Elekta Introduces Next Generation MEG System for Monitoring the Brain in Action
BARCELONA, June 7, 2010 /PRNewswire/ – At the Organization of Human Brain Mapping’s 16th Annual Meeting (Barcelona, Spain, June 6-10), Elekta unveiled its next generation magnetoencephalography (MEG) system, Elekta Neuromag® TRIUX*. A platform that addresses key requirements critical for monitoring normal and abnormal brain activity, Elekta Neuromag TRIUX was designed to operate in virtually any clinical environment—an advance welcomed by the growing number of Elekta Neuromag clinical and research facilities worldwide.
More robust, patient-friendly and easier to use
Implementing a MEG program will be more practical for most clinical environments with the Elekta Neuromag TRIUX system’s dynamic range, which has been increased three-fold, in addition to built-in active shielding, which protects its ultrasensitive sensor array from magnetic interference. These improvements make Elekta Neuromag TRIUX suitable for siting in even the busiest hospitals and research centers, and further demonstrate Elekta’s commitment to helping centers adopt this innovative technology.
Elekta Neuromag TRIUX also provides several features designed to simplify day-to-day use of the system and enhance patient experience. These include a new connector panel—with easy to access connectors—and an all-new gantry that allows clinicians and researchers to conduct MEG measurements with the patient in a more comfortable upright position.
In addition, Elekta Neuromag TRIUX is undergoing a major revision to its system software to perfect acquisition workflows and routine quality assurance procedures.
“This system is now the definitive platform from which to launch MEG programs now and far into the future. In fact, many upcoming improvements and options presently in development may be ordered already today to ensure Elekta Neuromag TRIUX will be continually updated with releases as they become available,” says Stephen Otto, Chairman of Elekta’s Neuromag Business. “Current users also will be pleased to discover the time-proven triple sensor array remains unchanged to maintain full compatibility with the wealth of research conducted by the Neuromag user community.”
What is MEG?
MEG is based on the detection of the very weak magnetic fields that originate from electrical activity within the brain. These signals are detected with a SQUID (superconducting quantum interference device) array placed close to the scalp.
MEG functional mapping has proven clinically useful to evaluate epilepsy and to perform presurgical mapping of visual, auditory, somatosensory, motor cortex and language functional areas. MEG is used to localize both epileptic activity between seizures and important healthy tissues in the cortex that must be preserved during surgery. Accurate localization of cortical tissues also is useful when performing other types of surgery, such as tumor removal. In addition, MEG can be used to assist in the placement of intracranial electrodes.
There are numerous MEG research applications. These include the neural basis of developmental disorders, as well as psychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases. Investigators also are using MEG to address basic questions about brain functions, such as memory, attention, emotion, language and social cognition, abilities that are frequently disrupted by brain disorders.
Elekta Neuromag TRIUX will be available as a turn-key system or as a hardware / software upgrade for certain Elekta Neuromag models. To learn more, visit www.elekta.com/MEG.
*Elekta Neuromag® TRIUX is a works in progress. Specifications and product details subject to change without notice.
# # #
For further information, please contact:
Stina Thorman, Vice President Corporate Communications, Elekta AB
Tel: +46 8 587 254 37, email: [email protected]
Time zone: CET: Central European
Michelle Lee, Director, Global Public Relations and Brand Management, Elekta
Tel: +1 770-670-2447, email: [email protected]
Time zone: EDT: Eastern Daylight
About Elekta
Elekta is a human care company pioneering significant innovations and clinical solutions for treating cancer and brain disorders. The company develops sophisticated, state-of-the-art tools and treatment planning systems for radiation therapy and radiosurgery, as well as workflow enhancing software systems across the spectrum of cancer care.
Stretching the boundaries of science and technology, providing intelligent and resource-efficient solutions that offer confidence to both healthcare providers and patients, Elekta aims to improve, prolong and even save patient lives, making the future possible today.
Today, Elekta solutions in oncology and neurosurgery are used in over 5,000 hospitals globally, and every day more than 100,000 patients receive diagnosis, treatment or follow-up with the help of a solution from the Elekta Group.
Elekta employs around 2,500 employees globally. The corporate headquarter is located in Stockholm, Sweden, and the company is listed on the Nordic Exchange under the ticker EKTAb. For more information about Elekta, please visit www.elekta.com.