Dr. Andrew

Andrew Cannestra, MD, PhD

Learn how a 1/2 inch incision can provide relief from back and neck pain.

PHYSICIAN PROFILE

ANDREW FRANK CANNESTRA M.D., Ph.D., B.S.E. FAANS

Diplomat of the American Board of Neurologic Surgery

Fellowship trained in spine surgery and spinal cord injury, Dr. Cannestra has a wide range of neurosurgical expertise and serves as Director of the Baptist Robotic Spine Surgery program. A founding member of the Society for Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery, Dr. Cannestra is a Diplomate of the American Board of Neurologic Surgery, a member of the American Association of Neurologic Surgeons, the Congress of Neurologic Surgeons, and the National Association of Spine Surgeons. His areas of interest include:

  • Spinal Surgery (Fusion & Dynamic)
  • Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery
  • Neuroendoscopy
  • Spinal Reconstructive Procedures
  • Artificial Disk Implantation
  • Robotic Spinal Surgery

EDUCATION

EDUCATION

1985-1987

Benet Academy College Preparatory School, Lisle, Illinois

1987-1989

St. Gregory College Preparatory School, Tucson, Arizona

1989-1993

Bachelors of Science in Biomedical Engineering (B.S.E.), Double Minors in Psychology and Musical Performance, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California, Summa Cum Laude, June 1993.

1993-1999 

University of California, Los Angeles Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP; M.D.-Ph.D.). Dual degree program completed in 6.5 years.

1995-1998 

Doctor of Philosophy in Neuroscience (Ph.D.) University of California, Los Angeles Interdepartmental Neuroscience Department, April 1998. Entitled “The Characterization of Perfusion Related Cortical Signals”

1993-1999

Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) University of California, Los Angeles School of Medicine. Completed December 1999.

1995

Academia de Espanol de Guatemala, Antigua, Guatemala, Intensive Spanish language training, Rural medical clinic experience

1996-1998

University of California, Los Angeles Training Program in NeuroImaging, Pre-doctoral fellow.Completed April 1998.

1999

Mar De Jade, Chacala, Nayarit, Mexico, Intensive medical Spanish language training and Rural medical clinical experience.

2000

Technische Universitat, Berlin Germany, Intensive German language and German medical language training. Accompanying Neurology clinical experience at The Charite’; Humbolt Universitat. Berlin Germany.

2000

Post-doctoral research training in Near infrared spectroscopy under Dr. Arno Villringer. The Charite’; Humbolt Universitat. Berlin Germany.

2000-2001

Basic Surgery Training Program (BSTP) at the UCLA Department of Surgery (Surgical Internship). University of California, Los Angeles School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA

2000-2006

Neurosurgical Resident at the UCLA Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of California, Los Angeles School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA. Affiliate Hospitals: UCLA Westwood Medical Center, LA County- Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Wadsworth/West LA VA Medical Center, Santa Monica – UCLA Comprehensive Spine Center.

2004

Fellowship in Spine Neurosurgery and Spinal Cord Injury at the Jackson Memorial Hospital, University of Miami, Department of Neurosurgery, Miami, FL. Primary fellowship training under Barth Green M.D., Chair of Neurosurgery, and Allan Levi. M.D. Ph.D.

2004

European Traveling Fellowship in Spine/Neurosurgery sponsored by Medtronic Sofamor Danek. Visiting Sites: Domingos Coiteiro M.D. at Santa Maria Hospital, Lisbon, Portugal; Christian Barlocher M.D. in Klinik Stephanshorn, St. Gallen, Switzerland; Madjid Samii M.D. at the INI, Hannover Germany; Jean Taylor M.D. at Clinique Tzank, Mougins, France, Anthony Fabrizi at Ospital Bellaria, Bologna, Italy.

2005-2006

UCLA Chief Resident of Neurosurgery (18 months) including Chief resident duties at the West Los Angeles Veterans Administration Hospital, UCLA-Harbor Los Angeles County Medical Center, and UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, California.

LICENSURE AND CERTIFICATION

LICENSURE AND CERTIFICATION

2001-present

Medical Licensure, California

2006

Medical Registration for Licensure, Florida

2006-present

Medical Licensure, Florida 

2005-present

Fluoroscopy X-Ray Supervisor and Operator, California

2009-present

Diplomat of the American Board of Neurologic Surgery

2015-present

Medical Licensure, Hawaii MD

HONORS AND AWARDS

HONORS AND AWARDS

1989

Charles J. Kent Science Award, St. Gregory College Preparatory School

1989-1993

Provost Honors eleven of twelve quarters enrolled, University of California at San Diego.

1991-1992

Howard Hughes Honors Thesis Research Fellow, University of California at San Diego.

1991

UCSD Research Fellow Award, University of California at San Diego

1992

UCSD Research Scholar Award, University of California at San Diego

1993

UCSD Summa Cum Laude.

1993

UCSD Summa Cum Laude.

1993

Golden Key National Honors Society

1993-1999 

UCLA Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP)

1996-1998 

UCLA Training Program in Neuro Imaging

1998

Bertakis Award Finalist for Outstanding Oral Presentation for the 1998 Western Student Medical Research Forum (WSMRF)

1998

UCLA Dissertation Year Award, UCLA Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program

1998

Top 10 Ranked Abstract at the 4th International Conference on Functional Mapping of the Human Brain

1999

Western Society for Clinical Investigation (WSCI) Investigator Travel Award

1999

American Federation for Medical Research (AFMR) Subspecialty Neuroscience Award

1999

UCLA Neurosurgical Residency Position Awarded by Donald P. Becker M.D. independent of the National Resident Matching Program.

2000

Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) Honors awarded by the UCLA School of Medicine, Class of 2000.

2002

“Amor por la Ninez” awarded by Fundacion Pediatrica Guatemalteca for surgical mission to Guatemala August 2002. Certificates also awarded by the Presedent of Guatemala, the Mayor of Guatemala City, and the Healing the Children Foundation

2002

Certificato de Reconocimiento awarded by the Universidad de Guatemala for participation in the treatement of the “Maritas” Conjoined twins.

2003

Certificato de Reconocimiento awarded by Fundacion Pediatrica Guatemalteca for surgical mission to Guatemala March 2003.

2003

“UCLA Neurosurgery Resident of the Year” Awarded December 2003 by Neil Martin M.D., Division Chief, UCLA Neurosurgery.

2004

Physicians Recognition Award from the American Medical Association (2004)

2004

Medtronic Sofamor Danek support awarded for spine fellowship training at the University of Miami, Miami FL.

2004

Medtronic Sofamor Danek support awarded for traveling spine/neurosurgery fellowship training in Portugal, Switzerland, Germany, France and Italy.

2008

“America’s Top Surgeons” Publication 2008

2009

Certificate of Recognition, Physician Consultant. Physician Council for Responsible Reform

2010

“America’s Top Surgeons” Publication 2010

2011

“America’s Top Surgeons” Publication 2011

2012

“America’s Top Surgeons” Publication 2012

2018

“Florida’s Top Docs” Publication 2018

2018

Best Paper Finalist, Global Spine Conference 2018

2019

“Florida’s Top Docs” Publication 2019

2019

“Continuing Education Award in Neurosurgery” from the Maintenance of Certifcation Committee of the American Association of Neurologic Surgeons

2020

“Florida’s Top Docs” Publication 2020

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE

1987-1989

"Inter-tidal Life and Migration Behavior of the Zebra Fish" under John Menke, Ph.D., Department of Biology, University of Arizona and the Center for the Study of Deserts and Oceans (CEDO) Puerto Pinasco, Mexico.

1990-1991 

"The Examination of Various Techniques of Scanning Tunneling Microscope (STM) Tip Preparation Against Structure and Performance." under Andrew Kummel Ph.D., Department of Chemistry, University of California at San Diego (UCSD).

1991

"The Cloning of the Opaque-2 Homologue from Sorghum" under Robert Schmidt Ph.D., Department of Biology, University of California at San Diego (UCSD).

1991-1993

"The Oxidation of CO to CO2 Over Pt/Al2O3: Experimental Studies Using a Dynamic Diffusion Reactor" under Richard Herz Ph.D., Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California at San Diego (UCSD).

1993-1997

"A Three-Dimensional Multimodality Map of the Macaca Nemestrina Brain" under Arthur W. Toga Ph.D. and John C. Mazziotta M.D. Ph.D., Department of Neurology, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

1994-1999

"Optical Intrinsic Signal Imaging (OIS)" under Arthur W. Toga Ph.D., Department of Neurology, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

1994-1999

"Human Intraoperative Optical Intrinsic Signal Imaging (iOIS)" under Arthur W. Toga Ph.D. and Keith L. Black M.D., Departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

1995-1999

"Functional Perfusion Response Capacities as Observed by Imaging and Electrical Measures" under Arthur W. Toga Ph.D., Department of Neurology, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

1995-1997

"Rapid Cortical Plasticity Observed by Optical Intrinsic Signal Imaging (iOIS)" under Arthur W. Toga Ph.D. and Keith L. Black M.D., Departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

1996-1999 

"Cortical Spreading Depression and Functional Perfusion Response Observed by Optical Intrinsic Signal Imaging (iOIS)" under Arthur W. Toga Ph.D., Department of Neurology, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

1996-1999 

"Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)" under Arthur W. Toga Ph.D. and John C. Mazziotta M.D. Ph.D., Department of Neurology, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

1996-1999 

"High Resolution Neuroanatomy Observed by 3 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)" under Arthur W. Toga Ph.D. and John C. Mazziotta M.D. Ph.D., Department of Neurology, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

1996-1998

"Morphologic Variability of Schizophrenic Neuroanatomy as Observed by Fluid Based Deformation Fields" under Arthur W. Toga Ph.D., Department of Neurology, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

2000

“Near Infra-Red Spectroscopy (NIRS) Imaging Of Perfusion Related Events In Language And Sensori-Motor Cortices” under Arno Villringer M.D., Department of Neurology, The Charite, Humboldt University, 10117 Berlin Germany.

