• Accuray (Sunnyvale, California) said that its Monte Carlo dose calculation algorithm has received FDA clearance and is now commercially available worldwide. Monte Carlo methods are considered the gold standard of probabilistic statistics. The Monte Carlo dose calculation method takes the probability and potential interactions for each individual photon into account when it calculates the dose being delivered by a single photon. It then considers the probabilities for each of millions of photons to generate a dose calculation for the target and surrounding structures. By integrating the Monte Carlo Dose Calculation algorithm with the CyberKnife robotic radiosurgery system, Accuray can provide clinicians with tools for treating lung cancer. This enables the CyberKnife system to deliver precise, high-dose radiation, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue and eliminating the need for invasive head or body stabilization frames. Accuray specializes in the field of radiosurgery.

• Diagnostic Hybrids (Athens, Ohio) reported the release of its D³ DFA Varicella-zoster virus identification kit for the qualitative identification of Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) in cell culture by immunofluorescence. The kit is for in vitro diagnostic use and uses a blend of monoclonal antibodies directed against two specific VZV proteins. The D³ is a complement to Diagnostic Hybrids’ Varicella-zoster virus testing system which includes the Flocked Swab/UTM for specimen collection and transport, the H&V-Mix mixed cell culture system which allows for the rapid isolation of VZV, and now the D³ DFA Varicella-zoster virus identification kit. Diagnostic Hybrids makes diagnostic and analytical products for viral respiratory diseases, herpes virus infections, and other specific viral and thyroid diseases.

• World Heart (Oakland, California) reported successful completion of a multi-day animal study of a miniaturized, pediatric, ventricular assist device (VAD). The PediaFlow is expected to be the platform for a future minimally invasive adult VAD, intended to meet a large clinical need for earlier-stage heart failure patients. The Levacor is a bearingless, fully magnetically levitated implantable centrifugal rotary pump with clinical experience. The Levacor VAD uses magnetic levitation to fully suspend the spinning rotor, its only moving part, inside a compact housing. The levitation technology employs what the company calls a unique arrangement of magnetics expected to provide optimal system simplicity and reliability. In contrast to pumps with blood-immersed mechanical or hydrodynamic bearings, full magnetic levitation is designed to eliminate wear within the pump as well as eliminate dependence on blood properties for rotor suspension. World Heart makes mechanical circulatory support systems.