Friday, June 30, 2017

Consideration with Linear Accelerators

Radiotherapy works by targeting high-energy gamma rays or electron beams into cancerous cells. These damaged cells are more prone to radiation damage than the normal tissues. Linear accelerators are multi-modality ionizing radiation generators with associated imaging devices that are currently used for delivery of external beam radiotherapy.

Contemporary linear accelerators provide wither 6 MeV photons in the “low energy” range machines or dual/triple photon energy and several electron energies. The following systems are incorporated into the linear accelerators: multi-leaf collimator (MLC) for beam Shaping, capability to deliver intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and a 3D image guidance system (IGRT). They also provide an electronic portal imaging system for imaging treatment beams.

Other additional features may be incorporated into linear accelerators such as: arc-based IMRT delivery, total body irradiation, high dose rate electrons, and more. Despite the high capital cost of purchasing them, their high patient throughout over a long lifespan makes them extremely cost-effective compared with the other treatment options. The operation of linear accelerators should be according to the existing standards and regulations which include: IEC standards, radiation regulations, guidelines for radio therapy room design, and more.

Technical Considerations

The technology used in conventional linear accelerators is essentially the same for all of them. The high energy generation can be achieved either by implementing the “traveling waveguide technology” or by implementing the “standing waveguide technology”. The first approach is simpler and more reliable, while the second approach features a more stable treatment beam. The generated radiation beam is flattened and shaped using collimation devices to form a beam matching the shape of the tumor.

The wave guide, the filters, and the collimator are mounted on a gantry which rotates around the patient which allows the tumor to be irradiated from multiple directions. There is a linear accelerator patient coach specifically designed to allow irradiation of the patient from multiple directions.
Modern linear accelerators are designed to enable intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). This is a dynamic radiotherapy delivery method which enables good control over the three-dimensional dose distribution: the delivered beam instead of being flat, changes the intensity at different points within the beam.

There are different types of linear accelerator IMRT delivery methods:

• Step and Shoot Method: This method consists of delivering a series of different shaped fields formed by the MLC to build up a variable intensity pattern. The irradiation is stopped between each field.

• Dynamic MLC Method: In which the radiation runs constant, while the MLC leaves move across the field at variable speeds.

• Arc Therapy Method: In which the radiation runs continuously and the gantry collimators anc MLC leaves are all moving continuously. The does rate also varies during the delivery. Treatments are delivered in an arc, or sometimes in two arcs. This is probably the best choice for IMRT.

Learn more about Radparts and the variety of services and parts they offer to repair medical equipment including: linear accelerators parts, CT scanners parts, linac parts, and radiation oncology equipment at www.radparts.com. To contact one of our medical equipment repair specialists for parts or service call toll free 877.704.3838 for 24/7/365 support.

Monday, June 19, 2017

Radiation Oncology Equipment

A variety of radiation oncology equipment tools are used to provide radiation therapy.  In radiation therapy high-energy radiation is transmitted with the goal of shrinking tumours thus killing the cancerous cells.  There are a number of different types of radiation used to kill cancerous tumour cells including x-ray, gamma ray, and other charged particles.  Radiation is emitted from a machine, such as a linear accelerator, that is used on the outside of the body.  Occasionally doctors will recommend placing radioactive material directly on the part of the body where the cancer cells are developing.
A number of manufacturers provide radiology equipment as well as a number of independent medical equipment specialists.  Many times facilities looking to maximize their budget will look into refurbished machines.  There are a number of machines that play a role in delivering radiation to patients including: linear accelerators (LINACS), CT scanners, HDR systems, PET CT scanners, MRI systems, conventional simulators, treatment planning systems, and more.
A linear accelerator is a piece of radiation oncology equipment that is designed to specifically deliver high energy x-rays, charged electrons, that conform to the shape of the tumour and destroy the cancerous cells without damaging nearby healthy tissue.  LINACS were built with several security measures in place to monitor and control the dose of radiation that is emitted during each session.
A measurement is prepared ahead of time to calculate the correct dosage of radiation that each particular patient needs.  Having this prepared ahead of time helps to ensure that a dose that is higher than what has been prescribed is not given to the patient.  More radiation then is absolutely necessary will not increase the chances of the cancer shrinking but will increase the likelihood that damage is done to the surrounding healthy tissue.
Radiation oncologists operate linear accelerators (LINAC) to deliver radiation therapy to patients as their treatment plan states.  A detailed treatment plan is prepared by a team of physicians including the radiation oncologist, radiation dosimetrist, and medical physicist.  This plan is then reviewed in depth by your personal physician to ensure that the information goes through a number of cross checks before starting the plan.
Cancer is not a disease of convenience.  Thankfully developments within the medical industry have allowed for technology to adapt to ever changing treatment plans.  Large scaled equipment such as linear accelerators are designed with a number of options that allow it function on a sliding scale. Treatment can be directed at the smallest, most delicate parts of the body to annihilate cancerous cells while leaving the healthy tissue surrounding the area unaffected.
Learn more about Radparts and the variety of services and parts they offer to repair medical equipment including: linear accelerators parts, CT scanners parts, linac parts, and radiation oncology equipment at www.radparts.com.  To contact one of our medical equipment repair specialists for parts or service call toll free 877.704.3838 for 24/7/365 support.

