ZAP Surgical Launches ZAP-Axon® Radiosurgery Planning System
ZAP Surgical Systems, Inc., a global leader in non-invasive robotic brain surgery, has introduced the ZAP-Axon® Radiosurgery Planning System*. This innovative software platform is designed specifically for the company’s ZAP-X® Gyroscopic Radiosurgery® system. Axon aims to simplify, accelerate, and improve treatment planning, setting new standards for brain tumor radiosurgery. Currently pending FDA 510(k) clearance, the ZAP-Axon® system is expected to be available in Spring 2025.
ZAP Surgical Systems, Inc., a global leader in non-invasive robotic brain surgery, has announced the ZAP-Axon® Radiosurgery Planning System, a cutting-edge software platform designed exclusively for the company’s ZAP-X® Gyroscopic Radiosurgery® system. Focused solely on cranial stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), Axon aims to transform the radiosurgery planning process by offering an intuitive, streamlined user interface. This innovative system eliminates the complexities of traditional comprehensive planning systems, which were often developed for full-body radiation treatments and various radiation delivery techniques. The result is a software solution that presents sophisticated SRS data in a clear and concise manner, free from unnecessary input and output.
The design of Axon sets a new benchmark in radiosurgery treatment planning by simplifying workflows and empowering clinicians to quickly and easily navigate the software. “By removing the clutter and complexity of traditional planning systems, Axon allows clinicians to quickly master state-of-the-art radiosurgery planning,” said John R. Adler, MD, Professor Emeritus of Neurosurgery at Stanford University and Founder and CEO of ZAP Surgical Systems. “I’ll go so far as to say it’s so easy, even a brain surgeon can use it!”
One of the standout features of the Axon system is its use of an innovative Krylov quadratic optimizer, which enhances treatment quality while preserving critical brain tissue. In traditional planning systems, creating optimal treatment plans required a lengthy 20-minute optimization process. With Axon, this can now be done in just 30-45 seconds. The ability to rapidly iterate on multiple treatment plans allows clinicians to explore a variety of potential options, improving the chances of finding the best possible approach for each patient.
Alex Maslowski, PhD, Vice President of Software at ZAP Surgical, emphasized how Axon’s speed and flexibility provide an improved method for reviewing multiple treatment plans. “Faster than today’s standard planning systems, Axon offers an enhanced approach to evaluating multiple candidate plans,” said Maslowski. “This capability is particularly beneficial, as time constraints in previous systems often limited clinicians’ ability to consider all potential treatment options.”
The ZAP-X Gyroscopic Radiosurgery platform, which Axon complements, boasts a unique gyroscopic design that enables radiosurgical beams to be directed from thousands of potential angles. This design ensures precise tumor targeting while prioritizing the preservation of healthy brain tissue and cognitive function. Additionally, ZAP-X’s vault-free and cobalt-free design eliminates the need for expensive shielded treatment rooms and removes the complexities associated with managing radioactive isotopes. This innovative combination of technology reduces costs and makes advanced radiosurgery more accessible to patients and healthcare providers.
Dr. Adler highlights how the integration of Axon and ZAP-X provides a comprehensive solution for challenging cranial cases, including trigeminal neuralgia, complex skull-based tumors, and multiple brain metastases. “The best SRS software now meets the best SRS hardware,” said Adler. “Axon is designed to harness the full potential of ZAP-X’s gyroscopic geometry, 8 circulator beam apertures, and robotic treatment table, making it ideal for treating even the most complicated brain tumor cases.”
The ZAP-Axon® Radiosurgery Planning System is currently pending FDA 510(k) clearance and is expected to be available in Spring 2025. This advanced system is expected to redefine the landscape of cranial radiosurgery, offering clinicians the tools they need to provide better, more efficient care for patients with brain tumors.
About ZAP Surgical Systems, Inc.
ZAP Surgical Systems, Inc. designs and manufactures the ZAP-X® Gyroscopic Radiosurgery® platform. Founded in 2014 by Dr. John R. Adler, the company is focused on revolutionizing non-invasive brain surgery. Dr. Adler, also the inventor of the CyberKnife® system and founder of Accuray, Inc., developed ZAP-X to incorporate a vault-free design, reducing the need for costly shielded treatment rooms. ZAP-X also employs a modern linear accelerator, eliminating the need for Cobalt-60, the traditional radiation source used in radiosurgery. With a commitment to advancing precision medicine, ZAP Surgical aims to provide patients with better, safer, and more effective treatment options for brain tumors.
