This innovative solution provides physicians at Grady visualization with unprecedented details of a patient’s brain for intervention in situations such as stroke or tumor. BrightMatter, a seamless integration of essential technologies, is designed to support efficient clinical decision making with advanced imaging, planning, navigation and robotic visualization.
BrightMatter uses a type of MRI called diffusion tensor imaging, or DTI, to produce an image of the entire brain’s pathways. This occurs immediately after the MRI is complete and allows physicians to consider every possible approach.
In a hospital like Grady where time is of the essence, immediate access to these details can make a significant impact on patients who may be diagnosed with a stroke or brain tumor.
"Grady remains deeply committed to its vision of becoming the leading public academic health care system in the country,” said Dr. Gustavo Pradilla, Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery for Emory University Healthcare, and Chief of Neurosurgery for Grady Health System and Co-Director of the Grady Skull Base Surgery Center.
“As part of this mission we are excited to announce the acquisition of a revolutionary technology for brain imaging and robotic-assisted neurosurgery.
This technology brings the most advanced imaging system for neurosurgical planning and allows for minimally invasive surgical treatment of hemorrhages and tumors in deep locations of the brain that were previously deemed inoperable and will transform the way traditional neurosurgical procedures for brain and spine conditions are performed.
"The potential impact for patients is transformative and includes smaller incisions, shorter recovery times, and preservation of vital brain and spinal cord functions.
“The BrightMatter technology provides a life-changing opportunity for people in our community and our region. We are thrilled to bring this offering to Grady to provide new clinical options for our patients,” said Shannon Sale, Senior Vice President, Planning and Business Development, Grady Health System.
The brain is made up of millions of pathways in the white matter that connect key functional areas. BrightMatter supports a physician’s ability to see these pathways, which cannot be seen with the naked eye or a standard MRI. While physicians know anatomy of the brain, every patient is different. Crossing these pathways may result in complications and prevent a physician from considering surgery.
BrightMatter brings hope to patients whose condition might have previously been considered inoperable.
Dr. Michael Frankel is chief of neurology and director of The Marcus Stroke and Neuroscience Center at Grady.
Established in 2010, the center is internationally known for elite comprehensive stroke care. In 2013, they were designated a Joint Commission Comprehensive Stroke Center and were among a handful of facilities that were responsible for setting the national agenda for highly specialized stroke care.
Their goal is to impact the lives of patients who might not have had a favorable outcome had they not received care through Grady’s highly coordinated interdisciplinary effort.
“Grady is internationally recognized for its leadership in neurosurgery, trauma and acute stroke care,” said Cameron Piron, president of Synaptive. “We’ve enjoyed a productive clinical research relationship with Dr. Pradilla and his team, and look forward to continuing our partnership as the BrightMatter technology opens new clinical and research opportunities.”
Synaptive Medical, a Toronto-based company has a talented team of scientists, engineers and locally-based customer care specialists committed to developing and supporting surgical technologies and therapies.
Their BrightMatter™ Solutions provide advanced tools and information that allow surgeons to focus on patient outcomes. From advanced visualization and guidance to their first hands-free surgical scope, Synaptive Medical collaborates with surgeons, hospitals and industry partners to define new standards of care for surgical intervention.
