RCH Director of Neurosurgery Wirginia Maixner has given the intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine in the new Royal Children’s Hospital the thumbs up.

Wirginia was joined by RCH CEO Professor Christine Kilpatrick and Chief Medical Imaging Technologist Michael Kean this morning as they enjoyed a sneak peek of the machine before its magnet is switched on in coming weeks.

The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) will be the first paediatric hospital in Australia to offer intraoperative MRI, changing the face of neurosurgery and cardiac procedures for Australian children.

The intraoperative MRI machine will enable surgeons to perform MRI scans during brain surgery without the need to leave theatre or move the patient from the table, enhancing patient safety.

In addition to a neurosurgery theatre, the complete system will include an interventional theatre for cardiac procedures and a diagnostic centre – the three room configuration an Australian first and a paediatric world first.

The high-field MR scanner can be deployed into any of the three rooms, allowing rapid and efficient transitions between imaging and surgery.  On demand, the scanner will rotate into position and slide smoothly into the required room.  Images can be taken before, during and after procedures.

“This changes everything.  It means that we can do it all in the same procedure.  It’s much safer for the patients, it improves their chance of survival.  It’s a huge, huge bonus,” Wirginia said.

“One admission, one anaesthetic for the patient, one surgery,” she said.

Chief Medical Imaging Technologist Michael Kean says the technology is cutting edge.

“This is like going from driving an old Commodore to driving a BMW…the advance in technology is so great,” Michael said.

It is estimated the system will directly benefit around 1,000 patients per year at the RCH.

The purchase of the IMRIS system by the RCH Foundation is possible through the Good Friday Appeal, which shows the great support of the people of Victoria to the RCH.

Read the Herald Sun article: $12 million magnet scans will save kids’ lives

Right: RCH Director of Neurosurgery Wirgnia Maixner is impressed with the new intraoperative MRI machine. Photo courtesy of the Herald Sun.