Radiation oncology firm Varian Medical Systems has introduced Bravos, a new afterloader system for high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy.
Introduced at this week's American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) meeting, Bravos is based on five years of research in the clinical setting, according to the company. In developing Bravos, Varian focused on simplifying brachytherapy and providing more efficient workflow in delivering treatments.
Brachytherapy afterloaders involve placing small radioactive sources directly into targeted areas via a needle or catheter, or with a tumor-specific applicator. The systems are designed to deliver radiation doses that conform closely to tumor size and can then be withdrawn into the afterloader after treatment.
Bravos features touchscreen controls that provide easy access to patient treatment information on the afterloader; this eliminates the need for clinicians to leave the treatment room to retrieve patient and treatment data. It also sports LED lighting, with green, yellow and red LED lights guiding clinicians through the correct connection process of the transfer guide tubes. Green lights signify a proper connection, while yellow and red lights alert clinicians to issues that need to be corrected.
Bravos can be integrated with Varian's BrachyVision treatment planning system and also works with the company's Aria oncology information system. Bravos has received the CE Mark as well as 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