Wednesday, June 14, 2017

Custom Liquid Cooling Systems from Laird Optimize Particle Accelerators Performance

Laird has developed self-contained liquid cooling systems (LCS) that deliver optimal temperature stabilization for more precise temperature control in particle accelerators like linear accelerators (LINACs) and cyclotron systems. LINACs and cyclotrons increase the kinetic energy of particles for use in a variety of applications, ranging from scientific studies on particle physics to radiation therapy for cancer patients. Temperature control within the linear accelerator and cyclotron systems is critical for operational integrity, performance accuracy and system reliability. One example of a LINAC system is Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) equipment used for treating cancer. IMRT equipment requires thermal consistency to maintain beam energy and stability. The tungsten target, the waveguide, the acceleration chamber, and the magnets all require thermal management to dissipate heat buildup and maintain temperature stability for optimal operation. Even the cabinet electronics, amplifiers and power supplies, require cooling due to the heat generated during operation. For example, certain components in an IMRT system, such as the process board, require thermal control within about 0.5 degree C. Cyclotron systems, like Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scanners, require cooling of both the cyclotron equipment that generates the radioactive substance and the detector banks in the imaging system. The amplifiers, power supplies, and vacuum chamber also need cooling. To avoid noise in the image due to leakage current, the detectors need to be kept at a constant temperature relative to one another. Liquid cooling systems recirculate coolant to a predefined set-point temperature, while dissipating the large amount of heat generated in the densely packed electronic environment of IMRT and PET systems. An LCS offers higher efficiency than air-based heat exchangers and provides more rapid cooling, quieter operation, higher reliability, and increased system uptime. Laird offers three types of liquid cooling systems to meet most any application demands: liquid-to-air configuration; liquid-to-liquid configuration; and compressor-based chiller system. Depending on system requirements, additional features for precise temperature control and variable coolant flow rate, coolants with corrosion inhibitors, and coolant filtration are available. In IMRT and PET systems, temperature control of multiple liquid circuits is often required, as is high operational temperature. Control of multiple pressure, flow, and temperature settings can easily be accommodated in a single system design. Given the complexity of some IMRT and PET systems, usage of a custom designed LCS with plug-and-play components may be a good solution. For example, quick connect fittings allow easy service and maintenance, such as a bottom drain for removing the coolant by gravity, or a pump that is easy to swap out to simplify ease-of-service. Custom housing configurations for unique environments may also be required. Laird has the knowledge to custom design liquid cooling systems for linear accelerator and cyclotron applications, as well as the experience to support and service them. “The increasing intricacy of thermal management means that linear accelerator and cyclotron systems often require custom liquid cooling systems. Laird’s experience in the design, manufacturing, and servicing of liquid cooling systems, as well as our expertise in pumps, compressor technology, heat exchangers, and electro-mechanical controls allows IMRT and PET manufacturers to focus on their end product design, while leaving the thermal management issues to the experts,” said Anders Kottenauer, Senior Vice President of Laird’s Engineered Thermal Systems Business. Laird Original Source: http://www.designworldonline.com/custom-liquid-cooling-systems-laird-optimize-particle-accelerators-performance/ Original Author: Taylor Meade Original Date: June 1, 2017

Monday, June 12, 2017

TheraView TBI gets 510k approval

TheraView and its Distributor Acceletronics are proud to present the first commercially available mobile Total Body Irradiation (TBI) detector. With its unique software features, radiation therapists can easily follow the entire TBI treatment. An easy setup on any Linac makes the patient treatment very efficient and accurate. During a live video stream the system will warn the user of any patient deviation by a change in color scheme or clinical audio alarm.  Please take a moment to visit our website TheraView page which has a link to the new TBI Imaging system brochure. We are available for an onsite or online demo at a convenient time to share this new product with you and your team. Contact us at info@Acceletronics.com or call 800-543-5144.  

Toll Free 1-800-626-8704 www.acceletronics.com

www.radparts.com

info@acceletronics.com