Our Services | Apex Brain & Spine
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Services & Conditions Treated

Compression Fractures and Spinal Trauma

Both neurosurgeons, Gregory Cannarsa, MD and Amanda Sacino, MD, PhD, at Apex Brain & Spine specialize in treatment of spinal compression fractures through minimally invasive kyphoplasty. Please see CompressionFractureClinic.com for more information on our specialized, modern procedure room dedicated to the care of compression fractures.

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  • See Dr. Sacino's papers (part I and part II) on treatment of spinal cord injury.

  • See Dr. Sacino's lecture at Seattle Science Foundation on new techniques for treatment of spine trauma.

Herniated disc

We offer minimally invasive treatment options for herniated spinal discs including microscopic diskectomy which involves removal of the herniated disc through an incision ~1 inch in length. Most patients can expect immediate significant improvement in radiating leg pain.

Spinal Stenosis

We offer minimally invasive treatment options for spinal stenosis including minimally invasive ultrasonic laminectomy which involves removal of the piece of the bone that is pinching the nerves through an incision ~1-2 inches in length. See our surgical video on our YouTube channel for an illustration of the minimally-invasive ultrasonic procedure.  Most patients can expect immediate significant improvement in radiating leg pain and improvement in walking ability if it has been affected.

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Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis, or slippage of the bones of the spine on one another, can cause back and radiating leg pain. We offer minimally invasive treatment options for spondylolisthesis including minimally invasive laminectomy or, if the slippage is severe, minimally invasive spinal fusion performed through 2 small incisions on the back. Our minimally invasive spine surgery techniques preserve the muscle attachment to the spine and enhance recovery and decrease post-operative soreness. Most patients can expect significant improvement in radiating leg pain and improvement in walking ability if it has been affected.

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Spinal Tumors and Spinal Oncology

The spine can often be a site of metastasis for cancers of other origins and, as well, there are primary tumors of the spine such as meningioma and schwannoma that can affect the spine and spinal cord. We offer minimally disruptive surgical treatments options to treat and remove spinal tumors. Depending on your specific type of tumor and its location, we tailor our approach and use the latest minimally-invasive techniques to ensure the best outcome with the quickest recovery. We work closely with radiation oncology in Naples to ensure that, if radiation is necessary, we coordinate your care for optimal treatment of your issue.

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  • See a study by Dr. Sacino on surgical management of spinal tumors.

  • See a report by Dr. Sacino on using intra-operative navigation for less invasive surgical management of spine tumors.

  • See a report by Dr. Sacino on surgical management of sacral tumors.

  • See a book chapter by Dr. Sacino on surgical management.

  • See Dr. Sacino's lecture at the Seattle Science Foundation on using robotics and augmented reality for spine tumor surgery.

  • See Dr. Sacino's lecture at the Seattle Science Foundation on the use of carbon fiber technology for spine instrumentation to improve tumor surveillance and delivery of radiation treatment.

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Spine Conditions

Brain

Brain Conditions

Brain Tumors

Brain metastatic disease can develop in up to 25% of all cancer patients, and additionally, primary brain tumors such as meningiomas and gliomas have increasing prevalence in the elderly population. We offer dedicated treatment for brain tumors in cooperation with medical and radiation oncology in the Naples area. Dr. Cannarsa has a dedicated fellowship in cranial and vascular issues of the brain including brain tumors of all types. Focused, stereotactic radiosurgery, in partnership with our radiation oncology colleagues, is also an option for many patients which does not involve open surgery but instead focused radiation. When surgery is necessary, Dr. Cannarsa uses a "keyhole" approach to tumors to minimize incisions, disruptions of normal brain, and maximize speed of recovery. A "hair-sparing" approach is used in which very little to no hair is shaved. We tailor our approach to your specific diagnosis and the location of the brain tumor.

Brain Aneurysms

Dr. Cannarsa is Fellowship-Trained in treatment of cerebral aneurysms with dual training in both surgical approaches as well as endovascular approaches including coil embolization and Pipeline flow diverting stent placement. Both brain aneurysm treatment options have benefits and the approach is tailored to the patient's aneurysm type and location. 

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Subdural hematoma and Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Dr. Cannarsa trained at University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center with high volume of both traumatic and intracerebral hemorrhage patients. Subdural hematoma especially chronic subdural hematoma is an increasingly common condition in the elderly population, especially when patients are also on blood thinners. Treatment options included minimally-invasive burr hole with drainage of hematoma and endovascular treatment in the form of middle meningeal artery embolization.

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Hydrocephalus including Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus, Chiari Malformation

We offer management and treatment of hydrocephalus patients as well as Chiari malformation patients. Treatment options include minimally disruptive shunt placement as well as minimally invasive Chiari decompression.​

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