By Douglas B. Moreland, University at Buffalo Department of Neurosurgery

Ask a neurosurgeon anywhere in the world what the most significant advances in our field have been in the last 40 years. Without exception, they will include stereotaxic navigation and endovascular treatment of cerebral vascular disease. In layman’s terms, stereotaxic is our GPS, a minimally invasive method of navigation that enables smaller incisions, less brain manipulation, and less complications during brain surgery. Endovascular involves the use of tiny catheter tubes to remove clots, correct deformities, and repair damaged vessels to prevent strokes.

What the average neurosurgeon does not know is that Dr. Patrick Kelly and Dr. L. Nelson Hopkins were Buffalo neurosurgeons who invented these two Nobel Prize-worthy procedures. As a Buffalo medical student and resident during the initial phase of these inventions, I witnessed the remarkable work of these brilliant physicians first-hand, along with the anatomical, physical, technical, political, administrative, ideological, and financial challenges that often come with firsts. Both physicians were defined by passion, determination, and resilience. Failure was not in their constitution. Thomas Edison defined genius as, “1% inspiration and 99% perspiration,” and these doctors easily met this threshold.

Dr. Patrick Kelly patented his invention and went from a solo community Buffalo neurosurgeon to the prestigious Mayo Clinic, to Professor and Chairman at New York University, in a matter of a few years — a lightening pace in academia. Dr. L. Nelson “Nick” Hopkins remained in Buffalo, where he chaired the Department of Neurosurgery for 25 years, and developed the Gates Vascular Institute (GVI). GVI is now recognized worldwide as a mecca for endovascular research, development, and education, and millions have benefitted from his vision.

Dr. Elad Levy and Dr. Adnan Siddiqui are world-class endovascular neurosurgeons, hand-picked and groomed by Dr. Hopkins. With Dr. Levy’s inspiration, UB Neurosurgeons developed the first dedicated ambulatory neurosurgery center in the country, called Atlas, in Williamsville. They recently treated a life-threatening cerebral aneurysm live from Atlas via satellite, as thousands of neurosurgeons from around the world attending the yearly Congress of Neurosurgeons in Houston watched. I, too, watched in amazement, as they successfully treated a highly challenging lesion with skill, poise, and equanimity before the most critical audience imaginable. It took 18 minutes, and it was perfect. The patient was awake and conversational throughout, and left Atlas before sunset. For perspective, 20 years ago, such a patient would have required 6 to 8 hours of open surgery, days or weeks in the ICU and hospital, and likely would not have survived. The bar required to leave an audience of neurosurgeons in collective awe, is, as you can imagine, sky-high. On a personal level, I realized I was in the presence of genius.

So, if you know someone that has suffered a stroke, the next time you pass GVI, tip your hat to these three world-class neurosurgeons, Dr. Nick Hopkins, Dr. Adnan Siddiqui, and Dr. Elad Levy. They have made our world a better place, and did it right here in Buffalo. Learn more at www.UBNS.com or call 716-218-1000.