OR of the future

We’re using technology originally developed by the aerospace industry to plan and perform complex brain surgeries with better outcomes and shorter recovery times.

Brain surgery and aerospace may not seem like they have much (if anything) in common. But for both, safety is a top priority.

The aerospace industry is one of the safest in the world. So we’re using their technology to make our systems in the operating room (OR) as safe as those used in the air.

Developed by our physicians, along with a team of engineers and physicists, this new technology includes advanced MRI techniques, brain function mapping and surgical guidance. It helps our surgeons safely remove tumors in deep and critical locations in the brain and at the base of the brain—including tumors considered inoperable in the past.

Treatment approach

Before you have surgery, an advanced MRI takes images of your brain. These are used to create a map of your brain. It shows us, for example, areas that are vital to language and movement, as well as the “wiring” that connects these areas for normal functioning.

Once your brain map is created, we’re able to use our technologies to make a safe, personalized “flight plan” for your surgery. This plan is incorporated into our surgical navigation system (like a GPS for your surgery), which is used throughout the procedure to ensure your surgeon is staying a safe course.

After surgery, you’ll have another advanced MRI to see exactly how much tumor has been safely removed.

This approach and technology can be used to treat brain tumors, as well as bleeding into the brain tissue and infections.

How it’s different

Generally, a conventional MRI shows the structure of the brain and brain tumor, but doesn’t show brain function.

 

By combining brain imaging with brain function mapping, we’re able to understand the effects of surgery much more clearly. That means we can safely remove tumors from areas that control motor movement, vision, and language while preserving function—something that wouldn’t have been possible in the past.

Benefits

By integrating technology that uses information about brain function to plan and guide your surgery, our expert team is able to maximize neurologic function post-surgery.

In fact, many patients who have minimally invasive tumor removals are often able to go home the day after surgery. That means you and your family can get back to living life faster.