According to Varian, the Clinac iX is intended to reduce the cost of site preparations and installations, and facilitate maintenance and upgrades. Features include an ergonomically designed command center with a single keyboard, networked controllers integrated into a modular rack that can be placed under a single counter or stored in a cabinet, and consolidated electronics housed in a low-profile stand for easy installation, maintenance, and upgrades, Varian said.
The Clinac iX system can be configured for the alignment necessary to deliver therapies such as stereotactic radiosurgery. Imaging accessories are mounted on EXact arms for automated, reproducible positioning. The Clinac iX also incorporates Varian's highly accurate treatment couch controls and tight beam delivery specifications, so that clinicians can aim radiation beams to treat small lesions precisely, Varian said.
In addition, Varian revealed that it has added two new clinical management tools - clinical assessment and dynamic documents - to its VARiS Vision radiation oncology management software. The modules help cancer centers accelerate the adoption of paperless and filmless technologies, as well as streamline the clinical processes involved in treating cancer.
The clinical assessment module documents and manages diagnosis, disease staging, evaluation and management, patient vital signs, lab results, patient counseling and education, and medications. It includes a "smart staging" feature that guides physicians through the staging process according to current clinical guidelines so that an optimal treatment approach can be determined, Varian said.
Standard templates now allow users to customize and auto-populate with existing data, as well as prompt activities that streamline workflow and guide clinicians through the treatment evaluation process for each patient, Varian said.
In addition, VARiS Vision now incorporates a new user interface, making personalized displays available at any workstation within a clinic when a particular user logs on.