Intraoperative MRI-Guidance System Enhances Safety

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A new neurooncology surgical imaging system provides real-time imaging in the operating room (OR).

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The PoleStar N30 Surgical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system provides surgeons with intraoperative imaging information that allows them to achieve maximum tumor resection, while avoiding critical areas of the brain. Use of the PoleStar system may also reduce the need for revision surgeries and the length of stay at the hospital for the patient. The PoleStar suite accommodates most patient positions (lateral, supine, and prone), with targeting and navigational accuracy, despite movement of the patient’s anatomy that may occur during a procedure. The system is compatible with standard OR equipment and surgical instruments, and is compact enough to fit under a standard operating table, allowing for full access to the patient when the magnet is stowed under the OR table. The system does not require radiofrequency (RF) shielding of the entire OR, due to the proprietary portable StarShield RF shielding solution. Additionally, the PoleStar is designed to be operated by the OR staff alone, without the assistance of an MRI technician. The PoleStar N30 Surgical MRI system is a product of Medtronic (Louisville, CO, USA), and has been submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for approval.

“This is the next generation of intraoperative MRI providing flexibility, enhanced ergonomics and confidence in the achievement of surgical goals,” said Jim Cloar, vice president and general manager of the navigation division at Medtronic. “With its unique compact design, the PoleStar Surgical MRI system allows neurosurgeons to benefit from intraoperative MR imaging without the compromises inherent in other systems, such as extensive renovation of the operating room or restrictions upon the surgeons' choice of instruments.”

“We have found the new PoleStar to have great improvements in ergonomics,” said Moshe Hadani, M.D., chairman of neurosurgery at Sheba Medical Center (Tel Hashomer, Israel). “The scanner is smaller, easier to handle and it fits better into the OR environment. Using the PoleStar, I have great confidence in the extent of tumor resection prior to closing.”

“The new software advances allow highly detailed, 'side-by-side' comparisons of the pre-op, intra-op and post-op images, allowing us the best possible resection for our patients,” said George Bovis, M.D., of Lutheran General Hospital (Chicago, IL, USA; www.advocatehealth.com/luth/).