Intraoperative MRI

What is intraoperative imaging?

The intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (the iMRI) gives neurosurgeons real-time views of the brain during surgery, allowing them to detect abnormal tissues and remove brain tumors safely and effectively.

Intraoperative imaging during surgery enables neurosurgeons to operate more precisely. In many cases, this reduces the need for some patients to undergo a second operation. It also minimizes the risk of surgical complications.

Our operating rooms are specially designed and equipped with the most technically advanced iMRI, which uses the highest quality scanning sequences for up-to- the minute images. This technology is used in combination with our neuro-navigation system, which enables neurosurgeons to navigate the brain during surgery, without damaging vital areas of the brain.

Neurosurgeons use intraoperative imaging to determine whether they have removed the entire tumor. If they see remaining tumor with the iMRI, they can continue the procedure until they have removed as much of the tumor as possible, in the safest manner.

Podcast: The Surgical Benefits of the Intraoperative MRI

Dr. Jon Weingart explains how the use of the iMRI technology and brain navigation can lead to better surgical outcomes.

Listen Now | Read the Transcript

Dr. Henry Brem, Neurosurgeon-in-Chief, in the new
intraoperative MRI suite

The Johns Hopkins Hospital is one of the only hospitals in the region equipped with the iMRI, which provides the highest level of accuracy for image guided surgery.

This technology, combined with our highly specialized care, offers an extraordinary benefit to the patient.

For more information, contact the Johns Hopkins Comprehensive Brain Tumor Center at 410-955-6406.