Watch Now: Brain Surgery While Awake

When doctors at Baptist Health Neuroscience Center discovered that 27-year-old Sandra Cruz had a brain tumor, they suggested she undergo an innovative procedure that keeps her awake during brain surgery.

Ms. Cruz’s neurosurgeon, Vitaly Siomin, M.D., the medical director of the Center’s Brain Tumor Program, performed an awake craniotomy in which her brain was first mapped, pinpointing the tumor and areas responsible for speech and motor functions.  Then, Dr. Siomin removed the tumor while Ms. Cruz was awake, moving her arms, legs and fingers and even talking to her husband on the phone.

Watch as Ms. Cruz undergoes brain surgery while awake.

Tags: awake craniotomy, Baptist Health Neuroscience Center, Brain Tumor Program, neurosurgery, Vitaly Siomin M.D.