New technology for the removal of pituitary and brain tumors

According to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, "[t]he intra-operative Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system improves the accuracy of brain surgery for children and adults by providing real-time, high-quality images of the brain before, during and after surgery." Due to the shift of the brain and other structures during surgery, the tumor may not be exactly where the pre-surgical MRI showed it. This technology allows the surgeons to check during and post-surgery for accurate and adequate removal of a tumor.

Cushing's patients are notorious for having hard-to-find-and-remove pituitary tumors. Factor in hyperplasia and extension into the adjacent sella and sinus areas, and the problem is magnified. This technology is helping surgeons remove pituitary tumors with a better outcome because surgeons can view detailed, three-dimensional images of the brain in real time during an operation .

The video below tells about one patient's story.




To read more:

Medtronic
Advocate Lutheran General Hospital
University of California, Irvine