Intraoperative MRI

Overview

A powerful magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner located in a surgical suite at Saint Marys Hospital in Rochester is helping Mayo Clinic neurosurgeons more safely remove brain and pituitary tumors. The scanner allows neurosugeons to image the patient's brain during surgery (intraoperatively) to help determine if all tumor has been removed.

For some kinds of tumors, it is difficult to distinguish brain tumor from normal brain tissue just by looking at it. Typically, an MRI is performed the day following the operation to verify that all of the tumor has been removed. Scanning the patient's brain during surgery will help the surgeon be more accurate in the initial operation.

Image of intraoperative MRI in Minnesota

Enlarge

"Intraoperative MRI is the most accurate way to determine if an entire tumor is removed during surgery," says Mayo Clinic neurosurgeon Michael Link, M.D. "It makes these procedures safer and can avoid a possible second surgery for the patient."

The new service began serving patients in early 2007.

The intraoperative MRI is used primarily for low grade gliomas, tumors that typically blend into normal brain tissue. It is also used for pituitary tumor removal. Surgery for this tumor is performed through a small tube in which visibility is limited. "The intraoperative MRI reassures surgeons that the maximum amount of tumor that can be safely resected has been removed," says Dr. Link.

Typically, intraoperative MRI systems located in the operating room use less-powerful magnets to avoid interfering with surgical instruments. By installing the unit in a separate room, Mayo can use a more powerful 1.5 Tesla magnet, which improves image quality. Location in a separate room also allows the MRI scanner to be used for normal diagnostic imaging when it is not being used for surgery.

"The new technology will improve surgical results and help hold down costs," says Dr. Link, "because it can be used both as a diagnostic and surgical tool."

Treatment of Brain Tumors

Patients travel to Mayo Clinic in Rochester from all 50 U.S. states and from many countries for treatment of brain tumors. Mayo Clinic in Rochester provides care for nearly 2,000 adults and children each year, making Mayo one of the largest brain tumor centers in the world.

Read about brain tumor treatment at Mayo.