Aktina Medical collaborates with Philips Medical Systems, Elekta Instruments

Aktina Medical’s SRS Cone Adapter and Elekta Instruments’ LINAC Radiotherapy system are now integrated and automated for use within the Philips Medical Systems’ Pinnacle³ Treatment Planning System (TPS).

“Pinnacle’s TPS will now be capable of connecting directly to Elekta’s LINAC system with the full integration of Aktina’s Interlocked SRS cones,” says Nicholas G. Zacharopoulos, COO, Aktina Medical. “No manual intervention will be required to ensure that the correct cones size and jaw sizes are implemented at the time of treatment.”

Aktina’s adapter snaps onto the Elekta LINAC head without collimator faceplate modifications. Aktina’s interchangeable cones are lightweight and accurate, available from 5mm through 40mm field sizes in increments of 1mm. Each cone is recognized by the Elekta LINAC through the system’s bar code scanner, and the cones are electronically interlocked through the Elekta Record and verify system by a series of micro switches embedded in the cone applicator.

Canon Virginia collaborates on CVR Medical’s CSS

ISO 13485-certified medical device contract manufacturer Canon Virginia Inc. (CVI) will collaborate with CVR Global Inc. to bring CVR Medical’s Carotid Stenotic Scan (CSS) to market. CSS is a device under development to provide early detection of carotid arterial health, a leading stroke indicator.

“Our collaboration with CVR Medical reaffirms Canon’s commitment to expanding our leading manufacturing services into the medical device industry,” says Toru Nishizawa, president and CEO of CVI.

CVI’s medical manufacturing division includes an ISO Class 7 clean room and 30,000ft2 of dedicated floor space to support Class I and Class II medical device manufacturing. The facility offers a streamlined supply chain and customized manufacturing solution for CVR Medical’s CSS device.

Lubrizol LifeSciences’ $10 million silicone operations expansion

Officials from The Lubrizol Corp.’s LifeSciences business announced a $10 million capacity expansion at its silicone contract manufacturing site in Franklin, Wisconsin, with the addition of 71,000ft² of space complementing the existing 126,000ft² operation.

The new space features product development, cellular manufacturing, and high-efficiency production lines, as well as separate Class 7 and 8 clean room space for implant and drug-eluting device production.

ConforMIS acquires Broad Peak machining, polishing assets

ConforMIS Inc. acquired the machining and polishing assets of Broad Peak Manufacturing LLC, a high-precision surface preparation and finishing facility. ConforMIS will integrate most of Broad Peak’s employees, acquire supplies and equipment, and lease a manufacturing facility and office space in Wallingford, Connecticut.

Broad Peak has provided polishing services for ConforMIS’ femoral implant component including iTotal CR, iTotal PS, iUni, and iDuo since 2014.

Starting in 2018, ConforMIS estimates that the integration of the Broad Peak polishing operations will reduce polishing cost up to 50% with a potential 200 basis point improvement in overall gross margin.

“This acquisition represents an important step in enhancing the manufacturing of our customized knee implants,” says Mark Augusti, CEO and president of ConforMIS. “Our goal is to continuously invest in specific areas of our business that will improve overall operational efficiencies while maintaining our commitment to quality product for our patients.”