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Good People, Good Times
Live Your Life:
Every Second
Counts
Atlantic NeuroSurgical Specialists hosted the first annual BBQ for the
Partnership of Hope support group Thursday, September 27th. Friends and
families came out and enjoyed great conversation, food, music, and even
a dunk tank to dunk their favorite neurosurgeon! This was the first of
many events ANS plans on hosting for its members and their families
who are living with the diagnosis of a brain tumor. ANS encourages
anyone who is living with the diagnosis of a brain tumor to attend its
monthly meetings held on the fourth Thursday of every month at the
ANS Morristown office. ▼
Allison Bradley woke up the morning of
February 23, 2012 and began her day as
usual. “I woke up and turned on the TV
before starting to get ready for work,”
she recalls as she begins to retell her
story. “The next thing I remember, I lost
all sense of my left side and standing
became impossible as I fell to the ground.
Starting to panic, I crawled to the phone
and called my mom.” Later, her mother
admits that she noticed Allison’s slurred
Allison and her fiancé after finishing the
speech, but didn't want to alarm her
2012 Blue Cross Broad Street 10-mile run.
daughter. As a young human resource
analyst and avid runner, the health-conscious 27-year-old didn’t ever think of herself as
being at risk for stroke. Her mother instructed Allison to get off the phone and to dial 9-1-1.
“I did what my mom told me. I hung up, dialed 9-1-1, and tried my best to explain
that I was in trouble. Something was very wrong. Confused and disoriented, Allison
waited helplessly for paramedics to arrive. When Allison arrived at Morristown Medical
Center, the diagnosis was clear: Allison was suffering from a severe ischemic stroke and
she needed medical intervention immediately. “It appeared that Allison had a major
blockage of the main blood vessel on the right side of her brain,” says ANS neurosurgeon,
Dr. Saphier. “I knew the best chance for recovery was to use the Merci Retrieval System®.”
The Merci Retrieval System is used to remove or break up blood clots that have
wandered into a small blood vessel, causing it to become occluded. This breakthrough
technology can be performed up to 8 hours after a stroke occurs and can extend the
treatment window significantly. “It was our best hope,” adds Dr. Saphier, “I administered
it through her leg and guided the lead to her brain.”
After the Merci Retrieval procedure removed the clot, Allison was up and walking the
next day. She did complete outpatient treatment to gain strength back in her left hand,
but, otherwise, suffered very few residual effects from the stroke.
Looking back at her experience and her medical history, the only risk factor associated
with Allison’s stroke was her use of oral contraceptives. “I had been on the pill for over
10 years,” she says. “I didn’t think I was at risk because up until that point I had no
physical symptoms that would have warned me of the danger ahead.”
Since her stroke, Allison has made tremendous strides. She has ran a number of races
and is busy planning her wedding, to be held later this year. In November, Allison also
plans to run with the NYC marathon team for stroke awareness. “I look forward to
meeting other young stroke survivors and I believe that my story will continue to
encourage others to never give up hope.”
“When I think back to my experience with ANS, I am so thankful for them,” says Allison.
“I had a lot of contact with the doctors and nurse, Carl Stopper. Carl actually stayed on
the phone with my mother as she rushed to the hospital. He was very calming and assured
her that they would take care of me.” Allison recalls a conversation between her and
the doctors: “They made it clear I should ‘live my life,’” says Allison. “This procedure was
done so I could live my life as I had done before. That is what I intend to do.” ▼
Top: Families came out to relax and mingle at our first annual BBQ. Bottom: Dr. Baskin
takes a quick dip after one of his patients accurately hit the dunk tank target.
ANS IS GOING LIVE!
After successful radio guest spots that
attracted listeners from across the state of NJ, ANS is set to launch its very
own show on WMTR, 1250AM. Listeners can tune in every Sunday to hear
our experts discuss an array of topics and answer all of your questions.Check
www.ansdocs.com this spring for the start date and hear the promos!
Atlantic NeuroSurgical
Specialists
Atlantic
NeuroSurgical
Specialists
Winter 2013
Brain, Spine and
Neurovascular Surgery
Aneurysms
Cerebrovascular Surgery
Complex Spine Surgery
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery
Endoscopic Spine Surgery
Strokes
Vascular Malformations
Tumors
OUR PHYSICIANS HAVE BEEN TRAINED AT SOME OF THE MOST PRESTIGIOUS PROGRAMS IN THE NATION
INCLUDING THE BARROW INSTITUTE, COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY, CORNELL UNIVERSITY, MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL, AND MOUNT SINAI.
