Brain and spine care 

Neurosurgery

More than brain surgery

Neurosurgery is more than brain surgery. Neurosurgeons also work to prevent, diagnose and treat disorders of the brain, spine, or nerves of the limbs or extremities.

Our neurosurgeons at Legacy Health often work closely with neurologists and other members of a care team for coordinated patient care. We understand how hard it is to either have or care for a loved one with a brain or nervous system disorder. That’s why we work with patients and families as a guide toward healing and recovery. 

Among our areas of expertise:

Why choose Legacy for neurosurgery?

Legacy offers specialized services and advanced technology conveniently located in Portland. Legacy Emanuel Medical Center, home of a Level 1 trauma center in Portland, features the following:

  • A special unit for brain surgery patients that nurtures patients with plenty of natural light.
  • Comfortable rooms where family members and loved ones can visit with patients. 
  • A sophisticated brain monitoring system that alerts staff to even the most subtle change in brain activity.

Advanced neurosurgery technology

Treating patients with tumors and lesions in delicate areas of the brain and spine has traditionally presented risks and challenges.

However, Legacy neurosurgeons have advanced technology to expand the ability to treat previously inoperable lesions and tumors. Patients can have surgery with much less risk of disturbing important pathways of the brain and spinal cord.

Legacy is the only system in the Portland-Vancouver area that uses the Synaptive BrightMatter and BrainPath technologies on neurosurgery patients. These technologies give surgeons the ability to see details not often visible using other technologies. We also perform surgeries through smaller incisions than conventional surgery.

The technology is used to operate on:

  • Brain tumors
  • Aneurysms
  • Vascular lesions
  • Issues of the skull
  • Spine surgery

Potential benefits:

  • Faster recovery from surgery.
  • Reduced complications.

image of brain using BrightMatter technology as seen by Portland neurosurgeons

Advanced neurosurgery technology offers hope against bleeding strokes by allowing neurosurgeons to remove a blood clot and minimize further damage to the brain.

Treatment for cancerous tumors

Legacy Cancer Institute treats brain tumors by using these ultra-precise technologies along with stereotactic radiosurgery and other precision radiation therapies. Learn about Legacy’s multidisciplinary program for brain and central nervous system cancers.

Our neurosurgery team

  • Prominent neurosurgeons from across the Portland-Vancouver area. Many have specialized expertise.
  • Neuro-intensivists (doctors who care for neurosurgery patients while they are in the hospital).
  • Neuro-rehabilitation therapists.
  • Social workers and chaplains trained to care for neurosurgery patients and to support their families.
  • Neuropsychologists to help patients and families cope with the challenges of recovering from strokes, brain surgery and other neurological conditions.
  • Cutting-edge clinical trials and research: lab research as well as patient clinical trials. Learn more about Legacy Research Institute.

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