Elekta Studio

The origin of Elekta Studio

A Customer-Driven Innovation that Enhances Brachytherapy Workflow and Outcomes

Elekta Studio's development was deeply influenced by our customers' invaluable input and collaboration.

Marjolein Idzes, Director of Marketing Strategy at Elekta, sheds light on their feedback shaped the journey of Elekta Studio.

Marjolein reminds us that having everything in one room was introduced long ago with real-time prostate treatment. She says it wasn’t named Elekta Studio at the time. However, with the integration of the ImagingRing, dedicated table, applicators, afterloaders, and planning system, she recalls that Elekta Studio emerged as a comprehensive solution that brings all elements together in a single room.

Marjolein shares: “ Elekta Studio's introduction has changed how we engage with customers. Instead of offering individual components such as afterloaders or applicators, we encourage them to consider their entire brachytherapy workflow within the hospital setting. We invite them to reflect on waiting times, resource allocation, and the overall patient workflow overview.”

The patient-centric approach allows us to tailor Elekta Studio to physicians’ needs, optimizing their brachytherapy workflow and addressing challenges like applicator displacement resulting from patient transportation between rooms and tables. By actively involving our customers in the development process, we ensure that Elekta Studio aligns perfectly with their clinical requirements, empowering them to enhance their brachytherapy practice and deliver the best possible patient care.

Our vision and motivations

Revolutionizing Brachytherapy with Cutting-Edge Imaging for high-quality treatment and time-saving

At the heart of Elekta Studio’s development was the quest to develop an exceptional imaging device tailored for interventional settings.

Maarten ter Mors, Head of Brachytherapy at Elekta, explains how, with this foundation, Elekta teams crafted a comprehensive solution to enhance the brachytherapy theater's workflow.

“What sets Elekta Studio apart is the seamless integration of our world-class software, leading applicators, and the groundbreaking ImagingRing - a mobile CT unit with unmatched capabilities.”- Maarten ter Mors.

According to Maarten, ImagingRing is a game-changer offering 3-dimensional images for precise planning and 2-dimensional images for instrument guidance, quality assurance, and more. Its unique large bore and slim design always ensure easy access to the patient. He adds: “We take immense pride in Elekta Studio and the strides we've made thus far.” As more healthcare providers embrace this innovative platform and explore its potential, Maarten is excited to see new possibilities unfold. “Elekta Studio is crucial for advancing brachytherapy amidst rising patient numbers, cost constraints, and time sensitivity. This single-room, high-quality, and super-efficient treatment approach opens up a new phase for brachytherapy.” - Maarten ter Mors.

Maarten mentions the two core benefits of Elekta Studio:

• Treatment Quality:

  While brachytherapy boasts exceptional treatment quality, Elekta Studio takes it to the next level. With on-demand imaging, clinicians can repeatedly check organ positions, bladder fill, and catheter placement without moving the patient to the scanner. This ensures treatment quality remains unparalleled throughout the entire procedure.

• Time Savings and Simplified Workflow:

  Elekta Studio significantly reduces waiting and patient transfer times, resulting in faster procedures and enhanced accuracy. Bringing all elements together in one room minimizes complexity in staff planning, leading to smoother, more efficient treatments.

Elekta Studio marks a transformative shift in brachytherapy, empowering clinicians with cutting-edge technology and comprehensive solutions that drive exceptional patient care. With Elekta Studio at the forefront, we envision a future where brachytherapy reaches new heights in precision, efficiency, and effectiveness.

Bringing Everything in One Room, an Extraordinary Platform for Brachytherapy Excellence

What makes Elekta Studio unique is the seamless integration of Elekta’s diverse brachytherapy product portfolio. This unparalleled combination includes the afterloader, treatment planning, applicators, and the groundbreaking ImagingRing. Together, these cutting-edge components synergize to create an extraordinary platform for brachytherapy excellence.

Improving staff and patient experience during brachytherapy treatment.

Eric Sewsingh, Director of Global Sales at Elekta Brachy Solutions, explains how Elekta Studio emerged from a clear vision of providing a safe, comfortable, and highly accurate treatment environment for radiation oncologists, medical staff, and patients.

