Hackensack University Medical Center Installs the FirstIntraoperative MRI System in New Jersey

What You Need to Know

Hackensack University Medical Center became the first hospital in New Jersey to acquire an intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system, which was installed in the Helena Theurer Pavilion in June.

Watch Intraoperative MRI System get installed

The Siemens Healthineers MAGNETOM Combi Suite allows for MR images to be taken before surgery, enhancing presurgical planning, as well as during the procedure, to improve the accuracy of brain tumor removal. When not in use during surgery, the MRI suite is available for diagnostic imaging.

Studies have shown that intraoperative MRI is highly effective for verifying the completeness of tumor removal while the patient is still in the operating room. One study reported that intraoperative MRI led to a modification of surgery in 27.5% of patients undergoing neurosurgery, and even more so—39%—in patients having surgery to remove pituitary tumors and gliomas.

By maximizing the removal of tumor tissue, the technology reduces the chance that a patient may need to return for repeat surgery. The organization of the system's components also facilitates the transfer of the patient into the scanner in the operating room.

Intraoperative MRI can enhance the performance of minimally neuro-interventional procedures by providing better imaging guidance. The system offers soft-tissue contrast and high spatial resolution, and like all MRI machines, it does not use ionizing radiation.