Invivo MRI Patient Monitors Aid in Separation of Conjoined Twins

January 23, 2008 – The Invivo Corp. supplied two of its flagship Precess MRI patient monitors to monitor a pair of conjoined twins from Costa Rica simultaneously last August as they underwent studies for the feasibility of surgical separation at the Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at the Stanford University Medical Center in Palo Alto, CA.

This high-risk surgical procedure required a thorough survey of the anatomy and physiology of the twins through CT and MR imaging, for the purpose of prognostication and surgical planning. General anesthesia was used to keep the twins still during the two and a half hours of imaging procedures.

The Invivo Precess was used to monitor the twin’s vital signs during that time. The Precess features wireless ECG, wireless SpO2 and wireless remote displays. The wireless features enabled it to easily monitor and transport the twins from CT to MRI. Additionally, the wireless parameters enable it to safely monitor both twins simultaneously without the risk of heating or burning. The maker says all other ECG solutions on the market would have increased the risk of heating or burning in this environment since conjoined twins require two separate sets of ECG electrodes to monitor both hearts.

“Without the support from InVivo, anesthesia of these children would be far more risky,” said Frandics Chan, M.D., Ph.D, assistant professor of Radiology Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital. “The whole procedure might take longer, complications might have happened, and the studies might not be optimal.”

For more information: www.invivocorp.com