6/18/1998
For Immediate Release
THE UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL ANNOUNCES NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE OF HITACHI MRI GUIDED NEUROSURGERY AND INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY
CONTACT:
Nancy Bomar
The University Hospital
222 Piedmont Avenue
Suite 4300
Cincinnati, OH 45219
(513) 475-7920
Tom Rosenberger
The Neuroscience Institute
(513) 569-5260
Sheldon Schaffer
Hitachi Medical Systems America, Inc.
1959 Summit Commerce Park
Twinsburg, Ohio 44087
800.800.3106
330.425.1313
330.425.1410 FAX
info@hitachimed.com
www.hitachimed.com
Cincinnati, Ohio - The Neuroscience Institute of the University Hospital has unveiled North America's first Hitachi Medical Systems America, Inc. Interventional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system. The System is located within a specially-designed suite at The University Hospital where diagnostic imaging and surgical procedures can occur, bringing a new level of accessibility. This is the first operating suite of its kind in North America.
The Hitachi AIRIS®II Open MRI system will be used for both diagnostic radiology functions and interventional/surgical applications as simple as image-guided needle biopsies or as complex as image-guided skull base neurosurgeries. Use of this new technology enables surgery to begin and finish in the suite, or be coordinated in the adjacent operating room suite. For diagnostic functions, patients will benefit from low acoustic noise level and a comfortable, non-claustrophobic environment through the open MRI design consisting of a large magnet opening, and easy access from all four sides. For interventional applications, use of this new technology may benefit patients by eliminating the need for second procedures and by decreasing procedure times, complications, length of stay, and hospital costs.
The unit is located in a specially-designed suite where surgery and MRI imaging can be performed - many features in the suite are standard in traditional operating rooms but not found in traditional imaging rooms. The room design includes a 20-inch deep depression floor or "pit" area where surgeons and radiologists can stand while performing procedures. A custom stainless steel lift transports heavy equipment in and out of the surgical pit. Special non-magnetic surgical instrumentation has been developed so that physicians can use instrumentation safely within the magnetic field. A state-of-the-art neurosurgical operating room is located adjacent to the MRI unit.
Hitachi Medical Systems America, Inc. (HMSA) markets the magnetic resonance imaging products of Hitachi Medical Corporation, Tokyo Japan. HMSA has established itself as a major provider of magnetic resonance imaging systems in the United States. In March, the AIRIS II imaging system by Hitachi received FDA 510(k) clearance to be marketed. The product was unveiled at the annual Radiological Society of North America last November. The Hitachi AIRIS II Interventional package is pending FDA 510(k) pre-market clearance and is available only as an investigational device for use under the auspices of an institutional review board (IRB).
The Neuroscience Institute is a regional neuroscience center of excellence developed by the Health Alliance and located primary at The University Hospital. The Neuroscience Institute offers comprehensive, tertiary-level care for patients with diseases and disorders of the brain and nervous system. It is supported by The University Hospital's world class clinical facilities, internationally renowned neuroscience physicians and scientists and prominent education and research programs.
