Varian Medical Systems: Varian Medical Systems receives FDA 510(k) clearance
for new Nasopharynx Applicator Set for advanced brachytherapy treatments
Mar 14, 2005 (M2 PRESSWIRE via COMTEX) -- Varian Medical Systems (NYSE:VAR)
today announced that the company has received FDA 510(k) clearance for a
brachytherapy solution that enables more accurate and flexible treatment of
nasopharyngeal cancer. The new Varian Nasopharynx Applicator Set has been
designed for the delivery of localized radiation therapy in the upper throat
area.
"This applicator offers an accurate and flexible way of achieving higher doses
to nasopharyngeal tumors while delivering minimal dose to adjacent critical
structures such as the brain stem," says William Hyatt, VP of Oncology Systems
Operations and head of Varian`s BrachyTherapy business unit.
Suitable for use in the nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal regions, the new
applicator set is CT and MR compatible and will typically be used in combination
with external beam radiotherapy. The set comprises two soft and transparent
plastic ear, nose and throat mold probes with two very soft guidance tubes that
can be fed through the nasal cavity without damaging the mucous membranes. It
also features an expandable balloon for easy fixation regardless of variations
in the patient`s anatomy.
"It`s the only dual channel device of its type to incorporate an expandable
balloon for optimal fixation and source placement," said Hyatt.
Cancer of the nasopharynx is particularly prevalent among Asian populations.
High dose rate brachytherapy is a recognized treatment option for this cancer,
but has previously been handicapped by lack of a suitable treatment catheter.
Image available on request
Varian Medical Systems, Inc., (NYSE:VAR) of Palo Alto, Californiais the world`s
leading manufacturer of integrated cancer therapy systems, which are
treatingthousands of patients per day. The company is also a premier supplier of
X-ray tubes and flat-panel digital subsystems for imaging in medical,
scientific, and industrial applications. Varian Medical Systems employs
approximately 3,300 people who are located at manufacturing sites in North
America and Europeand in its 55 sales and support offices around the world. In
its most recent fiscal year ended October 1, 2004, Varian Medical Systems
reported sales of $1.2 billion. Additional information is available on the
company`s web site at www.varian.com.
CONTACT: Neil Madle, Varian Medical Systems e-mail: neil.madle@varian.com
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