Grey's Anatomy Brings to Life 17-Hour Rare Spinal Cord Tumor Surgery Performed by Dr. Robert S. ...
Patrick Dempsey who plays neurosurgeon Dr. Derick Sheperd, brings to life the real life drama of a rare spinal cord tumor surgery based on what can only be described as a case of a lifetime.
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Marina del Rey, Calif. (October 27 , 2009) – After 14 years, the riveting story of neurological spine surgeon Dr. Robert S. Bray, Jr., and the lifesaving procedure to remove a rare thoracic spinal cord tumor over a two-day period comes to life in a spellbinding episode set to air on ABC Network’s Grey’s Anatomy Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009.
The complexities of removing a rare five-level 10-inch long hemangioblastoma that had involved 90% the spinal cord threatened to permanently paralyze or potentially kill Dr. Bray’s patient. Presented with a maze of arteries and veins, the intricacy of removing the tumor was incredibly daunting and became a case of a lifetime.
“Upon first diagnosis, there seemed little chance of being able to successfully remove the tumor as the spinal cord involvement was so extensive and the chance of restoring the patient’s function was not good,” said Dr. Bray, CEO and founder of D.I.S.C. Sports and Spine Center. “Knowing the risks, the patient insisted I try and went so far as to consent to cutting the spinal cord above the tumor, which would leave him a paraplegic.”
The surgery performed with a Zeiss microscope took a full two days. The first 10 hours, Dr. Bray could only scrutinize the tumor. He was completely focused figuring out a place to start. The complexity of the arteries and veins lead to an overwhelming decision in how and where to begin. If bleeding started the situation would be out of control with the patient surly loosing function and possibly his life.
After a night of rest and thought, Dr. Bray began the second day and methodically and painstaking proceeded to remove the tumor in a 17-hour procedure making the lifesaving decisions at every cut.
“Physicians take an oath to do no harm,” Dr. Bray said. “Although the risks of certain paralysis were very high, leaving the tumor there was a guarantee of loss of his legs with the paralysis spreading to his arms. It simply had to be attempted with little chance of a successful outcome. Without a doubt it was one of the most intense surgical experiences of my nearly 30-year career, where I have performed over 10,000 procedures. I am awed by the true portrayal that has been captured by Patrick Dempsey, who plays neurosurgeon Dr. Derek Sheppard and the entire team of Grey’s Anatomy for their remarkable job in telling this story.”
About Dr. Robert S. Bray, Jr.: Outpatient Surgery Magazine refers to Dr. Robert S. Bray as “one of the world’s foremost neurological spinal surgeons.” Specializing in minimally invasive procedures, he has helped transform these complex cases to outpatient procedures that now account for an astounding 95% of his practice, while the national average is only 5-10%. Among the first neurosurgeons in the country to dedicate his practice to spine, he has performed more than 10,000 procedures over the past three decades. A pioneer in micro-surgical procedures, Dr. Bray holds more than 25 patents to his credit, has trained more than 25 Fellows and written or presented more than 50 peer-reviewed articles and posters. Dr. Bray obtained his medical degree from the Baylor School of Medicine, served for a combined 20 years on active and reserve duty with the U.S. Air Force where he was chief of neurosurgery at David Grant Medical Center and was the former founding director of the Cedars-Sinai Institute for Spinal Disorders.