Dr David M Yates DMD, MD, FACS

07/31/2026

So proud of one of our cleft moms from our team who is fighting hard to ensure that all children with clefts are able to get needed medical treatment!!!!!! !

A Las Cruces mom’s fight for insurance-covered cleft care is reshaping access in New Mexico, helping more families get NAM treatment, and now driving a push for Texas’ Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act.

07/18/2026

07/18/2026

1st publication demonstrating successful re-operation using the endoscopic technique!!!!

This child had bicoronal, sagittal, bilambdoid craniosynostosis successfully underwent a minimally invasive endoscopic release resulting in a complete normalization of a very high intracranial pressure to normal.

After some months due to difficulty in the NICU and delayed helmeting one suture refused - however using an Endo re-release (rather than a full open) we were able to re-open the suture and allow normal growth!!! Child is now multiple years out doing great with no need for additional surgeries! I’m thankful for my partner Dr Makoshi! My mentor and good friend Dr Jimenez, and Dr Aquino and Dr Li who worked tirelessly to get this publication through!!!

07/17/2026

Thankful to God for our patients, their outcomes, and the opportunity to watch them grow!!!! Happy Birthday!

06/02/2026

🚨Groundbreaking Publication from El Paso Children's Hospital on Sagittal Craniosynostosis🚨

SAGITTAL CRANIOSYNOSTOSIS
6-9 Months Treated Successfully with Minimally Invasive Approach

Our latest study demonstrates that children with sagittal craniosynostosis can be successfully treated with **minimally invasive endoscopic surgery between 6 and 9 months of age**, achieving outcomes that are comparable—and in many cases superior—to those reported for spring-assisted or traditional open cranial vault procedures in the published literature.

***Key findings from our study include:***

• The vast majority of sagittal patients between 6-9 months of age achieved satisfactory postoperative cephalic index correction with minimally invasive approach.
• No surgical adverse events occurred.
• Intraoperative intracranial pressure decreased significantly following suture release in all patients.
• Outcomes compared favorably with those reported for both open cranial vault remodeling and spring-assisted techniques.

This work represents, to our knowledge, the first dedicated study demonstrating that endoscopic treatment remains a viable and effective option for many children presenting between 6 and 9 months of age. These findings may expand access to minimally invasive craniosynostosis surgery for patients who are diagnosed later than the traditional treatment window.

I am incredibly grateful to my co-authors and colleagues whose dedication made this work possible:

• Dr. Ziyad Makoshi
• Dr. Vincent Aquino
• Caleb Morales
• Alondra Arias

I would also like to recognize the lasting influence of the late Dr. David Jimenez, whose pioneering work in endoscopic craniosynostosis surgery laid the foundation upon which studies like this continue to build and was my personal mentor, partner, and friend.

This publication represents another step forward in our mission at El Paso Children's Hospital to provide the safest, least invasive, and most effective treatment options for children with craniosynostosis.



You can download the article with the link below!!!!

https://kwnsfk27.r.eu-west-1.awstrack.me/L0/https:%2F%2Fauthors.elsevier.com%2Fa%2F1nAUa_6Kv2RKBQ/1/0102019e6b0fd1b1-81dbff31-07d3-4056-97d3-66649156f1d4-000000/FBoNuXMNV46xDDj5Zn2_InqGl2w=473

If interested in a virtual consult feel free to reach out to us - https://elpasocraniosynostosis.com/

05/27/2026

05/27/2026

Excited to share our recent publication in the Journal of Neurosurgery: Case Lessons!

In this study, we found that treating bilateral lambdoid craniosynostosis with a minimally invasive approach not only corrected cranial deformity and reduced intracranial pressure, but also led to resolution of both hydrocephalus and Chiari malformation — an incredible outcome and a powerful demonstration of what early minimally invasive intervention can achieve.

I could not be more proud of this team. Huge congratulations to first author Dr. David Hu, a dental student at Texas Tech with a future in OMFS, whose dedication and work ethic drove this project forward. Also grateful to our former fellows, now attendings, Drs. Daws and Aquino, my outstanding partner-in-arms Dr. Makoshi, and especially my mentor and friend Dr. David Jimenez, whose pioneering work continues to inspire all of us.

Proud moment for our team at El Paso Children’s Hospital and excited for what this could mean for the future of craniofacial and neurosurgical care.

05/02/2026

Hey everyone! I’m very thankful for everyone in this group and I am also thankful that you guys regularly share our information with others nationally and internationally!

We have an updated website - if you trying to share with others the best way to contact us you can use either if the following:

Elpasocraniosynostosis.com

Or

Nexusneurosurgery.com

Either will get people to our contact (Lisa Jimenez!) for an immediate conversation about their baby and Craniosynostosis.

Thx guys you can always call me with any questions or also direct people to me as well.

Dr David Yates MD DMD FACS
[email protected]

At El Paso Craniofacial Team, we are dedicated to helping children and families facing craniosynostosis and craniofacial differences. Our center, is led by Dr. David Yates, pediatric craniofacial surgeon, and Dr. Ziyad Makoshi, pediatric neurosurgeon. Together, they provide world-class expertise in....

04/17/2026