Dr. Kunal Vakharia is a neurosurgeon who specializes in complex cranial and endovascular pathologies. Trained in all aspects of brain surgery, Dr. Vakharia has a particular focus on complex cranial and cerebrovascular pathologies, including aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations and fistulas, carotid and cerebro-occlusive disease, acoustic neuromas, pituitary adenomas, meningiomas, and other skull base tumors.
Dr. Vakharia received his MD degree from Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, PA. He received his Masters of Bioethics (MBE) from the University of Pennsylvania and Masters of Business Adminstration (MBA) from the Johns Hopkins Carey Business School. He completed his residency training and cerebrovascular/endovascular fellowship at the University of Buffalo. He completed his complex cranial and skull base fellowship at the Mayo Clinic.
Dr. Vakharia is a surgical expert in cerebrovascular and complex cranial pathology. He has over 100 peer-reviewed research articles and over 25 book chapters. He is also trained in minimally invasive and endoscopic surgery.
Dr. Vakharia is committed to excellence in patient care, research, education, and bringing new technologies and innovations to the forefront of patient care in the Tampa Bay area.
Selected publications from PubMed
Belzutifan in Von Hippel-Lindau-associated Hemangioblastomas: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
Yeganeh KJ, Sargent E, Ahmed G, Klocksieben F, Pressman E, Vakharia K
J Neurol Surg B Skull Base. 2026 Oct;87(5):e124-e131 doi: 10.1055/a-2724-4297.
Impact of middle meningeal artery embolization timing on chronic subdural hematoma resolution and functional outcomes.
DeMessie B, Essibayi MA, Salim HA, Karandish A, Farkas N, Khatri D, Haranhalli N, Baker A, Zampolin R, Brook AL, Lee SK, Adeeb N, Grist J, Zaccagna F, Li YL, Simonato D, Ortega DA, Cancelliere N, Diestro JD, Lakhani DA, Carnevale J, Schreiber C, Orscelik A, Abecassis Z, Raub S, Sioutas GS, Salsano G, Kvint S, Falzon A, Cantrell V, Holliday B, Abaricia JO, Maleknia PD, Cruz-Criollo L, Schimmel S, Musmar B, Alexander M, Zermeno JR, Prateeka K, Aljuboori A, Vollherbst DF, Gajski D, Cooper J, Kasem RA, Kasab SA, Spiotta AM, Al-Mufti F, Kalousek V, Möhlenbruch MA, Scarcia L, Schirmer CM, Huynh T, Tawk RG, Settecase F, Tjoumakaris S, Jabbour P, Vakharia K, Zanaty M, Ortega-Gutierrez S, Jones JG, Colasurdo M, Nasser HH, Sundararajan SH, Mosimann PJ, Nossek E, Raz E, Castellan L, Del Sette B, Michelozzi C, Saraceno D, Panni P, Srinivasan V, Burkhardt JK, Marnat G, Santini PM, Levitt MR, Lanzino G, Brinjikji W, Knopman J, Kass-Hout T, Spears J, Marotta T, Wintermark M, Pereira VM, Fuschi M, Dmytriw AA, Altschul DJ, MESH collaborators
J Neuroradiol. 2026 Sep;53(5):101584 doi: 10.1016/j.neurad.2026.101584.
Factors Associated with Short Hospital Stay After Combined Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization and Surgical Evacuation for Chronic Subdural Hematoma.
Terraciano A, DeMessie B, Essibayi MA, Alsalama A, Gupta K, Salim HA, Karandish A, Adeeb N, Lakhani DA, Li YL, Ortega DA, Carnevale J, Orscelik A, Abecassis Z, Sioutas G, Salsano G, Kasem RA, Falzon A, Abaricia JO, Maleknia PD, Cruz-Criollo L, Schimmel S, Musmar B, Alexander M, Aljuboori A, Vollherbst DF, Gajski D, Cooper J, Alwakaa O, Ezzeldin M, Ogilvy CS, Al-Mufti F, Kalousek V, Möhlenbruch MA, Scarcia L, Zhao TS, Sporns PB, Gopinathan A, Regenhardt RW, Blackburn SL, Schirmer CM, Huynh T, G Tawk R, Settecase F, Jabbour P, Vakharia K, Zanaty M, Ortega-Gutierrez S, Jones JG, Colasurdo M, Nasser HH, Sundararajan SH, Mosimann PJ, Nossek E, Raz E, Spiotta AM, Del Sette B, Alaraj A, Michelozzi C, Saraceno D, Panni P, Srinivasan VM, Burkhardt JK, Marnat G, Santini PM, Levitt MR, Lanzino G, Knopman J, Pereira VM, Patankar T, Dmytriw AA, Altschul DJ, Collaborators M
Clin Neuroradiol. 2026 Aug 20 doi: 10.1007/s00062-026-01713-w.