1997-2004

“Optical and near infra-red measures of cortical working memory” under Jaquin Fuster M.D. Department of Psychology and Arthur W. Toga Ph.D., Department of Neurology, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

2000-2004

“Non-invasive and Intraoperative Near Infra-Red Spectroscopy (NIRS) Imaging Of Perfusion Related Events” under Arthur W. Toga Ph.D., Department of Neurology, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

2001-2006

“Optical Imaging of Pediatric Brainstem function” under Jorge Lazareff M.D. Division of Neurosurgery and Arthur W. Toga Ph.D., Department of Neurology, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

2003-2006

Intraoperative Mapping of Bilingual Cortical Representations” under Linda Liau M.D. Division of Neurosurgery and Arthur W. Toga Ph.D., Department of Neurology, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

2004 - 2006

“EMG testing of Percutaneous Pedicle Screw Placement” under Larry Khoo M.D. Division of Neurosurgery, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

2004 - 2006

“The Minimally Invasive TLIF” under Larry Khoo M.D. Division of Neurosurgery, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

2004

“Clinical Trails in Spinal Cord Injury” under Allan Levi M.D.-Ph.D., Department of Neurosurgery, University of Miami, Miami FL.

2006-2008 

Co-Investigator, Neodisc IDE FDA trial, Nuvasive, San Diego

2008-2009 

Co-Investigator, Diam IDE Trial, Medtronic, Memphis TN

2009-2011

Co_investigator, Annulex Clinical Trial, Annulex Inc. Gainsville, FL

2012-2017

Co-Investigator, Mazor Robotic Patient registry, Orlando, FL

2012-2017

Principal Investigator, “Radiation exposure during Percutaneous Robotic Pedicle Screw Placement”, Jacksonville, FL

2015-2019

Principle Investigator “Elimination of PCA during Spinal Surgery using Liposamal Agents, Jacksonville, FL

2016- 2020

“Complications and revision rates in robotic-guided vs. fluoro-guided minimally invasive lumbar fusion surgery – The MIS ReFRESH prospective comparative study”

2016- 2017

“A Retrospective Multicenter Study Evaluating the COFELX Device for Lumbar Stenosis and Neurogenic Claudication”

2018- present

“A Prospective Multicenter Study Evaluating the Effect of Implant Material and/or Surface Structure on Progression of Fusion in XLIF® Surgery”

2019- present

“An assessment of the safety and performance of the MLX® Medial Lateral and XLX ACR® expandable lumbar interbody implants for the treatment of patients with degenerative conditions of the thoracic and/or lumbar spine”

2020- present

“Prospective Evaluation of Lumbar Discectomy with Additional Implantation of an Annular Closure Device in Patients with Large Postsurgical Annular Defects for Prevention of Lumbar Disc Reherniation”

2020- present

“Ultrasound Imaging of Nerves, Blood Vessels and Surrounding Tissue using TDi SonoVision™ System”

WORK EXPERIENCE

Medical/Research

1990-1991

Student research associate (SRA), Chemistry Department, University of California, San Diego (UCSD).

1992-1993

Student research associate (SRA), Chemical Engineering Department, University of California, San Diego (UCSD).

1993-1996

Student research associate (SRA), Neurology Department, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Medical Center.

1998-1999

Intraoperative Language Mapping Liason for Donald P. Becker M.D., Chief of Neurosurgery, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Medical Center.

2000-2001

General Surgery Internship, under Darryl Hiyama M.D., Charles Chandler M.D. and Carmac Holmes M.D. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Medical Center.

2000-2006

Neurosurgical Resident, under Donald P. Becker M.D. and Neil A Martin M.D., Chiefs of Neurosurgery, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Medical Center.

2002-2005

Neurosurgeon, per-diem moonlighting position under Duncan McBride M.D. Chief at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California

2002-2006

Clinical Beta testing and public relations for Global Care Quest (a hand held physician based patient data acquisition system) under the direction of Neil Martin M.D. (CEO) and Valerty Nenov (Ph.D.- Ph.D.) COO.

2004

Neurosurgery Spine Fellow, under Barth Green M.D., Allan Levi M.D.-Ph.D. and Steven Vanni D.O., Jackson Memorial Hospital, University of Miami, Miami FL.

2006 – present

Neurologic Surgeon, Lyerly Neurosurgery. Jacksonville Florida.

2008 – present

Medical Director for Neurologic Surgery Services, Baptist Medical Center Downtown, Jacksonville, Florida

2011 – 2015

Managing Partner of Lyerly Baptist Neurosurgery, Jacksonville, Florida

2013 – present

Medical Director of Robotic Spinal Surgery, Baptist Medical Center Downtown, Jacksonville, Florida

2016 – 2019

Assistant Clinical Professor John A. Burns School of Medicine University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii

2016 – present

Neurologic Surgeon, JG Neurosurgery. Honolulu Hawaii.

Teaching Experience

1992

Biology 1, "The Cell" at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). Teaching Assistant.

1993

Biology 101B, "Metabolic Biochemistry" at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). Teaching Assistant.

1995

Neuroscience M272, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), graduate course in "Neuroimaging and Brain Mapping", Lecturer on "Human Intraoperative Optical Intrinsic Signal Imaging"

1995-1998

Neuroscience Independent study (199) supervisor, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

1996-1998

Neuroanatomy 203 at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Medical School. Lecturer and Lab instructor on "Neuroimaging of Anatomy and Function".

1997

The Dublin Avenue C.I.R.C.L.E. Continuity of Instruction to Reinforce our Children's Learning Environment. Outreach program.

1997

Project Brain Storm; University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Neuroscience grade school outreach program.

1997-1998

Short-Term Training Program (STTP) supervisor/mentor; University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Medicine.

1998

Neuroscience M285, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Graduate course in "Functional Neuroimaging" Lecturer on "Perfusion Related Cortical Signals"

1999

“Intraoperative Brain Mapping using Optical Intrinsic Signals” at the Brain Tumor Continuing Medical Education (CME) Seminar, Los Angeles, CA March 6, 1999.

2001-2006

Intern/Resident teaching and supervision. UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles CA. and Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA.

2004

Intern/Resident teaching and supervision. Jackson Memorial Hospital, University of Miami, Miami FL.

2004

“Minimally Invasive TLIF Workshop” Instructor at EuroSpine and the International Society for the Study of the Lumbar spine (ISSLS), ISLIS 2004 Conference, O’Porto, Portugal May 31 – June 6, 2004.

2006 - present

Clinical Instructor for Depuy (Johnson and Johnson), Minimally Invasive Techniques, Peer to peer didactic and cadaver courses.

2007 - present

Clinical Instructor for Aesculap, Spinal Surgery Techniques, Peer to Peer Didactic and Cadaver Courses.

2010 - present

Clinical Instructor for Nuvasive, Spinal Surgery Techniques, Peer to Peer Didactic and Cadaver Courses.

2010

“Minimally Invasive Workshop” Instructor at CNS Conference, San Francisco 2010

2013 - present

Clinical Instructor for Mazor Robotics, Robotic Spinal Surgery Techniques, Peer to Peer Didactic and Cadaver Courses.

2016 – 2019

Assistant Clinical Professor John A. Burns School of Medicine University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii

Volunteer Experience

1992

Special Care Unit volunteer, Scripps Memorial Hospital, La Jolla, CA.

1992

Operating Room volunteer, UCSD Medical Center, San Diego, CA.

1991

"The Cloning of the Opaque-2 Homologue from Sorghum" under Robert Schmidt Ph.D., Department of Biology, University of California at San Diego (UCSD).

1994-1995 

UCLA/Salvation Army community outreach, Los Angeles, CA.

1999

CASA Clinica Campesina medical/clinical volunteer, Las Verras, Nayarit Mexico.

2002-2006

Fundacion Pediatrica Guatemalteca with Healing the Children and Global Neuro Rescue (GNR), volunteer neurosurgeon. Over 64 pediatric neurosurgical cases performed to date in four international rescue missions.

Domestic Training and Courses

Domestic Training and Courses

1997

MSTP/STAR Mentoring Program

1998

Clinical EEG and OR monitoring at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Medical Center under the direction of Marc Nuwer M.D. Ph.D.

