A TIME TO BE THANKFUL

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

We hope everyone had a wonderful, blessed Thanksgiving Holiday. It's very easy -- and so very important -- to realize how fortunate we really are. All we have to do is be aware of what goes on around us, watch the news, or read the newspaper. Many of life's difficulties touch most of us. As we all float around in deep space on this big, wet rock we call the planet Earth, being thankful, every day of our lives, is such a vital part of who we are. We should appreciate each and every day -- one moment at a time.

A reminder to all that the employment and referral bonus program is still in full swing. A $14,000 bonus is available to neurosciences new hires (see our earlier post).

Did you know?

U.S. News & World Report ranked Barnes-Jewish Hospital's Neurology and Neurosurgery services as the best in Missouri and in the top seven in the country.

The plans for the new IMRIS iSPACE surgical imaging unit are coming along wonderfully. As we mentioned earlier, Barnes-Jewish Hospital is one of only three hospitals in the world to introduce the IMRIS iSPACE surgical imaging suite. This is the latest technology in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system that can perform MRI tests during surgery. Thanks to a unique ceiling mounting system, iSPACE has the ability to move between two separate operating rooms, thus being able to assist in two operating procedures at the same time!

One can only imagine the positive effect this technology will have on excellence in patient care at BJH. This new imaging unit will be another step in ensuring that the latest and greatest technology will benefit the highest number of patients.

Another new breakthrough in patient care excellence includes interventional neuroradiology (INR), which is a new but growing specialty primarily dedicated to the treatment of disorders of the blood vessels of the brain, spine, head and neck. Using this technology, patients are treated from inside the blood vessels (an endovascular approach).

Using catheters and microcatheter techniques, an interventional neuroradiologist can reduce or eliminate blood flow to abnormal structures such as aneurysms or vascular formations, as well as increase blood flow to normal blood vessels that are obstructed by clot or atherosclerotic disease.

An angiography is used to evaluate blood vessels in the head, neck, brain, or spine and provides an accuracy and quality of resolution far better than any other imaging technique used today.

A growing number of patients with diseases or disorders of the blood vessels of the neck, head and spine can be treated safely and effectively using endovascular devices within the blood vessels. Many vascular problems are complicated and require different combinations of medical, surgical, and endovascular treatment for the best outcome. The goal is to offer the patient the most effective treatment with the lowest risk. Sometimes, this may be no treatment at all.

Barnes-Jewish Hospital neuroservices also offers other percutaneous (through small skin punctures) interventions related to the head, neck, spine, and nervous system. These include injections of anesthetics and steroids for relief of pain from nerve root inflammation and image-guided biopsies to obtain diagnoses. Patients with known or suspected disorders of the cerebral vasculature are usually evaluated in close consultation with members of BJH's Departments of Neurology and Neurological Surgery.

The 20-bed neuro-intensive care unit (NICU) at BJH is one of the largest and most sophisticated in the United States, ensuring that after surgery, patients are cared for by specialized physicians, nurses and other staff, including a neurointensivist, a physician specialty-trained in caring for patients in the NICU. The NICU has computerized radiograph viewing and an in-unit positron emission tomography (PET) scanner - a leading-edge brain imaging technique.

Other than these fantastic breakthroughs in patient care, our new, state-of-the-art research building has broken ground at South Euclid and Children's Place. This new facility will house the latest in medical technology, as well as a new cafeteria. Completion is expected in 2009.

Isn't this news so exciting?! Doesn't it want you to become a part of Barnes-Jewish Hospital? We want you with us!

We are thankful for YOU -- the dedicated neurology nurses and healtcare professionals. Be a part of the best neurological/neurosciences team in the world! MAKE A DIFFERENCE in patient care excellence. It's all about taking exceptional care of people. You'll always be so thankful that you joined us!

Post at you later!