A Medical Device Daily

Biosense Webster (Diamond Bar, California) and Stereotaxis (St. Louis) reported an expanded strategic alliance to integrate technology platforms, specifically the Stereotaxis Niobe system and the Biosense Webster Carto EP navigation system.

The two companies also extended by two years the current worldwide agreement for the development and distribution of magnetically enabled irrigated tip catheters. The two-year extension runs through Dec. 31, 2011.

"Through our alliance with Stereotaxis, together we can continue developing breakthrough technology for the millions of patients with arrhythmias," said Roy Tanaka, worldwide president of Biosense Webster. "We believe that computer guided magnetic navigation is beneficial in the treatment of arrhythmias and look forward to continuing our partnership with Stereotaxis to advance patient care."

The agreement, which is focused on integration of cath lab systems and the computer-guided delivery of magnetic devices, is intended to bring additional improvements in efficiency, efficacy and safety to interventional electrophysiology procedures.

"This expanded collaboration enables Stereotaxis to secure the advantages of the Biosense Webster irrigated catheter for an extended period and evidences the commitment the two companies have to continue development and distribution of this leading-edge technology to electrophysiology suites around the world," said Bevil Hogg, CEO of Stereotaxis.

Additionally, beyond electrophysiology, the two companies have agreed to explore opportunities for expanding their integrated technology for the delivery of cells and other biological agents for the treatment of heart failure.

The companies plan to launch their expanded collaboration during a joint symposium at Heart Rhythm 2007, the Heart Rhythm Society's (Washington) 28th Annual Scientific Sessions, being held this week in Denver.

Biosense Webster, a Johnson & Johnson (New Brunswick, New Jersey) company, says it pioneered EP diagnostic catheters more than 30 years ago and continues to provide advanced diagnostic, therapeutic and mapping tools.

Stereotaxis makes an advanced cardiology instrument control system for use in a hospital's interventional surgical suite to enhance the treatment of coronary artery disease and arrhythmias.

In other new ventures, The Sagemark Companies (New York), a national owner and operator of outpatient medical diagnostic imaging centers that use positron emission tomography (PET) and PET and computed tomography (PET/CT), reported that as a complement to its existing operations, it is entering the cancer treatment field deploying an advanced radiation therapy system developed by TomoTherapy (Madison, Wisconsin).

Through its wholly owned subsidiary, Premier TomoTherapy Cancer Treatment Centers of America, the company plans to develop cancer treatment centers installing TomoTherapy Hi-Art systems, the industry's most advanced radiation therapy system, according to the company.

"We looked at several options and concluded that this technology is different and unique, essentially a step above the rest," said Michael Fagien, MD, chief medical officer of The Sagemark Companies. "We are certain the patients at our medical centers will benefit tremendously from TomoTherapy since the radiation can be pinpointed exactly where it needs to go, minimizing damage to healthy tissues and reducing side effects."

The company said it has placed an order for its first three TomoTherapy Hi-Art systems and is just finalizing the premise lease for its first TomoTherapy cancer treatment center which will be located in the New York Tri-state area and plans, upon the consummation of its financing, to have the facility operational this year. A number of additional sites are under consideration for its second and third TomoTherapy cancer treatment centers.

Incorporating features that facilitate treatment planning, dose targeting, precise treatment delivery, and effective adaptive planning, the Hi-Art system combines on-board CT imaging with conformal radiation therapy to provide unprecedented precision in the treatment of cancer patients. The Hi-Art system is designed to target radiation treatment to the patient's tumor while helping to limit damage to the surrounding tissues.

"The company is in discussions with a number of joint venture partners and other financing sources to fund the capital required topursue this opportunity and the company's ongoing operations. We believe that our entry into this market will have a positive effect on the company's profitability and shareholder value, as well as remarkable outcomes for those patients to be treated by the cutting-edge technology deployed in the TomoTherapy radiation therapy system," said Ted Shapiro, president/CEO of The Sagemark Companies.