1995

1995 Advances in Brain Tumor Management", AMA Medical Education Collaborative.

1997

1997 Advances in Brain Tumor Management", AMA Medical Education Collaborative.

2003

Cranial Neurosurgery Workshop” AO North America, Department of Continuing Medical Education. Rosemont, IL.

2003

Inside Track Program” hosted by Mark McLaughlin M.D. and Medtronic/Sofamor Danek, at the AANS in Denver Colorado.

2004

Microsurgical and Micro-vascular Laboratory and Techniques” instructed by Edir Siqueira M.D. M.S. Ph.D., University of Miami, Miami, FL.

2004

Medtronic Sofamor-Danek VIP” at the Museum of Modern Spinal Surgery, hosted by Doug King. Memphis TN September 13, 2004.

2004

2nd Annual Trans-Atlantic Spine Conference” at the Swiss Spine Institute, Basel, Switzerland.

2005

Basic Spine Coding for physicians” by Medtronic Sofamor Danek via Web-ex Jan 29.

2005

Mayfield Clinic Winter Neuroscience Symposia: Cranial and Spinal Neurosurgery, Snowmass Village, CO Feb 27- March 4.

2005

2005 DePuy Spine Neurosurgery Residents Symposium” Sponsored by Depuy Spine, Pheonix, AZ , March 31-April 2.

2005

Advancements in Spinal Surgery” Sponsored by Abbott Spine, Las Vegas, Nevada, June 9-11.

2005

Charite’ Artificial Disk Replacement” Sponsored by Depuy Spine, Cleveland, OH, September 8-9.

2005

Maximal Access Surgery” Sponsored by Nuvasive Spine, San Diego, CA, December 10-11.

2006

BrainLab Residents Academy” Sponsored by BrainLab, Munich, Germany, April 1-7.

International Training Experiences

1987

Department of Biology, University of Arizona and the Center for the Study of Deserts and Oceans (CEDO) Puerto Pinasco, Mexico. Under John Menke. PhD.

1994

Academia de Espanol de Guatemala, Antigua, Guatemala, language training and clinical experience

1995-1996

Panajachel, Guatemala, language training and clinical experience

1999

Mar De Jade, Chacala, Nayarit, Mexico, Three weeks intensive medical Spanish language training and clinical experience

1999

Hong Kong, China; British-Hong Kong Sanatorium; Ophthalmology and LASIK Surgery Training.

2000

Post-doctoral research training in Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) under Dr. Arno Villringer. The Charite’; Humbolt Universitat. Berlin Germany. Neurology clinical experience. Intensive German language and German medical language training. at the Technische Universitat, Berlin Germany.

2002

Neurosurgical Mission to Guatemala through Healing the Children Foundation and Fundacion Pediatrica Guatemalteca August 2002.

2003

Neurosurgical Mission to Guatemala through Healing the Children Foundation and Fundacion Pediatrica Guatemalteca; March 2003.

2003

Emergent Medical Transport (Air) of the Maritas (Conjoined twins) from Guatemala to UCLA

2004

Neurosurgical Mission to Changchun, Jilin Province, China through Global Neuro Rescue (GNR); October 2004.

2004

European Traveling Fellowship in Spine/Neurosurgery; Santa Maria Hospital, Lisbon, Portugal; Klinik Stephanshorn, St. Gallen, Switzerland; The International Neuroscience Institute (INI), Hannover Germany; Clinique Tzank, Mougins, France, at Ospital Bellaria, Bologna, Italy.

CONSULTANTSHIPS

CONSULTANTSHIPS

2004 - 2010

Spinal Concepts Inc and Abbott Spine, Minimally invasive surgery. Product development, Advisory Board member, Instruction.

2006 - 2014

Depuy (Johnson and Johnson), Minimally invasive surgery. Product development, Advisory Board member, Instruction.

2007 - 2014

Aesculap Inc. Product development, Instruction

2008 – 2011

Synthes (presently part of J &J), Disc Arthroplasty Faculty

2009 – 2010

Custom Spine Inc, Product Development

2010-present

Nuvasive Inc. Product development, Instruction.

2011 - 2017

SpineView Inc. Product development, Instruction.

2012 – present

Pioneer/RTI Inc Product Development.

2013 - 2014

Genesys Spine Inc. Product Development.

2013 - 2018

SpineGuard Inc. Product development.

2014 – 2016

Amendia Inc. Product Development

2014 – present

Mazor Robotics Inc. Product Development

2015 – present

Atlas Spine Inc. Product Development

2015 – present

Spinal Elements Inc. Product Development

2016 – present

Alliance Spine Inc. Product Development

2017 – present

ORHub, Product development, Advisory Board

2017 – present

ATEC Spine Inc. Product Development

PROFESSIONAL AND SCIENTIFIC SERVICES

PROFESSIONAL AND SCIENTIFIC SERVICES

Journal reviews

1996-2002

NeuroImage

1997-2002

Neuro Report

2000-2002

Human Brain Mapping

2015-present

Spine

Other Services

1994-2001

Admission interviews for the UCLA Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP).

1994-1999

Big-Sib/Little Sib MSTP Mentoring Program.

1994-1999

Pre-medical counseling for UCLA undergraduates.

1999

Neurosurgical medical school advisor for the UCLA Medical School Club for Neuroscience, Neurology and Neurosurgery (CNNN).

2000-2004

Recruiting advisor/interviewer for the UCLA Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP).

2001-2006

Liaison/interviewer for UCLA Neurosurgery Residency Admissions

2002-2006

Member of the UCLA Division of Neurosurgery Residency Research Committee

2002-2006

Division of Neurosurgery liaison for implementation of RRC hour limitations/restrictions, including integration of new residents and new hospital rotations.

2004-2006

Residency admissions committee, UCLA Neurosurgery.

2015

North American Spine Society (NASS) AMA/Specialty Society RUC review for Center for Medicare (CMS)

INVITED PRESENTATIONS

INVITED PRESENTATIONS

1991

Presentation of "The Cloning of the Opaque-2 Homologue from Sorghum" at the University of California at San Diego Howard Hughes Undergraduate Research Conference.

1992

Presentation of "The Oxidation of CO to CO2 Over Pt/Al2O3: Experimental Studies Using a Dynamic Diffusion Reactor" at the University of California at San Diego Howard Hughes Undergraduate Research Conference.

1995

Presentation of "Human Intraoperative Optical Imaging" at UCLA Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) retreat, Lake Arrowhead, CA, Sept 1995.

1996

Presentation of "Functional Neuro Imaging in Health and Disease" at UCLA Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) retreat, Lake Arrowhead, CA, Sept 1996.

1997

Presentation of "Intraoperative Optical Imaging and functional MRI: at UCLA Reed Neurologic Research Center, Brain Mapping Seminar, May 1997.

1998

Presentation of "Intraoperative Optical Imaging" at the UCLA Chancellors Residence, January 1998.

1998

Presentation of "Human Intraoperative Functional Brain Mapping Using Optical Intrinsic Signals and Warping Algorithms" at the Western Student Medical Research Forum (WSMRF), Carmel, California February 1998.

1998

Presentation of "The Characterization of Language Cortices Utilizing Intraoperative Optical Intrinsic Signals" at the 4th International Conference for Functional Mapping of the Human Brain (HBM), Montreal, Quebec, Canada, June 1998.

1998

Presentation of "Temporal-Spatial Differences Observed in Language Cortices Utilizing Intraoperative OIS in Humans" at the 28th Annual Meeting of the Society for Neuroscience (SFN), Los Angeles, California, November 1998.

1999

Presentation of "Temporal-Spatial Differences in Language Cortices Observed by Human Intraoperative Optical Imaging" at the Western Student Medical Research Forum (WSMRF), Carmel, California, January 1999.

1999

Presentation of “Optical Imaging” at the UCLA Brain Tumor Continuing Medical Education (CME) Seminar, Los Angeles, California, March 6, 1999.

1999

Presentation of “In Pursuit of Neurosurgical Training” sponsored by UCLA Club for Neuroscience, Neurology and Neurosurgery (CNNN), April 28, 1999.

2000

Presentation of “Characterizing Activity Dependent Cortical Signals” Invited speaker at The Charite’, Humboldt University, 10117 Berlin, Germany. Feb. 9, 2000.

2000

Presentation of “Intraoperative Human Sensori-motor and Language Mapping Using Optical Intrinsic Signal Imaging: Comparison with Electrophysiologic Techniques and fMRI in 40 Patients” at the American Association of Neurologic Surgeons (AANS) annual meeting. February 2000.

2000

Presentation of “Characterizing Activity Dependent Cortical Signals in Language Cortices and Bilingual Representations” Invited speaker for the “European Union Consortium for Multilingual Mapping” at The Charite’, Humboldt University, 10117 Berlin, Germany. May. 20, 2000.

2000

Presentation of "Functional Assessment of Broca’s Area Using Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) in Humans" at the 30th Annual Meeting of the Society for Neuroscience (SFN), New Orleans, Louisiana, November 2000.

2000

Presentation of “Optical Imaging of Bilingual Cortical Representations” at UCLA Division of Neurosurgery, October 2000.

