New technologies to benefit brain and spine tumor patients

St. Vincent’s Riverside is now offering new technologies to benefit patients with brain and spine tumors. These technologies are used in procedures performed by Dr. Aristotelis Filippidis, a neurosurgeon with subspecialty in neurosurgical oncology.

“Our hospital is committed to providing our physicians with the best available technology to address their patients’ surgical and medical care needs,” said Scott Kashman, president and CEO of St. Vincent's Riverside. “These additions ensure we are among the premier neurosurgical institutes in the country, allowing our patients to receive this excellent care in their own community.”

New technologies include:

• Gleolan: a one-of-a-kind fluorescent optical imaging agent that illuminates a common and devastating type of brain tumor called glioma, maximizing resection.

• GammaTile: a postage-stamp-sized device that is designed to deliver radiation at the tumor cavity, the same day with surgery, designed to delay tumor regrowth for patients without delaying care.

• Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT): minimally invasive laser technology, designed to ablate brain tumors in difficult access areas, with laser precision.

• Advanced brain mapping and Tractography: technology that informs surgeons in real-time about dangerous areas to avoid while resecting brain tumors.

• VADER Screw System: carbon fiber screws and rods for spinal tumor patients that are completely radiolucent, allowing for clear visualization in postoperative imaging, providing improved radiation planning and dose delivery.

“Our goal, as neurosurgeons, is to always provide the best treatment possible, with unique care plans developed for each individual patient,” said Filippidis. “These technologies help us deliver on that promise for every patient who trusts us with their care, reflecting our philosophy of minimal intervention with maximum outcomes. We combine expertise with these technologies to ensure patients with tumors from the greater Jacksonville area do not have to seek their care away from home anymore.”

St. Vincent’s Riverside was named a Best Regional Hospital by the U.S. News and World Report’s Best Hospital Rankings for 2024-25. St. Vincent’s was also named a top 15 health system in the country for 2024 by Fortune and PINC AI.

For more information on neurosurgery at St. Vincent’s Riverside, go to ascension.org.