Sophisticated technology provides optimal accuracy, results
In a milestone event for Boca Raton Regional Hospital, the new Marcus Neuroscience
Institute treated its first brain tumor case using cutting-edge technologies
including stereotactic neuro-navigation and intraoperative MRI. The Institute
is one of the first in Florida equipped with intraoperative MRI, which
is found in only a handful of facilities across the country.
These technologies were employed when a young woman presented to Boca
Regional after experiencing a seizure. The patient underwent a diagnostic
MRI, which demonstrated a large potentially invasive brain tumor, only
well seen with specific MRI sequences, warranting surgical intervention.
Without the use of intraoperative neuro-navigation and MRI, such tumors
are often incompletely removed or surgery may result in severe neurologic deficits.
During the procedure, doctors utilized stereotactic neuro-navigation,
using computers, robotics and imaging to overlay the patient’s preoperative
MRI and CT scans to her head and brain in the operating room. This allows
surgeons to visualize their precise location in the brain either on a
bank of computer monitors or through the surgical microscope.
At the forefront of this particular procedure was the use of intraoperative
MRI, which is a distinguishing characteristic of the Institute’s
clinical capabilities. Intraoperative MRI guidance allows doctors to view
high-quality, real-time images of the patient’s brain and the surgical
progression throughout all stages of the procedure. In traditional neurosurgical
operations, doctors may resect larger tissue volumes to maximize the chances
of removing the entire tumor. This approach, however, increases the risk
of damaging normal tissue and creating neurologic deficits.
“With intraoperative MRI, the detailed scans provide us with optimal
visualization and guidance to ensure a more precise and complete operation,”
said Robert Levy, MD, PhD, Director of the Marcus Neuroscience Institute.
“It enhances our ability to remove the tumor in its entirety while
sparing normal brain tissue.”
In addition, intraoperative MRI eliminates the need for a patient to be
transferred to an imaging center from the operating room to obtain a postoperative
MRI. Instead, a scanner is transported to the patient and the operating
table via ceiling-mounted rails within a hybrid OR suite consisting of
two rooms, one for surgery and the other that houses the MRI unit. Overall,
intraoperative MRI minimizes risk in all aspects of the surgery and reduces
the need for additional postoperative imaging procedures.
“This first case highlights the unique capabilities found here at
the Marcus Neuroscience Institute,” said Dr. Levy. “With the
spectrum of advanced tools and technologies, we present our patients the
most comprehensive care available in the neurosciences today.”
The Marcus Neuroscience Institute was created out of a lead $25 million
grant from the Marcus Foundation and initiated by Bernie Marcus, former
CEO of The Home Depot, and his wife, Billi. The facility houses a 22-bed
Neuro Intensive Care and Intermediate Intensive Care unit, four dedicated
operating rooms — three of which are equipped with intraoperative
MRI and CT scanners — and a biplane angiography suite, a crucial
component in the diagnosis and care of neurological conditions. Each patient
room is private and has special monitoring capabilities that provide vital
information on both a patient’s neurological and cardiovascular
functions. Rooms also feature an abundance of natural lighting and an
antechamber where family members can stay during the patient’s hospitalization,
as both of these factors have been shown to positively influence recovery
in neurological conditions.
About Boca Raton Regional Hospital – Advancing the boundaries of medicine.
Boca Raton Regional Hospital is an advanced, tertiary medical center
(BRRH.com) with 400 beds and more than 800 primary and specialty physicians on staff.
The Hospital is a recognized leader in oncology, cardiovascular disease
and surgery, minimally invasive surgery, orthopedics, women’s health,
emergency medicine and the neurosciences, all of which offer state-of-the-art
diagnostic and imaging capabilities. The Hospital is a designated Comprehensive
Stroke Center by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA).
Boca Raton Regional Hospital is the recipient of the 2014 Distinguished
Hospital Award for Clinical Excellence™ for the 10th year in a row
and was named one of America’s 50 Best Hospitals in 2011, 2012,
2013 and 2014 both by Healthgrades®. Boca Raton Regional Hospital
was also recognized for the third consecutive year in
U.S. News & World Report’s 2013–2014 Best Hospitals listing as a top-ranked hospital in the
South Florida metropolitan area.
Media Contact:
Thomas Chakurda, 561.955.3586
Vice President, Marketing
tchakurda@brrh.com