In this episode of the CNS Innovation Podcast, moderator Dr. David Dornbos interviews Dr. Navzer Engineer, who is nominated for the 2025 CNS Innovator of the Year Award, for his innovation Vivistim.
In this episode of the CNS Innovation Podcast, moderators Emal Lesha and David Dornbos interview Dr. Cargill Alleyne, who is nominated for the 2025 CNS Innovator of the Year Award, for his innovation Nanoshunt.
October 2025 Journal Club Podcast Title: Deep Brain Stimulation Electrode Deviations are Associated With Brain Stiffness Interfaces Measured by Magnetic Resonance Elastography To read journal article: https://journals.lww.com/onsonline/fulltext/2025/10000/deep_brain_stimulation_electrode_deviations_are.8.aspx Author: Chengyuan Wu Guest Faculty: Kim Burchiel Moderator: Helen Shi Committee Co-Chair: Rafael Vega
Title: MIPS for ICH: Ground-breaking Innovation for MIS ICH Evacuation and Future Directions Guests: David Dornbos and Mark Bain MIS ICH evacuation has become standard of care following the ENRICH trial and the introduction of level 1 evidence showing efficacy. We discuss the pearls and pitfalls of this approach and how to best build systems of care to enhance its success. While this has been a frameshift in ICH management, numerous questions remain unanswered and are the focus of ongoing trials and research. Sponsored by Stryker
Title: Wellness Podcast: Peak Performance: Wellness Strategies for Neurosurgeons Guest Faculty: Pilin Anice and Raqeeb Haque Hosts: Brian Gantwerker and Lara Massie In this episode, we will explore practical ways to support the wellness of neurosurgeons. Through our discussion we will discover strategies to maintain energy in high-stress environments, improve sleep quality, manage stress effectively, and make smart nutrition choices.
September 2025 Journal Club Podcast Title: Ventricular Entry During Glioblastoma Resection is Associated With Reduced Survival and Increased Risk of Distant Recurrence To read journal article: https://journals.lww.com/neurosurgery/fulltext/2025/09000/ventricular_entry_during_glioblastoma_resection_is.10.aspx Author: Neslihan Gecici and Pascal Zinn Guest Faculty: Bryan Choi Moderator: Alexander Himstead Committee Co-Chair: Kimberly Hoang
Patients with functioning pituitary adenomas (FPA) require a multi-disciplinary team-based approach to select best medical, surgical and radiation treatments, including stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). The aim of this study is to provide evidence-based recommendations on the use of SRS for adult patients with FPA. Brad Elder, MD Isabelle Germano, MD Carrie Andrews, MD
Title: Controversies in Neurosurgery: Brachytherapy in Cranial Oncology: Roles and Limits Guest Faculty: Wenya Linda Bi and Phillip Devlin Hosts: W. Christopher Newman and Seth Oliveria Intracranial brachytherapy has become an increasingly prominent part of the neurosurgical oncologist’s toolbox. In this episode, we will explore some of the indications, active areas of exploration, and current controversies surrounding its use.
Neurosurgical intervention in patients with functioning pituitary adenomas is evolving and the role of endoscopic transsphenoidal techniques versus microsurgery, surgery versus medical management, and the beneficial role of adjuvant surgical techniques, along with second surgery on patient outcomes remains unclear. Brad Elder, MD Kevin Lillehei, MD David Ormond, MD
August 2025 Journal Club Podcast Title: Comparative Analysis of Outcomes and Kyphotic Risk Factors After Cervical Laminoplasty in 2 Different Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament Groups and Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy To read journal article: https://journals.lww.com/neurosurgery/fulltext/2025/08000/comparative_analysis_of_outcomes_and_kyphotic_risk.5.aspx Author: Hyun Woong Mun Guest Faculty: Benjamin Elder Moderator: Roxana Beladi Committee Co-Chair: Rafael Vega
Podcast Miniseries: Cultivating a Culture – Growing a Healthy Neurosurgical Workplace Episode 1: Being Yourself in a Big Pond Guest: Anand Veeravagu Hosts: Brian Gantwerker and Chris Newman In this first episode of a 4-part miniseries, we sit down with Dr. Anand Veeravagu of Stanford for a wide-ranging conversation on building, sustaining, and evolving institutional culture. Dr. Veeravagu shares insights on navigating the dynamics of a storied institution—discussing how to honor tradition while driving innovation, foster a strong reputation, and cultivate meaningful, productive relationships along the way.
