Intraoperative MRI (iMRI) is the use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging during a surgical procedure. It enables MRI images to be acquired at select points throughout the procedure to support surgical decision-making, thereby reducing reliance on post-operative imaging as the first opportunity to evaluate surgical results.

Published neurosurgical studies^1,2 have associated intraoperative MRI with improved extent of resection in selected brain tumor procedures and have examined its potential to reduce early repeat surgery by identifying residual tumor before the procedure is completed.

iMRI systems can be configured using either a moving-magnet or patient-moving workflow and are commonly integrated into neurosurgical operating environments designed for MRI safety and compatibility.

Yes. The Taumedis iMRI solution is designed to mobilize a high-field 1.5T intraoperative MRI via a ground-based tracked Magnet Transport System (MTS).

For intraoperative MRI applications, magnet field strength and system mobility are separate. Some iMRI solutions utilize low field strength (ie. <1T) magnets, which may have limitations with signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), image resolution, scan time, and/or available imaging protocols. For this reason, field strength is commonly evaluated as part of the broader iMRI planning process—which is why the Taumedis iMRI system integrates a high-field strength 1.5T magnet.

Our ground-based moving-magnet system is designed to transport the high-field 1.5T scanner into position in the OR for intraoperative imaging without moving the patient.

The Taumedis intraoperative MRI (iMRI) system is a magnet-moving solution, designed to transport the high-field 1.5T MRI directly to the patient in the OR as they remain stable for imaging mid-procedure.

In a patient-moving iMRI system, the patient is moved from the operating room to a nearby MRI scanner. Workflows require patient transport, introducing additional considerations for sterility, anesthesia management, monitoring equipment, patient positioning, and workflow coordination.

In a magnet-moving iMRI system—as with Taumedis—the scanner moves into the OR while the patient remains stable; this approach can simplify workflow by eliminating intraoperative patient transport and associated logistics.

Each approach involves planning considerations. Magnet-moving systems focus on magnet transport, OR integration, movement control, proper shielding, and MRI access in the surgical suite. Patient-moving systems focus on patient transfer, room/scanner access, transport workflow, and maintaining surgical setup during movement.

Intraoperative MRI (iMRI) systems move the magnet between adjacent spaces, to and from the operating room. A Diagnostic Room (DR) and Magnet Storage Bay (MB) describe where the MRI scanner is located when it is not being used during an active procedure in the OR. The preferred iMRI configuration depends on (but is not limited to) space, construction goals, surgical volume, diagnostic imaging needs, staffing, and room utilization.

The Taumedis iMRI solution can accommodate these configurations among others.

• Diagnostic Room Conventional MRI room adjacent to OR, used for diagnostic scanning between surgical cases.
• Magnet Storage Bay Dedicated space for MRI adjacent to the OR. Primarily planned around intraoperative use and stored in the bay (albeit still “live”) between surgical cases.

In either configuration, the Taumedis iMRI solution includes room shielding against RF (radiofrequency) and H (magnetic) interference. The former helps protect image integrity, while the latter contains the always-active magnetic field between rooms. As such, the OR remains magnetically “quiet” when the MRI is located in the adjacent DR or MB. An RF/H shielded sliding door separates the adjacent rooms.

To see the Taumedis iMRI system in an OR/DR configuration, please see our video above and on our YouTube page.

Intraoperative MRI (iMRI) procedures include MRI safety preparation, equipment positioning, image acquisition, and return to the surgical field. The downstream value of this time investment is how imaging during surgery helps the team assess for residual tissue before the operation is completed; published evidence has associated iMRI with improved extent of resection and reductions in repeat surgery when residual tissue would otherwise be identified after the procedure.^1,2 A recent paper noted improved iMRI efficiencies with increased use, and a decreasing trend in the time taken per case.³

Our Clinical Specialist will work closely with your team to streamline and refine your iMRI implementation, consistent with local policies and procedures.

Workflow impact is ultimately a function of system integration (ie. moving the magnet vs moving the patient), site protocols, and the types/number of scans required. For clinicians evaluating iMRI, workflow should consider how associated imaging steps may be offset by the ability to assess surgical progress before the patient leaves the OR, and how this relates to re-surgery rates.

The cost of intraoperative MRI is shaped by the full project, not the scanner alone. Hospitals typically consider acquisition cost, construction, shielding, room design, MR-compatible equipment, surgical table integration, service, training, staffing, and workflow implementation.

Cost drivers can vary by iMRI implementation. Moving-magnet systems may require additional infrastructure and structural planning. While patient-moving iMRI systems may reduce magnet transport requirements they also impact planning around patient transfer, anesthesia, sterility, and/or adjacent-room access. A high-field ground-based moving-magnet system brings the MRI to the patient and can mitigate challenges with extensive infrastructure or access.

Hospitals should also consider indirect costs, including OR downtime during renovation, installation complexity, construction phasing, and whether the MRI space can support diagnostic imaging when surgery is not active. Not all systems are created equally, and allocated clinical space and requirements vary.