Michelle Buontempo, MSN, RN, CCRN, CPNP
Weill Cornell Medicine Neurological Surgery is pleased to provide an update from the multidisciplinary craniofacial team. Kathlyne Purrini, CPNP, and Michelle Buontempo, MSN, RN, CCRN, CPNP, recently attended the Coordinators' Meeting for the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association (ACPA), the accrediting body for craniofacial teams across the United States. This meeting served as an important platform for specialists to exchange insights on best practices, collaborative care models, and advancements in treating complex craniofacial conditions.
As part of their participation, the team presented a challenging patient case involving an FGFR2 mutation associated with Apert Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder characterized by premature fusion of skull bones (craniosynostosis), midface hypoplasia, and syndactyly (fusion of fingers and toes). Patients with this condition often require multiple, carefully coordinated surgical interventions to optimize functional and aesthetic outcomes while ensuring safe airway management.
The case study emphasized the importance of highly coordinated, multidisciplinary care to address the patient’s urgent surgical needs. The treatment plan incorporated the expertise of neurosurgery, plastic surgery, otolaryngology (ENT), oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS), pulmonology, orthodontics, and other specialties to provide a holistic approach to care.
To streamline the patient journey and reduce the burden on the family, a dedicated single point of contact was established.
Kathlyne Purrini, CPNP
This case underscores the transformative impact of multidisciplinary collaboration in treating complex craniofacial conditions. By integrating cutting-edge surgical techniques with patient-centered coordination, the multidisciplinary craniofacial team continues to set new standards in craniofacial care.
We extend our deepest appreciation to all faculty, surgeons, and clinical specialists who contributed their expertise to delivering evidence-based, compassionate care to this patient and their family.
As leaders in neurological and craniofacial surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine remains dedicated to advancing innovative treatment approaches and improving patient outcomes through collaboration, research, and clinical excellence.
