Siemens highlighted its MVision, a leading-edge IGRT system that is said to deliver outstanding image quality for accurate patient position verification and adjustment.

Designed to work with Siemens’ linear accelerators, MVision is the first commercial implementation of cone beam technology utilizing a standard radiotherapy treatment beam. MVision makes it possible for the megavoltage (MV) source used for treatment to also create a 3-D image of the patient, enabling clinicians to see inside the patient at the most appropriate moment.

Varian Medical Systems recently displayed its I-Response software created by Cedara, that shows how tumors are responding to treatment at the biological level, reportedly before changes in tumor shape or size become visible, at the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) annual meeting, July 22-26, in Minneapolis, MN.

Selecting the best set of gantry angles for delivering an IMRT treatment can be challenging, even for a skilled dosimetrist. Varian has enhanced its Eclipse treatment planning system with beam angle optimization, a treatment planning tool that automates the process of choosing the best set of beam angles. Beam angle optimization uses sophisticated algorithms to analyze anatomical images and calculate the optimal number and combination of angles for achieving a dose prescription.

July 26, 2007 – The American Medical Association (AMA) Common Procedural Terminology (CPT) Editorial Panel has approved a CPT Code for the use of electronic brachytherapy for the treatment of early stage breast cancer. Electronic Brachytherapy is a novel form of high-dose rate (HDR) radiation therapy targeted for the treatment of early stage breast cancer.

July 26, 2007 – RF Surgical Systems Inc. recently announced that the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP) will be among the first medical centers in the country to fully implement the RF Surgical Detection System in its operating rooms.

The patented and FDA-approved RF Surgical Detection System scans for and signals an alert if any RF DetectTM tagged surgical sponges, gauze or towels remain in a patient prior to surgical closing procedures.

July 26, 2007 — Carestream Health Inc. recently signed contracts for its KODAK CARESTREAM PACS and KODAK CARESTREAM RIS solutions with leading healthcare facilities throughout Europe, including Hopital Universitaire Erasme (Bruxelles, Belgium) and Finland’s Seinäjoki Central Hospital Region.

July 26, 2007 — In Motion Technology announced that Forsyth County EMS (FCEMS) has seen improvements in pre-hospital care with In Motion’s onBoard Mobile Gateway and onboard Mobility Manager. The EMS organization is now able to monitor the health and location of vehicles and networks remotely, reduce response times and reliably support multiple applications utilizing In Motion’s technology.

July 25, 2007 – Cirrus Health announced TRUMPF as a strategic partner in providing the latest technology to support the delivery of high-quality patient care in each of their facilities located nationwide.

“Our relationship with TRUMPF enhances Cirrus’ ability to develop and maintain facilities with the latest technology in their operating rooms,” stated Tim Parris, Chief Executive Officer for Cirrus Health. “By providing our facilities and physicians the best possible tools and equipment, service to patients will be further enhanced.”

July 26, 2007 - Master's degree nursing students from UMass Dartmouth are leaving their mark in the healthcare realm. A course called "Translating Knowledge to Practice," sends them into local facilities to partner with nurse leaders in the agency to improve practice and negotiate change.

July 26, 2006 – For the first time, researchers using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have found both structural and functional abnormalities in specific brain regions of schizophrenic patients who experience chronic auditory hallucinations, according to a study published in the August issue of Radiology.

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