iMRI
Making the invisible visible; making the inoperable operable; and making what was once impossible possible.
Fully operational since 2000, the Intra-Operative Magnetic Resonance Imaging (iMRI) Department at Norton Hospital enables physicians to achieve medical results that, just a few years ago, were thought impossible.
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Dr. Christopher B. Shields, Co-Director of the iMRI Department and Chairman of Neurological Surgery, can visualize intraoperative images while performing neurosurgery.
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iMRI (video) offers the ultimate in computer-assisted, image-guided technology for use during pediatric and adult surgeries. In a traditional MRI, the patient rests in an enclosed magnet while it yields several magnetic resonance images for the surgeon to study prior to surgery. The iMRI, however, moves this technology a quantum leap forward through an impressive design breakthrough—the iMRI system acquires images from a location not surrounded by the magnet. This allows the surgeon access to the patient so that they can operate and acquire images of the surgical site at the same time. The images, which often show the surgeon’s fingers in addition to the patient’s anatomy, are displayed on a monitor above the surgeon’s head.
The system works with a strong magnetic field, radio-frequency signals and advanced computer systems to create images of the area that needs surgery. The physician uses the images to pinpoint the location of tumors and diseased tissue during surgery and monitor treatment as it is delivered. The iMRI technology used at Norton Hospital is a Signa SP/i™ made by GE Medical Systems.
Location and Contact Information
Norton Hospital iMRI Department
Norton Hospital
200 E. Chestnut St.
Louisville, Kentucky 40202
502-629-1234