2001

Presentation of “Intraoperative functional neuroimaging” at the UCLA course for Advance Functional and Stereotactic neurosurgery”, Antonio DeSalles M.D. director

2003

Presentation of “Non-rigid spinal fixation” at the Western Neurosurgical Society (WNS), Hawaii, HI. September 2003.

2003

Presentation of “Stereotactic Radiosurgery with Shaped Beam and Intensity Modulation for Spine Tumors” at the Western Neurosurgical Society (WNS), Hawaii, HI. September 2003.

2003

Presentation of “Intraoperative OIS of the Human Brainstem: Functional Mapping the Floor of the 4th Ventricle” at the Congress of Neurologic Surgeons (CNS) annual meeting in Denver Colorado, October 23, 2003.

2004

Presentation of “Brain Mapping in Health and Disease: Neurosurgical Perspectives” at Grand Rounds for the University of Miami, Department of Neurosurgery, and The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Miami FL, September 2, 2004.

2004

Presentation of “Minimally Invasive Surgery of the Cervical Spine” at the Cervical Advisory Board Meeting for Spinal Concepts Inc. / Abbott Laboratories. Annapolis Maryland, September 17-18 2004.

2004

Presentation of “Intraoperative Cortical Mapping of Bilingual Representations: ESM, OIS, NIRS and Pre-op fMRI” Congress of Neurologic Surgeons (CNS) annual meeting in San Francisco, California, October 20, 2004.

2004

Presentation of “Semantic processing and priming in humans: pre-operative and intraoperative assessment by fMRI, ESM and optical imaging.” Society for Neuroscience (SFN) October 2004.

2004

Presentation of “Brain Mapping in Neurosurgery” at Stantmore clinic, Queens Square Hospital, London, England. November 2004.

2004

Presentation of “Brain Mapping: New Perspectives” at Santa Maria Hospital, Lisbon, Portugal, November 2004.

2004

Presentation of “Brain Mapping: Neurosurgical Perspectives” at the International Neuroscience Institute (INI), Hannover, Germany, November 2004.

2005

Presentation of “The lateral extracavitary approach for primary single stage decompression, arthrodesis, and instrumentation of thoracic and lumbar lesions: Clinical outcomes in 32 consecutive patients at 1-year” IMAST conference, Banf, Canada July 2005.

2005

Presentation of “The lateral extracavitary approach for primary single stage decompression, arthrodesis, and instrumentation of thoracic and lumbar lesions: Clinical outcomes in 32 consecutive patients at 1-year” Scoliosis Research Society (SRS), Miami FL, October 30, 2005

2006

Presentation of “The extended TNTS approach”, at the Brainlab Residents Academy, Munich, Germany, April 1-7.

2008

Presentation of “Interspinous Implants and Fixation” at Preservation of Motion of the Lumbar” Duck Key, FL April 2008.

2010

“MIS Cervical MIS Fixation” CNS Practical course PC 13 entitled:PC13 "Minimally Invasive Techniques for Cervical and Lumbar Spinal Surgery" The Congress of Neurologic Surgeons (CNS). San Francisco, CA Oct 17, 2010

2015

“Lateral Decubitus TLIF with a Medial Lateral Expandable Interbody Device: Biomechanical Comparison with ALIF and Conventional TLIF” Society of Lateral Access Surgery, San Diego, CA April 18, 2015

2015

“Lateral Decubitus TLIF with a Medial Lateral Expandable Interbody Device: Biomechanical Analysis Demonstrates Comparable Stability to ALIF and Conventional TLIF” International Society for the Advancement of Spinal Surgery, San Diego, CA April 15, 2015

2016

“Biomechanical Analysis of Lateral Decubitus TLIF with a Medial Lateral Expandable Interbody Device” AANS/CNS Section on Disorders of the Spine and Peripheral Nerve, Orlando FL March 17, 2016

2016

“Surgical Outcomes of Robotic Guidance vs Freehand Instrumentation: A Retrospective Review of 705 Adult Degenerative Spine Patient Operated in Minimally Invasive (MIS) and Open Approaches” International Meeting on Advanced Spinal Techniques (IMAST) July 17, 2016

2016

“Neurologic Outcome Following Intraoperative Neurophysiological Signal Change in Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbar and Multiregional Spine Surgery” at the 31st Annual Meeting of the North American Spine Society (NASS), Boston, MA, October 28, 2016.

2016

“Surgical Outcomes of Robotic Guidance vs Freehand Instrumentation: A Retrospective Review of 705 Adult Degenerative Spine Patient Operated in Minimally Invasive (MIS) and Open Approaches” at the Society for Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery (SMISS) October 13, 2016

2017

“Significant Decrease in Radiation Exposure in Percutaneous Adult Degenerative Spinal Instrumentation with Robotic Guidance” at the International Society for the Advancement of Spinal Surgery, Boca Raton, FL April 12, 2017

2017

“Surgical Outcomes of Robotic Guidance vs Freehand Instrumentation: A Retrospective Review of 705 Adult Degenerative Spine Patient Operated in Minimally Invasive (MIS) and Open Approaches” at the International Society for the Advancement of Spinal Surgery, Boca Raton, FL April 12, 2017

2017

“Surgical Outcomes of Robotic Guidance vs Freehand Instrumentation: A Retrospective Review of 705 Adult Degenerative Spine Patient Operated in Minimally Invasive (MIS) and Open Approaches” at the Global Spine Conference (GSC), Milan, Italy May 4, 2017

2017

“Complications and revision rates in robotic-guided vs. fluoro-guided minimally invasive lumbar fusion surgery - report from MIS ReFRESH prospective comparative study” at North American Spine Society (NASS) Orlando Oct 26, 2017

2018

“Expandable Interbody Devices” At the Winter Clinics for Cranial and Spinal Surgery, Snowmass, Colorado Feb 25, 2018

2018

“Complications and revision rates in robotic-guided vs. fluoro-guided minimally invasive lumbar fusion surgery - report from MIS ReFRESH prospective comparative study” at the Global Spine Conference (GSC), Singapore May 3, 2018

2018

“Complications and revisions in robotic- vs. fluoro-guided minimally invasive lumbar fusions - report from MIS ReFRESH” at International Meeting on Advanced Spine Techniques (IMAST), in Los Angeles, California, July 13, 2018

2018

“Complications and revision rates in robotic-guided vs. fluoro-guided minimally invasive lumbar fusion surgery - report from MIS ReFRESH prospective comparative study” at the World Conference on Orthopeadics (WCORT), Milan, Italy July 27, 2018

2018

“Diagnostic accuracy and clinical impact of motor evoked potential (MEP) monitoring during 4425 posterior extradural lumbosacral procedures involving the L5 vertebra” at North American Spine Society, Los Angeles (NASS) Spetember 26, 2018

2019

“Robotics – Fact, Fiction, Future – I don’t used a Robot Remind me again – Why Should I “ Society for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (SMISS) Annual Forum 2019 November 1, 2019

2020

“Complications and revision rates in minimally invasive Mazor robotic-guided versus fluoroscopic-guided spinal fusions: The MIS ReFRESH prospective comparative study” Proceedings of the North American Spinal Society (NASS)

