• LCA-Vision (Cincinnati) reported plans for a nationwide rollout of Advanced Medical Optics’ IntraLase femtosecond technology at its LasikPlus vision centers throughout the U.S. This decision was made by LCA-Vision in conjunction with its medical advisory board following a 6-month review and clinical testing process. LCA-Vision’s medical advisory board is comprised of a panel of LasikPlus surgeons who are recognized as some of the most experienced refractive surgeons in the nation. LCA-Vision first began evaluating the IntraLase technology at four of its LasikPlus vision centers this past April, and expanded the test at additional vision centers over recent months. LCA-Vision makes laser vision correction services under the LasikPlus brand.

• Royal Philips Electronics (Andover, Massachusetts) reported North American commercial availability of the next release of Philips Xcelera, a clinically-advanced,multi-modality image management, physician reporting and information distribution system. Philips’ enhanced Xcelera solution organizes and provides access to images and data from key cardiology subspecialties, including echocardiography, cardiovascular ultrasound, nuclear cardiology, cardiac CT, cardiac MR, cardiac catheterization, and electrophysiology, as well as direct links to ECG studies. The Xcelera solution facilitates the process of documenting the patient’s medical condition, as derived from these clinical tests, into a secure, centralized electronic system. As the patient moves through the care continuum, Xcelera manages and distributes the diverse test results, supporting collaboration amongst physicians to achieve better clinical outcomes.

• Varian Medical Systems (Charlottesville, Virginia) said it has introduced an updated version of its VariSeed brachytherapy seed planning software. VariSeed 8.0 offers brachytherapy the ability to contour in the sagittal and coronal planes. Contouring the urethra has been simplified by the introduction of the structure sweep, also available in the VariSeed Implant View module for interactive seed placement and dosimetry. Varian Medical Systems makes products for treating cancer and other medical conditions with radiotherapy, radiosurgery, proton therapy, and brachytherapy.