Carlos Alberto Valera

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Carlos Alberto Valera is a leading pediatric neurosurgeon whose work centers on advancing surgical treatments for refractory epilepsy in children. His primary research focuses on optimizing disconnective surgery techniques, particularly through the innovative application of robot-assisted MRI-guided laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT). Dr. Valera’s major contribution lies in demonstrating that LITT can effectively complete previously incomplete disconnections from hemispherotomies and posterior quadrant (temporoparietooccipital) disconnections, addressing the primary cause of surgical failure in these complex procedures. His most cited paper, “Completion of disconnective surgery for refractory epilepsy in pediatric patients using robot-assisted MRI-guided laser interstitial thermal therapy” (2022, 10 citations), reports on a large single-center experience of 51 cases, showcasing a minimally invasive solution to a critical clinical problem. This work has significant impact by potentially reducing the need for repeat open surgeries and improving seizure outcomes in children. Dr. Valera’s achievements include pioneering this technique at Sant Joan de Déu Barcelona Children’s Hospital, positioning him as a key figure in the evolution of pediatric epilepsy surgery toward safer, more precise interventions.