WELCOME to ANSwers, Atlantic NeuroSurgical Specialists (ANS) newsletter. Inside you will findthe latest information about our staff, practice, and patients.

Atlantic NeuroSurgical Specialists is a premiere neurosurgical practice located in Morristown,Sparta, Summit, and Neptune, New Jersey. We are the largest private neurosurgical practice in thestate and are leaders in the areas of tumors and diseases of the brain and spine. We give patientsaccess to doctors and treatments not found anywhere else in the state. ANS physicians have beentrained at the most prestigious programs in the nation, and are proud to house this knowledge andexpertise in New Jersey. Our doctors are affiliated with 15 NJ hospitals, including the Atlantic HealthSystem, Meridian Health System, St. Barnabas Health System Englewood Hospital and Medical Center,Englewood, NJ, and Saint Clare’s Hospital, Denville, NJ. ANS continues to partner with hospital administration in the drive to acquire new treatment technology.

In this issue we are honored to introduce 2 of our patients with whom we have worked closelysince our last issue: Adolph Carbone, an 86-year-old WW II war hero and Luis DaSilva, an avid golfplayer. Our patients are the heart of our practice and we are congratulating them on their progresssince being treated by our neurosurgeons. You can read more about them inside.

ANS continues to grow and is now 15 strong. We would like to welcome Dr. Charles Blair Stillerman,a fellowship-trained spine surgeon. We are grateful for the talent and dedication he brings to theANS family.

We hope this newsletter finds you in good health. For more information about ANS, please visit usat www.ansdocs.com or call 973.285.7800. �

ANS is proudto be named

one of our nation’s 15 Leadersin Neurosurgery by Newsweek.

Atlantic NeuroSurgical Specialists

Spring 2012

www.ansdocs.com

Aneurysms

Cerebrovascular Surgery

Complex Spine Surgery

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery

Endoscopic Spine Surgery

Strokes

Vascular Malformations

Tumors

OUR PHYSICIANS HAVE BEEN TRAINED AT SOME OF THE MOST PRESTIGIOUS PROGRAMS IN THE NATION

INCLUDING THE BARROW INSTITUTE, COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY, CORNELL UNIVERSITY, MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL, AND MOUNT SINAI.

Charles Blair Stillerman, MD Dr. Stillerman’sclinical interest is in thoracic and lumbar trauma.Named frequently as one of the Best Doctors in America in Castle Connolly’s Top Doctors, Dr.Stillerman has written and lectured extensively

on spinal disorders, spinal injuries, and specifically on thoracic andlumbar spine stabilization.

Albert Telfeian, MD, PhD Dr. Telfeian’s areasof clinical expertise include minimally invasive spine surgery, and he is the only neurosurgeon inNew Jersey performing endoscopic spine surgery.He performs complex spine surgery as well as

general neurosurgery. Dr. Telfeian also teaches these minimally invasivetechniques here and abroad. He has been the recipient of manyawards, including "Surgeon of the Year."

Igor Ugorec, MD Dr. Ugorec is one of themost highly regarded neurointensivists in thecountry. His expertise is invaluable to ANS andour patients.

David Wells-Roth, MD Dr. Wells-Roth hasspecialized fellowship training in endovascularneurosurgery, cerebrovascular surgery, skull basesurgery, and complex and minimally invasivespine surgery. His specialties include the treatment

of cerebro-vascular diseases such as stroke, aneurysms, and AVMsusing new and innovative technologies as well as the latest spinesurgery treatments.

Edward J. Zampella, MD, FACS Dr. Zampella’sspecialties include surgical management of brain andspinal tumors, endoscopic surgery, pediatric neuro-surgery, spinal cord stimulation, intraspinal drug infu-sion, neurosurgical treatment of movement disorders,

epilepsy, stereotactic radiosurgery, and CyberKnife® surgery. Dr. Zampellaalso has extensive experience in pediatric neurosurgery.

