Anesthesia for magnetic resonance guided neurosurgery - Initial experiencewith a new open magnetic resonance imaging system

The authors present their initial experience with a compact open magnetic r esonance (MR) image-guided system. (PoleStar N-10, Odin Medical Technologie s, Yokneam. Israel) used in a standard operating room, modified for radio f requency (RF) shielding. The low intensity of the magnetic field (0.12T), a nd the ability to lower the magnet from the operative field during surgery allows for an almost routine surgical procedure, in addition to the benefit s of using intraoperative MR imaging. Although an MR compatible anesthesia machine and monitoring system are used , the system offers anesthesiologists access to the patient at all times du ring the procedure, and the ability to use conventional surgical equipment, syringe pumps, and warming devices. Propofol and remifentanil. used for ma intaining anesthesia, allow early extubation and neurological evaluation at the end of surgery. Electrocorticographic monitoring can be used during su rgery for epilepsy, and awake craniotomy can be performed. More experience with this new imaging system is required to assess its influence on clinica l decision making and outcome.