STOCKHOLM, Sweden, July 20, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Elekta, a world leading supplier of clinical solutions, comprehensive information systems and services for improved cancer care and management of brain disorders, today announced a global distribution agreement with Medical Intelligence (MI), a single-source supplier of high-precision patient fixation systems.
Integrating key elements of MI's radiotherapy and patient positioning systems into its own product portfolio, the agreement reinforces Elekta's position as the world's most comprehensive provider of complete solutions for stereotactic radiation treatment throughout the body. In addition to commercial distribution, the agreement includes plans for future product developments that will significantly advance the ability of clinical specialists to precisely and easily target tumor cells.
Among the products from MI is HexaPOD(tm) RTC, an image guided robotic patient positioning system that allows for sub millimeter patient positioning with six degrees of freedom (6D). 6D means that the system can correct rotational errors in patient positioning as well as translational errors, making it ideal for the very high accuracy required for stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and stereotactic radiation therapy (SRT).
HexaPOD will be available for use with all Elekta digital linear accelerator systems, but by integrating HexaPOD with Elekta Synergy(r) S for image-guided SRS and SRT, synergistic benefits will be created, enabling clinical staff to reliably and accurately position patients for treatment with a previously unattainable level of certainty. Elekta Synergy S includes X-ray volume imaging, the first system to allow three-dimensional imaging of the tumor and its surrounding soft tissues at the time of treatment.
As Professor Frederik Wenz MD, of Mannheim Medical Center and University of Heidelberg, Germany, explains: "While X-ray volume imaging with Elekta Synergy(r) enables the detection of patient positioning errors in all areas of the body, MI's HexaPOD and patient immobilization products make corrections of patient positioning in six degrees of freedom a clinical reality. Bringing these tools together is therefore a logical development that instantly creates a powerful system to reliably and easily perform detection and correction of positioning errors during critical radiation treatments."
In addition to positioning systems, Elekta will also distribute MI's patient immobilization devices, complementing the company's stereotactic experience. MI's BodyFix(r), for example, is one of the most accurate and comprehensive patient immobilization and positioning system available today.
Summarizing the partnership with Elekta and the synergies achievable with the two product portfolios, Dr. Michael Vogele, CEO of MI said: "Medical Intelligence offers unique and innovative radiation oncology solutions in terms of automatic patient positioning with 6 degrees of freedom, improving clinical workflow and patient confidence. The strategic alliance with Elekta made so much sense for both companies; while MI enhances Elekta's stereotactic portfolio, MI gains the strength needed to export our radiation therapy solutions to a broader worldwide customer base. In the end, however, it is the clinical specialists and patients themselves who will realize the greatest benefits from this partnership."
About Elekta
Elekta is an international medical-technology Group, providing meaningful clinical solutions, comprehensive information systems and services for improved cancer care and management of brain disorders. All of Elekta's solutions employ non-invasive or minimally invasive techniques and are therefore clinically effective, gentle on the patient and cost-effective.
Clinical solutions include among others Leksell Gamma Knife(r) for non-invasive treatment of brain surgery and Elekta Synergy(r) for image guided radiation therapy (IGRT). Following the acquisition of IMPAC Medical Systems Inc. in April 2005, The Elekta Group is the world's largest supplier of oncology software.
Elekta's systems and solutions are used at over 3,000 hospitals around the world to treat cancer and manage clinical operations as well as to diagnose and treat brain disorders, including tumors, vascular malformations and functional disorders.
With approx. 1,700 employees, Elekta's corporate headquarter is located in Stockholm, Sweden and the company is listed on the Stockholm Stock Exchange under the ticker EKTAb.
About Medical Intelligence
Medical Intelligence is a world-leading supplier of advanced and innovative Radiation Oncology and interventional guidance products for precise, reliable patient positioning and treatment. Product lines include among others non-invasive immobilization and positioning systems, 6D robotic treatment couches and robotic targeting devices.
All Medical Intelligence Radiation Therapy solutions are engineered to fit today's requirements from diagnostics through treatment including Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT) and Precise Radiation Therapy treatment machines.
Rigorous Radiation Therapy treatment modalities require precise patient positioning and immobilization. Medical Intelligence provides the tools and fundamentals enabling reliable positioning while preserving patient comfort and confidence. The company's commitment to excellence and quality is reflected in the worldwide service and support.
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