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Minimally Invasive Brain Surgery ​Legacy of Innovations

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Like most medical and surgical breakthroughs, the development and expanded applications of the Endoscopic Endonasal Approach (EEA) and Neuroendoport® Surgery represent decades of dedicated study, research, and clinical application. UPMC remains at the forefront of minimally invasive brain surgery, and continues to attract surgical talent and research funding to further enhance these techniques.

Breakthroughs in Minimally Invasive Brain Surgery at UPMC

1976: First craniofacial resection performed at UPMC

1986: UPMC Center for Cranial Base Surgery established

1994: First endoscopic pituitary surgery

1999: First pediatric EEA (12-year-old child)

2000: First EEA olfactory groove meningioma surgery

2001: First endonasal infratemporal tumor surgery

2001: First Neuroendoport surgery for ventricular tumor (colloid cyst)

2002: EEA for the youngest patient ever (3-year-old child)

2003: First Neuroendoport surgery for intraparenchymal tumor (in substance of the brain)

2004: First endonasal odontoid resection

2004: First EEA for a vascular malformation

2005: First endonasal aneurysm surgery

2005: UPMC hosts 1st World Congress for Endoscopic Surgery of the Brain, Skull Base, and Spine

2008: 1000th endoscopic endonasal surgery at UPMC

2010: UPMC hosts 4th World Congress for Endoscopic Surgery of the Brain, Skull Base, and Spine

2018: 3500th endoscopic endonasal surgery at UPMC