Whether it’s new technologies
or our new locations, ANS
remains synonymous with
Jonathan J. Baskin, MD, FACS Dr. Baskin is
a fellowship trained in spine surgery and specializes in minimally invasive and complex spine surgery, tumors of the spine, image-guided
neurosurgery for brain tumors, spinal stabilization, CyberKnife® surgery, and kyphoplasties.
Ronald P. Benitez, MD Dr. Benitez is a fellowship trained vascular neurosurgeon specializing
in minimally invasive techniques. His specialties
include the treatment of cerebrovascular diseases
such as stroke, aneurysm, and AVMs using new
and innovative techniques. Additionally, he specializes in skull base
tumors.
Brian D. Beyerl, MD, FACS Dr. Beyerl specializes in stereotactic neurosurgery and radiosurgery
for brain tumors and AVMs. He also practices
general neurosurgery, spinal, and carpal tunnel
surgery.
Kyle T. Chapple, MD Dr. Chapple is fellowship
trained and specializes in neurovascular skull base
surgery and endovascular neurosurgery as well
as minimally invasive and complex spine surgery.
His specialties include the treatment of cerebrovascular diseases such as stroke, aneurysms, and AVMs using new
and innovative technologies.
Jay Y. Chun, MD, PhD Dr. Chun is fellowship
trained in spine surgery and specializes in complex
and minimally invasive spine surgeries. Additionally,
he specializes in general neurosurgery and the
treatment of brain tumors.
John J. Knightly, MD Dr. Knightly is a
fellowship trained spine surgeon who specializes
in complex and minimally invasive spine surgery.
His other specialties include trauma, CyberKnife®
stereotactic neurosurgery, and concussion treatment.
Scott Meyer, MD Dr. Meyer is a fellowship
trained spine surgeon. His areas of clinical expertise
include complex cervical spine surgery, minimally
invasive spine surgery, degenerative spine disease,
adult spinal deformity (kyphosis and scoliosis),
spinal tumors, and spinal trauma. Dr. Meyer also maintains a strong
interest in neurotrauma and general neurosurgery.
Joelle Stabile Rehberg, DO Dr. Rehberg is
board certified by the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians and her areas of interest
include sports medicine and the treatment of
concussion. Currently, she is the Medical Director
and a Clinical Instructor for the Athletic Training Education Program
at William Paterson University in Wayne, NJ.
Joseph Rempson, MD Dr. Rempson specializes
in the field of physiatry, which helps patients
who suffer injuries to the muscles, bones, tissues,
and nervous system. Dr. Rempson concentrates
not only on musculoskeletal injuries, but on the
rehabilitation of neurologic disorders such as strokes and brain tumors.
Charles Blair Stillerman, MD, FACS
Dr. Stillerman’s clinical interest is in thoracic and
lumbar trauma. Named frequently as one of the
Best Doctors in America in Castle Connolly’s Top
Doctors, Dr. Stillerman has written and lectured
extensively on spinal disorders, spinal injuries, and specifically on
thoracic and lumbar spine stabilization.
Igor Ugorec, MD Dr. Ugorec is one of the
most highly regarded neurointensivists in the
country. His expertise is invaluable to ANS and
our patients.
David Wells-Roth, MD Dr. Wells-Roth has
specialized fellowship training in endovascular
neurosurgery, cerebrovascular surgery, skull base
surgery, and complex and minimally invasive
spine surgery. His specialties include the treatment
of cerebrovascular diseases such as stroke, aneurysms, and AVMs
using new and innovative technologies as well as the latest spine
surgery treatments.
Edward J. Zampella, MD, FAANS, FACS
Dr. Zampella’s specialties include surgical management of brain and spinal tumors, endoscopic surgery,
pediatric neurosurgery, spinal cord stimulation,
intraspinal drug infusion, neurosurgical treatment
of movement disorders, epilepsy, stereotactic radiosurgery, and
®
CyberKnife surgery. Dr. Zampella also has extensive experience in
pediatric neurosurgery.
forward progress. This photo
was taken just west of our new
office in Dingmans Ferry, PA.
