Sydney DBS is unique to other DBS implanting teams in Sydney, as we have had the same team of specialists for over ten years now. Our strong affiliation with North Shore Private Hospital also ensures that our patients receive exceptional personalised care.
Dr Raymond Cook
Neurosurgeon
Dr Raymond Cook is Sydney’s most experienced DBS surgeon.
Dr Paul Silberstein
Neurologist
Dr Paul Silberstein is Sydney’s most experienced DBS Neurologist
Dr Linton Meagher
Neuropsychiatrist
Dr Linton Meagher has a Master’s degree in Psychiatry focussing on DBS.
George Fracchia
DBS Surgical Assistant
George has more than 20 years’ experience caring for patients during surgery.
Dr Mark Donnelley
Anaesthetist
Both Mark and Greg are our specialised DBS anaesthetists experienced in awake surgery.
Dr Greg Purcell
Anaesthetist
Both Mark and Greg are our specialised DBS anaesthetists experienced in awake surgery.
Glen
Cooper
Radiographer
Glen has over 10 years’ experience using CT, MRI and Operating Theater Radiology equipment.
Nathan Anderson
Radiographer
Nathan is Sydney DBS’ dedicated Radiographer using the latest technology for optimal imaging.
Ben Deacon
Radiographer
Ben has many years of experience in CT, operating theatre radiography, and stereotactic planning.
Neurosurgeon Dr Raymond Cook, and Surgical assistant Dr George Fracchia have been operating together since the 1990s. Prior to 2001, they performed lesional surgery for Parkinson’s disease and tremor disorders. Dr Cook performed his first Deep Brain Stimulation procedure in 2001, convinced that the newer techniques and hardware was robust enough to provide long term efficacy in Parkinson’s disease. He has now implanted over 500 DBS systems for Parkinson’s disease and a variety of other conditions including dystonia, tremor and Tourette syndrome.
A clinical collaboration with Neurologist Dr Paul Silberstein formed in 2004 on Dr Silberstein’s return from the UK where he had undertaken studies toward a Doctorate in Neurophysiology. Neuropsychiatrist Dr Linton Meagher became involved in surgical work up and post operative management of patients on completion of his Masters of Psychiatry in DBS in 2007.
Nathan Anderson, has been a dedicated Radiographer to the team since 2011.
Sydney DBS works with Parkinson’s NSW and the Shake It Up Australia Foundation (partnered with the internationally based Michael J Fox Foundation) to drive awareness about treatments, ongoing research, living with PD and device assisted therapies such as Deep Brain Stimulation.
Hospital Affiliations:
Sydney DBS is proud of our affiliation with North Shore Private and Royal North Shore Hospitals.
North Shore Private Hospital
Sydney DBS have performed operative work at North Shore Private Hospital since 2001 where over 480 patients have been treated using the latest in neurosurgical technology. Care is provided by Sydney DBS specialists in association with experienced operating theatre and ward nursing staff.
Royal North Shore Hospital
RNSH is co-located on the same campus as North Shore Private Hospital. Dr Cook and Dr Silberstein are both accredited consultants at RNSH and take part in the on-call RNSH Neurosurgery and Neurology rosters.
In Parkinson’s disease, DBS smooths motor fluctuations, reduces excess movement and tremors and facilitates a reduction in medication. DBS provides improved control of dystonia, tremor and tics when control with tablets becomes unsatisfactory.
Key Achievements:
- Over 500 patients treated in over 18 years
- Very low complication rate
- Perform >120 procedures per year (approx. 40 new systems and over 80 battery replacements) at North Shore Private Hospital
- Improved quality of life
- Ongoing care and consultation with Sydney DBS specialists and Sydney DBS trained Neurologists post-surgery