WHAT:
At the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, journalists are invited to slip on a pair of 3-D glasses and enter the stereoscopic world of neurosurgery with "The Brain and Beyond: The Future of Neurosurgery" — the "Avatar" of the brain.
The film presents a tour of the future with UCLA neurosurgeons who are extending the lives of brain cancer patients with an innovative vaccine, programming robots to do brain surgery and make rounds with patients, and — in an operating room of the future resembling a 3-D IMAX theater — performing endoscopic, minimally invasive "keyhole" surgeries.
HIGHLIGHTS:
In addition to the film, the event will feature the following:
- Dr. Neil Martin, chair of the UCLA Department of Neurosurgery, will speak about the future of neurosurgery.
- Merging of man and robot: UCLA neurosurgeon Dr. Nader Pouratian will "read minds" with an electrode cap and a computer-programmed speller and will use this brain wave–translating technology to move a prosthetic arm.
- RONI the robot, who usually does rounds in UCLA's neuro-intensive care unit, will make a rare appearance at the Brain Smart Food reception following the screening, where appetizers will be served that research has shown help grow brain cells, boost memory and improve the overall health of the brain.
- Neurosurgeons will demonstrate how they will soon forecast patient outcomes with the CRAY ICU supercomputer. They envision that medicine will make a seismic shift from a reactive to a predictive practice, and just like a weatherman forecasting a hurricane, they will be able to spot and treat a looming disaster in your immune system before you ever feel the symptoms.
WHEN:
6–8 p.m., Monday, May 24
WHERE:
Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, B Level (map)
757 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, 90095
MEDIA CONTACT:
Mark Wheeler, UCLA Health Sciences Media Relations, 310-794-2265
PARKING:
Parking for oversized media trucks only is available at the UCLA Medical Plaza turnaround, north side only. If turnaround parking is unavailable, park along the southbound lane of Westwood Boulevard between the Reagan Hospital and Medical Plaza buildings.
Passenger vehicles must park at 200 Medical Plaza, accessed by making the first left just past Le Conte Avenue from Westwood Boulevard. Follow the ramp to the underground parking structure and take a parking ticket. We will give you a courtesy voucher to use upon your exit. Please call in advance for courtesy parking.