Chiari I Malformation in Pregnancy: A Retrospective Review of Maternal Outcomes and Anesthetic Safety, and a Survey of Current Practices.
Pressman K, Pressman E, Schimmel S, Calzon M, Voce D, Hartnett-Wright S, Vakharia K, Cain MA
Am J Perinatol. 2026 Aug 11 doi: 10.1055/a-2927-4389.
Safety and efficacy of staged primary coiling followed by delayed flow diversion of ruptured intracranial aneurysms: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Alayli A, Monsour M, Schimmel S, Pressman E, Klocksieben F, Mokin M, Guerrero WR, Vakharia K
Interv Neuroradiol. 2026 Aug;32(4):1822-1830 doi: 10.1177/15910199241305426.
This case study presents the surgical management of a 40-year-old male who developed malignant edema following radiosurgery for a left frontal arteriovenous malformation (AVM). The patient initially presented with headaches and seizures, leading to the diagnosis of an AVM. Radiosurgery was performed, but the patient subsequently developed significant malignant edema and midline shift, presenting with a blown pupil. Emergent decompressive craniectomy was performed to manage the life-threatening edema. Over time, radiation necrosis developed at the AVM site, requiring further surgical intervention. Intraoperative neuro-navigation and ultrasound were used to guide the meticulous dissection of the gliotic and necrotic tissues along with the AVM. Using microsurgical techniques and electrocautery, the AVM was successfully resected, achieving complete decompression and hemostasis. The patient experienced a gradual recovery, with improvement in hemiparesis and resolution of edema. Postoperative imaging confirmed the successful removal of the AVM and necrotic tissues, with no residual mass. A year later, the patient's bone flap was replaced, and his neurological condition remained stable.
Published
Jan 2025
The talk is about a surgical procedure aimed at addressing obstructive hydrocephalus caused by a fourth ventricular mass. Dr. Kunal Vakharia, a neurosurgeon based in Florida, presents a case involving a 67-year-old patient experiencing gait issues, balance difficulties, and occipital headaches. Through axial and sagittal T1 contrast MRI, as well as T2 imaging, the presence of hydrocephalus and a heterogeneous mass within the fourth ventricle is identified. Surgical intervention is discussed considering the patient's symptoms and concerns. The procedure involves suboccipital craniotomy and durotomy with careful navigation and microscope use. Techniques such as dynamic retraction, bipolar coagulation, and meticulous dissection aid in tumor removal, ensuring preservation of surrounding structures. Post-operatively, imaging confirms gross total resection, with the patient demonstrating positive outcomes. This presentation highlights the surgical intricacies involved in addressing rare tumors like fourth ventricular meningiomas, emphasizing technique and patient-centered care.
Published
Apr 2024
This episode showcases a surgical procedure on a 32-year-old patient with headaches, revealing a fourth ventricular ependymoma. The surgery involves a suboccipital craniotomy to expose the tumor, followed by dissection of arachnoid planes and identification of critical structures such as lower cranial nerves and arteries. The use of various dissectors, suction, gel foam, and electrocautery aids in managing vascularity and achieving hemostasis. The surgeon employs an ultrasonic aspirator to safely debulk the tumor, preserving vascular structures. It created a surgical corridor between the two cerebellar hemispheres for visualization up to the aqueduct, ensuring thorough removal of the tumor. Post-surgery MRI confirms the absence of gross residual tumor and depicts the surgical corridor. The procedure aims to alleviate the patient's headaches by addressing potential obstruction and demonstrates an approach to ependymoma resection with a focus on preserving critical structures.
Published
Feb 2024
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