The use of open MRI in otorhinolaryngology: initial experience.

Intraoperative imaging in head and neck surgery is a useful tool in many situations. In addition to being helpful for intraoperative orientation, real-time imaging enables visualization of the progress of surgery and the completeness of tumor resection. Regions in the head and neck to which access is difficult, and which therefore have a high incidence of morbidity and risk for the patient, can be approached more easily and safely in an open MRI than in a conventional way. Interventions in the open MRI (Signa SP, 0.5 Tesla) were performed with nonmagnetic instruments and an MR-safe microscope. For intraoperative navigation, the integrated FlashPoint system is helpful, because it allows targeting of the tumor by a calculated virtual line. T1W spin-echo, T2W fast spin-echo, and 3D T1W gradient-echo sequences were used for high-resolution imaging. Real-time imaging is achieved by fast multiplanar spoiled gradient-echo sequences or T2 single-shot fast spin-echo sequences. From 1996 to the present, we biopsied 17 petroclival tumors, performed paranasal sinus surgery in five cases, biopsied two neck masses, and inserted tubes for brachytherapy in 12 cases. No complications were observed. In all surgical procedures, a good resolution was obtained with MRI, especially for soft-tissue structures. The tumor could be targeted exactly, and all specimens revealed the relevant histology. In paranasal sinus surgery, however, the success rate was lower because it was difficult to distinguish blood from pathologic tissue. The insertion of tubes for brachytherapy was successful in all cases. It was possible to apply the tubes parallel to each other, 1 cm apart. Relevant biopsies could be taken of both neck masses. The indications for the use of open MRI in otorhinolaryngology are biopsies of tumors in regions that are difficult to approach, such as the petrous apex and petroclival region, the parapharyngeal space, and the orbit. Furthermore, the open MRI can be useful in paranasal sinus surgery, in the evaluation of tissue resection, and in the detection of the anatomy of delicate structures such as the internal carotid artery, the skull base, and the orbit. In addition, active navigation in the open MRI is possible with the integrated FlashPoint system. The advantage over conventional navigation systems lies in the possibility of real-time imaging, which allows detection of tissue changes occurring during the procedure.