Dr. Alexander Papanastassiou smiling for his staff photo.

Dr. Papanastassiou Wins President’s Translational and Entrepreneurial Research Fund Award

September 22, 2020

The Department of Neurosurgery is excited to share the news that Alexander Papanastassiou, M.D., was recently named a winner of the President’s Translational and Entrepreneurial Research Fund 2020 Awards. Dr. Papanastassiou’s winning project, the “Rook Procedure Scheduler,” is a software platform that streamlines booking surgeries and procedures. It also manages conflicts and pre-authorization.



Dr. Alexander Papanastassiou smiling for his staff photo.

“D’s on Keys” Free Virtual Event Available to Public This Saturday

September 14, 2020

Department of Neurosurgery faculty member Alexander Papanastassiou, MD, will be performing at “D’s on Keys” this Saturday (September 20th) at 11 am. “D’s on Keys” is a fundraising event for Musical Bridges Around the World (MBAW), a local performing arts organization. This virtual broadcast of their annual show will honor the first responders and healthcare workers in our community […]



Dr. Ali Seifi smiling for his staff photo.

Ali Seifi, MD, FACP, FNCS, Invents Device to Stop Hiccups

September 11, 2020

Department of Neurosurgery faculty member Ali Seifi, MD, FACP, FNCS, has invented a device to stop hiccups. Dr. Seifi’s device forces users to exert effort to suction water. Negative pressure in the chest pulls down the diaphragm, which activates the phrenic nerve. When water comes into the mouth and swallowing occurs, the vagus nerve is […]



Dr. Lee Birnbaum smiling for his staff photo.

Lee Birnbaum, M.D., Promoted to Professor

September 2, 2020

The Department of Neurosurgery is proud to announce the promotion of Lee Birnbaum, M.D., to the position of professor. Dr. Birnbaum is a board-certified neurologist in the Departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery at UT Health. His dual training in neurology and endovascular neurosurgery provides him with a unique perspective when treating vascular disorders of the […]



Dr. Justin Robert Mascitelli smiling for his staff photo.

Dr. Mascitelli Co-authors Paper Examining Mechanical Thrombectomy during COVID-19 Pandemic

September 1, 2020

Justin Mascitelli, M.D., recently co-authored an article in the Journal of NeuroInterventional Surgery titled “International experience of mechanical thrombectomy during the COVID-19 pandemic: insights from STAR and ENRG.” Dr. Mascitelli and his co-authors observed a low rate of COVID-19 among stroke patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in low-COVID burden counties. They also reported that more […]