Jonathan J. Baskin, MD, FACS Dr. Baskin isfellowship trained in spine surgery and specializesin minimally invasive and complex spine surgery,tumors of the spine, image-guided neurosurgeryfor brain tumors, spinal stabilization, CyberKnife®

surgery, and kyphoplasties.

Ronald P. Benitez, MD Dr. Benitez is a fellow-ship-trained vascular neurosurgeon specializing inminimally invasive techniques. His specialties includethe treatment of cerebrovascular diseases suchas stroke, aneurysm, and AVMs using new and

innovative techniques. Additionally he specializes in tumors of theskull base.

Brian D. Beyerl, MD, FACS Dr. Beyerl special-izes in stereotactic neurosurgery and radiosurgeryfor brain tumors and AVMs. He also practices general neurosurgery, spinal, and carpal tunnelsurgery.

Kyle T. Chapple, MD Dr. Chapple is fellowshiptrained and specializes in neurovascular skull basesurgery and endovascular neurosurgery as well as minimally invasive and complex spine surgery.His specialties include the treatment of cerebro-

vascular diseases such as stroke, aneurysms, and AVMs using newand innovative technologies.

Jay Y. Chun, MD, PhD Dr. Chun is fellowshiptrained in spine surgery and specializes in complexand minimally invasive spine surgeries. In additionhe also specializes in general neurosurgery andthe treatment of brain tumors.

John J. Knightly, MD Dr. Knightly is a fellow-ship-trained spine surgeon who specializes in complex and minimally invasive spine surgery. Hisother specialties include trauma, CyberKnife®

stereotactic neurosurgery, and concussion treatment.

Scott Meyer, MD Dr. Meyer is a fellowship-trained spine surgeon. His areas of clinical expertiseinclude complex cervical spine surgery, minimallyinvasive spine surgery, degenerative spine disease,adult spinal deformity (kyphosis and scoliosis),

spinal tumors, and spinal trauma. Dr. Meyer also maintains a stronginterest in neurotrauma and general neurosurgery.

Joelle Stabile Rehberg, DO Dr. Rehberg isboard certified by the American College of Osteo-pathic Family Physicians and her areas of interestinclude sports medicine and the treatment of concussion. Currently, she is the Medical Director

and a clinical instructor for the Athletic Training Education Program at William Paterson University in Wayne, NJ.

Joseph Rempson, MD Dr. Rempson special-izes in the field of physiatry, which helps patientswho suffer injuries to the muscles, bones, tissues,and nervous system. Dr. Rempson concentratesnot only on musculoskeletal injuries, but on the

rehabilitation of neurologic disorders such as stroke and brain tumors.

Paul S. Saphier, MD Dr. Saphier is fellowshiptrained and specializes in endovascular neuro-surgery. His specialties include the treatment ofcerebrovascular diseases such as stroke, aneurysms,and AVMs using new and innovative technologies.

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310 Madison AvenueMorristown, NJ 07690973.285.7800

11 Overlook RdSuite 180Summit, NJ 07901908.516.2941

3700 Route 33Neptune, NJ 07753732.455.8225

89 Sparta AvenueSparta, NJ 07871 973.729.0266

Decorated WW II Hero Adolph Carbone proves he is not a statistic

When 86-year-old Toms River resident Adolph Carbone was rushed to Saint BarnabasHospital with a ruptured brain aneurysm, the odds of survival were not in his favor.To save Mr. Carbone, Atlantic NeuroSurgical Specialists (ANS) neurosurgeon Dr. RonBenitez would have to perform a coil embolization – a procedure normally performedby accessing the treatment area from within the blood vessel. Dr. Benitez reviewedthe case with the family and explained that Adolph had suffered a hemorrhagicstroke as a result of the ruptured brain aneurysm. To save Adolph, Dr. Benitez wouldhave to take many steps, including a challenging angiogram and endovascular coiling procedure, to eliminate blood flow into the aneurysm. Endovascular coilingnormally involves placing of a catheter (small plastic tube) into the femoral artery inthe patient’s leg. However, in this case, it had to be donethrough the wrist, a first for Dr. Benitez. The coil is navi-gated through the vascular system, into the head, andinto the aneurysm. ANS performs more of these pro-cedures than any other medical practice in New Jersey.

