The most common machine used to distribute external beam radiotherapy treatment is known as a linear accelerator or LINAC for short. LINAC systems generate high energy x-rays that are carefully aimed at the cancerous tumors. This process is done with much care given to direct the rays in a manner that does as little harm as possible to the healthy tissue surrounding the tumor. Linear accelerators are used to treat cancerous tumors on all areas of the body.
Some LINAC systems that are more advanced have the capability to deliver radiation on or near the surface of the skin. In this type of treatment electrons are used in replacement of high energy x-rays.
Newer linear accelerators have the ability to deliver radiation using Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy, IMRT. These systems use multi-leaf collimators adjust the shape of the radiation beam to match the shape of the tumor. Without these adjustments LINAC systems would only be able to shoot radiation beams in the shape of a square or rectangle.
Radiographers all have different methods that they use to make sure the radiation treatment is targeting the exact location of the cancerous tumor. In its most fundamental form radiation is just a plain x-ray. Most linear accelerators work through digital imaging where the bottom arm of the machine takes an EPI, electronic portal image, or PI, portal image.
The image is compared by radiographers, to images that were generated during the planning process of your treatment as a type of checks and balances before treatment is delivered. The quantity of images that are taken to compare between depends on the departments protocol for imaging. Different types of radiotherapy treatment machines have an On-Board Imager, OBI, that is comprised of a Kv x-ray and detector. Higher quality images are obtained as a verification which allows for another radiotherapy technique known as Image Guided Radiotherapy, IGRT. With IGRT the accuracy of treatment is improved as daily changes are accounted for such as changes in organ location which can in turn reduce unpleasant side effects.
Electrons are generated and speed up to almost as close to the speed of light using electrical fields. The energy continues to increase until it collides with its intended target and then releases the photon energy. These photons enter the patient in an attempt to break down the DNA cells in the cancerous tumor. Healthy cells are most often able to mend themselves where as the cancerous tumors don’t and eventually die.
Radparts is the world’s largest independent distributor of OEM replacement parts for Linear Accelerators and Radiation Oncology equipment. Radparts provides high quality, user friendly, low cost parts support for linear accelerators and radiation equipment. More information can be found at https://www.radparts.com/.
Friday, September 21, 2018
Friday, September 7, 2018
The Lifespan of a Linear Accelerator Parts
A linear accelerator has a wide range of built-ins that are designed to ensure patients are only given the recommended dose of radiation. The dosage recommended by the physician should never be ignored or changed as each treatment dosage is unique to each patient. Linear accelerators are comprised of several parts and mechanisms that age over time. This article will go over what facilities can expect when it comes to the average lifespan of the parts on LINAC systems, CT scanners, and other radiation oncology devices.
Examples of medical equipment lifespans are:
Environmental factors cannot be ruled out as it also affects the ion chamber of a linear accelerator, high humidity can cause a reduced lifespan. While an average ion chamber will only need a replacement after four years, one in an environment with high humidity will need a replacement after a year.
As a Linear Accelerator stays over time and ages, errors can creep in and this will have an adverse effect on the accuracy of the equipment. It is reasonable to expect a good 5 to 10 years of use out of the linear accelerator, but the maintenance also takes its toll on expenses if it stays much longer.
Companies can often get more usage out of a machine and ensure errors are resolved or controlled just by keeping the software up to date and replacing or upgrading linear accelerator parts as at when needed. Most importantly it is advisable to choose a reputable company to replace your LINAC’s aging parts as the wrong equipment can end up creating more damage to the machine instead of improving its performance. Most companies who sell linear accelerators and parts will have service contracts available that offer varying levels of support.
Radparts is the world’s largest independent distributor of OEM replacement parts for Linear Accelerators and Radiation Oncology equipment. Radparts provides high quality, user friendly, low cost parts support for linear accelerators and radiation equipment. More information can be found at https://www.radparts.com/.
The Lifespan of Linear Accelerator Parts
The lifespan of linear accelerator equipment comes down to two major elements: usage and maintenance. On average medical facilities can expect that large scaled radiation equipment, such as linear accelerators, to last around 5 to 10 years before they begin to break down. Regular maintenance of your LINAC system keeps it running smoother, longer.Examples of medical equipment lifespans are:
- High use parts like Magnetron and iView detectors can last upwards of two to three years and with average use around four to six years.
- X-ray tubes with high use last about eighteen months however with low usage can last if four years.
- XVI detectors can last up to ten years within linear accelerators that have low usage whereas with high usage XVI parts last around five years.
- Thyratron tubes have a lifespan of anywhere between three to five years.
Age and Usage of LINAC Parts
The average life expectancy of most linear accelerator parts depends on the legitimacy of the parts and the amount they are used. There are some parts that need to be replaced yearly with increased use, like the electron gun, however with low usage can last upwards of six years.Environmental factors cannot be ruled out as it also affects the ion chamber of a linear accelerator, high humidity can cause a reduced lifespan. While an average ion chamber will only need a replacement after four years, one in an environment with high humidity will need a replacement after a year.
When to Replace Aging Parts
Replacing aging parts over time is necessary to avoid causing any damages to the equipment. Some corporation has a habit of considering the price of the equipment and the costs involved in changing the parts over time, and as such delayed the immediate replacement of an overdue or overused equipment. But, this is never a good yardstick of profit maximization, in the long run definitely, a breakdown of significant parts of the system may be disastrous to the equipment.As a Linear Accelerator stays over time and ages, errors can creep in and this will have an adverse effect on the accuracy of the equipment. It is reasonable to expect a good 5 to 10 years of use out of the linear accelerator, but the maintenance also takes its toll on expenses if it stays much longer.
Companies can often get more usage out of a machine and ensure errors are resolved or controlled just by keeping the software up to date and replacing or upgrading linear accelerator parts as at when needed. Most importantly it is advisable to choose a reputable company to replace your LINAC’s aging parts as the wrong equipment can end up creating more damage to the machine instead of improving its performance. Most companies who sell linear accelerators and parts will have service contracts available that offer varying levels of support.
Radparts is the world’s largest independent distributor of OEM replacement parts for Linear Accelerators and Radiation Oncology equipment. Radparts provides high quality, user friendly, low cost parts support for linear accelerators and radiation equipment. More information can be found at https://www.radparts.com/.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)