The First Brain Surgeon

Film info

Film summary

Today, 90% of brain surgery patients survive, with thanks to the work of Cushing, the world's first brain surgeon. A look at his techniques and how they have influenced modern brain surgery.

Key facts

• Dr Harvey Cushing dedicated his professional career to revolutionizing brain surgery.
• He studied brains to the point of obsession – collecting 1000 from his patients.
• He adapted simple tools to solve the problem of blood loss, designing a clip from household wire and a tourniquet from a pneumatic cuff.
• His approach helped to cut operating deaths from 70% to 10% and saw the birth of modern brain surgery.