Fudan University neurosurgeons receive journal award at CNS for
high-ranking clinical research using VISIUS Surgical Theatre
MINNEAPOLIS, Oct. 22, 2013 /CNW/ - IMRIS Inc. (NASDAQ: IMRS; TSX: IM)
("IMRIS" or the "Company") today announced that neurosurgeons from
Huashan Hospital at Fudan University in Shanghai, China, have received
a prestigious clinical journal award for their preliminary results
which suggest that high-field intraoperative MRI (iMRI) within the
VISIUS® Surgical Theatre contributes to increased complete resection rates in
glioma tumors.
The neurosurgical team led by Dr. Jin-song Wu was honored with the
Journal of Neuro-Oncology Award at the Congress of Neurological
Surgeons (CNS) Annual Meeting on October 21 in San Francisco for their
presented research.
When completed, the authors are confident the prospective, parallel,
randomized, triple-blind controlled trial will provide the highest
level evidence to date of the value of iMRI in treating both low and
high-grade gliomas. The early results reinforce that high-field
iMRI-guided surgery is more effective in achieving complete resection
than conventional neuronavigation-guided surgery. Other published
studies on high-field iMRI have been mainly retrospective.
"Our preliminary results confirm some of the assumptions that
intraoperative MRI enables reliable resection control to eliminate the
effect of brain shift on extent of resection," Dr. Wu said. "This leads
to more improved progression free survival and quality of life than
using conventional neuronavigation. Although these are early results we
believe they are showing trends to statistical significance and will be
the highest level of iMRI evidence for glioma surgery to date."
With 114 patients enrolled, complete resection rates in the iMRI group
and control group were 86% and 53%, respectively. These results are
backed up by volumetric analysis of extent of resection and noted as
being statistically significant.
"Level one evidence is the strongest clinical evidence available and is
important in developing standard of care and reimbursement," said Jay
D. Miller, IMRIS CEO and President. "We look forward to the
continuation of this trial and further results."
The IMRIS VISIUS Surgical Theatre with iMRI at Huashan Hospital allows
neurosurgeons to take high-quality MR images during surgery to see the
area of the brain they are operating on in exquisite detail, see tumor
size and shape, and distinguish between healthy and unhealthy tissue
more easily. The surgeon can take images before completing the surgery
and check if additional tumor or abnormal tissue removal is needed to
reduce risk of re-operation.
Unlike other iMRI systems, the scanner moves between two adjoining rooms
- one intended for surgery and the other for diagnostic scanning - on
ceiling-mounted rails to the patient so the surgical team can maintain
optimal surgical positioning, access and techniques without moving the
patient.
Huashan Hospital is one of three VISIUS Surgical Theatre installations
in China with iMRI suites currently in development at two other Chinese
hospitals.
For complete information on the study, see http://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT01479686.
About IMRIS
IMRIS (NASDAQ: IMRS; TSX: IM) is a global leader in providing image
guided therapy solutions through its VISIUS Surgical Theatre - a
revolutionary, multifunctional surgical environment that provides
unmatched intraoperative vision to clinicians to assist in decision
making and enhance precision in treatment. The multi-room suites
incorporate diagnostic quality high-field MR, CT and angio modalities
accessed effortlessly in the operating room setting. VISIUS Surgical
Theatres serve the neurosurgical, spinal, cardiovascular and
cerebrovascular markets and have been selected by 54 leading medical
institutions around the world.
SOURCE IMRIS Inc.