STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Sept. 8, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- With the new Elekta (Other OTC:EKTAF) Neuromag(TM) system, the Kyoto University Faculty of Medicine in Japan will use magnetoencephalography equipment for registration of neural activity both in brain research and in clinical practice.
Elekta Neuromag(TM) is Elekta's equipment for magnetoencephalography (MEG) that provides a non-invasive registration of neural activity by measuring the intensity of very weak magnetic fields elicited by the neural processes associated with brain function. This technology makes it possible to register neural activity in real time, thus increasing understanding and creating opportunities to develop new treatment methods.
The 306 channels system Elekta Neuromag(TM), is the latest highly advanced model from the Finland based company Elekta Neuromag Oy, a subsidiary of the Sweden based medical technology group Elekta AB (publ) and the worldwide market leader in installed whole-head MEG systems.
Recently, Elekta received an order for the Elekta Neuromag(TM) system from the Kyoto University Faculty of Medicine, an institution with long experience of MEG research and clinical treatment.
Ever since we acquired the first 122-channel Neuromag system back in 1994, MEG technology has been an important tool for us to increase our understanding of brain functionality, says Dr. Takashi Nagamine at the Human Brain Research Center at Kyoto University.
The new 306 channel MEG system will further increase our ability to register neural activity in the brain in real time and we also see a great interest from several other departments within our university, Dr. Nagamine concludes.
Pre-surgical mapping of the brain's irretrievable functional areas and both detection and localization of epileptic activity have now been established as clinical applications of MEG technology. We are very pleased with the solid progress of Neuromag and see a very interesting market potential in the clinical use of the MEG technology, not least in the US, where reimbursement levels for this method are already established. To have long-term customers is of great importance to Elekta and we are proud that the famous Kyoto University decided to invest in our latest technology, says Stephen Otto, President of Elekta KK in Japan and global sales manager for MEG systems.
Product inquiries:
Juha Hamalainen, Product Specialist - MEG Systems, Elekta Inc.Phone: +1 404 993 8963, e-mail: juha.hamalainen@elekta.com
Investor inquiries:
Peter Ejemyr, Group VP Corporate Communications, Elekta AB (publ), Phone: +46 8 587 254 99, e-mail: peter.ejemyr@elekta.com
Elekta is a world-leading supplier of advanced and innovative radiation oncology and neurosurgery solutions and services for minimal-invasive and precise treatment of cancer and brain disorders. Elekta's solutions are clinically effective, cost efficient and gentle on the patient.
For additional information about Elekta, visit www.elekta.com
For additional information about Elekta Neuromag, visit www.neuromag.com
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