagnose and treat complex neurological conditions with unmatched accuracy and confidence. From groundbreaking imaging systems to minimally invasive surgical platforms, our commitment to innovation means speedier recovery and safer care for every patient we serve. Our neurosurgical expertise includes:
3-D Image-Guided Surgery
Our 3-D image-guided surgery system integrates CT or MRI images with real-time information from LED cameras in the operating room. This cutting-edge technology enables our surgeons to:
- Create detailed, accurate surgical plans.
- Navigate with greater precision during procedures.
- Improve outcomes by minimizing damage to healthy tissue.
Artificial Disc Replacement
For patients with degenerative disc disease, we offer artificial disc replacement as an innovative alternative to traditional spinal fusion. During this procedure, the damaged disc is removed and replaced with a durable, implantable artificial disc made of polyethylene plastic. This approach offers several benefits, including:
- Preserving spinal motion and flexibility.
- Reducing the risk of adjacent disc degeneration.
- Faster recovery and improved long-term outcomes compared to fusion.
Endovascular Neurosurgery
Our neurosurgeons specialize in endovascular neurosurgery, a minimally invasive technique used to treat neurovascular diseases affecting the brain and spinal cord. This advanced specialty uses catheters, balloons, platinum coils, liquid adhesives or stents to treat blood vessel abnormalities.
Conditions that are treated with endovascular neurosurgery include arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), brain tumors, carotid artery stenosis, cerebral aneurysms, intracranial stenosis and stroke. Advanced treatment options include the following:
- Carotid stenting: Uses stents to open narrowed carotid arteries and improve blood flow.
- Embolization: Minimizes blood flow to abnormal vessels by sealing them with specialized materials.
- Intracranial coiling: Treats aneurysms by filling them with coils to prevent rupture.
- Intracranial stenting: Places stents in the brain's blood vessels to keep them open.
- Intracranial tPA: Administers clot-dissolving medication directly into the brain to treat strokes.
Endovascular neurosurgery offers a highly effective, minimally invasive alternative for patients who may not be suitable candidates for traditional open surgery due to age or existing health conditions. This advanced approach significantly reduces trauma to surrounding tissues, requiring no manipulation of the brain or cranial nerves.
Patients experience less pain, enjoy faster recovery times and typically have shorter hospital stays compared to conventional surgical methods, making it a preferred option for many.
Minimally Invasive Spinal Fusion
Our neurosurgeons perform minimally invasive spinal fusion using microsurgical and endoscopic instruments. With this advanced technique, surgeons make two small incisions, reducing tissue damage. Patients experience less postoperative pain, and recovery is faster compared to traditional spinal fusion. Hospital stays are shorter, allowing patients to return to daily activities sooner.
Expert treatment for ruptured aneurysms
St. Joseph's offers comprehensive treatment for ruptured brain aneurysms, including both endovascular coiling and surgical clipping procedures. A recent study revealed that patients who are medically suited for both treatment options experience significantly better outcomes with endovascular coiling, including higher survival rates free of disability after one year, and reduced complications compared to surgical clipping.
As part of our commitment to patient-centered care, we offer endovascular consultations as part of the standard protocol for treating ruptured brain aneurysms. This ensures that patients receive the best noninvasive treatment option whenever possible.
State-of-the-art technology enhances precision
Our neurosurgical team uses the TeraRecon workstation, a powerful imaging tool that creates computer-aided, 3-D reconstructions of vascular structures. This advanced technology allows for:
- Full-color visualization of blood vessels and surrounding anatomy.
- Enhanced accuracy in diagnosing and treating neurovascular conditions.
- Improved planning and precision during surgical interventions.
Why choose St. Joseph's Hospital for neurosurgery?
At St. Joseph’s/Candler, we understand that when it comes to brain and spine health, there is no room for error. The brain is the control center of the body, and every decision we make reflects the weight of that responsibility. That’s why our neurosurgical team relies on evidence-based methods, leading-edge technology, and decades of collective experience to deliver care with accuracy, discipline and purpose.
Here’s what sets our Neurosurgery Department apart:
- Expertise and Experience: Our board-certified neurosurgeons are leaders in their field, utilizing the latest techniques and technology.
- Patient-Centered Approach: We create individualized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s condition and specific needs.
- Minimally Invasive Options: Whenever possible, we use advanced, less invasive procedures that reduce recovery time and discomfort.
- Cutting-Edge Technology: From 3-D imaging to advanced endovascular treatments, we invest in the tools that enhance precision and improve patient outcomes.
Backed by rigorous research and national accreditation, we work smart and tirelessly—because restoring your confidence, strength and agency isn’t just our goal, it’s our standard.