The Minimally Invasive endoNeurosurgery Center (MINC) at the University of Pittsburgh is a multi-specialty center offering treatment of brain and skull base tumors, cerebrovascular disease, cranial nerve disorders and some spinal abnormalities using surgical approaches that do not require large incisions.

With the help of sophisticated computerized systems, endoscopes, and catheters, physicians can now treat the majority of intracranial and spinal abnormalities with less tissue trauma than with traditional surgeries. These procedures result in less patient discomfort, shorter hospital stays and quicker recovery times.

The University of Pittsburgh has played a pioneering role in the development of minimally invasive neurosurgery over the last two decades, many of the procedures and instrumentation used during surgery have been here in collaboration with industry partners.

The field has benefited significantly from tremendous advances in biotechnology and evolved considerably from the early experiences in the 1980’s. This has led to the evolution of skull base surgery to incorporate minimally invasive strategies such as The Expanded Endonasal Approach for the resection of skull base tumors.

The Expanded Endonasal Approach allows for focus on preserving neurological function and reducing morbidity. This approach has the potential for lowering the rate of surgical complications and greatly reducing hospital stays. The Expanded Endonasal Approach requires no incisions and patients can often be discharged within two days.

The Minimally Invasive endoNeurosurgery Center is one of the leading facilities in the United States and serves as an international resource for patients seeking the most experienced physicians and individualized care available.

MINC has three distinct program components:

The Cranial Nerve Disorders Program

Led by Drs. Amin Kassam and Michael Horowitz, this program provides comprehensive care for patients with cranial nerve disorders using advanced neurophysiologic diagnostic and monitoring techniques. Specific areas of interest include trigeminal neuralgia, hemifacial spasm, disabling positional vertigo and glossopharyngeal neuralgia. (Read more.)

The Endovascular Program

Led by Drs. Horowitz, Kassam, Tudor Jovin, Daniel Wecht, and Arlan Mintz, this program treats complex neurologic vascular lesions including aneurysm embolization/clipping, arteriovenous malformation, embolization/resection and tumor embolization. (Read more.)

The Skull Base Innovative Microneurosurgery Program

Led by Drs. Kassam and Richard M. Spiro, and Drs. Carl Snyderman and Ricardo Carrau of the Department of Otolaryngology, this program combines the expertise of neurosurgeons, otolaryngologists, plastic surgeons, maxillofacial surgeons, radiation oncologists, and interventional radiologists to facilitate interdisciplinary treatment of complex tumors and vascular lesions at the base of the brain, skull and facial regions. (Read more.)