Intraoperative MRI Comes to Jacksonville

Numerous studies have shown that total or near-total resection of brain tumors is associated with a delay or absence of tumor progression, independent of age, degree of disability and tumor grade. Intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI) is an important technological step forward in achieving more complete resection, as well as in preserving critical brain structures and improving overall survival outcomes.

In-surgery MRI scanner at Mayo Clinic in Florida

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In-surgery MRI scanner at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota

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The newly installed iMRI at Mayo Clinic Hospital in Jacksonville, Fla. is the only unit in this geographic region. A similar unit is available at Mayo Clinic's Minnesota campus. Robert E. Wharen Jr., M.D., a neurosurgeon at Mayo Clinic in Florida, and his neuro-oncology colleague, Kurt A. Jaeckle, M.D., note that by allowing surgeons to check their work during surgery, patient safety is increased.

This technology improves precision not only in tumor removal but in numerous other procedures, including epilepsy surgery. It provides a real-time neuronavigational tool for catheter placement and implanting deep brain stimulators.

Mayo's scanner has the same image quality and Tesla strength as hospital scanners outside the surgical suite. The iMRI unit in Florida can be moved over the patient. The unit in Minnesota is in a room adjacent to the operating room, and the patient and operating table are moved between the operating room and the MRI suite.

Recent articles in peer-reviewed journals have documented the positive effect of iMRI on diverse neurosurgical outcomes in both children and adults. Because iMRI facilitates more aggressive resection with less risk of compromising healthy tissue, it has been found to improve functional outcome as well as survival rates in patients.

Impact of iMRI on Cancer Treatment Protocols

Intraoperative MRI will also impact cancer treatment at Mayo Clinic, which provides patients with access to National Cancer Institute-funded clinical trials through the North Central Cancer Treatment Group (NCCTG) and the three-site Mayo Clinic Cancer Center. "Many of the available treatments in ongoing clinical trials are more effective with prior surgical removal of the tumor, Dr. Wharen says. "The more complete the removal, the better the chance that adjunct therapies will work."

In addition to its clinical impact, iMRI will play an important role in Mayo's cancer treatment research. Dr. Jaeckle. points out that iMRI will help surgeons obtain targeted tissue more precisely during the surgical procedure, so that scientists can then determine whether the chemotherapeutic agent reached the site and had the predicted effects.