• AccSys Technology (Pleasanton, California) reported that the company's first mobile PULSAR PET Isotope Production Laboratory has been sold and shipped for the rproduction of fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) and other compounds in a hospital-based molecular imaging program. It consists of a lightweight proton linear accelerator (linac) installed in a mobile coach of Mobile Coaches outfitted with a laboratory containing a shielded mini-cell for housing a synthesis unit for FDG and a clean area with a Class 3 laminar flow hood for dispensing. The mobile accelerator and laboratory, which can be moved and set up quickly, aboids the geographic constraints of the present heavier accelerators, setting "a new standard for the local delivery of short lived PET," AccSys said. AccSys manufactures and services compact ion linacs using its patented linac technology.

• Hamilton Thorne Biosciences (Beverly, Massachusetts) said it has received third-round FDA marketing clearance for additional clinical applications for its ZILOS-tk zona laser drill. It says that the drill is the only non-contact laser device to be awarded marketing clearance for zona-pellucida drilling for blastomere biopsy and trophectoderm biopsy of human embryos in clinical applications. Laser-assisted biopsy with the ZILOS-tk uses a highly focused laser beam to remove the zona pellucida in very precise increments. Laser-assisted biopsy requires less handling of the embryo than these other biopsy methods. Also, laser-assisted biopsy is faster than the other methods and, therefore, the embryo spends less time outside the incubator. Hamilton Thorne is a private technology company that supplies computer-based solutions to the infertility, drug discovery, and animal production markets.

• HealthTronics (Austin, Texas) reported launch of its LithoDiamond ULTRA lithotripter. The LithoDiamond ULTRA has five key clinical features: technology which provides both electrohydraulic, or "spark gap" therapy delivery, as well as electromagnetic therapy delivery; a rotating therapy head that provides unencumbered access to both sides of the patient for treating kidney and lower ureteral stones in either the supine or prone position; integrated iso-centric C-arm and image chain which provides optimal image quality to visualize stones in the kidney and ureter; mobile platform consisting of two components for excellent portability and productivity; and table functionality that allows for cysto, prostate and other surgical procedures. HealthTronics makes urology services and products.