“We aimed to redefine the landscape of radiation therapy by seamlessly integrating safety, comfort, and precision into a single solution, which led to Elekta Studio.”- Eric Sewsingh.

Patient well-being is at the forefront of Elekta Studio’s design philosophy. By incorporating advanced technologies and optimizing workflows, Elekta Studio prioritizes patient experience, ensuring they receive the best care possible in a safe and comfortable environment.

The comfort and efficiency of the radiation oncologists and medical staff who deliver these critical treatments are equally vital. Elekta Studio is a comprehensive solution that empowers clinicians to work securely and effectively and deliver exceptional care.

“Safety and comfort, combined with highly accurate treatment delivery, was our vision. That’s why we created Elekta Studio.”- Eric Sewsingh.

The game-changing of having access to in-room imaging with ImagingRing during brachytherapy treatment.

Like any other radiation therapy treatment, Brachytherapy relies heavily on imaging to achieve optimal outcomes. Precision and accuracy are critical factors in delivering effective treatment.

Knowing precisely where the dose will be delivered is paramount in brachytherapy. In-room imaging offers a significant advantage, allowing clinicians to visualize the radiation source's anatomy and location. This level of precision surpasses other techniques and enhances treatment accuracy.

Fernando Alves, responsible for Region Europe at Elekta, highlights the essential benefits of having in-room imaging with Elekta Studio ImagingRing.

• Improved Accuracy and Efficiency:

  Having the ImagingRing inside the brachytherapy theater eliminates the need to move the patient to another room for imaging. Clinicians can insert the applicator while obtaining real-time images of the anatomy. This enables precise placement and implant quality, thereby improving the overall accuracy of the treatment.

• Enhanced Patient Comfort:

  In-room imaging significantly enhances patient comfort during brachytherapy procedures by avoiding transporting patients between rooms or departments. Patients remain in the same room throughout the treatment and in the same position, reducing stress and discomfort.

• Optimized Resource Utilization:

  In-room imaging streamlines the treatment process and reduces the number of people involved, improving hospital efficiency. The hospital can treat more patients with fewer resources and personnel without compromising quality.

In-room imaging with ImagingRing revolutionizes brachytherapy workflow, bringing greater precision, efficiency, and comfort to patients and medical staff. By providing clinicians with real-time visualization and reducing patient movements, this innovative solution elevates the standards of brachytherapy and enhances treatment outcomes. The transformative impact of in-room imaging is set to shape the future of radiation oncology, driving remarkable advancements in patient care and safety.

Brachytherapy Setup Simplified to Increase Patient Comfort and Improve Accuracy

Marjolein Idzes, Director of Marketing Strategy at Elekta, compares the differences between a traditional brachytherapy workflow and a one-room workflow with in-room imaging.

The traditional brachytherapy setup often involves patient transportation to different locations within the hospital, causing discomfort and potential changes in staff interaction. With Elekta Studio's vision of consolidating all components in one room, these challenges can be overcome. Patient movements are minimized by having all equipment, including the afterloaders and ImagingRing, in the same room. This means the patient can be imaged and treated in the same position, reducing the risk of applicator displacement. Additionally, the consistency of staff presence throughout the procedure enhances patient comfort and facilitates focused care.

Elekta Studio's integration of various imaging modalities, such as 2D, X-ray, 3D, and fluoroscopy, allows physicians to utilize the most suitable imaging modality at any given moment. Fluoroscopy aids needle navigation during insertion, while cone beam 3D data provides a comprehensive patient set for contouring and treatment planning in the Oncentra planning system. By minimizing patient movement and avoiding the need for multiple imaging devices, the chance of applicator or needle displacement is significantly reduced, improving the overall accuracy of the brachytherapy procedure.

The benefits of Elekta Studio extend beyond patient comfort and accuracy. With the ImagingRing and its large bore, data can be acquired in the exact treatment position, further decreasing applicator displacement. Moreover, immediate adjustments, such as needle repositioning, can be made during the procedure without requiring time-consuming patient transportation.

“Elekta Studio's streamlined approach, enabled by ImagingRing, enhances the efficiency of the brachytherapy process, saving time and providing a more patient-centric experience.”- Marjolein Idzes