First Joint Utilization of the Two Technologies Facilitates Technically Simple, Minimally Invasive Ablative Surgery for Brain Tumor at UCSD

IRVINE, Calif. and MINNEAPOLIS (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) - MRI Interventions, Inc. (OTCQB:MRIC) and Monteris Medical, Corp. jointly announced the utilization of their respective product platforms, the ClearPoint(R) Neuro Intervention System and the NeuroBlate(R) System, at UC San Diego Health System to enable minimally invasive (MR-guided) laser treatment in a patient afflicted with glioblastoma, a type of brain tumor. In a procedure led by Dr. Clark Chen, MD, PhD, Chief of Stereotactic and Radiosurgery and Vice-Chairman of Academic Affairs, MRI Interventions' ClearPoint System was used to establish the path to the tumor while Monteris' NeuroBlate System was used to ablate (heat) tumor cells. The entire procedure was performed within a diagnostic MRI suite at UC San Diego Health System.

The NeuroBlate(R) System from Monteris is a MRI-guided system which allows surgeons to use lasers in a minimally invasive manner to destroy brain tumors. The System interfaces with an active MRI for visualization of the target area to enable surgical decision-making.
The ClearPoint System is the only available navigation platform that allows neurosurgeons to operate under continuous intraprocedural MRI guidance. The direct visualization of events as they occur during surgery allows neurosurgeons to observe the progression of instruments and devices in relation to the patient's anatomy and to make adjustments in real time. This MRI-guided intraoperative navigation is made possible by the ClearPoint System.

Using the ClearPoint System, Dr. Chen was able to see and select the tumor in the brain, establish the desired trajectory, and visualize the NeuroBlate laser probe on MR images as it was inserted into the tumor. He then engaged the NeuroBlate System's laser probe and the Monteris M*Vision(TM)software with real-time MR thermometry to monitor destruction of the tumor cells.

MRI Interventions' Business Development Manager and clinical engineer Geoffrey Bates attended the first case. "The two products worked together seamlessly," said Bates. "I was very pleased to see that our efforts to establish compatibility have resulted in a laser ablation procedure which can occur completely within a diagnostic MRI suite."

"We are happy to announce the completion of this NeuroBlate System with ClearPoint joint case," stated John Schellhorn, President and Chief Executive Officer of Monteris. "Our customers are eager to use tools that make surgical visualization and targeted therapy easier. We look forward to many more successful collaborations in the future."

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