Software-driven medical technology developer Brainlab has implemented a software solution that it claims to achieve better radiation dose conformity around brain tumors.

A new planning algorithm in Brainlab Elements cranial radiosurgery software uses specific properties of Elekta’s Agility multileaf collimator and compensate for the width of selected leaves, helping the radiation beam to accurately adjust to tumor’s shape and minimize dose to organs at risk.

Brainlab’s new planning algorithm will support virtual leaf width capability with Agility on the Versa HD linear accelerator.

Through manipulating Y-Jaws, the algorithm can partially the collimator leaves along the vertical edge of a tumor target, enabling to decrease the collimator leaf down to 1mm across the full treatment field of view for better conformity.

The companies are already marketing Leksell Vantage stereotactic system with Elements stereotaxy, and Versa HD with Brainlab ExacTrac® patient positioning and monitoring technology.

Brainlab founder and CEO Stefan Vilsmeier said: “On a VersaHD, this technology now enables clinicians to achieve superior dose distribution, especially for small cranial targets.

“Cranial Elements and ExacTrac open the door for Elekta users to establish a Novalis program utilizing Versa HD, joining the elite community of linac-based radiosurgery users.”

 Elekta chief strategy officer and portfolio head Maurits Wolleswinkel said: “This latest collaborative effort demonstrates our mutual commitment to precision radiation treatment solutions for our customers.”

Brainlab is engaged in the development, manufacturing and marketing of software-driven medical technology, which can be used in multiple surgical fields such as neurosurgery, orthopedic, ENT, CMF, spine and trauma.

Established in 1989, Brainlab has installed more than 11,800 systems in over 100 countries.

The company creates and incorporates products for various stages and phases of the surgical procedure, including software for pre-planning, software and systems for surgical navigation.

Brainlab software solution has been developed to be used in both routine and complex surgical procedures.


Image: New Hi-Res algorithm in Brainlab Elements software offers improved dose conformity in radiosurgery. Photo: courtesy of Business Wire.