PUBLICATIONS

PUBLICATIONS

  1. Cannestra, A.F. (1991) “The Cloning of the Opaque-2 Homologue from Sorghum”, Howard Hughes Undergraduate Research Journal (1990-1991) pp1-13. 
  2.  Cannestra, A.F. (1992) “CO Oxidation over Pt/Al2O3: Experimental Studies Using a Single Pellet Diffusion Reactor”, Howard Hughes Undergraduate Research Journal (1991-1992) pp1-22.
  3. Contributions to Racine B. N. & Herz R.K. (1992) "Modeling Dynamic CO Oxidation over Pt/Al2O3: Effect of Intrapellet Diffusion and Site Heterogeneity", Journal of Catalysis 137, 158-178.
  4. Herz, R.K., Cannestra, A.F. and Racine B.N. (1992) "CO Oxidation Over Porous Pt/Al2O3 in a Dynamic Diffusion Reactor", Paper 49i at American Institute of Chemical Engineers meeting in Miami Beach, Florida, November 1-6.
  5. Toga, A.W., Cannestra, A.F., and Black, K.L. (1995) "The Temporal/Spatial Evolution of Optical Signals in Human Cortex", J. Cereb. Cortex 5(6):561-565.
  6. Cannestra, A.F., Blood, A.J., Black, K.L., Toga, A.W. (1996) "The Evolution of Optical Signals in Human and Rodent Cortex", NeuroImage 3(1):202-208.
  7. Cannestra, A.F., Santori, E.M., Holmes, C.J., and Toga, A.W. (1997) "A Three Dimensional Multi-Modality Brain Map of the Nemestrina Monkey", Brain Res. Bull. 43(2):141-148.
  8. Cannestra, A.F., Nett, L.C., Herz, R.K. (1997) "Measurement of Gas Composition at the center of a porous pellet during adsorption and catalytic reaction under dynamic conditions", Journal of Catalysis 172:346-354.
  9. Cannestra, A.F., Pouratian, N., Shomer, M.H., and Toga, A.W. (1998) "Refractory Periods Observed by Intrinsic Signal and Fluorescent Dye Imaging", J. Neurophysiol. 80(3):1522-1532.
  10. Cannestra, A.F. , Black, K.L., Cloughesy, T., Burton, J.S., Rubinstein, E., Woods, R.P., and Toga, A.W. (1998) "Temporal and Topographical Specificity of Human Intraoperative Optical Intrinsic Signals." NeuroReport 9:2557-2563.
  11. Cannestra, A.F. (1998) "The Characterization of Perfusion Related Cortical Signals" , A Dissertation for Doctor of Philosophy in Neuroscience (UMI Publishing, Ann Arbor; MI) pp 1-287.
  12. Cannestra, A.F. , Bookheimer, S.Y., O'Farrell, A., Sicotte, N., Martin, N.A., Becker, D., Rubino, G., and Toga, A.W. (2000) "Temporal and Topographical Characterization of Language Cortices Utilizing Intraoperative Optical Intrinsic Signals." NeuroImage 12:41-54
  13. Narr, K.L., Thompson, P.M., Sharma, T., Moussai, J., Cannestra, A.F., Toga, A.W. (2000) “Mapping Morphology of the Corpus Callosum in Schizophrenia” Cerebral Cortex 10(1):40-49. Cover Illustration Published.
  14. Pouratian, N., Bookheimer, S.Y., O’Farrell, A.M., Sicotte, N.L., Cannestra, A.F., Becker, D.P., Toga, A.W. (2000) “Optical Imaging of Bilingual Cortical Representations” J. Neurosurgery 93:676-681. Cover Illustration.
  15. O’Farrell, A.M., Rex, D.E., Muthialy, A., Pouratian, N., Wong, G.K., Cannestra, A.F., Chen, J.W.Y., Toga, A.W. (2000) “Characterization of optical intrinsic signals and blood volume during cortical spreading depression” NeuroReport 11:2121-2125.
  16. Cannestra, A.F., Bookheimer, S.Y., Martin, N.A., and Toga, A.W. (2001) “Temporal Spatial Differences Observed by Functional MRI and Human Intraoperative Optical Imaging” Cerebral Cortex Aug;11(8):773-82.
  17. Pouratian, N., Rex, D., Sicotte, N.L., Martin, N.A., Becker, D.P., Cannestra, A.F., Toga, A.W. (2002) “Spatial/Temporal Correlation of BOLD and Optical Intrinsic Signals. Mag. Res. Med. 47:766-776
  18. Pouratian, N., Cannestra, A.F., Martin, N.A., Toga, A.W. (2002) “Intraoperative optical intrinsic signal imaging: a clinical tool for functional brain mapping” Neurosurg. Focus 13(4):1-9
  19. Ba, A.M., Guiou, M., Pouratian, N., Muthialu, A., Rex, D.E., Cannestra, A.F., Chen, J. W.Y., Toga, A.W., (2002) “Multiwavelength optical intrinsic signal imaging of cortical spreading depression” J. Neurophysiology 88:2726-2735
  20. Cannestra, A.F., Wartenburger, I., Villringer A., Toga, A.W. (2003) “Functional assessment of Broca’s area using near infra-red spectroscopy in humans” NeuroReport 14(15):1961-5
  21. Pouratian, N., Cannestra, A.F., Martin, N.A., Toga, A.W. (2004) “The Variability of Intraoperative Electrocortical Stimulation Mapping Parameters both across and Within Individuals” J. Neurosurgery 101(3):458-66
  22. Cannestra A.F., Pouratian N., Forage J., Bookheimer, S.Y., Martin N.A., Toga A.W. (2004) “Functional MRI and Optical Imaging for Dominant Hemisphere Peri-Sylvian Arteriovenous Malformations” Neurosurgery 55(4):804-14
  23. Fuster J, Guiou M, Ardestani A, Cannestra A, Sheth S, Zhou YD, Toga A, Bodner M. (2005) Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) in cognitive neuroscience of the primate brain. Neuroimage. 26(1):215-20.
  24. Sicotte, N.L., Pouratian, N., O’Farrell, A., Bookheimer, S.Y., Cannestra, A.F., Toga, A.W. “Functional Imaging of Real and Imagined Motor Activity” (submitted)
  25. Cannestra A.F., Onibukon A., Gravori, T., Khoo. L. The Role of EMG Stimulation in Detecting Fluoroscopically Occult Pedicle Breaches During Percutaneous Screw Placement” (submitted)
  26. Cannestra, A.F., Sheth, S., Guiou, M., Rubinstein E., Lazareff, J., Toga, A.W. “Intraoperative OIS of the Human Brainstem: Functional Mapping the Floor of the 4th Ventricle” (submitted)
  27. Cannestra, A.F., Rousch, T., Petersen., Parker S., Turner., A, (2016) “MIS expandable Interbody Spacers: A Literature Review and Biomechanical Comparison of an Expandable MIS TLIF with Conventional TLIF and ALIF. Spine 41(S8):S44-S49
  28. Phillips FM, Cheng I, Rampersaud YR, Akbarnia BA, Pimenta L, Rodgers WB, Uribe JS, Khanna N, Smith WD, Youssef JA, Sulaiman WA, Tohmeh A, Cannestra A, Wohns RN, Okonkwo DO, Acosta F, Rodgers EJ, Andersson G. (2016) “Breaking through the glass ceiling of minimally invasive Spine Surgery” Spine 41(S8):S39-S43
  29. Wilent WB., Tesdahl EA., Harrop JS., Welch WC., Cannestra, A.F., Poelstra KA., Epplin-Zapf T., Stivali T., Cohen J., Sestokas A.K. (2020) “Utility of motor evoked potentials to diagnose and reduce lower extremity motor nerve root injuries during 4,386 extradural posterior lumbosacral spine procedures” Spine J. 20(2):191-198
  30. Jamshidi, A.G., Good, C.R., Schroerlucke, S.R., Cannestra, A.F., Lim, J., Hsu, V.W., Villalobos, H., Sweeney T.M. , Wang, M.Y, Ramirez, P.M., , Zahrawi, F. "Fluoroscopy Time Analysis of a Prospective, Multi-Center Study Comparing Robotic- and Fluoroscopic-Guided Placement of Percutaneous Pedicle Screw Instrumentation for Short Segment Minimally Invasive Lumbar Fusion Surgery" (submitted)

CHAPTERS

  1. Cover Illustration and contributions to Mazziotta, J.C., Cohen, M., and Toga, A.W. "The Measurement of Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism in Human Subjects." in Primer on Cerebrovascular Diseases. Welch, K.M.A., Caplan, L.R., Reis, D.J., Siesjo, B.K., Weir, B. Eds. (Academic Press. San Diego. 1997), pp. 38-41.
  2. Illustration and contributions to Woods, R.P "Automated Global Polynomial Warping" in Brain Warping. Toga A.W. Eds. (Academic Press. San Diego. 1998). pp 365-376.
  3. Toga, A.W., Ojemann, G.A., Ojemann, J.G., Cannestra, A.F. “Intraoperative Brain Mapping” in Brain Mapping: The Disorders” Mazziotta, J.C., Toga, A.W., & Frackowiak, R. Eds. (Academic Press. San Diego. 1999).
  4. Cannestra, A.F., Rubinstein, E., Canalis, R., Becker, D. “Specific Monitoring During Skull Base Surgery” in “Monitoring Neural Function During surgery, A Volume to the Handbook of Clinical Neurophysiology Series, 3rd Edition” Nuwer M.R. Ed. (Elsevier Limited Press. Oxford, 2008)

