ZAP-X Gyroscopic Radiosurgery Platform Debuts at Kaohsiung Show Chwan Memorial Hospital
ZAP Surgical Systems, Inc., a leader in non-invasive robotic brain surgery, has announced the installation of Taiwan’s first vault-free ZAP-X® Gyroscopic Radiosurgery® platform at Kaohsiung Show Chwan Memorial Hospital (KSCH). This installation is a significant milestone in the region’s adoption of advanced stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) technology, set to begin in Q4 2025. Patient treatments are expected to commence in Q1 2026.
KSCH, a newly opened medical facility, is part of the Show Chwan Healthcare System, one of Taiwan’s foremost medical networks. The addition of the ZAP-X platform will enhance KSCH’s existing Neuro-Oncology practice, providing state-of-the-art, non-invasive treatment options for patients with primary and metastatic brain tumors, as well as other neurological disorders.
Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is a groundbreaking, non-invasive procedure that has transformed the treatment of brain tumors and neurological conditions. Unlike traditional open surgery, SRS requires no incisions and is typically completed in a single outpatient visit. Patients often resume normal activities on the same day as the treatment. This approach is particularly effective in treating patients who might not be candidates for traditional surgery due to the location of the tumor or other health concerns.
Dr. Min-Ho Huang, President of Show Chwan Healthcare System, highlighted the importance of this development: “SRS is revolutionizing the way we treat brain tumors and neurological conditions. With the addition of ZAP-X at KSCH, we are reinforcing our commitment to providing world-class, non-invasive treatment solutions to patients in Taiwan and beyond.”
The adoption of ZAP-X at KSCH is a significant advancement for Taiwan’s neuro-oncology landscape. The ZAP-X platform is unique for its vault-free design, eliminating the need for costly, shielded radiation rooms. This feature makes advanced radiosurgery more accessible and cost-effective for healthcare providers. Additionally, unlike older SRS systems that rely on Cobalt-60 radioactive sources, ZAP-X uses a modern linear accelerator for radiation generation. This innovation not only reduces the logistical and financial burdens associated with handling and replacing radioactive isotopes but also improves the safety and efficiency of treatments.
The ZAP-X system is notable for its gyroscopic maneuverability, which allows for the precise delivery of radiosurgical beams from thousands of angles. This precision enables doctors to target tumors with high accuracy while minimizing radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissues, including critical structures like the brain stem, eyes, and optic nerves. By reducing radiation exposure to healthy brain tissue, ZAP-X helps preserve cognitive function and enhances patient safety during treatment.
Prior to the installation of ZAP-X, Show Chwan Healthcare System treated SRS patients using Cobalt-60-based technology. The introduction of the ZAP-X platform offers a next-generation alternative that improves treatment precision and versatility. The advanced capabilities of ZAP-X will enable Show Chwan Memorial Hospital to expand its treatment options for brain tumors and other neurological disorders, enhancing its reputation as a leader in medical innovation.
The use of ZAP-X in Taiwan is part of a broader effort to increase the accessibility of advanced medical technology in the region. By eliminating the need for traditional radiation shielding and radioactive isotopes, ZAP-X provides an efficient and sustainable solution for hospitals and medical centers. Its cutting-edge technology is poised to revolutionize the way doctors approach the treatment of complex neurological conditions.
The ZAP-X platform is developed by ZAP Surgical Systems, Inc., a company founded in 2014 by Dr. John R. Adler, Emeritus Dorothy & TK Chan Professor of Neurosurgery and Radiation Oncology at Stanford University. Dr. Adler is also the inventor of the CyberKnife® system and the founder of Accuray, Inc. ZAP Surgical Systems is dedicated to designing and manufacturing advanced radiosurgery platforms that push the boundaries of medical technology.
About ZAP Surgical Systems, Inc.
ZAP Surgical Systems, Inc. is the developer of the ZAP-X® Gyroscopic Radiosurgery® platform, an advanced non-invasive treatment system for brain tumors and neurological disorders. The company’s innovative design eliminates the need for shielded radiation treatment rooms, offering a more cost-effective and efficient alternative to traditional radiosurgery systems. Founded by Dr. John R. Adler, a pioneer in the field of radiosurgery, ZAP Surgical Systems aims to improve patient outcomes and expand access to advanced healthcare solutions globally.