As Dr. Benitez explained the risks of the procedure,especially for an 86-year-old man, Adolph’s daughterspoke for the family. “We want you to go aggres-sive, do everything you can to save my father. Heis not a typical 86-year-old man.” Can AdolphCarbone’s life be described as normal? No. Indeed, his life has been a roller-coaster ride ofmany highs and lows. His luck could be compared to someone having been struck bylightning twice, a rare and random occurrenceof misfortune; but in his life, it was thestroke of good luck, not lightning, thatwould save Adolph Carbone more thanonce in his lifetime.

Adolph Carbone was born in Newark,New Jersey, on April 29, 1925, the oldestchild (he had a brother, Vincent, and a sister, Patricia) of Patsy and Frances Carbone. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the US Army Air Corps with hopes of becoming a pilot. His dreamscame true at the age of 18 when he was assigned to Captain Harold E. Lanning’screw and later assigned to the 491st bomb group 854 squadron based at North Hickenham, UK.

In Adolph’s Army career, he would cheat death not once, but three times. First, onNovember 10, 1944, returning from a mission over Germany, his plane crashed,killing his friend, the radio operator Ruppel. Prior to the mission, Ruppel had givenAdolph his valuables to hold in case anything happened to him. It was as if hisbrother-in-arms knew that Adolph was special and that if anyone could survive thedangerous war-ravaged skies, it would be Adolph.

Adolph’s second brush with death occurred on November 15, 1944, when he was inhis second crash without receiving a scratch. The third event happened on November25, 1944. Carbone had passed out due to faulty oxygen equipment, the pilot abortedthe mission, and he fell to 10,000 feet. The next morning Carbone and his crew werescheduled to fly a mission to Misburg (Germany). While near the target, enemy fight-ers greeted Carbone’s squadron with a hail of bullets. A majority of the planes wereeither shot down or blown from the sky. Captain Lanning and his crew, including

Carbone, bailed from the damaged plane. Carbone recalls, “My first thought was to countto ten, then pull the ripcord. I got to three andfound I could not raise my right arm to graspthe ripcord handle. I was frantic, but I did notlose my senses. As I was tumbling towards theearth, I used my left hand to raise my righthand over the pull handle of the chute, but Ihad no strength to pull the cord. I then beganto hit my right hand with my left and thechute finally opened. To this day, I believe it was more than my hands that opened that chute. Once the chute opened, I had astrong feeling that I was safe. As I got closer to the ground, I tried to observe the terrain to decide whether to cross my legs or not. All of a sudden the ground was coming up fast. I landed in a soft patch surrounded by trees. I was unable to move.”

Adolph had landed in Leuven, Belgium, very close to a hospital,a place where, much later in life, he would

be honored and memorialized for hisbravery. During his recovery in Belgium,he underwent surgery. The doctor whoperformed the operation wrote, “Chanceof survival one in a million.” At one point,his parents were even contacted and ad-vised that their son’s injuries were mortaland survival was unlikely; however, Adolphfought his way through his injuries and hasbeen living the good life ever since.

Adolph was awarded the Silver Star, PurpleHeart, and Air Medal for his dedication and bravery in the Army, but if you ask Adolph hisgreatest accomplishments in life, he would answer,“My family.” Adolph married Anne Caccholi in1950, and they have five children: Patricia (Patti-Anne), Adolph Jr. (Butch), Michael, Kathleen, andAnnie; 18 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildrenwith more on the way. His career path is an interestingjourney, including owning amusement parks in SeasideHeights, NJ, studying for and receiving his law degree, andteaching history to high school students for over 12 years.

When asked his feelings about Dr. Benitez, Adolph simplystates, “He saved my life.” Dr. Benitez’s view on the case is different. “I may havehelped save his life, but Adolph is unique,” states Dr. Benitez. “Nine hundred ninety-nine people out of 1000 would not have survived his scenario. After learning aboutAdolph, it is clear to me he has fight within him which all people should strive for intheir lives. Adolph still has it. He is phenomenal.”