PUBLICATIONS

ABSTRACTS

  1. Herz, R.K. and Cannestra, A.F. (1993) "The Dynamic Diffusion Reactor", North American Meeting of the Catalysis Society, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, May 4, 1993.
  2. Herz, R.K., Cannestra, A.F. and Nett, L. (1994) "Direct Measurement of Adsorption, Diffusion and Reaction in the Dynamic Diffusion Reactor", American Institute of Chemical Engineers, San Francisco, California, November, 1994.
  3. Toga, A.W., and Cannestra, A.F. (1995) "The Temporal/Spatial Evolution of Optical Signals in Human Cortex", Human Brain Mapping, Suppl 1, pp 170.
  4. Cannestra, A.F., Toga, A.W., and Black, K.L. (1995) "The Temporal/Spatial Evolution of Optical Signals in Human Cortex, Neurosci. Abs, 21:1208.
  5. Cannestra, A.F. and Toga, A.W. (1996) "Refractory Periods and Response Capabilities Observed with Optical Intrinsic Signals in Somatosensory Cortex", NeuroImage, 3:S322.
  6. Cannestra, A.F. and Toga, A.W. (1996) "Evidence for Vascular Refractory Periods Observed with Optical Intrinsic Signal Imaging", Neurosci. Abs, 22:1106.
  7. Toga, A.W. and Cannestra, A.F. (1996) "A Three Dimensional Multi-modality Brain Map of The Nemestrina Monkey", Neurosci. Abs, 22:675.
  8. Cannestra, A.F., Houser, C.R., Toga, A.W. (1996) "Teaching on the Internet: Enhancement of the UCLA School of Medicine Neuroanatomy Curriculum", Neurosci. Abs, 22:246.
  9. Cannestra, A.F., Zennou-Azogui, Y., Black, K.L., Toga, A.W., (1997) "Optical intrinsic signal imaging reveals tumor induced cortical plasticity", AANS Abs, 65:340-341.
  10. Cannestra, A.F. and Toga, A.W. (1997) "Vascular Refractory Periods Evidenced by OIS, EP's and IVF Dyes", NeuroImage 5(4):S358.
  11. Toga, A.W. and Cannestra, A.F., Black, K.L, Bookheimer, S.Y. (1997) "Neurovascular Response Differences Revealed by Optical Intrinsic Signal Imaging and Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging" NeuroImage 5(4):S356.
  12. Cannestra, A.F., Woods, R., Toga, A.W. (1997) "High Temporal/Spatial Intraoperative Human Brain Mapping Revealed by Optical Intrinsic Signals and Warping Algorithms", Neurosci. Abs, 23:1577.
  13. Toga, A.W., Cannestra, A.F., Black, K.L., Cloughesy, T., Burton, J.S., Rubinstein, E., Mazziotta, J.C. (1997) "Human Intraoperative Functional Brain Mapping Using Optical Intrinsic Signals", Neurosci. Abs, 23:1578.
  14. Pouratian, N., Cannestra, A.F., Toga, A.W. (1997) "Modulation of Neurovascular Response as Influenced by Stimulus Novelty" , Neurosci. Abs, 23:1577.
  15. Rex, D.E., Cannestra, A.F., Toga, A.W. (1997) "Optical Intrinsic Signal Imaging of Neurovascular Response During Cortical Spreading Depression", Neurosci. Abs, 23:1578.
  16. Blanton, R.E., Thompson, P.M., Cannestra, A.F., Mega, M.S., Sharma, T., Levitt, J.L., McCracken, J.T., Toga, A.W. (1997) "The Relevance of Talairach Stereotaxic Space: A Developmental Study", Neurosci. Abs, 23:1309.
  17. Cannestra, A.F., Black, K.L., Toga, A.W. (1998) "Human Intraoperative Functional Brain Mapping Using Optical Intrinsic Signals and Warping Algorithms", J. Investigative Medicine. 46(1):76A.
  18. Pouratian, N., Cannestra, A.F., Toga, A.W. (1998) "The Effect of Recent Activity on Neurovascular Responses as Measured by Optical Intrinsic Signals", J. Investigative Medicine. 46(1):96A.
  19. Stafford, N., Cannestra, A.F., Toga, A.W. (1998) "Cortical Perfusion in Response to Bilateral Whisker Stimuli", J. Investigative Medicine. 46(1):77A.
  20. Cannestra, A.F., Black, K.L., Cloughesy, T., Rubinstein, E., Woods, R.P., Toga, A.W. (1998) "Temporal and Topographical Specificity of Human Intraoperative Optical Intrinsic Signals", NeuroImage 7(4):S393.
  21. Cannestra, A.F., Bookheimer, S.Y., Martin, N.A., Rubinstein, E., Toga, A.W. (1998) "The Characterization of Language Cortices Utilizing Intraoperative Optical Intrinsic Signals", NeuroImage 7(4):S2.
  22. Pouratian, N., Cannestra, A.F., O'Farrell, A., Stafford, N., Toga, A.W. (1998) "Characterization of Optical Responses to Ipsilateral Stimuli and the Effect of Simultaneous Bilateral Stimulation and Corpus Callosotomy", NeuroImage 7(4):S297.
  23. Narr, K.L., Sharma, T., Cannestra, A.F., Thompson, P.M., Toga, A.W. (1998) "Morphological Variability Maps of the Corpus Callosum and Fornix in Schizophrenia", NeuroImage 7(4):S506.
  24. Moussai., J., Sharma, T., Anvar, B., Narr, K.L., Cannestra, A.F., Thompson, P.M., Toga, A.W. (1998) "Three Dimensional Analysis of the Lateral Ventricles in Schizophrenia" , NeuroImage 7(4):S505.
  25. Cannestra, A.F., Bookheimer, S.Y., Martin, N.A., Toga, A.W. "Temporal-Spatial Differences Observed with fMRI, Cortical EP's, and Intraoperative OIS in Humans", Neurosci. Abs, 24(1):430.
  26. Toga, A.W., Cannestra, A.F., Bookheimer, S.Y., Martin, N.A. "Temporal-Spatial Differences Observed in Language Cortices Utilizing with fMRI, Cortical EP's, and Intraoperative OIS in Humans", Neurosci. Abs, 24(1):20
  27. Pouratian, N., Bhatt, A.S., Cannestra, A.F., O' Farrell, A.M., Toga, A.W. "Optical Imaging of Neurovascular Responses During Hypercapnia", Neurosci. Abs, 24(1):425.
  28. O'Farrell, A.M., Cannestra, A.F., Pouratian, N., Mazziotta, J.C., Toga, A.W. "Optical Imaging Reveals Activity Related Positive Reflectance Changes after Nitric Oxide Synthase Inhibition", Neurosci. Abs, 24(1):425.
  29. Narr, K.L., Sharma, T., Edris, A., Cannestra, A.F., Thompson, P.M., Toga, A.W. "3-Dimensional Analysis of Sylvian Fissure Morphometry in Schizophrenia", Neurosci. Abs, 24(1):1238.
  30. Cannestra, A.F. (1998) "The Characterization of Perfusion Related Cortical Signals" Dissertation Abstract International (DAI) Ann Arbor, Michigan..
  31. Cannestra, A.F., Bookheimer, S.Y., Martin, N.A., Toga, A.W. (1999)“Temporal-Spatial Differences in Language Cortices Observed by Human Intraoperative Optical Imaging” J. Investigative Medicine 47(2):58A.
  32. Cannestra, A.F., Bookheimer, S.Y., Martin, N.A., Toga, A.W. (1999) “Temporal Spatial Differences Observed by Functional MRI and Human Intraoperative Optical Imaging” NeuroImage 9(6)
  33. Sicotte, N.L., Pouratian, N., O’Farrell, A., Bookheimer, S.Y., Cannestra, A.F., Toga, A.W. (1999) “Functional Imaging of Real and Imagined Motor Activity” NeuroImage 9(6) S413.
  34. Lindshield, C.J., Mega, M.S., Narr, K.L., Moussai, J., Dinov, I.D., Sowell, E.R., Thompson, P.M., Woods, R.P., Cannestra, A.F., Sharma, T., Toga, A.W. (1999) “Age-Related Frontal Grey Matter Loss: Volumetric Tissue Analysis in a Probabilistic Atlas Using High-Order Nonlinear Registration.” NeuroImage 9(6)
  35. Narr, K.L., Sharma, T., Moussai, J., Zoumalan, C.I., Cannestra, A.F., Thompson, P.M., Toga, A.W. (1999) “3D Maps of Cortical Surface Variability and Sulcal Asymmetries in Schizophrenic and Normal Populations” NeuroImage 9(6)
  36. O’Farrell, A.M., Chen, J.W., Upasani, V.V., Rex, D.E., Wong, G.K., Pouratian, N., Feldmar, D., Cannestra, A.F., Toga, A.W. (1999)“Perfusion Related Changes During Seizure and Spreading Depression - Optical Intrinsic Signal Imaging” NeuroImage 9(6) S739.
  37. Gravori, T., Martin, N.A., Toga, A.W., Cannestra, A.F., Bookheimer, S.Y. (1999) “Role of Cortical Mapping in Resection of Dominant Perisylvian AVMs.” AANS Abs. 67.
  38. Cannestra, A.F., Sharma, T., Narr, K.L., Thompson, P.M., Moussai, J., Edris, A., Blanton, R.E., Toga, A.W. (1999) “3D Variability Maps of the Hippocampus and Amygdala in Schizophrenia” Neurosci. Abs, 25.
  39. O’Farrell, A.M., Chen, J.W.Y., Rex, D.E., Upasani, V.V., Wong, G.K., Pouratian, N., Cannestra, A.F., Toga, A.W. (1999) “Seizure Induced Spreading Depression - Optical Imaging of Intrinsic Signals” Neurosci. Abs, 25:845
  40. Pouratian, N., Martin, N.A., Cannestra, A.F,. Becker, D.P., Bookheimer, S.Y., Sicotte, N., Toga, A.W. (2000) “Intraoperative Human Sensorimotor and Language Mapping Using Optical Intrinsic Signal Imaging: Comparison with Electrophysiologic Techniques and fMRI in 40 Patients” Proc. AANS 68.
  41. Martin, N.A., Cannestra, A.F., Pouratian, N., Becker, D.P., Bookheimer, S.Y., Sicotte, N., Toga, A.W. (2000) “Intraoperative Human Sensorimotor and Language Mapping Using Optical Intrinsic Signal Imaging: Comparison with Electrophysiologic Techniques and fMRI in 40 Patients” AANS Abstracts 2000.
  42. Pouratian, N., Cannestra, A.F., O’Farrell, A.M., Bookheimer, S.Y., Becker, D.P., Toga, A.W. (2000) “Intraoperative Optical Imaging of Cortex Subserving First and Second Languages” J. Investigative Medicine Vol 48.
  43. Rex, D.E., Muthialu, A., O’Farrell, A.M., Pouratian, N., Cannestra, A.F., Toga, A.W. (2000) “Changes in Blood Volume and Optical Intrinsic Signals during Cortical Spreading Depression.” J. Investigative Medicine Vol 48.
  44. Pouratian, N., Bookheimer, S.Y., O’Farrell, A.M., Sicotte, N.L., Cannestra, A.F., Becker, D., Toga, A.W. (2000) “Optical Imaging of Bilingual Cortical Representations.” NeuroImage 11:S260
  45. O’Farrell, A.M., rex, D.E., Muthialu, A., Wong, G.K., Pouratian, N., Chen, J.W.Y., Cannestra, A.F., Toga, A.W. (2000) “Blood volume and optical intrinsic signal imaging of cortical spreading depression” NeuroImage 11:S770
  46. Cannestra, A.F., Wartenburger, I., Villringer, A., Toga, A.W., (2000) “Functional Assessment of Broca’s Area Using Near Infrared Spectroscopy in Humans” Neurosci. Abs, 26. online
  47. Forage, J.S., Pouratian, N., Cannestra, A.F., Oertel, M., Toga, A.W., Bookheimer, S.Y., Martin, N.A. (2001) “Functional MRI, electrosortical stimulation mapping, optical imaging and ‘asleep-awake-asleep’ craniotomy for dominant hemisphere peri-sylvian arteriovenous malformations” AANS Abstracts 2001 online
  48. Cannestra, A.F., Wartenburger, I., Toga, A.W., Villringer, A. (2001) “Functional Assessment of Broca’s Area Using Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) in Humans” NeuroImage online 10885
  49. Cannestra, A.F. , Bookheimer, S.Y., Martin, N.A., and Toga, A.W. (2001) “Temporal Spatial Differences Observed by Functional MRI and Human Intraoperative Optical Imaging” NeuroImage online S974: 10862
  50. Pouratian, N., Rex, D.E., Sicotte, N.L., Cannestra, A.F., Martin, N.A., Becker, D.P., Toga, A.W. (2001) “Comparison of BOLD fMRI signals with Intraoperative Optical Imaging and Electrocortical Stimulation Mapping” NeuroImage online 10582.
  51. Pouratian, N., Bookheimer, S.Y., Martin, N.A., Rex, D.E., Cannestra, A.F., Toga, A.W. (2001) “Spatial Correlation of BOLD fMRI and Electrocortical Stimulation Mapping” NeuroImage online 11511.
  52. Cannestra A.F., Martin N.A., Rubino, G., Liau, L., A.W. Toga (2002) Intraoperative Functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy of Human Cortex. NeuroImage 16(2) online
  53. Cannestra A.F., Bodner M., Guiou, M., Sheth, S., Ardestani, A, Zhou Y.D., Fuster, J., Toga, A.W. (2002) Near infrared spectroscopy of cortical working memory” Neurosci. Abs, 28. online
  54. Bodner, M., Ardestani, A., Guiou, M., Sheth, S., Zhou, Y., Cannestra, A.F., Toga, A.W., Fuster, J.M. (2002) “Near infrared spectroscopy and field potentials in primates performing working memory tasks” Neurosci. Abs, 28 online.
