Nick Fitterman, MD Executive Director, Huntington Hospital | Huntington Hospital
Nick Fitterman, MD Executive Director, Huntington Hospital | Huntington Hospital
Neurosurgery is witnessing significant advancements, and Dr. Robert Kerr is leading these changes at Northwell Huntington Hospital. As the chief of neurosurgery, Dr. Kerr discusses how technologies like Gleolan and diffusion tractography are enhancing patient care by enabling more precise and less invasive procedures.
Dr. Kerr's journey into neurosurgery began unexpectedly while pursuing a physiology degree in Toronto. He recalls, "While pursuing a physiology degree in Toronto, one of my research projects was with orthopedic surgeons looking at the recovery of nerves and muscles after trauma. I was invited into the operating room, and it was so impactful seeing what neurosurgeons could do that it completely changed my trajectory." This experience led him to further studies in neurophysiology and a residency in neurosurgery, eventually joining Northwell Health to develop their neurosurgery program.
At Northwell Health, Dr. Kerr has been instrumental in introducing several innovations aimed at reducing surgical impact on patients. He mentions his work on single-step cranioplasties: "Instead of multiple surgeries on the head, we can create 3D-printed models of the skull and a custom implant ahead of time so that I can do the surgery and reconstruction in one shot." Additionally, he highlights his involvement with the Nico BrainPath device which minimizes damage during brain surgeries by using a small tube to separate nervous system fibers.
Dr. Kerr also utilizes personalized videos for patients to help them understand their treatment process from diagnosis to discharge.
Discussing current advancements in neurosurgery, Dr. Kerr points out two exciting technologies: immunofluorescence and diffusion tractography. With Gleolan, an immunofluorescence product, he explains how tumor cells are made visible under a fluorescent microscope: "An immunofluorescence product called Gleolan attaches only to tumor cells...so I can see exactly where the tumor starts and ends." This technology aids in removing tumors while preserving healthy tissue.
Diffusion tractography allows mapping of neural networks using MRI scanners during operations: "With diffusion tractography...I can avoid the 'motor strip' of the brain."
Reflecting on progress over two decades, Dr. Kerr appreciates institutional support for embracing innovations across cancer therapeutics, immunotherapies, 3D printing, and more: "Our capabilities today versus 20 years ago are really phenomenal."
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