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Vladimir Cortez DO FACS
Endovascular Neurosurgeon
Vladimir Cortez, DO, FACS, is a neurosurgeon currently practicing at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in California. He specializes in endovascular neurosurgery and has significant experience in the field.
Education and Background
- Medical Degree: Dr. Cortez graduated from the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2006.14
- Fellowship: He holds the designation of Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), indicating advanced training and expertise in surgical practices.2
Professional Experience
- Current Position: Dr. Cortez serves as an endovascular neurosurgeon at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, where he is involved in both clinical practice and patient care.12
- Previous Roles: He has also worked at Desert Regional Medical Center and has affiliations with multiple hospitals, including Riverside University Health System and Redlands Community Hospital.35
Additional Information
Dr. Cortez is recognized for his contributions to neurosurgery and is actively engaged in providing specialized care to patients with neurological conditions. His professional profile can be viewed on platforms like LinkedIn, where he shares insights related to his practice and experiences.1
Highlights
Sphenoid wing meningiomas represent ~20% of all meningiomas. Sphenoid wing meningiomas may be generally associated with hyperostosis of the sphenoid ridge. In addition, they can be very invasive, generally spreading to the dura of the frontal, temporal, and orbital regions. Most commonly, observation, surgery, and radiation all are considered potential treatments options when evaluating patients with a meningioma. Among the treatment options, the combination of endovascular with open neurosurgical techniques is scarcely described in major journals. This is a demonstration of a large ~ 5 cm left sphenoid wing meningioma on a young person presenting with headache and left eye mild pain/blurriness treated with endovascular and open surgery.
- MRI and angiogram view of a large left sphenoid wing meningioma with 3 major pedicles feeding the tumor: middle and accessory meningeal branches of the IMAX and internally from the ophthalmic artery.
2 & 3. Pre-embolization views show the 2 branches from the IMAX (middle and accessory) providing greater than 50% of the tumor blush. To maximize embolization time, the 2 branches were cannulated at the same time to simultaneously embolize the tumor. Image shows simultaneous injection of contrast through both pedicles. Embolization time approximately 5 minutes
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SP embolization of the tumor (from the middle and accessory branches) with Onyx 34 which reduced the tumor blush to the ophthalmic artery only (still providing ~ 30%+ of the blush). However, Onyx was able to infiltrate the distal tumor blushing branches of the ophthalmic from the accessory meningeal branch. There is preservation of the ophthalmic artery & IMAX with all its branches.
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The patient underwent gross total resection of mass with blood loss minimized to initial exposure, which was minimal. Tumor resection was nearly bloodless, with minimal flashes that was easily managed intraoperatively through standard techniques. The patient did not require any blood products during or after surgery. Patient was able to be extubated after surgery and is neurologically intact.
Case was performed with a collaboration of another neurosurgical colleague for the operative part of the case. In all, when the opportunity arises to collaborate with experienced surgeons, it maximizes the overall outcome of the patient. In my practice, meningiomas are commonly evaluated for possible pre embolization before resection. Anecdotally, meningiomas that are 5 cm or greater should undergo embolization before resection (if to be operated); 3-5 cm meningiomas will depend on the accessibility of the tumor and its blood supply; less than 3 cm are generally not embolized with surgery/radiation/observation as options depending on their presentation.
Enjoying some early morning coffee and reading great work from #DrOgunlade on endoscopic spinal surgery! 👍🏼
