Varian to develop image-guided robotic radiosurgical systems
27 January 2005
Varian Medical Systems, Inc., (NYSE:
VAR), the world's leading supplier of radiation oncology products, today
announced that it has formed Varian Surgical Sciences, a new organization
that initially will develop and market the company's advanced X-ray imaging
and treatment technologies for radiosurgical solutions in the
estimated $250 million neurosurgery market.
"We will offer a clinically effective and more cost-efficient alternative
to dedicated radiosurgical devices that are limited in functionality and
flexibility," said Lester Boeh, Vice President for Varian Medical Systems,
who will manage the new organization. "We have advanced our technology
to the point that it now can be used for non-invasive, painless,
radiosurgical treatments of tumors and vascular malformations as well as
certain functional and 'inoperable' conditions. We are seeing a rising need
for these types of treatments."
The new organization will market radiosurgical solutions built around the
company's new Trilogy linear accelerator and On-Board Imager device,
introduced in 2004, which for the first time make it possible to treat small
areas in the brain and other parts of the body rapidly, with powerful,
precisely-placed beams. "This is the most powerful, precise, and
versatile treatment machine ever developed," Boeh said.
The Trilogy accelerator is already being used successfully for
radiosurgical treatments at several centers. Treatments are usually
delivered on an outpatient basis in just one or a few sessions. "The
appeal of this technology to doctors and patients as well as insurers will
be obvious, in the many cases that will benefit from it," Boeh said.
The company is in the process of building a marketing and sales staff for
the organization. Paul Rowland, a long-time veteran of Varian, will
serve as Manager of Global Sales. Marc Buntaine, an expert in
radiosurgical technologies and product development, will serve as
Engineering and Marketing Manager.
Varian Surgical Sciences' financial results, which are initially expected
to be modest, will be included with the Oncology Systems business segment.
For more information see www.varian.com |
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