Imaging Economics Article Features Asleep Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) With ClearPoint Neuro Intervention System
Story Highlights Benefits of MRI-Guided Brain Surgery for Multiple Neurosurgical Applications, Also Including Focal Laser Ablation, Brain Biopsy, Drug Delivery
MEMPHIS, TN -- (Marketwired) -- 07/22/13 -- MRI Interventions, Inc.'s (OTCQB: MRIC) MRI-guided neurosurgical navigation platform, the ClearPoint® Neuro Intervention System, has been featured in the July 2013 issue of Imaging Economics in a story by Kurt Woock titled "Real-Time MRI Guidance Tool Offers Real Benefits." Relaying an interview with MRI Interventions' CEO Kimble Jenkins, Woock describes advantages the platform offers in a range of minimally-invasive neurosurgical applications, including "asleep DBS," focal laser ablation, brain biopsy, and drug delivery.
The ClearPoint System enables neurosurgery to be performed within a hospital's existing MRI suite. Along with shorter procedure times, ClearPoint allows surgeons to offer patients an "asleep DBS" procedure, in which the patient is placed under general anesthesia for the duration of the DBS electrode placement operation. DBS is a common treatment for movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease. Other methods for DBS electrode placement require patients to remain awake through most of the procedure.
ClearPoint, Woock writes, can also enable precise drug delivery and brain biopsies because it allows surgeons to see exactly what is occurring in the brain during these procedures. Focal laser ablation is enhanced with the ClearPoint System as well, as it is the first platform to provide direct MRI guidance for the duration of the procedure.
The benefits of minimally invasive MRI-guided surgery to patients are obvious, but hospitals also stand to gain. "They are getting additional utility out of infrastructure they already own," states Jenkins in the article. "It's a good revenue event for a hospital devoting 3 hours of scanner time."
MRI-guided neurosurgery represents a potential paradigm shift in the way neurosurgical procedures are performed. Jenkins says he hopes the ClearPoint platform "will become the 'cath lab' for minimally-invasive neurosurgery," transforming brain surgery the same way fluoroscopy revolutionized cardiac procedures.
About the ClearPoint System
The ClearPoint System is a navigation platform designed to allow real-time, direct visualization during minimally-invasive neurosurgical procedures. ClearPoint software works with MRI to assist surgeons in planning a target and trajectory, and the SmartFrame® targeting device enables the MRI-guided alignment and insertion of surgical instruments. The ClearPoint SmartFlow® cannula is presently FDA-cleared for injection of cytarabine, a chemotherapy drug, to the ventricles or removal of CSF from the ventricles during intracranial procedures. Delivery of other therapeutic agents using the SmartFlow cannula is investigational.
About MRI Interventions, Inc.
Founded in 1998, MRI Interventions is creating innovative platforms for performing the next generation of minimally invasive surgical procedures in the brain and heart. Utilizing a hospital's existing MRI suite, the company's FDA-cleared ClearPoint® system is designed to enable a range of minimally invasive procedures in the brain. MRI Interventions has a co-development and co-distribution agreement with Brainlab, a leader in software-driven medical technology, relating to the ClearPoint system. In partnership with Siemens Healthcare, MRI Interventions is developing the ClearTrace® system to enable MRI-guided catheter ablations to treat cardiac arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation. Building on the imaging power of MRI, the company's interventional platforms strive to improve patient care while reducing procedure costs and times. MRI Interventions is also working with Boston Scientific Corporation to incorporate its MRI-safety technologies into Boston Scientific's implantable leads for cardiac and neurological applications. For more information, please visit www.mriinterventions.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain matters in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements by their nature address matters that, to different degrees, are uncertain and involve risk. Uncertainties and risks may cause MRI Interventions' actual results and the timing of events to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by MRI Interventions' forward-looking statements. Particular uncertainties and risks include, among others: demand and market acceptance of our products; our ability to successfully expand our sales and clinical support capabilities; availability of third party reimbursement; the sufficiency of our cash resources to maintain planned commercialization efforts and research and development programs; future actions of the FDA or any other regulatory body that could impact product development, manufacturing or sale; our ability to protect and enforce our intellectual property rights; our dependence on collaboration partners; the impact of competitive products and pricing; and the impact of the commercial and credit environment on us and our customers and suppliers. More detailed information on these and additional factors that could affect MRI Interventions' actual results are described in MRI Interventions' filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, without limitation, MRI Interventions' Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 10, 2013. Except as required by law, MRI Interventions undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this press release to reflect any change in MRI Interventions' expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statements are based.
Contact Information:
MRI Interventions, Inc.
David Carlson
CFO
901-522-9300
Source: MRI Interventions Inc
Released July 22, 2013