Construction Begins at Providence for Installation of World’s Most Advanced MRI

Jan. 20, 2009

PORTLAND, Ore. — It’s a big opening for a big project.

Crews have cut a temporary entrance into the back side of Providence St. Vincent Medical Center to bring in the world’s most advanced neurosurgical imaging system, called “IMRISneuro.” Construction crews will pass large equipment and supplies through the opening – which is 16 feet wide and nine feet high – as they build an operating room to house the system.

Providence St. Vincent will be the first medical center on the West Coast – and one of only 16 in the world – to have a fully integrated operating room with this one-of-a-kind movable MRI. The new technology allows surgeons to safely image patients in the operating room during brain surgery. This allows them to be more precise. Previously, surgery had to be stopped while patients were moved to another room for imaging.

“The new intraoperative suite is great news for patients and for surgeons, said Bonnie W. Smith, administrative director of Providence Brain Institute. “No other system offers the same degree of safety and precision for the surgical team and the patient.”

The $8.5 million piece of equipment is funded entirely by community donations to the Providence St. Vincent Medical Foundation. “Even during these economic tough times, the community responded,” said Jon Salquist, chair, Providence Brain Institute Advisory Board. “We are grateful for community support that allows Providence to continue to offer the best technology to care for patients.”

Providence St. Vincent will act as an IMRISneuro luminary site on the West Coast. This means medical teams from both Asia and the western United States can visit the hospital and train in the MRI neurological suite. The system is expected to be ready in late August.

“By investing in this leading edge technology, we continue the Sisters of Providence 153-year commitment to providing the best available medical treatment and outcomes for our patients,” said Janice Burger, chief executive, Providence St. Vincent Medical Center.

Photo: Neurosurgeons Dan Rohrer, M.D., left; and Pankaj Gore, M.D., right; stand in front of the opening cut through the back side of Providence St. Vincent Medical Center. For the next seven months, this is how construction crews will access the operating room being constructed to house the “IMRISneuro” - an advanced imaging system used during surgical procedures.