Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT), a modality known for its high precision in delivering radiation to a precise location within the contours of a tumor, while reducing exposure outside the contours, is now getting better, thanks to a partnership between Varian Medical Systems, Inc and BrainLAB AG.
A multileaf collimator is a device with many computer-controlled mechanical “leaves” or “slats” that continually shape the treatment beam as the radiation is delivered from different angles around the patient. Prior to the new HD120 MLC multileaf collimator, Varian’s finest MLC had a central group of beam-shaping leaves that were each 5 millimeters wide. The HD120 MLC has reduced the width of the central leaves to just 2.5 millimeters, increasing the beam-shaping precision by 100 percent.
The new collimator also offers improved dose delivery characteristics, including a steeper dose fall-off gradient, so that the amount of dose delivered decreases rapidly outside the targeted area, protecting healthy tissues more effectively than is possible with earlier beam shaping devices. The HD120 MLC was also designed for durability, so that it can be relied upon during continual use in a busy clinic.
Capabilities of the Novalis TX®
It features the highest dose delivery rates in the industry, dynamic beam shaping, and frameless patient positioning for more rapid, effective, and comfortable treatments. Unlike other radiosurgical devices which are limited to a 6 million electron volt (MEV) energy level, the Novalis Tx allows multiple beam energies from 6 to 20 MEV for treating deep-seated tumors and sparing surrounding healthy tissue more effectively. Clinics should be able to treat twice the number of patients per day than with any other radiosurgery system on the market.
The Novalis Tx offers the most comprehensive image guidance system available, including Varian’s machine-mounted 3D CT scanner with 2D radiographic and fluoroscopic imaging capability as well as BrainLab’s room-mounted X-Ray imaging system for real-time imaging and motion management. Coupled with BrainLAB’s 6D robotic couch, this system offers an extremely fast and accurate solution for setting up and verifying proper patient position during treatment.
More about Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT) …
Press Releases: Varian Medical Systems and BrainLAB Join Forces to Introduce Novalis Tx® – the World’s Most Powerful and Versatile Stereotactic Radiosurgery System …
Varian Medical Systems Receives FDA 510(k) Clearance for High-Definition Collimator That Enables Ultra-Fine Intensity-Modulated Radiosurgery
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