Intraoperative MRI

A procedure to create images of the brain during surgery is called intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI).

This will create accurate pictures of the brain that neurosurgeons rely on to guide them in removing brain tumors and also other abnormalities in your brain.

The advantages of iMRI include:

• Locating abnormalities if the brain has shifted during surgery that can make pre-surgical imaging be not precise.
• Distinguishing abnormal brain tissue from normal brain tissue to confirm the successful removal of the entire brain tumor.

This device uses radio waves and magnetic field to create detailed images of the tissues and organs in our body.

Surgeons use portable iMRI devices that can be moved into the operating room and nearby iMRI devices that are kept in a room adjacent to the operating room so the surgeons can easily move you to that room.

Doctors use iMRI to assist in surgery to treat:

• Dystonia
• Brain tumor
• Essential tremor
• Epilepsy
• Neuropsychiatric disorders
• Giloma
• Pituitary tumors
• Pediatric brain tumors
• Parkinson’s disease

Here are the most common reasons to undergo an intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI).

Neurosurgeons can clearly see brain or spine tumors with the use of iMRi during surgery.

This will greatly reduce the risk of damaging other areas located near a tumor and will help to confirm successful removal of the entire tumor.

Along with undergoing an intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI) comes potential risks. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant because the magnetic fields that are used may have an effect on the fetus.

Remove any metals in your body such as bracelets as well as electronic devices. Tell your doctor if you have metal and electronic devices in your body such as artificial heart valves or metal chips.

In order to prepare for the intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI), you can eat and drink normally before the procedure.

Your doctor will ask you to change into a gown and ask you to remove all jewelry, hairpins, eyeglasses and underwire bras.

Here you can find out what to expect from your intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI). Your doctor will ask you to lie down on a moving table. This procedure is painless.

The machine creates a strong magnetic field around you, and radio waves are directed at your body. You may receive a sedative before the scan. This procedure can last up to an hour or more.

A radiologist will analyze the images and tell your doctor about the findings. Your doctor will discuss the intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI) result with you.