Marcus Neuroscience Institute's Advanced Neuro-interventional Suite Provides State-of-the-Art Technology

Marcus Neuroscience Institute’s new advanced neuro-interventional suite has the first-in-the-nation distinction of featuring two state-of-the-art technologies at one location: Boca Raton Regional Hospital, part of Baptist Health South Florida.

The hospital is the first in the nation to feature both the highly sophisticated Siemens ARTIS Icono Biplane imaging equipment and Corindus CorPath GRX Robotic surgical system in one place.

For patients, the Institute’s neuro-interventional suite provides the most advanced, minimally invasive treatments. They will benefit from speedier, more precise care when facing vascular and neurological conditions such as stroke and brain aneurysms.

(Watch video now: Hear from Brian Snelling, M.D., medical director of the Institute’s Marilyn & Stanley Barry Center for Cerebrovascular Disease & Stroke, as he describes the  state-of-the-art technologies at Marcus Neuroscience Institute. Video by Dylan Kyle.)

The new suite is part of an ongoing expansion of Marcus Neuroscience Institute.

“Having both the Corindus CorPath GRX Robot, as well as the Siemens ARTIS Icono Biplane, quite simply allows us to deliver an unparalleled amount of technology to the treatment of stroke patients,” explains vascular neurosurgeon Brian Snelling, M.D., medical director of the Institute’s Marilyn & Stanley Barry Center for Cerebrovascular Disease & Stroke. “This results in more precise maneuvers with devices within the blood vessels of the brain, faster times to treatment shorter recovery times and better outcomes for the patients in our community.”

The Siemens ARTIS Icono Biplane is a sophisticated imaging system that offers physician’s views of the brain on two different planes, which can be adjusted as needed. The system has a very wide range of potential positions and can switch effortlessly between 2D and 3D imaging. It offers faster, more precise cone beam CT images, even in challenging areas like the skull base.

In stroke diagnosis, the system’s more advanced imaging saves time, helps physicians visualize collateral vessels and supports sounder treatment decisions before performing life-saving procedures. The system is also a key tool for brain aneurysm treatment and other conditions that require intricate device placement and excellent image quality.

“We treat patients with all types of stroke,” said Dr. Snelling. “Stroke is a umbrella term that can mean many things. It could mean bleeds in the brain; it can also mean blockages of the brain. So, we treat things from blockages of brain arteries to brain aneurysms to arterial venous malformations of the brain in the suite. With a machine like this, we can deliver the highest quality care as quickly as possible, providing the best possible outcomes to our patients in our community.”

The Corindus CorPath GRX Robotic System, meanwhile, allows physicians to perform incredibly complex vascular procedures, enabling millimeter by millimeter movement through a patient’s arteries in minimally invasive procedures. Seated in a radiation-protected cockpit, physicians use joystick controls to robotically advance catheters, balloons and stents to clear blockages and restore blood flow.

“We are incredibly proud to be the only hospital in the nation to have both of these advanced systems in one suite,” said Lincoln Mendez, Boca Raton Regional Hospital’s CEO. “Our goal in all areas is always the highest level of precision medicine to benefit patients and save lives.”

The advanced neuro-interventional suite was made possible by the generosity of Bernie and Billi Marcus and The Marcus Foundation. It is a component of the ongoing expansion at the Institute.  “Our level of gratitude simply cannot be measured … we deeply value the steadfast support and belief that Mr. and Mrs. Marcus have in our future,” said Frank D. Vrionis, M.D., director of Marcus Neuroscience Institute.

“Saving and changing the lives of individuals with neurological disease or impairment has always been an important philanthropic focus for us,” explains Bernie Marcus. “We want the Marcus Neuroscience Institute to stay at the forefront of patient care and this new technology allows us to offer unparalleled clinical services in South Florida.”