An Owen Sound man is back to his old self with less worry he'll need a second surgery after a portable MRI was used during the removal of a pituitary tumour in his brain.
Dave Evans had been experiencing vision loss and headaches due to the tumour which was discovered last year. In October he underwent surgery for its removal at the London Health Sciences Centre. There the neurosurgery team, led by by neurosurgeon Dr. Neil Duggal, was able to use the Hyperfine Swoop Brain Portable MRI system to help ensure the tumor had been sufficiently removed. It marked the first time in the world the portable MRI had been used in this way.
“When they explained to me that they used the MRI to confirm suspected residual mass, which then gave them the ability to clear out pretty much all of what could possibly be removed, I was very happy and relieved,” said Evans. “Hearing that it allowed them to move the dial from 90 to 99 per cent was incredible. It was the best, most timely care possible and gave me so much confidence in my recovery and longer-term outcome.”
Located at the base of the brain, the pituitary gland is relatively close to the optic nerve. This is why tumours in that spot, while typically benign and slow growing, pose a significant risk to vision and other brain functions.
"Around the tumour you have the carotid arteries on the left and right side and the optic nerves and chiasm sitting on the top. During minimally invasive, endoscopic surgery, it can be challenging to see the anatomical landmarks that help you confirm that you have removed as much tumor as is safely possible," said Duggal. "Having access to a portable MRI during surgery was a game changer in our ability to be as precise as safely possible, within a single procedure.”
During the procedure, the neurosurgery team was able to read the images immediately in the operating room to see if there was remaining residual mass that could be further removed safely before completing the surgery. Additionally, the portable MRI reduces the number of imaging referrals for traditional MRIs as it can be moved to the intensive care unit, the neuro-observation unit, and the interventional neuroradiology suite.
With his peripheral vision back and no longer suffering from constant headaches, Evans added that he is grateful for the care he received at the hospital.
"You could feel the kindness and commitment from everyone I met, from the person who cleaned my room, to the nurses, to the entire surgical team, and that was particularly helpful for me at a vulnerable time," said Evans. "I’ve received care in other hospitals, and my experience at London Health Science Centre was unrivalled. I know it played a role in helping to support my speedy recovery.”