Atlantic NeuroSurgical Specialists physicians have been trained at the most prestigiousprograms in the nation, and are proud to house this knowledge and expertise in New Jersey.ANS is the largest private neurosurgical practice in the state and are leaders in the areas of tumors and diseases of the brain and spine. We are proud to give patients access to doctors and treatments not found anywhere else in the state. For more information, please visitwww.ansdocs.com or call the Neptune office at 732.455.8225, or the Morristown office at 973.285.7800.�

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World War II Hero Beats the Odds Again

Adolph Carbone today.

Adolph Carbone receives the Silver Star, the PurpleHeart, and the Air Medal.

Back pain is a daily reality for many AmericansAn unfortunate twist during a game of golf sent LuisDaSilva to the operating table, but a brief surgical inter-vention was enough to solve the problem.

Back pain is often caused by an individual’s professionalor recreational activities, which may involve constant,often abrupt movement. The pain has a tendency to increase and, because of the direct connection betweenthe spine and the nervous system, eventually affectsother parts of the body.

David Wells-Roth, MD, is a surgeon specializing in spinaland neurovascular diseases. A graduate of GeorgeWashington University and Weil-Cornell Medical College,he initiated use of a new surgical technique calledCoflex. The first patient to undergo this type of surgerywas Luis DaSilva, a 52-year-old resident of Bridgewater,New Jersey.

Prior to the introduction of Coflex, spinal surgery typicallywas followed by a long period of recuperation and extensive physical therapy that could be painful andcostly. Therefore, such surgery was often considered thelast resort for an individual with back pain who soughtto return to a normal life. With this new technique, theduration of surgery is reduced; 1 or 2 hours, and the patient may immediately resume normal activities.

Dr. Wells-Roth described the Coflex technique: “This is a revolutionary method that allows the affected discs to be manipulated via the installation of a device that adjusts the movements of the dorsal spine. The patient’s

pain disappears, and the patient generally may return to normal activities

very shortly after surgery. Although physical therapy is

required, the patient’spain is alleviated al-most immediately.”Dr. Wells-Rothstated that the new

method is more

ANS WelcomesCharles BlairStillerman, MDANS is pleased to announce that we are now 15strong! Our newest talented neurosurgeon is fellow-ship-trained spinesurgeon Dr.Charles BlairStillerman.Weare proud of thetalent and dedi-cation he bringsto the ANS family.Named frequentlyas one of theBest Doctors inAmerica in CastleConnolly’s TopDoctors, Dr. Stillerman has written and lectured extensively on spinal disorders, spinal injuries, andspecifically on thoracic and lumbar spine stabilization.Dr. Stillerman has extensive experience in the field ofneurosurgery and spine and will be offering these cutting-edge techniques to Newton Hospital in Sussex County. �

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expensive than is standard back surgery, but it obviatesthe need for a 3- to 4-day hospital stay, which is typicalfor complex spinal surgery.

Dr. Wells-Roth explained that with the availability ofCoflex, once a patient has decided to undergo surgery,the traditional method is no longer his or her only option.“Until now, many patients were reluctant to be operatedon, given the complexity of the surgery, and they wouldgo for years receiving spinal injections, which is commonpractice in this type of situation. The truth is, though,that the need for surgery becomes apparent if there isno improvement after three injections. This technique isa huge step toward patients’ regaining the well-beingthey deserve.”

Mr. DaSilva described his own experience: “When I was referred to Dr. Wells-Roth, I was suffering from backache,which became even more troublesome after I twistedmy back playing golf. After that day, the pain extendedinto my right leg and became unbearable. I had twodiscs that had deteriorated, and one of them was affect-ing a nerve and causing the leg pains. The surgery didnot take long, and the pain disappeared immediately. I was able to walk normally again. I can truly say that Iwas reborn after the surgery, thanks to ANS.”

