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Advancing Surgical Care in Tennessee

In a significant leap forward for medical technology, Covenant Health Fort Sanders Regional has recently become the first hospital in Tennessee to implement Perimeter Medical Imaging AI's innovative S-Series Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) system. This cutting-edge technology is designed to enhance the precision of surgical procedures by providing surgeons with real-time, high-resolution images of tissue microstructures during operations.

As the medical field strives to improve patient outcomes, the introduction of OCT technology represents a vital evolution in the approach to cancer surgery. Traditionally, surgeons have relied on imaging modalities like X-rays, ultrasounds, and MRIs, which often lack the necessary resolution to visualize disease at the cellular level. Consequently, there can be delays of up to ten days while waiting for pathology results, leading to potential complications that might require patients to undergo additional surgeries. The S-Series OCT system aims to change that.

Dr. Ana Wilson, a surgical oncologist at Covenant Health Fort Sanders Regional, expresses her enthusiasm for the new technology: "OCT technology enhances the level of care I am able to provide and has become a valuable tool in the operating room. It allows me to make patient-specific surgical decisions in real-time and potentially reduce the likelihood of my patients returning for a second surgery." This immediate feedback capability allows surgeons to ensure clean margins during the initial surgery, ultimately reducing the need for further interventions.

The S-Series OCT system provides imaging at an impressive 10 times the resolution of traditional ultrasounds and X-rays, boasting 100 times the imaging power of MRIs. It can penetrate as deep as 2 mm into ducts, vessels, and glands, paving the way for unprecedented clarity in assessing tissue margins during surgical procedures. Perimeter Medical's Chief Financial Officer, Sara Brien, highlights the significance of this advancement, stating, "Being the first in Tennessee is another milestone in our continued expansion into new geographies nationwide. Bringing our Perimeter S-Series OCT to Covenant Health Fort Sanders Regional also advances an important company goal of broadening access to our innovative technologies for margin visualization, in real-time, in the OR, to potentially improve outcomes and reduce healthcare costs."

The integration of this advanced imaging technology has the potential to transform the landscape of surgical oncology. Suzanne Foster, Chairperson of Perimeter's Board of Directors, adds a personal note, emphasizing the company’s commitment to enhancing surgical outcomes: "Perimeter is working tirelessly to help surgeons provide the best possible care for their patients." Having experienced the challenges of breast cancer firsthand, Foster’s connection to this mission underscores the importance of ensuring all patients have access to advanced medical technologies that can lead to better surgical results.

Covenant Health Fort Sanders Regional's adoption of the S-Series OCT system is not only a testament to their commitment to providing cutting-edge care but also a significant step towards addressing the high unmet medical needs in cancer surgery. The system is FDA-cleared and is set to play a critical role in revolutionizing how surgeons approach complex cases in the operating theater.

As further clinical trials and evaluations continue, the long-term vision for Perimeter Medical Imaging AI includes the development of their next-generation B-Series OCT, which incorporates ImgAssist AI technology. While patient enrollment for pivotal clinical trials completed in September 2024, the anticipated FDA submission expected in 2025 could potentially usher in a new era for surgical oncology, with even better results and reduced re-excision rates.

In conclusion, the combination of Covenant Health Fort Sanders Regional’s pioneering efforts in adopting state-of-the-art imaging technology and Perimeter Medical Imaging AI's unwavering dedication to improving cancer surgery outcomes marks a promising future for surgical practices in Tennessee and beyond. The journey toward excellence in patient care is ongoing, and with advancements like the S-Series OCT, the road is paved for success in surgical oncology and improved patient experiences.