Division neurosurgeons have long-standing repurtations for introducing new surgical procedures and treatments. 1989 - Neurosurgical researchers performed the first ultraprofound hypothermia experiment for suspended animation in neurosurgery. 1993 - Cryosurgery was introduced for removing brain tumors. In 1993, the hospital opened the Allegheny General Back Institute, a multidisciplinary facility focusing on the evaluation and treatment of back and neck pain. The Back Institute is dedicated to providing care in one building for a variety of back problems.
Treatment is coordinated by a team of health-care professionals from variorus areas of medicine.
The goals of the institute are to provide the highest quality clinical excellence in the diagnosis and treatment of neurological diseases and to provide leadership in research and medical education relating to diseases affecting the brain and spinal cord. Division neurosurgeons also are involved in the hospital's Brain Attack Program. The program focuses on the prevention and acute treatment of stroke. The Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery provides a wide range of services including the treatment of facial trauma, facial aesthetic and reconstructive surgery, orthognathic surgery, temporomandibular joint surgery, preprosthetic surgery and dental implants. This program has been successful in implementing and developing new techniques in laser surgery, transmandibular implantation and bone grafting.