Dr. Wells-Roth practices at Newark Beth Israel Hospitalin New Jersey and may be reached by telephone at 973.285.7800. �

Luis DaSilva and his wife, Maria.

Side-by-side testing demonstratesthat the Coflex-F design results in astronger, stiffer, and safer method tostabilize the motion segment.

Why is ANS the only neurosurgicalpractice in New Jersey performingendoscopic spine surgery?

Due to the nature of this procedure, it takes ahighly skilled and well-trained surgeon to utilizethe advanced surgical instruments through such asmall incision. These sophisticated procedures aredifficult to learn and take years of training. Theseprocedures are not widely taught in medicalschools. They are on the cutting edge of medicaltechnology and ANS is at the forefront of thismovement. A surgeon must be professionallytrained by a certified physician in the specialty ofminimally invasive endoscopic spine surgery inorder to master the technique. This may eventuallychange in the future as this and other more mini-mally invasive procedures become more populararound the world. Until then, ANS is here to relievethe pain and suffering of people with spine conditions in the most effective, efficient and gentlest methods possible. �

Finally, you found what you’re looking for.

No longer search for the most minimally invasive spine techniques –ANS offers the best, close to home.

When researching the right neurosurgeon to treat your condition, there are many important factors you want to consider;experience and training are two of them. Atlantic NeuroSurgical Specialists (ANS) is the largest private neuro-surgical practice in the state of NJ. Our 15 physicians have been trained at the most prestigious programs in the nation, and are proud to house this knowledge and expertise in NJ.

What makes ANS unique? Our doctors perform ground-breaking procedures found nowhere else in the state. This islargely due to our physicians’ ability to sub-specialize, thereby offering immense expertise in diverse conditions.

To learn more about the latest advancements in treatment or to view a listing of all hospitals we are affiliated within your area, visit us on the Web at www.ansdocs.com or call 973.285.7800.

ANS. We’re everything you’ve seen – and more.

Have you ever lifted something so heavy that it immediately made you cry out inpain, or bent over too far and found it hard to stand to your original position? If these examples sound familiar to you, then you have experienced back pain. In

fact, 3 out of 4 adults will experience a form of back pain intheir lifetime. “Back pain ismore common than most people think,” says

Atlantic NeuroSurgical Specialist (ANS) Dr. John J. Knightly.“You can compare

back pain incidents tosomeone having an or-

dinary illness, like the flu.It is just that frequent.”

from left: Dr. Scott Meyer, Dr. Jonathan J. Baskin,

Dr. John J. Knightly, Dr. Jay Y. Chun

When Should I See a Neurosurgeon? “If the pain you are experiencing prohibits you from participating in your everydaytasks, that is when I or one of my colleagues would step in,” states Jay Y. Chun,MD, PhD. “Our number one priority is always to help patients avoid surgical treat-ment altogether; however, this is not always an option. Typically a patient wouldsee a neurosurgeon if they continue to have pain after 8 to 12 weeks of conserva-tive therapy. We would work together to rule out specific roots of back pain suchas tumors or infection, and determine the source of pain, which can be conditionslike osteoporosis, arthritis, spinal stenosis, disc herniation, etc.”

What Is Osteoporosis?If your back pain is not from an injury, but from a medical condition like osteoporosis,ANS offers another type of minimally invasive spine surgery called a kyphoplasty.ANS’s own Jonathan J. Baskin, MD, FACS, is specifically trained in this procedure.“A person who suffers from osteoporosis can have fractures in their spine. A kypho-plasty is used to subdue pain and stabilize the spine following these fractures,” saysDr. Baskin. In a kyphoplasty the doctor inserts a balloon device to help restore theheight and shape of the spine. A cement-like material called polymethacrylate isinjected to repair the area of vertebra that is fractured. This procedure is doneunder minor anesthesia and performed on an outpatient basis .

