Neurosurgeons at Saint John's Health Center are internationally recognized as pioneers in minimally invasive brain surgery.  By developing and improving kinder,  gentler brain surgery procedures and brain-mapping techniques, they minimize the need for complex, risky craniotomies while sparing the patients sensitive brain tissue. 

Medical Director of the Brain Tumor Center Daniel Kelly, MD, has perform more than 1,300 minimally invasive procedures from a number of access points.  Dr. Kelly is a pioneer in the use of the Endonasal Approach, which allows surgeons to use the nostrils as natural portals to reach brain and skull base tumors. Unwanted tissue can be removed through the nose rather than requiring a traditional open craniotomy (cutting through the top of the skull). 

Dr. Kelly, an international leader in minimally invasive brain surgery, has extensive experience in removing brain tumors through the nostrils as well as through keyhole incisions above the eyebrow.  Recently, efforts have focused on developing a surgical tube (brain cannula) combined with detailed fiber tract mapping of the brain (tractography), to optimize the safe endoscopic removal of deeply situated brain tumors.