VISIUS iMRI and iCT expected to expand surgical vision and precision and
further research
MINNEAPOLIS, March 19, 2014 /CNW/ - IMRIS Inc. (NASDAQ: IMRS) (TSX: IM)
("IMRIS" or the "Company") today announced that neurosurgeons at
Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC) in Lebanon, NH, have
completed several cases to inaugurate use of intraoperative MRI (iMRI)
within the VISIUS® Surgical Theatre inside the hospital's Center for Surgical Innovation
(CSI). The CSI has the only operating suite in the world with both
VISIUS iMRI and intraoperative CT (iCT) modalities able to serve
multiple operating rooms (ORs) without moving the patient.
The initial case - a revision right craniotomy for a meningioma (brain
tumor) - was also the first time VISIUS iMRI was used with next
generation leading 3.0 tesla technology which includes applications to
deliver better image quality with higher signal-to-noise ratio, faster
3D image acquisition, and improved ease-of-use and workflow.
"These first few cases have gone very well in terms of producing images
during the cases and confirming that we have accomplished what we had
intended," said Dr. David Roberts, Dartmouth-Hitchcock neurosurgery
section chief and professor of surgery and neurology at the Geisel
School of Medicine, who led the first case. "We expect the iMRI inside
CSI will expand our vision beyond what we can see with the naked eye to
reach diseased tissue that is sometimes located within challenging to
navigate anatomy," he added. "The OR suite will have a direct value to
patients by allowing us to do surgery better than before."
Inside a VISIUS Surgical Theatre equipped with high-field iMRI or
64-slice iCT, surgeons have on-demand access to real-time data and
diagnostic quality imaging during the procedure from the OR table.
Patient transport for imaging is eliminated as the scanner uniquely
moves to the patient on ceiling-mounted rails. VISIUS iCT utilizes the
latest state-of-the-art technology with low dose management. IMRIS also
provides proprietary head fixation devices, imaging coils, and OR
tables for use in this unique and multifunctional intraoperative
environment.
Dr. Roberts noted that intraoperative imaging within CSI will allow
surgeons to provide better outcomes using current techniques and to
work with engineers and researchers to discover and validate new
surgical approaches.
Dr. Keith Paulsen, Dartmouth's Robert A. Pritzker Professor of
Biomedical Engineering and scientific director of imaging at DHMC, said
they hope the center will be a destination for patient care and
surgical innovation. "We are looking forward to researching and
implementing disruptive change rather than incremental changes to
surgical procedures," he said. "The long-term benefit to society is
making surgery more effective and disseminating this out to other
institutions."
IMRIS CEO Jay D. Miller said this is another example where the Company
is bringing leading imaging technology directly to the point of
therapy. "We are delivering unequaled imaging technology into the
operating rooms where it can make the most difference - during
surgery," he said. "We expect these tools will further expand the
outcomes for a growing number of neurosurgical and spinal applications
and conditions."
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 57 leading medical
institutions around the world.
SOURCE IMRIS Inc.
Image with caption: "Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center surgeons have completed initial neurosurgical cases using intraoperative MRI using IMRIS VISIUS iMRI inside the hospital's Center for Surgical Innovation (CSI). (CNW Group/IMRIS Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140319_C5951_PHOTO_EN_38116.jpg
