ZAP Surgical Systems Inc. recently treated the 5,000th patient using its ZAP-X Gyroscopic Radiosurgery platform.

“The treatment of our 5,000th patient not only represents a numerical milestone, but a reaffirmation of our mission to make brain radiosurgery safer, smarter, and more accessible,” stated ZAP Surgical Founder/CEO John R. Adler, M.D., Emeritus Dorothy & TK Chan Professor of Neurosurgery and Radiation Oncology at Stanford University.

Surgeons performed the benchmark procedure at Hackensack Meridian Neuroscience Institute at Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, N.J. The patient, Christopher Czerwinski, a 64-year-old trauma and ICU nurse, was treated for a right-sided cavernous sinus meningioma. Czerwinski first noticed double vision nearly two years ago, and his symptoms peaked in this past April while vacationing with his wife at Disney World (he humorously recalled seeing two Cinderella castles). An ophthalmologist subsequently referred him for further testing, which led to an MRI and diagnosis. His condition was originally managed with prism glasses and contact lenses.

Czerwinski ultimately selected Jersey Shore University Medical Center for his radiosurgical care due to the capabilities of the ZAP-X platform and the proven expertise of the medical team. He underwent ZAP-X treatment and tolerated the procedure exceptionally well, resuming his active lifestyle immediately thereafter.

“Stereotactic radiosurgery continues to redefine how we manage challenging cranial conditions,” said Shabbar F. Danish, M.D., chair of Neurosurgery, Hackensack Meridian Neuroscience Institute at Jersey Shore University Medical Center and professor of Neurosurgery, Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine. “With the precision and versatility of ZAP-X, we were able to deliver focused treatment while minimizing exposure to surrounding critical structures. Mr. Czerwinski’s case is a prime example of how we can address complex tumors while preserving quality of life.”

An avid runner and budding pianist, Czerwinski also enjoys photography, working out with his wife, and spending time with friends and family. As a healthcare provider himself, he expressed deep appreciation for the compassionate care he received and the non-invasive nature of the ZAP-X procedure.

“I’m pleased our clinical experts have enabled the communities we serve to receive this advanced procedure at our academic medical center, without the need to travel far from home,” said Vito Buccellato, president and chief hospital executive of Jersey Shore University Medical Center.

The ZAP-X platform represents a new frontier in cranial radiosurgery, according to the company. By employing gyroscopic beam delivery, ZAP-X can direct radiation from thousands of angles to concentrate dose on the tumor while sparing healthy brain tissue and helping protect nearby organs at risk, such as the optic nerves and brainstem. The procedure is painless, incisionless, and often completed in a single outpatient session—without the need for anesthesia or hospital admission.

ZAP-X is the first and only dedicated cranial SRS platform that does not require radioactive Cobalt-60. Instead, it uses a modern linear accelerator to generate radiation, eliminating the safety, storage, and regulatory challenges associated with isotope-based systems. Furthermore, ZAP-X is the only vault-free solution in its category, thereby allowing installation in clinical settings with interior and exterior facing windows.

“We recruited experts in their fields, Dr. Shabbar Danish and Dr. Timothy Chen, in part so that we could add to the available, leading-edge treatment technologies at Jersey Shore and HMH,” said Kenneth N. Sable, M.D., MBA, FACEP, president, Acute Hospital Division, Hackensack Meridian Health. “I’m thrilled that the 5,000th patient to receive ZAP-X treatment is from our local community.”

Founded 11 years ago by Dr. Adler, ZAP Surgical Systems Inc. designs and manufactures the ZAP-X Gyroscopic Radiosurgery platform. Dr. Adler also invented the CyberKnife system and is the founder of Accuray Inc. The ZAP-X platform incorporates a unique vault-free design that typically eliminates the need for costly shielded treatment rooms. ZAP-X also utilizes a modern linear accelerator to eliminate legacy use of Cobalt-60.

Hackensack Meridian Health is a not-for-profit health care organization and New Jersey’s largest, most comprehensive, and integrated health network. The network includes 18 hospitals, more than 500 patient care locations, and a range of services from research and life-enhancing care to lifesaving air medical transportation. Its 38,000 team members and 7,000 physicians are committed to the health and well-being of the communities we serve,

Hackensack University Medical Center is the first New Jersey hospital to be ranked a Top 20 hospital in the nation. It is also ranked first in New Jersey and the New York metro area by U.S. News & World Report, 2025-26.