Michael T. Lawton, MD

University of California, San Francisco - Department of Neurological Surgery
Associate Professor in Residence of Neurological Surgery, Tong Po Kan Endowed Chair
Chief, Cerebrovascular and Skull Base Surgery Programs
Director, Cerebrovascular Disorders Program
Principal Investigator, Cerebrovascular Research

Dr. Lawton specializes in the surgical treatment of aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), arteriovenous fistulas, and cavernous malformations. He has special expertise in carotid endarterectomy and cerebral revascularization surgery using intracranial bypasses. He is also on the faculty of the UCSF Center for Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases, in coordination with colleagues in Interventional Neuroradiology and the Department of Neurology.

Dr. Lawton's work as a principal investigator is focused on developing gene therapies for cerebrovascular disorders. Previously at the Barrow Neurological Institute, Dr. Lawton initially investigated the role of venous hypertension and angiogenesis in the formation of dural arteriovenous fistulas - work that was recognized by the World Federation of Neurological Societies and the International Congress of Neurological Surgery with the Young Neurosurgeon Award. Currently, Dr. Lawton is investigating the biology of radiation-induced arterial occlusion in order to develop a gene therapy that enhances radiosurgery for cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs).