Heather has Parkinson’s Disease, and came to East Bay Brain & Spine in excruciating back pain. She couldn’t even walk. Thanks to a thorough assessment, Dr. Merkow and his team identified the problem. Heather had damaged spinal discs and an arthritic cyst, causing tremendous suffering. Heather gave a painting she created as a gift to Dr. Merkow. Since her successful spine surgery she can paint, and walk, again with minimal pain.
We are thrilled to announce that through the efforts of Dr. Benjamin Yim, MD, John Muir Health – Walnut Creek has been approved as a site to enroll patients into the KEEP (Kaneka Endovascular Embolization and Protection) trial. This pivotal trial evaluates the use of Kaneka coils in the treatment of brain aneurysms.
Superior Biocompatibility: The Kaneka coils are designed with materials that optimize their compatibility with the human body, reducing the risk of complications.
Enhanced Stability: Their unique design offers greater stability within the aneurysm, ensuring a more reliable and long-lasting result.
Optimal Packing Density: Kaneka coils are developed to maximize the packing density, which is critical for preventing aneurysm recurrence.
Advanced Deployment Mechanism: These coils come with a state-of-the-art deployment mechanism that enhances precision, offering neurosurgeons greater control during procedures.
Innovative Design for Complex Aneurysms: The design of the Kaneka coils makes them suitable even for complex and challenging aneurysm morphologies.
Reduced Coil Compaction: Compared to other coils on the market, Kaneka coils have shown a decreased tendency for coil compaction, a critical factor in long-term aneurysm occlusion.
We are particularly proud to highlight that no other hospital in the Bay Area has been approved for the KEEP trial, placing our practice at the forefront of cerebrovascular interventions and treatments.
Patients or referring physicians interested in learning more about the KEEP trial or considering treatment using the Kaneka coils are encouraged to contact our office.
We are thrilled to announce that John Muir Health-Walnut Creek has been officially selected as one of 32 hospitals around the world to enroll patients in the MEMBRANE trial, a groundbreaking study sponsored by Cerenovus, part of the Johnson & Johnson family of healthcare medical companies. No other hospital in Northern California has been selected. This is a pivotal moment for our community and for advancements in medical treatments.
Selected to lead this innovative trial at our site is Dr. Benjamin Yim, MD and his appointment as the Site Principal Investigator is a testament to his dedication and expertise in medical research and patient care.
The MEMBRANE trial is focused on exploring the benefits of middle meningeal artery embolization in the treatment of chronic or mixed density subdural hematomas. This approach has shown promise in improving patient outcomes, reducing complications, and offering a minimally invasive treatment option.
Middle meningeal artery embolization has been recognized for its potential benefits in treating subdural hematomas, including:
More Information
Read more about the Ceronovus MEMBRANE Study:
Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those affected by chronic or mixed-density subdural hematomas.
We are thrilled to announce a significant milestone at our practice. Dr. Benjamin Yim recently performed the first aneurysm embolization in Northern California and the Bay Area using the innovative i-ED Coil® System from Kaneka Corporation. This state-of-the-art neuroendovascular tool has revolutionized the treatment of cerebrovascular diseases, enhancing the safety and efficacy of our procedures.
In this groundbreaking case, Dr. Yim achieved an impressive 49% packing density using just three i-ED coils. This is an incredible achievement, underscoring the efficacy and precision of these coils in treating cerebrovascular conditions.
The Kaneka i-ED Coil® System offers several advantages over traditional neuroendovascular coils:
At our practice, we are committed to providing our patients with the most advanced and effective treatment options. The introduction of the i-ED Coil® System is a testament to this commitment at East Bay Brain and Spine. If you or a loved one are facing a cerebrovascular condition and would like to explore your treatment options, please contact our practice to schedule a consultation with Dr. Yim.
We look forward to continuing to serve our community with cutting-edge neurosurgical care.
Dr. Benjamin Yim, a neurosurgeon at East Bay Brain & Spine Medical Group, recently performed an Extracranial to Intracranial Bypass surgery on a patient at the Walnut Creek Medical Center with the assistance from Agnieszka Bajer (surgical technician), Thomas Pierson (OR nurse), and Mauricio Kuri, MD (plastic surgery). The patient was suffering from Moyamoya disease, a rare progressive blood vessel disorder resulting in reduced blood flow to the brain causing hemorrhagic strokes and ischemic symptoms. The procedure, once completed, resulted in immediate improvement of blood flow to the brain for the patient. Dr. Yim performed the surgery using the Zeiss Kinevo Microscope, which we currently have on loan and are planning to purchase. The microscope technology is crucial because the anastomosis of 1 mm blood vessels require sutures approximately 1/3 the width of a strand of hair. This procedure highlights the quaternary level care offerings we provide locally at John Muir Health. Patients can stay in our community for services, procedures and clinical expertise that is normally only associated with academic medical centers.
We are delighted to announce another significant accomplishment at our practice. Dr. Benjamin Yim recently performed the first mini-pterional craniotomy at John Muir Walnut Creek, marking a new chapter in the innovative neurosurgical procedures available in Northern California. This advanced technique was employed for the successful clipping of an unruptured aneurysm, enhancing the patient’s prognosis and overall well-being.
The mini-pterional craniotomy represents a less invasive alternative to the traditional pterional craniotomy. It stands out particularly due to the size of the incision needed. While a standard pterional craniotomy typically involves a 10 to 15 cm incision, Dr. Yim’s mini-pterional craniotomy necessitates just a 4 cm cut.
From a patient’s perspective, this difference brings about several substantial benefits:
Our practice is committed to bringing the most recent and effective treatment options to our patients. The implementation of the mini-pterional craniotomy at John Muir Walnut Creek is a testament to this commitment, reflecting our dedication to patient-centered, state-of-the-art neurosurgical care.
If you or a loved one is dealing with a cerebrovascular condition and seeking the most progressive treatment solutions, we invite you to reach out to our practice and schedule a consultation with Dr. Yim. We are devoted to providing the high-quality neurosurgical care you deserve, helping you navigate your health journey with confidence and optimism.
Dear patients,
If you develop new or quickly worsening neurologic symptoms please contact our office. If you cannot reach our office please present to an emergency room for evaluation.
We thank you for your understanding as we respond to these unusual circumstances.
Sincerely,
Max Merkow M.D. and Matt Piazza M.D.
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.
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