CHRISTUS St. Vincent Leads New Mexico in Surgical Imaging with Perimeter Medical Technology

CHRISTUS St. Vincent Pioneers Surgical Imaging in New Mexico

In a groundbreaking move for surgical practices, CHRISTUS St. Vincent has become the first hospital in New Mexico to implement the S-Series OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) technology developed by Perimeter Medical Imaging AI. This cutting-edge tool enables enhanced visualization of tissue margins during surgeries, significantly improving the precision of oncological procedures.

With a focus on breast cancer treatments, CHRISTUS St. Vincent is already renowned for housing the only accredited breast cancer program by the Commission on Cancer (CoC) in northern New Mexico. Dr. Amani Jambhekar, a leading surgical breast oncologist at the facility, emphasizes the importance of this technology, noting, "This evidence-based OCT technology helps me enhance my practice of using multiple tools in the operating room to ensure that my patients have the best possible outcome."

How the S-Series OCT Works

Traditional imaging modalities such as X-rays, ultrasounds, and MRIs often fall short when it comes to providing clear visualizations at the cellular level, leading to delays in pathology results that can prolong patient care and necessitate follow-up surgeries. In contrast, the S-Series OCT generates cross-sectional 3D images of tissue microstructures at an impressive resolution—ten times that of ultrasound and a hundred times that of MRI.

This innovative machine provides real-time clarity on tissue margins, allowing surgeons to make informed decisions during procedures without the typical wait time for pathology reports. The technology delivers remarkable detail down to 2 mm within ducts, vessels, and glands, ensuring a higher level of precision in surgeries.

Impacts on Surgical Outcomes

The introduction of the S-Series OCT represents not just a technological advancement but a potential shift in surgical practices. Patients benefiting from this technology could see reduced re-excision rates and improved surgical outcomes. The Perimeter Medical Imaging team underscores the accessibility of this advanced technology, which they believe will lower healthcare costs while enhancing patient care.

CEO Adrian Mendes states, "Our flagship Perimeter S-Series OCT at CHRISTUS St. Vincent advances the company's long-standing goal of expanding patient access to our cutting-edge technologies, ultimately benefiting communities with improved patient outcomes."

A Vision for the Future

The evolution of surgical imaging through the S-Series OCT aligns with Perimeter’s mission to transform cancer surgery by providing ultra-high-resolution, real-time imaging tools for areas with significant medical needs. The FDA-cleared system aims to change how surgical teams approach cancer treatment by facilitating more precise interventions right in the operating room.

The company's next-generation Perimeter B-Series OCT combined with advanced AI features is already under development and has shown promising results in pivotal clinical trials, supported by a substantial grant from the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas. With patient enrollment completed, expect an FDA submission in the near future.

Ultimately, CHRISTUS St. Vincent's adoption of the S-Series OCT sets a new standard for surgical imaging in New Mexico and may inspire broader adoption throughout the healthcare industry, demonstrating how innovative technology can lead to better patient outcomes and streamlined surgical processes.