Scientific Contributions of Prof. Valentin Felixovich Voyno-Yasenetsky (Saint Luke of Simferopol; 1877-1961) to Surgical Operations of the Nervous System.

Abstract

Valentin Felixovich Voyno-Yasenetsky (VFVY; also known as Saint Luke of Simferopol) was a famous professor of anatomy and surgery of the previous century. He was a particularly skilled surgeon, proficient in various surgical subspecialties, with main interest in regional anesthesia and pyogenic infections. The primary aim of this article is to explore his scientific contributions to surgical operations of the nervous system. His contributions are in three primary fields, namely, neuroanatomy, neurosurgery, and regional anesthesia. His work is characterized by meticulous descriptions of various anatomical structures of the brain and skull and of the intraoperative findings of his neurosurgical procedures. He clarified neurosurgical terms and described neurosurgical techniques. He also provided advice regarding the safety of neurosurgical procedures. Furthermore, he pioneered in techniques for regional anesthesia of the sciatic and trigeminal nerves. His exceptional talent as a scientist and surgeon, as well as his contributions to the neurosciences, makes him an exemplary doctor for modern neurosurgeons.