Atlantic NeuroSurgical
Specialists
Brain, Spine and Neurovascular Surgery
310 Madison Avenue
Suite 300
Morristown, NJ 07960
973.285.7800
1 Robertson Drive
Suite 22
Bedminster, NJ 07921
973.285.7800
3700 Route 33
Neptune, NJ 07753
732.455.8225
www.ansdocs.com
5
6
3799 Route 46
Suite 209
Parsippany-Troy Hills,
NJ 07054
973.729.0266
89 Sparta Avenue
Sparta, NJ 07871
973.729.0266
11 Overlook Road
Suite 180
Summit, NJ 07901
908.516.2941
718 Teaneck Road
Teaneck, NJ 07666
973.285.7800
1592 Route 739
Dingmans Ferry,
PA 18328
973.729.0266
Sunset afterglow over Lake Wallenpaupack, PA
Atlantic NeuroSurgical Specialists (ANS) is a premier neurosurgical practice based in
Morristown, NJ. We are the largest private neurosurgical practice in the state with 8 offices
conveniently located throughout NJ and PA. Our physicians are leaders in the areas of tumors
and diseases of the brain, stroke and spine. ANS physicians have been trained at the most
prestigious programs in the nation, and are proud to house this knowledge and expertise in your
area. Our doctors are affiliated with hospitals all over the state of NJ, including Atlantic Health
System, Meridian Health System, St. Barnabas Health System, and Saint Clare’s Hospital.
In this issue we are honored to introduce 2 of our patients with whom we have worked closely
since our last issue: Eileen Yutko, a dedicated wife and mother whose family was tragically struck
by brain tumors, and Allison Bradley, a 27-year-old stroke survivor. Our patients are the heart of
our practice and we hope you enjoy reading their stories. As always, we are proud of our patients’
resilience and the courage they have shown throughout their recoveries.
ANS continues to grow and expand. We recently launched Partnership of Hope, a support
group for anyone living with the diagnosis of a brain tumor. You can read more about this
amazing group of people on the pages inside. We hope this newsletter finds you in good health.
For more information about ANS, please visit us at www.ansdocs.com or call 973.285.7800. ▼
ANSwers #7_trifold_FINALSPREADS_NOcallout_Layout 1 1/17/13 9:46 AM Page 4
What’s Up, Doc?
Overcome by Tragedy, a
Local Family Finds Comfort
and Support in Atlantic
NeuroSurgical Specialists’
Partnership of Hope
A neurosurgeon’s passion for photography
Dr. Ronald Benitez’s interest in photography started on the sidelines. Photographing his 3 children at their many sports events, he quickly recognized
his enthusiasm and talent in obtaining a great action shot. “Photography
presents you with many opportunities to capture dramatic and vivid imagery
that will last a lifetime,” says Dr. Benitez. It was only a matter of time
before he turned his lens towards all the kids at the game. The feedback
he received from appreciative parents prompted him to get more serious
about the artistry.
Dr. Benitez, being mechanically inclined, enjoys the very technical side of
photography and is always looking to move to the next level. He ventured
into taking landscape photos that required a lot of planning and methodical
expertise. “Light is the paint a photographer uses,” says Dr. Benitez. “When
capturing a sunrise or sunset, the light defines the composition. When
attaining a shot of nature, the light complements the subject matter.”
What is Minimally Invasive
Spine Surgery?
On January 7, 2007, Ronald Yutko was diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma;
a slow-growing tumor of the nerve that connects the ear to the brain. His wife,
Eileen Yutko, remembers asking herself, “How could this be? A brain tumor? No
one in my family had suffered much more than a broken bone.”
Left to Right: Ron, Lauren, Alyssa, Eileen.
“We had a family friend who was an OR nurse at Overlook Hospital. After explaining
our situation, she assured us that Dr. Ronald Benitez of ANS was the person to call. By
February 16, 2007, my husband, Ron, was undergoing his first brain surgery," says Eileen.
What is most remarkable is how Dr. Benitez relates photography to neurosurgery. Aside from the technical aspects they both share, for him, the
similarities also lie in the process. “Before I perform surgery, I envision the
entire surgery and how I will perform it. I also do this with my photography.
I arrive somewhere and plan the entire shot.” For Dr. Benitez, photography
has become a cathartic experience. He enjoys the serenity of being alone
somewhere with only his thoughts and imagination. “It slows me down
and grounds me," Dr. Benitez explains. He also enjoys placing these photos
on unique mediums and playing with the processing. “The world of photography, just like neurosurgery, has become very rewarding to me. Seeing
one of my pictures hanging on a wall or seeing a patient that was ill walk
out of my office both bring me peace in their own unique way.” ▼
Today, Lauren is doing very well and is enrolled in her second year of college. Over
the past few years, Eileen’s family has walked a treacherous road, but in the end,
she still has her husband and daughters. “Two months ago my life was turned
upside down, but look at where I am now. I’m okay. My family is okay. Not all
families in the group are as fortunate, but we’ve all been brought together to
share the same common ‘appreciation for life.’ And for that, we are grateful.”
Thank you, ANS. ▼
In 2010, Ron’s tumor was back. Under the care of Dr. Benitez, Ron successfully
made it through his second surgery, but he suffered from severe depression
after his brain tumor, and each day was taken one step at a time.
