Mercy Health introduces new brain mapping technology
Only in the state to provide precision brain mapping using Quicktome
TOLEDO (Sept. 5, 2024) – Mercy Health continues to lead in the health and wellness of area patients with the introduction of a new state-of-the-art tool in the battle against brain tumors.
Mercy Health – St. Vincent Medical Center now stands as the only hospital in Ohio to offer this pioneering brain mapping technology, which is powered by artificial intelligence.
Developed by Omniscient Neurotechnology, this revolutionary platform is the first of its kind to create personalized neuro-network templates, mapping the functional, cognitive, and emotional regulation networks within the brain. This allows neurosurgeons to design highly precise surgical plans, enabling the removal of brain tumors while preserving critical brain functions.
“The brain is the most complex structure known in the universe, and this technology represents a quantum leap from traditional mapping techniques like functional MRI (fMRI), invasive awake brain mapping, and Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI), all of which are routinely used at St. Vincent already,” said Dr. X.Sean Xin, Mercy Health neurosurgical oncologist. “Quicktome enables us to visualize intricate neuro-networks and understand how a tumor impacts them, allowing us to plan the safest surgical corridor that maximizes tumor removal while protecting vital brain functions. We’re fortunate to be the first to bring this cutting-edge technology to Mercy Health–St. Vincent, offering Northwest Ohio patients the best possible outcomes.”
Quicktome, developed by a team of neurosurgeons and computer scientists, swiftly and accurately builds a 3D map of the brain’s functional networks using MRI data, cloud computing, and machine learning algorithms tailored to each patient. Since introducing this technology in 2022, Mercy Health has successfully treated complex brain tumors and plans to expand its use to epilepsy surgeries.
The brain mapping technology is part of Mercy Health’s continued commitment of providing the highest level of neurological care across the region. In 2023, Mercy Health completed a $19.1 million renovation and expansion project at St. Vincent Medical Center that focused on creating a more seamless patient experience and included the addition of collaborative spaces for our multidisciplinary team of experts. St. Vincent serves as a centralized hub, with specialized inpatient care including Neurology, Neurocritical Care and an Epilepsy Monitoring Unit.
“Mercy Health’s investment in the Neuroscience Institute has allowed us to serve more patients facing critical neurological illnesses close to home,” said Jeff Dempsey, president, Mercy Health – St. Vincent Medical Center. “We are committed to continued investment that expands access to the latest treatments in brain, spine, stroke and neurological care so as to provide the most advanced and highest quality care to the patients in our community.”
Mercy Health expert physicians provide the best treatment option, using cutting-edge technology and advanced techniques – from minimally invasive neurosurgery and stroke interventions to innovative treatments through clinical trials. Mercy Health – The Neuroscience Institute is proud to provide comprehensive care for the entire spectrum of neurological conditions, from strokes and spinal tumors to headaches and head injuries.