In season four of Grey's Anatomy, Derrick performed brain surgery on a conscious patient. At the time, it was a radical idea.
Now, that procedure has become increasingly common. Awake brain surgery allows doctors to monitor brain function while they operate and reduce risks.
Reporter Ashley James spoke with Dr. Bendok from the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix, Arizona. He's the Department of Neurologic Surgery chair. He discussed how the unique surgery works and why it's the best procedure for candidates.
See video above for full interview
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