Targeting Cancer with Radiation Treatment Machines

Searching for the right radiation oncology positioning device and quality radiotherapy equipment services can be hard. However, there are certain parameters which you should consider in buying the right positioning devices from the right people without having to compromise on targeting the cancer cells effectively while treating them through the cancer treatment machines.

While it might be thought that the techniques for positioning that were used in the early days can still be used, the fact should be kept in mind that new devices have been developed that have totally eliminated the disadvantages for those early techniques.

What Is a Positioning Device?

Before we could plunge into knowing the parameters which we talked about, let us first know in true terms what really a positioning device is and what it is used for.  A positioning device in oncology is anything that can help the oncologist in maintaining a firm and steady position of his or her patient during treatment.

These devices are needed in order to fix the patient in the appropriate position so that there is no radiation leakage to any healthy visceral parts. Too often, positioning errors pose great dangers not for the patient only, but also for the oncologist or radiologist who is carrying out the radiation session. Thus, with the help of positioning devices, these errors can be mitigated to a greater level.

The Need for Positioning Devices

As we have explained the main objective of the immobilization devices, let us see what other needs call for the installation of these devices.

• Patient’s Fear

The worries of those who are already battered by lingering cancer that they suffer from could be reduced by using devices that can position them in a better way. Normally, every patient knows the dangers that radiation therapy poses to healthy tissues. In this way, there is a need to assure them of the safety that certain devices can provide.

• Daily Set Up Time

The time that is wasted in positioning a patient without the help of immobilization devices can be reduced with the help of them. Since the radiation therapy spans over several days and the radiation has to be targeted on the cancerous cells from different positions, it is indispensable to use positioning devices.

• Making a Body Part Rigid

During a radiation therapy session, due to the fear of the patient or any other reason, the body part under treatment can experience flexion. This can put immense pressure on the radiologist or oncologist and thus can reduce the efficiency of the process. So, in order to eliminate any possible chances of the body part, different positioning devices can be used which comply with the structure of that part.

What should you look for immobilization devices?

In order to buy immobilization devices that can target cancer cells effectively, there is a need to pay heed to the following characteristics.

• The device should be easy in usage and construction
• Patient should not experience any discomfort
• The device should be appropriately structured according to the body type of the patient and his or her external contours
• It shouldn’t come in the way of the radiation beam
• It shouldn’t change shape over time
• It should position the patient optimally
• The material with which it is made
• Its ability to be reused

Considering the above needs and the parameters, you should buy the appropriate radiation oncology positioning device from quality radiotherapy equipment services.
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.

Preventive Maintenance for LINAC Systems

A linear accelerator is a piece of high radio-frequency (RF) equipment that uses electromagnetic waves to stimulate charged electrons to high energies inside a tube-like structure called the accelerator waveguide. This is the most common device to treat cancer with external beam radiation.
LINAC systems are usually scheduled to plan round the clock treatments for weeks and months at a time.  The only time the systems are not in use is during scheduled maintenance, unexpected downtime, and the installation of new pieces of radiation oncology equipment.  Maintenance is planned on machinery to avoid interruption to the treatment of patients this also helps to prevent any unexpected downtime from equipment failure.
LINAC systems require a preventive maintenance plan and will address four critical as explained below:

• Electrical Distribution Systems

The electrical component is a regular electrical utility system having industrial type switching gear, duct banks, transformers and low voltage distribution appliances. The part requires routine, periodic and preventive maintenance and ad-hoc repair in the event of a breakdown. Support will need regular shutdown of the facility for execution of preventive maintenance plan be carried out.

• Mechanical Utility Systems

For a high-efficiency and precision focus, the mechanical utility systems deliver precision mechanical jobs as parts for linear accelerators. It comprises of conventional and industrial equipment including water and air compressors which require regular maintenance including routine inspections during operation. It is necessary to monitor the equipment routinely to detect faults and handle it before it becomes more prominent than is essential. It is important to replace any part showing signs of wear and to adjust any part needing such adjustment to keep it functioning at its best performance when in use.

• Radiation Safety Systems

This is the most sensitive parts for LINAC systems and the most protected of all the parts for linear accelerators. The radiation safety systems are vulnerable to damage which can cause the mechanical and electromechanical components to break down and this is why the system must undergo checkups at every shutdown to ensure its leading parts are functioning at optimum performance and must be re-certified as safe before going back into operation. There is the need for approval before maintenance works can be carried out on this part of the system.

• Pulsed High Voltage Systems

There is the need for preventive maintenance on LINAC systems and their parts to ensure continued function. The klystron/modulator systems are designed to function while some of its components are offline.
Parts for LINAC systems and relevant technical department equipment are designated to be responsible for proper maintenance of radiation oncology equipment. The technical personnel taking charge of linear accelerator maintenance and LINAC system replacement parts know what is at stake if the system should break down.  They are ready to meet the demanding nature of the preventive maintenance for LINAC systems.

The preventive maintenance processes involves daily coordination of LINAC Systems and experimental facility maintenance needs in order to generate schedules for maintenance in order to harmonize maintenance plans with the program for operations of the facilities. The need for planning in maintaining parts for linear accelerators is vital to keep the system working without crises.

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.