Surgical technology

Oregon centre to install Canada’s IMRIS technology

WINNIPEG – As part of an ongoing commitment to leading edge patient care, Providence St. Vincent Medical Center in Portland, Ore. has announced its investment in an advanced neurosurgical imaging system, IMRISneuro.

Providence St. Vincent will be the first medical center on the West Coast – and one of only 17 in the world – to house IMRISneuro, a fully integrated operating room that combines a one-of-a-kind movable MRI with the IMRIS surgical information management system, IMRISmatrix.

The new technology allows surgeons to safely image patients in the operating room during brain surgery. Currently, this is not available during surgery without moving the patient to a different location. Delivery and clinical use of the system is scheduled for early 2009.

“The new intra-operative suite is great news for patients, and for surgeons,” said Bonnie W. Smith, Administrator Director of Providence Brain Institute. “Neurosurgeons can now confirm the complete removal of malignant tissue, rule out surgical complications before the patient leaves the OR, and update our intra-operative navigation systems. By investing in this leading-edge technology, we continue to meet our goal of providing the best available medical treatment and outcomes for our patients.”

“As our luminary site in the west, medical teams from both Asia and the West Coast will travel to Providence St. Vincent to learn about our iMRI neurosurgical suite,” said David Graves, President and Chief Executive Officer of IMRIS. No other system offers the same degree of safety and precision for the surgical team and the patient.

“IMRISneuro does not require the patient to be transported for scanning during the procedure, so the optimum head position for the procedure is never compromised. Clinical workflow and surgical access to the patient is not negatively affected and the magnet is completely removed from the operating room when scanning is complete.

About IMRIS
IMRIS is a global leader in providing fully integrated, advanced surgical imaging solutions designed to measurably improve patient outcomes. The company’s flagship product, IMRISneuro, utilizes patented technology that allows a high field MRI scanner to move in to the operating room on demand, providing imaging during the surgical procedure without compromising patient safety. This unique and innovative system has been validated by leading neurosurgeons around the world for use in world-class neuroscience centers. For more information, visit www.imris.com.

About Providence St. Vincent Medical Center
Providence St. Vincent Medical Center, Providence Health & Services’ largest Oregon hospital, is renowned for its many centers of excellence, including Providence Heart and Vascular Institute, Oregon Medical Laser Center, Providence Multiple Sclerosis Center, Providence Stroke Center and Providence Center For Health Care Ethics, among others. Its maternity services are also highly regarded. Each year, about 1 of every 8 babies born in Oregon is delivered at Providence St. Vincent – more than any other medical facility in the state. For more information, visit www.providence.org/psvmc.