First in Man, a Documentary Film Produced by ZAP Surgical Systems, Recognizes Barrow Brain and Spine in Pioneering Cancer Care Treatment
PHOENIX, ARIZ. — [February 11, 2020]: Barrow Brain and Spine (BBS) — a global leader in neurosurgical care and the world’s first to utilize ZAP-X® Gyroscopic Radiosurgery™ — features prominently in First in Man, a new documentary film. The independent film follows BBS patient Bill Richardson, a survivor of multiple brain-related surgeries, as he prepares to become the first patient to undergo a revolutionary new treatment for the brain using ZAP-X, a non-invasive alternative to surgery and traditional radiation therapy.
Featuring interviews with BBS neurosurgeon, Dr. F. David Barranco and radiation oncologist, Dr. Igor Barani, First in Man tells of the pioneering steps taken by Mr. Richardson as he prepares for the procedure, along with the many people — his friends, family and the professionals at Barrow Brain and Spine and ZAP — who join him throughout the journey.
“Bill’s story is incredibly inspiring and represents a first on many fronts,” said Dr. F. David Barranco, chief medical officer and neurosurgeon at Barrow Neurological Institute. “It takes extraordinary courage to be the first. The film captures the essence of that spirit and very real milestones of Bill’s journey. We’re proud to be a part of it.”
As the first to utilize the ZAP-X Gyroscopic Radiosurgery, Barrow Brain and Spine treats more brain tumors than any other institution in the United States. The physician-led specialty practice was also the first in Arizona to offer the Gamma Knife and CyberKnife systems for the treatment of complex brain conditions. Now with ZAP-X, Barrow Brain and Spine becomes the only neurosurgical practice capable of offering this complete set of leading radiation therapy treatment technologies.
Currently touring at film festivals across the country, the First in Man documentary was directed by Ryan Durant of OVO in Portland, Oregon, in association with Tonal Productions.
See the First in Man film on YouTube.
Complete Film:
30-Second Trailer:
About Barrow Brain and Spine
Barrow Brain and Spine is a physician-owned specialty practice focused in the areas of neurosurgery, advanced spine care and pain management. As a partner of Barrow Neurological Institute, the practice encompasses 30 neurosurgeons and three physicists, providing more than 8,000 surgeries annually. This globally recognized group directs the Neurosurgery Residency Program at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona, and serves more than 21,000 patients per year.
For more information please contact:
Eric J. Chappell, CMPE, Chief Operating Officer
As a Barrow patient, you can feel confident we’ll exhaust every avenue to arrive at a proper diagnosis and treatment plan customized specifically for you. Request an appointment online and our Patient Navigator will guide you through the next steps.
Request an Appointment
