New Compact Proton Radiotherapy Device Designed With SolidWorks Software

Main Category: Radiology / Nuclear Medicine
Also Included In: Medical Devices / Diagnostics
Article Date: 27 Mar 2008 - 1:00 PDT

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Still River Systems, a Littleton, Mass. company, is using SolidWorks® 3D CAD software to develop a new compact and affordable proton radiotherapy treatment device.

Unlike conventional X-ray based radiation therapy systems, Still River Systems' Monarch250™ uses proton beam for radiotherapy. Proton beam radiotherapy employs a particle accelerator device that uses electric fields to propel electrically charged particles to high speeds and then contain and shape them to output a highly focused proton beam toward a precisely defined target. This technology can sharply reduce damage to healthy tissue by precisely focusing the radiation dose to the tumor. Proton radiotherapy is especially valuable in critical structures of the body like the eye, brain, base of the skull, spine, and prostate. It also limits radiation exposure for safe treatment of children.

Proton beam radiotherapy has been in use since the 1950s, but is only available in five facilities in the United States and 28 centers worldwide. While it typically costs more than $140 million to build a proton therapy facility, Still River Systems' new design will cost hospitals only a fraction of current costs and occupy one room instead of a large city block.

"The design is challenging, with more than 10,000 parts ranging from a 1/8th-inch long pin to a large magnet that swings on a gantry supported by bearings the size of a tractor tire," said Barry Mendell, Still River Systems' engineering services manager. "It was assumed we were using SolidWorks from the start. Eighty percent of the mechanical engineers hired to participate on the project were already SolidWorks users, and no one has ever questioned the choice. For the remainder of the non-SolidWorks users who were experienced with other 3D modeling applications, the learning curve was minimal. SolidWorks works flawlessly with our GibbsCAM® software, and provides the capabilities for sheet metal, weldments, process pipes, cable routing, surfacing, and motion required for our various mechanical assemblies."

Still Rivers Systems uses PDMWorks® data management software to control CAD file revisions and manage CAD projects and uses SolidWorks' COSMOSWorks® design analysis software to check the structural strength of various parts and assemblies.

Powerful renderings in SolidWorks' PhotoWorks™ software and videos created in SolidWorks Animator software help Still River Systems professionals at all levels communicate project details to other parties outside the company.

"Still River Systems is obviously doing important work," said Rainer Gawlick, SolidWorks Corporation's vice president of worldwide marketing. "It is inspiring that SolidWorks software was the choice to develop this affordable and compact proton therapy system that will increase access to this powerful cancer treatment option."

Still River Systems uses authorized SolidWorks reseller CADD Edge for ongoing software training, implementation, and support.

About Still River Systems

Still River Systems is dedicated to providing physicians and their patients access to high quality, cost-effective proton therapy solutions, and to help establish this superior treatment modality as a standard of care for patients worldwide. Still River Systems is developing the Monarch250, an affordable and compact proton therapy system for cancer treatment. The Monarch 250 proton therapy device has not been cleared by the US Food and Drug Administration for clinical use and is in development. For more information please call 978-540-1500 or visit @ http://www.StillRiverSystems.com.

About CADD Edge, Inc.

CADD Edge is the developer of the Mechanical Engineering Productivity Machine™. The CADD Edge Productivity Machine enables engineers to design imaginative products exceptionally fast with superior quality. Customized for industry-specific SolidWorks environments, this performance-driven machine is fueled by four components - auditing, implementation, multi-level training, and software utilities - all working together to help companies be first to deliver winning designs from concept to customer. For more information on CADD Edge, please visit http://www.caddedge.com.

About SolidWorks Corporation

SolidWorks Corporation, a Dassault Systèmes S.A. (Nasdaq: DASTY, Euronext Paris: #13065, DSY.PA) company, develops and markets software for design, analysis, and product data management. It is the leading supplier of 3D CAD technology, giving teams intuitive, high-performing software that helps them design better products. For the latest news, information, or an online demonstration, visit the company's Web site (http://www.solidworks.com).

SolidWorks, PDMWorks, and COSMOSWorks are registered trademarks and PhotoWorks is a trademark of SolidWorks Corporation. Other brand and product names are trademarks of their respective owners. Copyright (c) 2008 SolidWorks Corporation.

SolidWorks Corporation

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