In September 2011, Eileen and Ron’s daughter, Lauren, started her freshman year
at Raritan Valley Community College. During the end of Lauren’s second semester,
Lauren scheduled an appointment for an MRI after noticing that one of her arms
felt weaker than usual.
Within 10 days of finding out about her brain tumor, Lauren had undergone surgery
and was walking out of the hospital on her road to recovery. “Her spirits were
high," says Eileen, “and the first thing she said to me when we left the hospital
that Sunday was about a support group ANS had started for people with brain
tumors and how she would like to go.” Just 7 days after Lauren’s surgery, Lauren
and her family made it to that meeting.
experienced with an open incision. Through these
incisions, instruments along with a tiny camera are
inserted allowing the surgeon and staff to view the
operation from a flat panel monitor. Because minimally
invasive surgery requires only tiny incisions, patients
generally return to their normal daily activities much
faster than with traditional surgery.
Minimally invasive or less-invasive
surgery is the FUTURE of medicine. In
the past, traditional surgical treatments
The next time you are suffering from back pain, let a neurosurgeon
evaluate you. A neurosurgeon has a more complete understanding
of the nervous system and is the most qualified specialist to diagnosis
and treat your condition.
required lengthy recovery times, long
The support group, called Partnership of Hope, was started by ANS in April 2012.
Employees of ANS volunteer their time to hold the support group once a month for
patients and their loved ones suffering from brain tumors. During the 2- to 3-hour
meeting, ANS provides dinner, dessert, and beverages. You can share your stories
or just sit back and listen to others tell theirs.
hospital stays, and considerable scarring.
Now, a majority of surgeries can be
Experts use sophisticated equipment to examine the most precious
gems in the world. Why would you settle for anything less when it
comes to your delicate nerves of your brain and spine?
In addition to dinner and open discussions, ANS provides a guest speaker at every
meeting. The doctors mingle with the patients and there are plenty of interactive
activities for everyone to enjoy. Volunteers work outside of the meeting to accommodate the everyday needs of patients who are not able to care for themselves.
Partnership of Hope offers patients transportation to doctors’ appointments, prepared
meals, child care, grocery shopping, additional counseling, and more.
Our neurosurgeons work tirelessly to offer minimally invasive, life saving techniques
to treat our patients. Neurosurgeons are the most qualified doctors to mend your
nervous system, and can understand the inner workings of your body like no other
specialist.
You should only consider a neurosurgeon to help you recover from the simplest to
most complex injuries and illnesses. Whether you suffer from a tumor, back problems,
or even stroke, you should only choose ANS.
“Attending the Partnership of Hope has been one of the most moving experiences of
my life and I would recommend it to anyone in a similar situation. If you or someone
you know is dealing with a brain tumor, you can’t lose anything by trying it out. Even
if you’re not a patient at ANS, you are still welcome to attend," encourages Eileen.
2
Above: Dr. Jonathan Baskin and assistant
Our Precious Gem is You.
Days later, while Lauren was finishing her exams, Eileen answered the phone call
regarding her daughter’s MRI results. The hesitation in the neurologist’s voice was
all too familiar: “Your daughter, Lauren, has a hemangioma, a brain tumor caused
by an abnormal buildup of blood vessels in the skin or internal organs, and it’s big.
She needs to find a neurosurgeon immediately.”
To learn more about the latest advancements in treatment or to view a listing of all hospitals
we are affiliated with in your area, visit www.ansdocs.com or call 973.285.7800.
3
performed using computer-assisted
Minimally invasive techniques reduce the trauma asso-
technology and highly specialized tools, ciated with surgical procedures. This allows patients to
recover faster. Patients who choose minimally invasive
giving patients a more attractive option surgery may experience:
to surgery.
• Shorter recovery
• Less pain after surgery
• Less scarring
Minimally invasive surgery usually involves making
tiny incisions, sometimes no more than a quarter-inch
in length. This results in less trauma to the body then
4
At ANS, we are true believers that surgery should be a
last resort for treating pain caused by a spine condition
and should only be given as an option if all non-surgical
treatments have failed. Non-surgical treatments can
include pain medications, rest, and physical therapy.
If you are a candidate for back surgery, the neurosurgeons at ANS specialize in back pain and are the
leaders in minimally invasive spine surgery in the state.
As always, we treat our patients as if they were our
own family. Each patient is given a lengthy evaluation
and the best treatment options available. Should surgery
be necessary, patients are provided with a surgical
scheduler and specific procedure planning tailored to
each individual’s needs. ▼