An overview of Intraoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Intraoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging (iMRI) is a procedure that creates real-time images of the brain during surgery. It helps neurosurgeons accurately locate abnormalities, distinguish between normal and abnormal brain tissue, and protect critical structures. iMRI utilizes MRI technology to create detailed images of the brain during the operation, allowing for real-time monitoring of brain activity and ensuring a more complete removal of certain brain tumors. Surgeons may use portable iMRI machines brought into the operating room or nearby iMRI devices to create images during the procedure. iMRI is used to assist in the surgical treatment of various conditions, including brain tumors, epilepsy, dystonia, and Parkinson's disease.
What is Intraoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging used for?
Intraoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging (iMRI) is primarily used to create real-time images of the brain during surgery to guide neurosurgeons in removing brain tumors and treating other conditions such as epilepsy. It helps locate abnormalities, distinguish abnormal brain tissue from normal tissue, monitor brain activity, check for bleeding or clots, prevent damage to surrounding tissue, and ensure the complete removal of brain tumors. iMRI is also used in procedures for dystonia, essential tremor, glioma, neuropsychiatric disorders, Parkinson's disease, pediatric brain tumors, and pituitary tumors.
How often should Intraoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging be performed?
The frequency of intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI) tests during surgery depends on the specific procedure and the patient's condition. The decision to utilize iMRI and how often it should be performed is determined by the surgeon and their team based on the surgical plan and the patient's needs during the procedure.
How is Intraoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging conducted?
An intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI) test is conducted by using MRI technology during surgery to create real-time images of the brain. During the procedure, the surgeon can monitor brain activity, check for complications like bleeding or clots, and ensure the removal of the entire brain tumor. To conduct iMRI, special imaging systems and operating rooms with either portable iMRI devices or nearby iMRI devices are utilized. The iMRI machine creates images using a magnetic field and radio waves, providing surgeons with crucial information to guide their surgical decisions.
Understanding the report
Intraoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging (iMRI) results are interpreted by neurosurgeons who rely on the images to guide them during surgery. The images created by iMRI provide real-time information about the brain, helping surgeons locate abnormalities, distinguish abnormal brain tissue from normal tissue, protect critical structures, and achieve a more complete removal of some brain tumors. The surgeon interprets these images during the surgical procedure to make informed decisions and ensure the safest and most effective treatment for the patient.