What Is Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery? Did you know 10 years ago a patient having traditional back surgery could take up to a year to heal? Minimally invasive spine surgery has changed the lives of so many patients and their families. Advantages of this innovative surgery are patients will experience less pain and speedier recovery times than conventional“open” approaches. Some patients are even back to work a week after their surgery, versus prolonged instances which can result in months of missed work.Minimally invasive spine surgery uses thin, telescopic-like tubes through whichsmall instruments are passed through one or more incisions. This surgery uses advanced techniques, including endoscopes, lasers, and operating microscopes, as well as computer-assisted navigation systems. These systems allow us to do thisprocedure through small openings.

Am I a Candidate for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?Our doctors believe in taking a conservative approach to surgery; it should always be a last option and visited only after other nonoperative approaches have been explored. ANS is proud of the relationship we have with our patients, and will be byyour side from initial consultation to postoperative followup.

How to Avoid Back InjuryIn everyday life, there are steps you can take to reduce your chances of injury.While they aren’t guaranteed, it is always best to use caution in your day-to-day activities. Here are some examples:

• Exercise is key in maintaining a healthy spine• To prevent falls in the home, keep the floor clear and free from debris• Install and use handrails in stairways• Avoid reaching and climbing to high places; this will increase your chance of a fall• While lifting objects, keep your back straight and always bend from your knees �

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We’ve Got Your Back

Atlantic NeuroSurgical Specialists

310 Madison AvenueMorristown, NJ 07690973.285.7800

11 Overlook Rd, Suite 180Summit, NJ 07901908.516.2941

www.ansdocs.com

3700 Route 33Neptune, NJ 07753732.455.8225

89 Sparta AvenueSparta, NJ 07871 973.729.0266

Partnership of HopeDoctors Edward Zampella and Brian Beyerl introduce the Partnership of Hope Center for the Treatment of Brain Tumors. A diagnosis of a brain tumor does not mean you give up hope.

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Main Lobby, Endovascular Division Exam Rooms

ANS Is Movingon UpWelcome to our new office, located onefloor up in the same building at 310 MadisonAvenue. The new office is designed to provideour patients with the atmosphere and accessibility they deserve. We wanted tocreate a relaxing and serene environmentensuring privacy and relaxation. Our newoffice boasts a grand entry area with aconcierge desk to direct you to the appro-priate waiting areas. Our waiting areas aredesigned to maintain a tranquil and com-fortable feeling while providing educationalreading materials during your visit. Whenyou enter our exam rooms, you will noticetheir unique size and accessibility. Each areawas decorated to provide a truly enjoyableexperience for our patients. �

Concierge Desk Main Lobby, Spine Division

What Is Hope?Hope is a belief in a positive outcome related toevents and circumstances in one’s life. Hope impliesa certain amount of perseverance; ie, believing that apositive outcome is possible even when there issome evidence to the contrary.

A person who dreads ‘what tomorrow may bring’loses the zeal of life itself. He cannot live in the present even for one day. I do not agree that ‘any person can fight the battles of just one day.’ Thereare many in the world who fight their battles lifelong, and still live with some hope.

It is nice to live for today and complete what is to bedone today. But humans are distinguished from therest of the living beings by hope. For other living beings, there may not be tomorrow. But hope is lifefor humans. Tomorrow may not come for a few. Butthe others are sure that there will be a day after the present one. And it is hoped by many to be a little bet-ter than today. What is not realized today may bewithin our reach tomorrow. It is hope that helps peo-ple live through all torments of life. The moment aperson loses hope, the very zeal to live is lost.

Hope means many things to different people, and hereat ANS we strive to fulfill your definition of hope whiletreating your illness. For more information about ourtumor treatments or Dr. Beyerl or Dr. Zampella, visit usat www.ansdocs.com. �

Partnership of Hope for Treatment of Brain Tumor Center

A Support Group will be held on April 26th, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm at 310 Madison Avenue,Morristown NJ.

Featuring Guest Speaker Seth Ersner-Hershfield, Ph.D.

Refreshments will be served.

RSVP to the patient hotline. (appreciated but notmandatory)

If you have questions relating to Brain Tumor Treatmentcall our Patient Hotline 1.855.267.2667.

Please visit www.ansdocs.com for upcoming support group information. These meetings will beheld monthly.