Dr. James Lefler joins Florida Hospital Tampa Neuroscience Institute.

TAMPA  (July 25, 2012) – Dr. James Lefler recently joined Florida Hospital Tampa as the co-director of the stroke program and resident expert in neurovascular and neurointerventional radiology at the Florida Hospital Tampa Neuroscience Institute. Board certified in Radiology, Dr. Lefler is also trained in a new specialty known as Endovascular Surgical Neuroradiology (ESN).  Using the latest minimally invasive techniques, he treats patients with neurovascular disease of the head, brain, neck, and spine, as well as those who suffer from intracranial aneurysms, arteriovenous malformation (AVM), and acute stroke.  

“Minimally invasive techniques were developed to treat patients when conventional brain treatment modalities were not available or surgical brain techniques failed,” shared Dr. Lefler. “The new specialty of Endovascular Surgical Neuroradiology has grown by leaps and bounds due to advances in computer technology and microcatheters, which assist the radiologist in navigating the blood vessels of the brain. With this new technology, I am able to successfully treat patients who were previously considered too ill to undergo a procedure involving the vessels of the head and neck.”

At Florida Hospital Tampa, minimally invasive brain procedures on the brain are performed in a designated room featuring the latest bi-plane technology. The neurointerventional radiologist has the ability to look at the brain, arteries and spine in two and three dimensions. This state-of-the-art technology is safer and faster than traditional intervention allowing physicians to treat patients who are in the throes of a stroke. When bi-plane intervention can be accomplished, patients typically experience a shorter length of stay, and their risk of permanent disabilities is lowered.

“Well-trained in neurointerventional radiology, Dr. Lefler is a great addition to our Neuroscience Institute and rounds out our neuroscience program at Florida Hospital Tampa,” said John Harding, President and CEO of Florida Hospital Tampa. “He is passionate about caring for his patients, and offering the latest state-of-the-art treatment options to them.” 

“Dr. Lefler’s expertise helps elevate the level of care we are able to provide in our Neuroscience Institute and it complements our renowned cardiovascular program at Florida Hospital Pepin Heart Institute by enabling delivery of more comprehensive care,” added Brigitte Shaw, chief operating officer at Florida Hospital Pepin Heart Institute.

In 1993, Lefler graduated from The University of South Florida’s medical school and then completed his internship and residency in Diagnostic Radiology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. He then went to the University of California, San Francisco for a fellowship in Diagnostic Neuroradiology and Interventional and Therapeutic Neuroradiology.  Dr. Lefler was born and raised in Tampa, Florida.