Team conducts first awake spine surgery at OHSU

Approach is less invasive, allows faster recovery; patient calls it a great experience

By Erik Robinson December 19, 2023 Portland, Oregon

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Patient Jasmin Felton is the first at OHSU to undergo an awake spine surgery. She stands with her sons, Maximilian and Asher. (Courtesy of Jasmin Felton)

First awake spine surgery at OHSU

Josiah Orina, M.D., associate professor of neurological surgery in the OHSU School of Medicine, left, stands with Kevin Blaine, M.D., assistant professor of anesthesiology in the OHSU School of Medicine, outside OHSU Hospital. The two teamed up to be the first at OHSU to conduct an awake spine surgery. (OHSU/Christine Torres Hicks)

Josiah Orina, M.D. (OHSU)

Kevin Blaine M.D., M.P.H. (OHSU)

First awake spine surgery at OHSU

Jasmin Felton and family

Patient Jasmin Felton is the first at OHSU to undergo an awake spine surgery. She stands with her sons, Maximilian and Asher. (Courtesy of Jasmin Felton)