  55.  Cannestra, A.F., Pouratian, N., Sheth, S., Martin, N.A., Bookheimer, S.Y., Toga, A.W. (2003) “The displacement of eloquent functional representations by cortical AVMs: mass effect versus plasticity” AANS Abstracts 1040. online.
  56. Pouratian, N., Cannestra, A.F., Martin, N., Becker, D., Liau, L., Bookheimer, S.Y. Toga, A.F., (2003) “Cortical Stimulation Mapping: Variability of and Relationship between Disruption Thresholds and Afterdischarge Thresholds” AANS Abstracts 1368. online.
  57. Cannestra, A.F., Sheth, S., Guiou, M., Jorge Lazareff, J., Toga, A.W. (2003) “Intraoperative OIS of the Human Brainstem: Functional Mapping the Floor of the 4th Ventricle” NeuroImage 19(2) Suppliment, #18068, online
  58. Cannestra, A.F., Sheth, S., Guiou, M., Lazareff, J., Toga, A.W. (2003) “Intraoperative OIS of the Human Brainstem: Functional Mapping the Floor of the 4th Ventricle” CNS Abstracts #758.
  59. De Salles A., Medin P., Agazaryan, Pedroso A., Cannestra, A.F., Ford, J., Selch M. (2003) “Stereotactic Radiosurgery with Shaped Beam and Intensity Modulation for Spine Tumors” WNS Abstracts 2003.
  60. Cannestra, A.F., Guiou, M., Liau, L., Bookheimer S.Y., Toga, A.W. (2004) Intraoperative Cortical Mapping of Multilingual Representations: ESM, OIS, NIRS and Pre-op fMRI” NeuroImage 22 Suppliment, online.
  61. Cannestra, A.F., Guiou, M., Liau, L., Bookheimer S.Y., Toga, A.W. (2004) Intraoperative Cortical Mapping of Bilingual Representations: ESM, OIS, NIRS and Pre-op fMRI” CNS Abstracts
  62. Sabb, F. Cannestra, AF., Toga, A.W., Bookheimer, S.Y. (2004) “Semantic processing and priming in humans: pre-operative and intraoperative assessment by fMRI, ESM and optical imaging.” Neuroscience Abstracts online
  63. Khoo L.T.; Cannestra, A.F.; Lam S; Holly L. (2005) “The lateral extracavitary approach for primary single stage decompression, arthrodesis, and instrumentation of thoracic and lumbar lesions: Clinical outcomes in 32 consecutive patients at 1-year. IMAST abstracts online
  64. Khoo L.T.; Cannestra, A.F.; Holly L., Shamie, A.N., Wang, J., Fessler, R.G. (2005) “A long-term clinical outcome analysis of minimally invasive cervical foraminotomy for the treatment of cervical radiculopathy”. IMAST abstracts online
  65. Khoo L.T.; Cannestra, A.F.; Lam S; Holly L. (2005) “The lateral extracavitary approach for primary single stage decompression, arthrodesis, and instrumentation of thoracic and lumbar lesions: Clinical outcomes in 32 consecutive patients at 1-year. SRS abstracts online
  66. Khoo L.T.; Cannestra, A.F.; Holly L., Shamie, A.N., Wang, J., Fessler, R.G. (2005) “A long-term clinical outcome analysis of minimally invasive cervical foraminotomy for the treatment of cervical radiculopathy”. SRS abstracts online
  67. Khoo L.T.; Cannestra, A.F.; Lam S; Holly L. (2005) “The lateral extracavitary approach for primary single stage decompression, arthrodesis, and instrumentation of thoracic and lumbar lesions: Clinical outcomes in 32 consecutive patients at 1-year. Proceedings of the NASS 20th Annual Meeting, The Spine Journal S P152
  68. Cannestra, A.F.; (2014) “Significant Decreased Radiation Exposure in Percutaneous Adult Degenerative Spinal Instrumentation with Robotic Guidance” NASS Abs online
  69. Cannestra, A.F.; Peterson, M.D., Roush, T.F., Bundy, J.V., Turner, A.W. (2015) “Lateral Decubitus TLIF with a Medial Lateral Expandable Interbody Device: Biomechanical Comparison with ALIF and Conventional TLIF” Proceedings of the 8th Annual SOLAS Meeting.
  70. Cannestra, A.F.; (2015) “Stimulation EMG Measurements During Percutaneous Robotic Pedicle Screw Placement” Proceedings of the SMISS Global Forum.
  71. Cannestra, A.F.; Peterson, M.D., Roush, T.F., Bundy, J.V., Turner, A.W. (2016) “Biomechanical Analysis of Lateral Decubitus TLIF with a Medial Lateral Expandable Interbody Device” Proceedings of the International Society for the Advancement of Spinal Surgery
  72. Sestokas, A. K., Tesdahl, E. A., Cannestra, A.F., Baran S., Cohen, J., Weinstein, S. (2016)” Neurologic Outcome Following Intraoperative Neurophysiological Signal Change in Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbar and Multiregional Spine Surgery” Proceedings of the 31st Annual Meeting of the North American Spine Society
  73. Cannestra, A.F.; Peterson, M.D., Roush, T.F., Bundy, J.V., Turner, A.W. (2016) “Biomechanical Analysis of Lateral Decubitus TLIF with a Medial Lateral Expandable Interbody Device” Proceedings of the AANS/CNS Section on Discorders of the Spine and Peripheral Nerve,
  74. Cannestra, A.F.; (2016) “Stimulation EMG Measurements During Percutaneous Robotic Pedicle Screw Placement” Global Spine Congress and World Forum for Spine Research
  75. Sweeney, T., Cannestra A.F., Poelstra, K., Schroerlucke., S. (2016) “Surgical Outcomes of Robotic Guidance vs Freehand Instrumentation: A Retrospective Review of 705 Adult Degenerative Spine Patient Operated in Minimally Invasive (MIS) and Open Approaches” IMAST abstracts online
  76. Sweeney, T., Cannestra A.F., Poelstra, K., Schroerlucke., S. (2016) “Does Robotic Guidance Reduce Fluoroscopy in Minimall Invasive Surgery (MIS) for Degenerative Lumbar Spine Disease Compared to Freehand? A Retrospective Review of 4 Surgeons and 627 Patients” IMAST abstracts online
  77. Cannestra A.F., Sweeney, T., Poelstra, K., Schroerlucke., S. “Surgical Outcomes of Robotic Guidance vs Freehand Instrumentation: A Retrospective Review of 705 Adult Degenerative Spine Patient Operated in Minimally Invasive (MIS) and Open Approaches” (2016) Proceedings of the SMISS Global Forum
  78. Cannestra, A.F.; (2017) “Significant Decrease in Radiation Exposure in Percutaneous Adult Degenerative Spinal Instrumentation with Robotic Guidance” Proceedings of the International Society for the Advancement of Spinal Surgery
  79. Sweeney, T., Cannestra A.F., Poelstra, K., Schroerlucke., S. (2017) “Surgical Outcomes of Robotic Guidance vs Freehand Instrumentation: A Retrospective Review of 705 Adult Degenerative Spine Patient Operated in Minimally Invasive (MIS) and Open Approaches” Proceedings of the International Society for the Advancement of Spinal Surgery
  80. Sweeney, T., Cannestra A.F., Poelstra, K., Schroerlucke., S. (2017) “Does Robotic Guidance Reduce Fluoroscopy in Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) for Degenerative Lumbar Spine Disease Compared to Freehand? A Retrospective Review of 4 Surgeons and 627 Patients” Proceedings of the International Society for the Advancement of Spinal Surgery
  81. Cannestra, A.F.; (2017) “Impact of Local Administration of Liposomal Bupivicaine for Analgesia in Post-Operative Neurosurgery Patients: A Retrospective Chart Review” Proceedings of the International Society for the Advancement of Spinal Surgery
  82. Cannestra A.F., Sweeney, T., Poelstra, K., Schroerlucke., S. (2017) “Surgical Outcomes of Robotic Guidance vs Freehand Instrumentation: A Retrospective Review of 705 Adult Degenerative Spine Patient Operated in Minimally Invasive (MIS) and Open Approaches” Proceedings of the American Association of Neurologic Surgeons
  83. Cannestra A.F., Sweeney, T., Poelstra, K., Schroerlucke., S. (2017) “Does Robotic Guidance Reduce Fluoroscopy in Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) for Degenerative Lumbar Spine Disease Compared to Freehand? A Retrospective Review of 4 Surgeons and 627 Patients” Proceedings of the American Association of Neurologic Surgeons
  84. Cannestra A.F., Sweeney, T., Poelstra, K., Schroerlucke., S. (2017) “Surgical Outcomes of Robotic Guidance vs Freehand Instrumentation: A Retrospective Review of 705 Adult Degenerative Spine Patient Operated in Minimally Invasive (MIS) and Open Approaches” Global Spine Congress and World Forum for Spine Research A034
  85. Cannestra A.F., Sweeney, T., Poelstra, K., Schroerlucke., S. (2017) “Does Robotic Guidance Reduce Fluoroscopy in Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) for Degenerative Lumbar Spine Disease Compared to Freehand? A Retrospective Review of 4 Surgeons and 627 Patients” Global Spine Congress and World Forum for Spine Research 1656
  86. Sestokas, A. K., Tesdahl, E. A., Cannestra, A.F., Baran S., Cohen, J., Weinstein, S. (2017) “Do Motor Evoked Potentials (MEPs) Improve Neuromonitoring Accuracy during Posterior Cervical Spine Surgery in Adults? Intraoperative Neuromonitoring Findings and Outcomes in 5987 Procedures” CSRS
  87. Good, C.R., Schroerlucke, S.R., Cannestra, A.F., Hsu, V.W, Zahrawi, F., Lim, J.Y., Wang, M.Y., Sweeney T.M., Ramirez, P.M., Villalobos, H. (2017) Complications and revision rates in robotic-guided vs. fluoro-guided minimally invasive lumbar fusion surgery - report from MIS ReFRESH prospective comparative study” Proceedings of the North American Spinal Society (NASS)
  88. Cannestra, A.F. (2018) “Expandable Interbody Devices” Proceeding of the Winter Clinics for Cranial and Spinal Surgery
  89. Cannestra, A.F., Good, C.R., Schroerlucke, S.R., Hsu, V.W, Zahrawi, F., Lim, J.Y., Wang, M.Y., Sweeney T.M., Ramirez, P.M., Villalobos, H. (2018) “Complications and revision rates in robotic-guided vs. fluoro-guided minimally invasive lumbar fusion surgery - report from MIS ReFRESH prospective comparative study” Proceedings of the Global Spine Conference (GSC)
  90. Good, C.R., Schroerlucke, S.R., Cannestra, A.F., Hsu, V.W, Zahrawi, F., Lim, J.Y., Wang, M.Y., Sweeney T.M., Ramirez, P.M., Villalobos, H. (2018) “Complications and revisions in robotic- vs. fluoro-guided minimally invasive lumbar fusions - report from MIS ReFRESH” Proceedings of the International Meeting on Advanced Spine Techniques (IMAST)
  91. Cannestra, A.F., Good, C.R., Schroerlucke, S.R., Hsu, V.W, Zahrawi, F., Lim, J.Y., Wang, M.Y., Sweeney T.M., Ramirez, P.M., Villalobos, H. (2018) “Complications and revision rates in robotic-guided vs. fluoro-guided minimally invasive lumbar fusion surgery - report from MIS ReFRESH prospective comparative study” Proceedings of the Fifth Annual World Conference on Orthopeadics (WCORT)
  92. Wilent, B., Sestokas, A. K., Tesdahl, E. A., Cannestra, A.F., Baran S., Cohen, J., Weinstein, S. (2018) “Diagnostic accuracy and clinical impact of motor evoked potential (MEP) monitoring during 4425 posterior extradural lumbosacral procedures involving the L5 vertebra” (2018) Proceedings of the North American Spinal Society (NASS)
  93. Good, C.R., Schroerlucke, S.R., Cannestra, A.F., Hsu, V.W, Zahrawi, F., Lim, J.Y., Wang, M.Y., Sweeney T.M., Ramirez, P.M., Villalobos, H. (2020) “Complications and revisions in robotic- vs. fluoro-guided minimally invasive lumbar fusions - report from MIS ReFRESH” North American Spine Society
  94. Good, C.R., Schroerlucke, S.R., Cannestra, A.F.,
  95.  Lim, J., Hsu, V.W., Villalobos, H., Sweeney T.M. , Wang, M.Y., Ramirez, P.M., Zahrawi, F. (2020) “Complications and revision rates in minimally invasive Mazor robotic-guided versus fluoroscopic-guided spinal fusions: The MIS ReFRESH prospective comparative study” Proceedings of the North American Spinal Society (NASS)