July 2025 Journal Club Podcast Title: Perioperative Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Agonist Use and Rates of Pseudarthrosis After Single-Level Lumbar Fusion: A Large Retrospective Cohort Study To read journal article: https://journals.lww.com/neurosurgery/fulltext/2025/07000/perioperative_glucagon_like_peptide_1_agonist_use.9.aspx Author: Konstantinos Margetis Guest Faculty: Stephen Kalhorn Moderator: Brian Saway Committee Co-Chair: Kimberly Hoang
CNS Innovation Podcast Moderators: David Dornbos and Emal Lesha Guest: Uzma Samamdani In this episode of the CNS Innovation Podcast, moderators David Dornbos and Emal Lesha interview 2024 CNS Innovator of the Year Finalist, Dr. Uzma Samadani about her innovation EyeBox. They discuss pearls and pitfalls of taking an innovative idea from concept to product.
June 2025 Journal Club Podcast Title: Assessing Neurosurgery Training: Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education Case Minimums Versus Surgical Autonomy To read journal article: https://journals.lww.com/neurosurgery/fulltext/2025/06000/assessing_neurosurgery_training__accreditation.19.aspx Author: Michael Haglund Guest Faculty: Gabriel Zada Resident Planner: Laura Zima Moderator: Rafael Vega
Based on recommendations of an updated systematic review of the literature, surgical interventions for patients with Vestibular Schwannoma allow for a range of options, the choice of which depends on the specific aspects of the lesion and the individual patient. They are discussed in this podcast. Brad Elder, MD Jamie J. Van Gompel, MD Brandon Lucke-Wold, MD
Title: Wellness Podcast: Impact and Possible Solutions for Decreasing Admin Burden for Neurosurgeons Guest Faculty: Anthony DiGiorgio and Charles Mackel Hosts: Brian Gantwerker and Lara Massie In this episode of the CNS Wellness Podcast, Charles Mackel and Anthony DiGiorgio will discuss sources of physician burnout, meaningful work, and the administrative component of a successful career in neurosurgery.
May 2025 Journal Club Podcast Title: Microsurgical Treatment of Intracranial Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas: A Collaborative Investigation From the Multicenter Consortium for Dural Arteriovenous Fistula Outcomes Research To read journal article: https://journals.lww.com/neurosurgery/fulltext/2025/05000/microsurgical_treatment_of_intracranial_dural.12.aspx Author: Kunal Raygor Guest Faculty: Matthew Koch Moderator: Zachary Sorrentino Committee Co-chair: Kimberly Hoang
This podcast discusses an updated systematic review of the literature and provides new recommendations for the role of Stereotactic Radiosurgery in the treatment of adult patients with Vestibular Schwannoma. Brad Elder, MD Isabelle Germano, MD
Title: Controversies in Neurosurgery: Carbon Fiber versus Titanium in Metastatic Spine Cancer Guest Faculty: Ilya Laufer Hosts: Brian Gantwerker, MD and W. Christopher Newman, MD In this episode we will discuss the use of carbon fiber implants for spinal instrumentation in patients with metastatic spine cancer, covering the indications, benefits, and limitations. We also will discuss how to incorporate these implants into your practice.
Patients with metastatic brain tumors (MBTs) require a multidisciplinary team-based approach to select the best treatment interventions. This podcast updates recommendations addressing whether Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT) provides benefit regarding local control, OS, PFS, performance status, or reduction in CNS side effects compared with standard management with chemotherapy, immune modulators and molecular targeted agents, SRS, WBRT, and surgical resection. J. Bradley Elder, MD Mark E. Linskey, M.D., FAANS Kristin Huntoon, PhD, DO Brandon Lucke-Wold, MD, PhD