The Next Frontier of MRI Technology

Hello to all,

Fall is upon us (already!). No matter what the season, It's always exciting to share the latest news with people -- especially with those people who can totally relate (like you neuro staffers). We are really happy to share this news with you!

Barnes-Jewish Hospital is one of only three hospitals in the world to introduce the IMRIS iSPACE surgical imaging suite (photo, above right). Tipping the scales at 11,000 pounds, the installation of this magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system that can perform MRI tests during surgery is expected in the very near future.

“We will have a state-of-the-art operating room for the 21st century,” says Ralph Dacey Jr., MD, Washington University neurosurgeon at the Siteman Cancer Center and chairman of neurosurgery at Barnes-Jewish Hospital. “It will be the most sophisticated neurosurgical operating room in the Midwest."

Today, neurosurgeons must make their best estimation when removing brain tumors during surgery, but it isn't until an MRI is completed after surgery—sometimes days or weeks later—that the true success of the surgery is known. However, the iSPACE is designed to obtain MRI images during surgery, which improves patient outcomes by enabling neurosurgeons to more completely remove the tumor during the initial surgery.

“Barnes-Jewish has taken another step to ensure the technology will benefit the highest number of patients,” says Michael Chicoine, MD, Washington University neurosurgeon at Siteman. “iSPACE has a unique ceiling mount that allows it to move between two operating rooms, thus enabling it to assist in two procedures simultaneously.”

Wow! Awesome news, right?

It is all about the commitment to optimizing the quality of care the patients receive in our hospital's healthcare environment. A large part of that commitment is implementing the latest technological changes toward that effect.

It's all about EXCELLENCE in patient care. Only the best is offered at Barnes-Jewish Hospital. Keep checking our blog site to read the latest, and drop us a comment if you wish. We would love to hear from you!

Post at you later!