HonorHealth Brings Cutting-Edge Visualization Tech to Arizona Surgery
Innovative Surgical Technology at HonorHealth
In a significant advancement for surgical practices in Arizona, HonorHealth has become the first healthcare system in the state to adopt Perimeter Medical Imaging's groundbreaking S-Series Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) technology. This pioneering device is designed specifically for use in operating rooms, allowing surgeons to visualize tissue margins in real time, which is essential for ensuring the best patient outcomes.
Dr. Sommer Gunia, a breast surgical oncologist with HonorHealth, emphasized the immense value of having advanced technologies at their disposal during surgical procedures. The S-Series OCT provides a depth and resolution previously unattainable in the operating room, granting surgeons the ability to make informed decisions on the spot. Dr. Gunia remarked, "OCT imaging technology allows me to see at a depth and resolution that was previously impossible in the OR, and it has become an important tool that helps me achieve the best possible outcomes for my patients."
Traditionally, methods such as X-rays, ultrasounds, or MRIs do not offer the necessary resolution to assess diseases at the cellular level. This limitation often results in delays of up to 10 days for pathology results, forcing patients to return for additional surgeries if margins are not confirmed to be clean.
The S-Series OCT changes this landscape dramatically. Its optimized resolution down to 2mm allows surgeons to identify regions of interest within tissue microstructures, including critical features like blood vessels, ducts, and glands. Not only does this enhance visualization of surgical margins, but it also empowers surgeons to make the most informed surgical decisions for their patients right there in the operating room.
This state-of-the-art imaging technology operates by utilizing light to generate cross-sectional 3D images of tissue with a resolution that surpasses traditional imaging techniques. The S-Series OCT offers ten times the resolution of standard ultrasounds and X-rays, while providing resolution that is a hundred times better than that of MRIs. This remarkable capability positions it as an invaluable tool in modern surgical practices and was granted FDA clearance in 2021 for general tissue imaging usages.
Adrian Mendes, the CEO of Perimeter, expressed optimism about the adoption of this sophisticated technology in one of the most populous regions in the southwestern United States. He stated, "HonorHealth's adoption of the S-Series OCT continues our national commercial expansion and increases patient access to the technology… The ongoing adoption of our S-Series OCT reflects both the need for enhanced margin visualization in the operating room and confidence in our technology to improve patient outcomes."
Perimeter Medical Imaging AI, a company headquartered in Toronto, Canada, and Dallas, Texas, is focused on transforming cancer surgery through advanced imaging solutions tailored specifically for high-need medical contexts. The S-Series OCT is just one aspect of their innovations in imaging, as they continuously develop technologies that can address unmet needs in the surgical field.
The company is also in the process of evaluating its next-generation Perimeter B-Series OCT, which incorporates artificial intelligence with the ImgAssist AI technology. This investigational device is expected to further revolutionize how surgeons interact with imaging technologies during cancer surgery. Recent support from the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, offering up to $7.4 million in grants for this technology, highlights the vital role that innovation will play in the future of medical treatments and patient care.
While the S-Series OCT currently has 510(k) clearance for general tissue imaging, it has not undergone specific evaluations for breast tissue or other types of cancers yet. This means that the safety and effectiveness of its use in these capacities remain to be fully determined.
As technology evolves and new surgical methods are implemented, the anticipation surrounding the benefits this advanced imaging technology will bring to cancer surgeries grows. The commitment of HonorHealth to incorporate such innovations paves the way for enhanced patient experiences and improved surgical outcomes in the Arizona region and beyond.
For further insights and ongoing updates on the impact of Perimeter's technologies in clinical practices, visit their official website at www.perimetermed.com.