• E-mail
• Print
• Comment
• Font Size
• Digg
• del.icio.us
• Discuss article

Elekta Chosen to Deliver Sophisticated Brain Mapping Technology to the Mind Research Network

Posted on: Friday, 17 April 2009, 08:00 CDT

ATLANTA, April 17 /PRNewswire/ -- The Mind Research Network (MRN) will bring world-leading technology to Albuquerque, with the acquisition of an Elekta Neuromag(R), a device for non-invasive measurement of brain activity using Magnetoencephalography (MEG) technology.

MRN has been utilizing MEG technology to study brain function and disorders for approximately the last five years; however, the organization will upgrade to the Elekta Neuromag MEG system in early 2009, allowing researchers to record human brain activity better and more accurately than before.

"When looking to replace our current MEG system, we chose Elekta because we felt that their data collection software and analysis and archiving of records would meet all of our research and clinical needs," says Michael Weisend, Ph.D., director of MEG/EEG Core at MRN, and expert in identifying and specifically defining the location of epileptic seizures.

"We are funded to study a variety of neuroscience areas that will exploit the Elekta Neuromag's capability," says Weisend. "Currently, we investigate the fundamental mechanisms of learning and memory in healthy individuals, as well as those with brain-based disorders such as traumatic brain injury, epilepsy, drug addiction, and schizophrenia. We also are collaborating with Dr. Bruce Fisch, director of the epilepsy treatment program at the University of New Mexico to develop a clinical MEG program. This program will help to guide neurosurgical intervention in people with epilepsy and brain tumors."

"With a long-term commitment to the development of MEG technology, Elekta was the natural choice when MRN made its decision to purchase a new MEG system," says Stephen Otto, Chairman of Elekta's Neuromag Business. "We are pleased to see an increasing interest around the world for Elekta Neuromag systems, particularly in the U.S. We will continue to develop new features and technological advances so that organizations like MRN can continue to be at the forefront of MEG instrumentation."

MEG technology is regarded as the most efficient method for tracking brain activity at millisecond resolution. Compared to EEG technology, MEG has uniquely accurate localization capabilities. Other technologies such as Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), only provide anatomical or metabolic information; whereas MEG is a direct measure of neuronal electric activity. When complemented with MRI, MEG increases the ability to understand brain activity and improve treatment of functional disorders particularly, epilepsy.

For clinical, scientific or sales inquiries, please contact: Michael Enwall Director, MEG Marketing Europe & AFLAME Tel: +46 8 587 25 448 Email: michael.enwall@elekta.com or Gordon Haid Director of Sales, North America, Functional Mapping Business Unit Tel: +1-604-395-5339 Email: gordon.haid@elekta.com

About The Mind Research Network

The Mind Research Network (MRN) is an independent non-profit organization dedicated to the discovery and advancement of clinical solutions for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of mental illness and brain disorders.

Headquartered in Albuquerque, New Mexico, MRN consists of an interdisciplinary association of scientists who are focused on imaging technology and its emergence as an integral element of neuroscience investigation. With an extended community of researchers, academicians, graduate students and technicians, MRN is uniquely positioned with its national infrastructure to link the brightest minds in neuroscience with some of the most advanced neuroimaging capabilities in the world today. For additional information, visit www.mrn.org.

About Elekta

Elekta is a human care company pioneering significant innovations and clinical solutions for treating cancer and brain disorders. The company develops sophisticated state of the art tools and treatment planning systems for radiation therapy and radiosurgery, as well as workflow enhancing software systems across the spectrum of cancer care.

Stretching the boundaries of science and technology, providing intelligent and resource-efficient solutions that offer confidence to both healthcare providers and patients, Elekta aims to improve, prolong and even save patient lives, making the future possible today.

Today, Elekta solutions in oncology and neurosurgery are used in over 5,000 hospitals globally, and every day more than 100,000 patients receive diagnosis, treatment or follow-up with the help of a solution from the Elekta Group. Elekta employs around 2,500 employees globally. The corporate headquarter is located in Stockholm, Sweden, and the company is listed on the Nordic Exchange under the ticker EKTAb. For additional information, visit www.elekta.com.

SOURCE Elekta

Source: PR Newswire

More News in this Category