Breast cancer device developer Orbital Therapy has received a U.S. patent for a self-shielded radiotherapy device, which does not require a traditional vault for operation.

According to the Bedford, Mass.-based company, its shielding technology is built into the design of the radiation treatment machine, which allows the operator to remain in the room with the breast cancer patient, protects the patient from unnecessary radiation and reduces costs by eliminating the need for a vault.