Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) is ready to manufacture its massive and powerful stereotactic radiotherapy MHI-TM2000 machine following recent approval of the device by Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare and recent 510(k) by the FDA.
More about the system:
The MHI-TM2000, a highly accurate image-guided radiotherapy machine developed by MHI in cooperation with Kyoto University and the Institute of Biomedical Research and Innovation in Kobe, provides a solution to overcome these obstacles. Specifically, outstanding accuracy is maintained through the adoption of an O-ring shaped mechanical structure offering advantages in rigidity. Fine irradiation direction adjustment is realized through the incorporation of an innovative gimbaled X-ray irradiation head with tilt and pan rotation functions, the first of its kind in the world. The machine is also equipped with two X-ray radiography devices that are able to show an image of inside the body, enabling 3-dimensional information of the tumor area. With these features, the MHI-TM2000 achieves quick, simple, pinpoint irradiation targeting to the tumor.
MHI has been developing the radiotherapy machine supported by projects of the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), a Japanese organization to promote research and development of basic technologies and aid in the commercialization of industrial technologies. MHI has fully incorporated its comprehensive technological expertise accumulated as a leading machinery manufacturer into the MHI-TM2000. Meriting special mention is the application of a new small-size accelerating tube that MHI developed together with the High Energy Accelerator Research Organization, the world’s first application of this kind to medical equipment; its usage has enabled a more compact configuration and freer mechanical movement than with conventional machines. With these innovative features, MHI’s new system is expected to contribute significantly to development of new treatment methods.
In order to market and provide servicing for the new machine, in October 2005 MHI established MHI Medical Systems, Inc. jointly with Konica Minolta Medical & Graphic, Inc., Mitsubishi Corporation and Seika Corporation. MHI Medical Systems will soon launch full-scale marketing activities in Japan. To promote the new machine overseas, MHI plans to cooperate with BrainLAB AG of Germany. Initially the machine will be supplied to overseas markets on an OEM (original equipment manufacturing) basis.
To produce the MHI-TM2000, in October 2006 MHI completed a plant dedicated to radiotherapy machine production within the company’s Hiroshima Machinery Works.
