October 7, 2019
Montefiore is one of only a few medical centers offering a new minimally invasive revision spine surgery to fuse together discs that have further degenerated after a prior spine surgery. The new procedure takes only 45 minutes, replacing what is typically a four- to six-hour revision surgery.
Dr. Vijay Yanamadala
THE NEW PROCEDURE TAKES ONLY 45 MINUTES, REPLACING WHAT IS TYPICALLY A FOUR- TO SIX-HOUR REVISION SURGERY
Patients who continued to experience severe pain and lack of mobility, which affected their quality of life after their original spine surgery, can now benefit from this procedure. Patients are relatively pain-free less than 24 hours after the surgery.
The novel procedure, lateral lumbar interbody fusion with lateral fixation, was recently performed on its first patient at the Montefiore Spine Center by Vijay Yanamadala, MD, MBA, MS, Assistant Professor, Neurological Surgery, and Director, Center for Surgical Optimization, Leo M. Davidoff Department of Neurosurgery, Einstein and Montefiore.
Surgeons traditionally make incisions to the back, then must remove and replace existing hardware, in order to do the fusion. In this new procedure, an incision is made in the patient’s side, bypassing the hardware, reducing time and trauma to the body. “Advances in technology and our understanding of how to stabilize the spine enable us to approach the spine differently,” says Dr. Yanamadala.
Visit www.montefiore.org/thespinecenter to learn more.
Every year Montefiore’s MY SHOT COUNTS campaign focuses on the importance of getting the flu shot, and 2019–2020 is no exception. With flu season coming soon, we’re gearing up to protect patients, families and associates by making it easy and convenient for every Montefiore associate to make the choice to protect themselves and others from the flu.
Vaccination carts visit each unit during all shifts, with full schedules posted on the intranet Flu HQ page. Once vaccinated, you receive a lavender MY SHOT COUNTS tag for your Montefiore ID badge. When flu is officially declared prevalent by the New York State Commissioner of Health, all associates who have not been vaccinated will be required to wear a mask in all areas across the health system where contact with patients may occur. For those few individuals with allergies to components of the regular vaccine, an alternative is available.
You lead by example when you get your shot, so head to the Flu HQ page for vaccination schedules and more information.
Second from left, Lourdes Cruz Mendez, Administrative Assistant; center, Julie List, LCSW; and Caregiver Support Center volunteers
The Caregiver Support Center at Weiler Hospital, modeled after the Arthur D. Emil Caregiver Support Center at Moses, celebrated its fifth anniversary in September. The Center, under the leadership of Julie List, LCSW, provides trained volunteers to welcome and assist families needing extra support as they navigate the difficult journey their loved ones are on while in the hospital. Families can share their feelings and find a soothing place of comfort and respite. "We know that the role of a caregiver can be demanding, stressful and lonely," says Randi Kaplan, LMSW, Director, Arthur D. Emil Caregiver Support Center, Moses. "We are proud that the Weiler Caregiver Support Center has supported so many over the course of its five years at the Einstein Campus."
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Working especially closely with the Palliative Care team, the ICUs and the NICU, Ms. List and her team offer an additional layer of support. Surgeons, nurse managers and social workers frequently bring families experiencing distress to the Center. “The Caregiver Support Center provides a warm and comforting space for families that may be distressed or overwhelmed when their loved ones are in the hospital,” says Beverly Michael, Executive Director, Einstein Campus, and Vice President, Clinical Services, Montefiore.
Hyundai Hope On Wheels® (HHOW) has announced a $200,000 Hyundai Young Investigator Grant to Children's Hospital at Montefiore (CHAM) to continue its long-standing fight against pediatric cancer. HHOW is a nonprofit organization supported by Hyundai and its U.S. dealers, who have made a commitment to spend $13.2 million to support 52 new doctor-researchers in their quest for better treatment options and improved care for children diagnosed with pediatric cancer. The Hyundai Young Investigator Award was officially presented to Alissa Baker, MD, at Children's Hospital at Montefiore on September 6, at an event held in the CHAM Lobby. Children battling cancer and being treated at CHAM participated in the program's signature Handprint Ceremony, in which they dip their hands in paint and place their handprints on a white 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe. Their colorful handprints on the official Hope Vehicle represent their individual and collective journeys, hopes and dreams.
The week of October 6–12, 2019, is National Physician Assistant (PA) Week, which recognizes the PA profession and its contributions to the nation's health. There are more than 131,000 certified PA's in the country. This week serves to celebrate the significant impact of PAs at Montefiore and in healthcare as partners in medicine. While PAs traditionally practiced general medicine, Montefiore was the first institution in the country to implement the Surgical PA residency program, inspired by medics during wartime. Physician assistants are nationally certified and state-licensed medical professionals, and practice on healthcare teams with physicians and other providers. They have a positive impact on patient outcomes and patient access to care in all branches of medicine from hospital medicine to cardiology, surgery, maternal/fetal medicine, emergency medicine, family medicine, pediatrics, neurology, urology, oncology, critical care and more.
Neil Haranhalli, MD
Assistant Professor and Attending Physician, Neurological Surgery
Vijay Yanamadala, MD
Director, Center for Surgical Optimization, Neurological Surgery
IH can impact more than just your sleep cycle. It can also affect work, education, relationships, and so much more. Did you know? Idiopathic hypersomnia symptoms often first appear in the mid-to-late teens or early twenties. If you are ages 18 to 70 and have idiopathic hypersomnia, you may be eligible for a clinical research study. See if you qualify.
Do I qualify to take part in the Arise2 study?
No history of another disorder causing excessive sleep other than IH (includes narcolepsy, severe sleep apnea, any circadian rhythm sleepwake disorder, or “restless leg syndrome”)?
The Arise2 clinical research study hopes to find a more effective treatment for those with IH. The study will look at the safety and effectiveness of the study drug on mental fogginess, sleep, functionality, and quality of life in those with IH. We want to find a new treatment option that may work for people with idiopathic hypersomnia (IH).
To learn more, contact the study team at 718-920-2880/718-920-2895 or mfiguera@montefiore.org
Get ready to make a difference! One day. Eight hours.
Join us for the fifth annual organ donor enrollment; our mission is to enroll as many New Yorkers as possible to save lives!
Thursday, October 10, beginning at 10:00 AM
Moses Campus: Main Entrance Lobby on 111 East 210th Street, Bronx, New York 10467; Gun Hill Entrance Lobby, and CHAM Lobby
Wakefield Campus: Cafeteria, 600 East 233rd Street, Bronx, New York 10466
Einstein Campus: Cafeteria, 1825 Eastchester Road, Bronx, New York 10461
For more information, contact Leo Trevino at ltrevino@montefiore.org
Join the Fun Run 5K race to benefit the Lymphatic Education & Research Network
Supported by Montefiore Einstein Center for Cancer Care
Saturday, October 19 | Registration/Check in 9:00 – 10:00 AM
The Overlook at Riverside Drive and West 103rd Street
Riverside Park, New York, New York
Register at www.LymphWalk.org or call 516-625-9675 for more information.
