Picker International's ACQPLAN Radiation Therapy Planning System (RTP) Receives FDA Clearance.

CLEVELAND--(BW HealthWire)--Sept. 8, 1998--Picker International's ACQPLAN(TM), a 3-D radiation therapy planning system (RTP), has received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Developed by Picker's Oncology Systems division, ACQPLAN interactively calculates treatment dose in monitor-dose units in just a few minutes, eliminating the need to transfer the CT simulation plan to remote RTP workstations. The result is higher precision and higher dose to tumors while sparing normal tissue. ACQPLAN, in conjunction with Picker's ACQSIM CT simulator, brings together all the tools necessary for complete CT simulation and dose calculation into one workstation for the first time.

Exclusive features include automatic correlation between the ACQSIM CT simulation and ACQPLAN 3-D RTP program. As modifications are made to the beam data within ACQSIM, ACQPLAN automatically calculates new dose levels. Conversely, if dose/beam modifiers are added within ACQPLAN, the CT simulation plan in ACQSIM is automatically adjusted.

The result of a true strategic technological partnership, ACQPLAN represents the integration of the oncologic visualization excellence of Picker and the exceptional dose computation of Varian Associates, Inc. With ACQSIM/ACQPLAN, the patient is only needed long enough to acquire the CT dataset, which is usually less than a couple of minutes. The entire CT simulation and 3-D RTP process then takes place using the patient's "virtual" CT data. As a result, patient comfort is increased, CT scanner throughput is increased and costs are reduced.

The computed dose can be visualized volumetrically in 3-D, on any arbitrary plane, or in 2-D in a truly interactive environment. ACQPLAN is the clinical solution for integrated simulation and CT-based treatment planning with CT simulation using advanced image processing for the generation of digitally reconstructed radiographs (DRRs) and digitally constructed radiographs (DCRs) without the need for intervening conventional simulation.

Each ACQPLAN system features a high-performance Picker Q-series CT scanner, ACQSIM localization package, patient marking system and a virtual simulator, which also provides the ability to visualize the treatment portal and skin markings.

Without ACQSIM CT simulation, tumor localization is accomplished using plain films and anatomic knowledge. The imaged and expected tumor location is drawn on the simulation X-ray film and an actual field is defined taking into account the known tumor volume as well as regions suspected of containing tumor. This system relies on using guidelines and does not account for individual variability in each patient.

ACQSIM provides total flexibility in the localization, simulation, geometric planning and verification process. Its unique system design allows ACQSIM to be adapted to any particular type of practice. ACQSIM's exclusive virtual simulator is capable of producing real-time digitally reconstructed and digitally composited radiographs. ACQSIM integrates the exquisite anatomic detail from Picker's CT scanners into the therapy delivery process for conformal and high-precision therapy delivery.

Picker International, headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A., and represented in more than 100 countries, is a $1.2-billion global leader in the design and manufacture of advanced medical imaging technologies. A proven innovator in computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, radiation oncology, nuclear medicine and X-ray, Picker International continues its ongoing commitment to research and development while offering unsurpassed service and value to customers worldwide.

Established in 1915, Picker International has operations on six continents with more than 4,500 employees worldwide. Picker International is a subsidiary of the General Electric Company (GEC), p.l.c., of the United Kingdom, a diversified multinational company with annual revenues in excess of $18 billion.

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