Columbia Neurosurgery Hosts Inaugural Brainwaves Conference in the Hamptons

Last week, Columbia Neurosurgery hosted its first Brainwaves: Columbia Neurosurgery Practice Update in the Hamptons at the iconic Gurney's in Montauk, Long Island. Head Course Director, Vice Chair and Chief of the Spine Division, Dr. Dean Chou provided the vision for a special experience for our faculty, team members, affiliated departments and medical students to come together in an idyllic setting to discuss the latest developments in neurosurgery and spine.  In addition, our team hosted world-renowned neurosurgeons Dr. Chris Shaffrey (Chief of Duke Health Spine Division) and Dr. Carl Heilman (Neurosurgeon-in-Chief, Tufts Medical Center).

Day 1 Programming

Day 1 of the program was themed, Tumors, Skull Base, Epilepsy and Hydrocephalus with our opening presenter, Dr. Michael Sisti sharing "Treatment of 1,500 Cerebellar Pontine Angle Tumors Over the Last 25 Years" which included a fascinating look at the work of Jackson Pollack to highlight Montauk's historical significance in all things art and imagination of the possible. Dr. Brett Youngerman presented "Update on Endonasal Management of Pituitary and Skull Based Tumor." Dr. Jeffrey Bruce shared findings on the topic, "Surgical Treatment of Third Ventricle Tumors." Closing the session, Dr. Fabio Iwamoto discussed "Updates on Management of Low Grade Gliomas."

After a break, Dr. Guy McKhann led "The Evolution of Glioma and Epilepsy Surgery." Followed by Dr. Brian Gill who shared findings on "Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy for Management of Brain Tumors." Then, Dr. Alexander Ramos discussed the newly developing world of "Interventional Neuro-Oncology." We then welcomed our first keynote, Dr. Carl Heilman, who discussed the Innovation and Development of a Novel, Minimally Invasive, Percutaneous Procedure for Hydrocephalus.” Following Day 1 lectures, the group hosted a beautiful welcome reception in a tent overlooking the beach where attendees could network and enjoy the gorgeous Montauk sunset.

Day 2 Programming

Day 2 was themed Pediatric Spine, Scoliosis and Cerebral Spinal Fluid with Dr. Taemin Oh kicking off this session with “Management of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis.” Following that, we welcomed our second keynote, Dr. Chris Shaffrey, who discussed Adult Idiopathic Scoliosis with great insights into his practice. After that, Dr. Peter Angevine presented on "Sagittal and Coronal Alignment." Closing the first half of the morning, Dr. Andrew Chan shared "Minimally Invasive Approaches to Spinal Deformity Surgery: Advances With Patient-Specific Implants."

After a break, Dr. Dean Chou shared "Targeted Minimally Invasive Fusion for Adult Scoliosis." Dr. Chris Mandigo then discussed "CSF Related Concerns During Spine Surgery." We pivoted back to pediatrics with Dr. Neil Feldstein sharing his work on, "Complex Spinal Dysraphism." Dr. Tony Wang from our Neuro-Oncology Division then discussed, "Updates on CNS Radiotherapy and Radiosurgery." Finally, keynote speaker, Dr. Carl Heilman, retook the stage to share "Treatment of Intracranial Hypotension Due to Spontaneous Spinal CSF Leaks."

The program adjourned for the afternoon so attendees could take advantage of Gurney's location, including the beautiful beach, pool, spa and fitness areas, and the restaurants on the property and in town. We reconvened that evening for a special dinner and joined with industry sponsors from nine leading medical technology names. Their generous support helped to make this program possible.

Day 3 Programming

Finally, Day 3 focused on Spine Tumors, Pain, and Cerebrovascular and Functional Neurosurgery. Dr. Justin Neira presented on "Evaluation and Management of Spinal Metastatic Disease." Dr. Paul McCormick then spoke on "Current Management Strategies and Techniques for Intradural Spinal Tumors." Our keynote, Dr. Chris Shaffrey, gave an inspiring and candid lecture on "Complex Spine Surgery: Lessons Learned."  Closing out the first half of the morning, Dr. Chris Winfree shared his new findings in "What's New in Parsonage-Turner Syndrome?"

Day 3's second half opened with Dr. Sean Lavine's "Update on Technological Advancements in Endovascular Neurosurgery." Following with Dr. Grace Mandigo's "Update on Role of Medical Thrombectomy Stroke."  Dr. E. Sander Connolly closed out the cerebrovascular topics with his presentation, "Open CV Surgery in an Endovascular Age." Transitioning to functional neurosurgery, Dr. Gordon Baltuch discussed "Surgical Management of Movement Disorders." Our final session of the day showcased Dr. Raymond Sekula, who shared "Skull Base Surgery: The Future May Surprise You," an interesting look at the history of skull base techniques and the many paths the future may take.

Our attendees provided terrific feedback about their experience, several remarking, "This was one of the best conferences I've ever attended."  This project would not have been possible without the hard work and diligence of the additional members of the Planning Committee, including Marketing Director Kelly Wexlar, OR and Authorization Manager Aileen Casanova, OCME Program Manager Laura Yasso and Executive Assistant to Dr. Connolly, Rachel Zhang.

Thank you to all who could attend and make this year's Brainwaves conference a resounding success!