Intraoperative MRI Gets FDA Clearance

April 26, 2010 - Performing real-time imaging in the operating room (OR) is a reality today. Intraoperative imaging provides surgeons with navigational accuracy despite anatomical movement that occurs during a surgical procedure. This assists neurosurgeons in conducting tumor resections, while avoiding critical areas of the brain.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gave Medtronic clearance to launch of the PoleStar N30 Surgical MRI system in the United States. The PoleStar system is the next generation of intraoperative MRI, designed to provide greater flexibility. It also may reduce the need for revision surgeries and the length of stay at the hospital for the patient.

More than 50 PoleStar systems have been installed in ORs worldwide since 2001. The launch of the PoleStar N30 is the culmination of six years of research and development by Medtronic scientists and engineers working with surgeon customers from leading hospitals and clinics.

For more information: www.medtronic.com