US PATENTS & PENDING

  1. 61/005,323 Dec. 4, 2007; System, Instrumentation And Method For Spinal Fixation Using Minimally Invasive Surgical Techniques
  2. 12/315,546 Dec. 4, 2008; 2009-0171392 Guide Wire Mounting Collar For Spinal Fixation Using Minimally Invasive Surgical Techniques
  3. 12/931,953 Feb. 14, 2011; 8,540,720 System, Instrumentation And Method For Spinal Fixation Using Minimally Invasive Surgical Techiques
  4. 12/931,976 Feb. 15, 2011; 2011-0144652 System, Instrumentation And Method For Spinal Fixation Using Minimally Invasive Surgical Techiques
  5. 14/029,147 Sept. 17, 2013; 2014-0018868 Instrumentation For Spinal Fixation Using Minimally Invasive Surgical Techniques
  6. 61/336,524 Jan. 22, 2010; Apparatus And Method For Spinal Fixation Using Minimally Invasive Surgical Techniques
  7. 12/930,989 Jan. 21, 2011; 8,403,963 Method And Apparatus For Spinal Fixation Using Minimally Invasive Surgical Techniques
  8. 14/623,988 Feb 17, 2015; 2015-0230834 System and Method for Posterior Cervical Fusion
  9. 072185-3400 2020 Cannulated Aspiration Screw Device and Methods of Use Thereof

MEMBERSHIPS

MEMBERSHIPS

1989-1993 

Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES)

1993-present 

Golden Key National Honors Society

1993-present 

American Medical Association (AMA)

1993-present 

California Medical Association (CMA)

1993-present 

Society for Neuroscience (SFN)

1996-present 

American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)

1998-present 

International Organization for Human Brain Mapping (OHBM); inaugural member

2000-present 

Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) Medical Honors Society.

2001-present 

American Association of Neurologic Surgeons (AANS)

2001-present 

Congress of Neurologic Surgeons (CNS)

2005-present 

AO North America

2005-present 

North American Spine Society (NASS)

2006-present 

Florida Medical Association (FMA)

2006-present 

Duval County Medical Association (DCMS)

2006-present 

North American Spine Society (NASS)

2007-present 

Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery Society (SIMSS)

2009-present 

American Board of Neurologic Surgery (ABNS)

2016-present 

Section of the Disorders of the Spine and Peripheral Nerves (AANS & CNS)

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