IMRIS neurosurgical suite opens at Boca Raton Regional Hospital

Marcus Neuroscience Institute becomes first in Florida with both VISIUS iMRI and iCT for intraoperative imaging without patient transport

MINNEAPOLIS, MN, Oct. 29, 2014 /CNW/ - IMRIS Inc. (NASDAQ: IMRS; TSX: IM) ("IMRIS" or the "Company") today announced that Boca Raton Regional Hospital neurosurgeons have completed initial procedures to launch their use of the VISIUS^® Surgical Theatre with intraoperative MRI (iMRI) within the new Marcus Neuroscience Institute. The iMRI along with intraoperative CT (iCT) are main components in neurological care for the new institution.

"We are developing a new paradigm of care for neurological and spinal patients and VISIUS intraoperative imaging is a significant start for the programs here," said Dr. Robert Levy, Director of the Marcus Neuroscience Institute. "All facets of the new facility are meant to optimize the effectiveness and efficiency of diagnosis, treatment and support we provide. This is achieved through commitments of technology, exceptional caliber of medical and support staff and even the way the building itself has been designed."

Both VISIUS iCT and iMRI uniquely provide cutting edge imagery during surgery by transporting the scanners to the patient and operating room table on ceiling mounted rails within a hybrid OR suites. For the iMRI, the surgical theater consists of two rooms, one for surgery and the other for diagnostic scanning.

With access to IMRIS intraoperative imaging, the surgeon can visualize, evaluate and confirm surgical progress and results without case interruption and patient transport. Having imaging more accessible during surgery, it is more likely to be incorporated into the procedure and enable new techniques. During the first case, the neurosurgeon was able to utilize iMRI to confirm he removed as much tumor as possible.

The VISIUS iCT suite which is expected to open in early November has three rooms with two for surgery and a storage bay in between the rooms. The 64-slice scanner will provide the highest quality computed tomography images available during surgery with low radiation exposure for the patient and surgical team.

IMRIS President and CEO Jay D. Miller said, "More surgeons and hospitals are recognizing the advantage of enhanced visualization in the intraoperative neurosurgical and spinal setting and reduced risks associated with moving patients for imaging. IMRIS continues to work with leading neuroscience centers for new ways to enable both neurosurgical and spinal techniques and procedures. With increasing adoption and utilization, many of the top centers are making this solution their standard of care."

About IMRIS

IMRIS (NASDAQ: IMRS; TSX: IM) is a global leader in providing image guided therapy solutions through its VISIUS Surgical Theatre – a revolutionary, multifunctional surgical environment that provides unmatched intraoperative vision to clinicians to assist in decision making and enhance precision in treatment. The multi-room suites incorporate diagnostic quality high-field MR, CT and angio modalities accessed effortlessly in the operating room setting. VISIUS Surgical Theatres serve the neurosurgical, spinal, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular markets and have been selected by 61 leading medical institutions around the world.

SOURCE IMRIS Inc.