Contact:
Robin Preisler (973)972-6273
preislro@umdnj.edu
Intraoperative MRI Revolutionizes Brain Surgery
University Hospital Second Hospital in World to Offer
Latest-Generation Technology
NEWARK, NJ -- A compact OR-based MRI system at the University
of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-University Hospital
is providing neurosurgeons with unparalleled advantages in real-time
visualization of the brain during surgery. The new system allows
surgeons to confirm the location of lesions, plan and reconfirm
the optimal surgical approach, and verify complete lesion removal
prior to closure without disrupting normal surgical procedures.
"Intraoperative MRI has been the Holy Grail of neurosurgery
for the last decade,"says Michael Schulder, MD, Associate
Professor of Neurological Surgery at UMDNJ's New Jersey Medical
School. "Neurosurgery involves striking a balance between
the desirability of removing a tumor or lesion and the avoidance
of complications or injury to the brain. It's all about getting
the most precise image possible upon which to plan your surgical
approach. MRI images obtained during surgery give us the best
data to maximize recovery and minimize harm."
While today's computer-assisted surgical navigation systems
have increased the precision by which the brain's anatomy and
the location of the lesion are identified, they suffer from
a significant drawback: their reliance on CT or MRI scans obtained
before surgery.
"Changes that occur during surgery are not and cannot
be reflected in these navigation systems," cautions Peter
Carmel, MD, Professor and Chair of the Department of Neurological
Surgery at NJMS. "The brain may shift position simply from
exposure or from tumor removal, causing reliance on preoperative
images to be potentially dangerous. That's why MRI images obtained
while the patient is on the OR table are so crucial - we can
correct our approach right then and there and avoid harming
healthy tissue."
Early versions of OR-based MRI systems were fraught with problems.
A special shielded OR had to be constructed, often on the basement
level and separate from the main OR suite. Entire new sets of
instruments and equipment were needed as ferromagnetic materials
could not be kept in the same room as the MRI magnet, thus preventing
the use of the room for other non-MRI cases. Surgical access
was limited by the magnet design, forcing the surgeon to work
in a physically restrictive and uncomfortable environment.
The PoleStar N-10 system is the first intraoperative MRI unit
designed for a conventional OR. The small, low-field-strength
magnet is stored in a corner of the OR until it is needed. Then,
the unit is parked under the head of the operating table where
it can be raised and lowered by a hand-held remote control unit.
The surgeon also controls the type and number of images to be
taken through the same remote control unit. The low magnetic
field permits the use of conventional OR tables, lights, etc.;
only those tools used directly in the surgical field must be
MRI-compatible. The design of the unit allows surgeons and nurses
to carry out normal tasks from the same position as in conventional
surgeries.
The PoleStar N-10 system is manufactured by Odin Technologies,
an Israeli imaging equipment manufacturer. It was developed
and is currently utilized on a regular basis at Chaim Sheba
Medical Center in Tel Hashomer, Israel. University Hospital
is the only other facility in the world with the system and
is engaged in a clinical trial to determine its efficacy as
part of Odin's application for FDA approval in this country.
For more information and to view a video of a surgical procedure
with the PoleStar N-10 system, visit our website at: www.umdnj.edu/TheUniversityHospital
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