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We’re Moving October 1

By Featured, Practice News
Dear patients,
As of Thursday, October 1, 2020, East Bay Brain & Spine/BASS Neurosurgery will be moving to a new location!  We will still be in the same complex, but will be in a different building – Building 2. Our new address will be:
130 La Casa Via
Building 2, Suite 210
Walnut Creek, CA 94598
We look forward to seeing you in our new space!

Role of Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT) in the Treatment of Brain Tumors

By Featured
Dr. Merkow spoke the East Bay cancer community about the role of laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) in the treatment of brain tumors. He discussed the common reasons to use LITT in lieu of more traditional surgical or non-surgical interventions. Dr. Merkow believes this cutting-edge tool is an important component in the neuro-oncology armamentarium to fight brain tumors. Dr. Merkow lectured with Drs. Gigi Chen and James Rembert who composed the remainder of the expert panel. Drs. Chen and Rembert discussed updates on medical oncology and radiation oncology, respectively.

VIDEO FEATURE: Dr. Max Merkow speaks about minimally invasive spine techniques

By Featured, Practice News

Dr. Merkow addresses the philosophy behind modern spine procedures that are commonly classified as “minimally invasive.” The tenets of these surgeries include minimizing tissue injury, utilizing neuronavigation (computer/imaging guidance), and maintaining normal spine motion. Examples include tubular retractor systems, artificial disc replacement, and lateral approaches to the spine. These surgeries shorten traditional recovery times. Dr. Merkow believes, when used appropriately, minimally invasive spine surgery improves clinical outcomes by decreasing pain, increasing strength, and raising one’s overall quality of life. East Bay Brain & Spine surgeons couple the latest in surgical technology with sound clinical judgment to better the lives of their patients.

Visualase Probe

Dr. Merkow brings laser treatment for brain tumors to the East Bay

By Featured, Practice News
In partnership with John Muir Medical Center, Dr. Max Merkow performs treatment of brain tumors with the Visualase laser system. By using a “GPS” imaging map, he places a 1.65mm diameter catheter into the tumor. Dr. Merkow then monitors the ablation (controlled destruction) of the tumor in real-time via an MRI machine. This treatment is particularly well-suited for tumors deep in the brain or tumors that metastasize from other parts of the body. The incision is typically closed with a single stitch and patients spend one night in the hospital before going home.
The laser catheter technology is one more addition to the fight against brain cancer. Dr. Merkow is proud to be the first and only surgeon in the East Bay offering this treatment.

Dr. Merkow interviewed for JMH Newsletter: Minimally invasive spine surgery, deep brain stimulation, and laser thermal ablation

By Articles of Interest, Featured, Practice News

Dr. Merkow was featured in the “Neurosciences 2018 Spotlight” of the John Muir Health newsletter. He discusses several areas of his practice including less invasive spine procedures, deep brain stimulation for Parkinson’s Disease and essential tremor, and laser thermal ablation for brain tumor treatment.

Read the newsletter excerpt.

Dr. Maxwell Merkow Speaks

Join us January 17th for Essential Tremor Education Seminar

By Events, Featured

Drs. Max Merkow and Steve Schadendorf presenting the pros and cons of treating essential tremor (involuntary shaking of the body) with deep brain stimulation.

Please join us to learn more:

6pm on January 17 2018

Neurology Medical Group of Diablo Valley
400 Taylor Boulevard , Suite 301
Pleasant Hill, California 94523
Phone: 925-602-7060 / Fax: 925-602-7070