The Neurosurgery department at Tata Memorial Centre (TMC), Mumbai, has acquired a state-of-the-art intraoperative Ultrasound (iUS) machine, marking a significant advancement in the field of neurosurgery in India. The bKActiv machine, the first of its kind in the country, will enhance the precision and safety of complex brain tumour surgeries.

The neurosurgery team at TMC, led by Dr. Aliasgar Moiyadi, has been at the forefront of pioneering the use of iUS in India, establishing the team as one of the global leaders in this domain. The introduction of this advanced iUS system is expected to revolutionize brain tumour surgeries by allowing neurosurgeons to accurately track tumour remnants during operations, thereby improving patient outcomes.

Intraoperative imaging, combined with navigational aids akin to a surgical GPS system, is critical for the precise removal of intrinsic brain tumours. The iUS machine, when used alongside brain mapping techniques such as awake surgery, enables the radical removal of tumours even in proximity to critical brain regions.

The bKActiv Ultrasound system was unveiled on Saturday, 1st June 2024, at Tata Memorial Hospital in Parel, Mumbai. The event was attended by Dr. Shailesh Shrikhande, Deputy Director of Tata Memorial Hospital; Dr. Aliasgar Moiyadi, Chief of Neurosurgery at Tata Memorial Centre; and Shri Chaitanya Sarawate, Managing Director of Wipro GE Healthcare South Asia, along with the departmental and operation theatre personnel.

Dr. Moiyadi emphasized the potential benefits of this advanced tool for the numerous brain tumour patients treated at the centre, many of whom lack access to state-of-the-art care at subsidized rates elsewhere. He highlighted that iUS is a cost-efficient alternative to other intraoperative imaging systems, such as intraoperative MRI, making it particularly valuable for resource-constrained healthcare systems.

In addition to adopting this technology, TMC has been proactive in training neurosurgeons in the optimal use of iUS, conducting training courses both in India and globally. This initiative aims to enable more neurosurgeons to adopt this technique and extend its benefits to a larger number of patients across India.

Dr. Moiyadi also acknowledged the generous grant from UBS that facilitated the procurement of the bKActiv system. He expressed gratitude for UBS’s support, underscoring the importance of such contributions in strengthening TMC’s mission of providing advanced cancer care to all Indians.

Shri Chaitanya Sarawate, speaking at the launch event, stated, “We are committed to designing active imaging systems that help surgeons visualize anatomy and lesions, guide interventions, and navigate inside the human body. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in advancing healthcare technology in India, and the bkActiv Ultrasound system is poised to revolutionize neurosurgery.”

The introduction of the bKActiv machine at TMC is a testament to the centre’s commitment to enhancing medical care and ensuring that cutting-edge technology is accessible to all patients, thereby setting a new standard in neurosurgical treatment in India.