11/29/1998
For Immediate Release
HITACHI'S AIRIS II INCREASES APPLICATIONS POTENTIAL TO INCLUDE INTERVENTIONAL MR
Chicago, Illinois -- November 29, 1998 - The University of Cincinnati Medical Center in Cincinnati, Ohio and Hitachi Medical Systems America, Inc. (HMSA) have joined forces on a three year program to develop and explore clinical indications for interventional and intraoperative magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. A Hitachi AIRIS® II high-performance open MR system has been installed in a special suite at The University Hospital, designed to accommodate both diagnostic imaging and surgical procedures, bringing a new level of accessibility to MR imaging. This is the first operating suite of its kind in North America and has been fully functional since June, 1998.
The award-winning gantry design of the AIRIS II allows access from all sides, making it easily adapted for interventional procedures. "Unlike other interventional MR systems that are dedicated solely to surgical applications, the AIRIS II can also be used for diagnostic studies," stated Sheldon Schaffer, vice president of marketing for HMSA. "Having one MR system that can serve multiple needs makes AIRIS II more cost effective."
The AIRIS II open MR system at The University Hospital is being used for both diagnostic radiology scanning and interventional/surgical procedures as simple as image-guided needle biopsies or as complex as image-guided transsphenoidal neurosurgeries. For surgical 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 AIRIS II is located in a specially-designed suite where both surgery and MRI imaging can be performed-many features in the suite are standard in traditional operating rooms but not found in traditional MR imaging rooms. A state-of-the-art neurosurgical operating room is located adjacent to the MR unit. The AIRIS II interventional/interoperative MR package will be available following receipt of FDA pre-market clearance. It will include an in-suite LCD monitor with articulating gantry arm mount, infrared cordless mouse control, special head and body coils with open access, directed gantry lighting, MR fluoroscopic pulse sequences and video output for VCR recording.
