Effective Maintenance is a Must for Radiation Oncology Equipment to Deliver Results

Oncology is about the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of all types of cancer. Clinical oncology uses much of the corpus of knowledge in the field of medical sciences to deal with patients with malignant tumor. Medical, surgical and radiation skills are primarily required for the treatment.
Medical oncology uses chemotherapy to attack cancerous tumors. The entire process of detection and treatment of all types of cancer requires a vast array of equipment. Among all such machines are linear accelerators and CT scanners. All these equipment of varied nature have to be maintained properly to ensure a smooth and quality treatment for the patients.

Scheduled check lists

Preventive and emergency maintenance is necessary for all such equipment. All such machines have a scheduled check list. This is gone through carefully every day. Various machines are examined after a scheduled interval of time for any faults and their removal. There is a preventive maintenance schedule for each machine. A software program provides regular intimation about the maintenance check for the day and records it after it is done successfully.

A medical establishment may have its own staff to conduct all the necessary preventive or emergency maintenance routines, or it may choose to go in for a service contract and outsource the work. The service companies have the experts to understand all the problems and the equipment to handle them. They can locate the basic problem easily and repair the machine quickly, without leading to any major disruption of the service.

Service contracts

The service contract could be for services throughout day or night, during working hours, for all the days of the week, only for the weekend, and for planned preventive maintenance. Or you pay for the actual work hours and the replacement material used. If equipment has been leased, it can be replaced by the service company for the time it takes to repair the loaned unit.
A linear accelerator uses external radiation to treat the affected organ of the body. It beams high-energy x-rays onto the patient's tumor to damage cancerous cells. Linear accelerator services personnel can attend to equipment problems quickly. Their computerized systems respond within minutes and the job is done quickly. 

Radiotherapy machines

CT scanners and CT simulators are used to plan all radiotherapy treatment. They can construct a 3D image of the patient and determine the different densities of tissue, organs and bones. This helps in radiotherapy planning. CT scanner and CT simulator services are available on various terms. Trained engineers can respond to such problems quickly. They can begin corrective work within a short time and bring back the machine operation to normal quickly. They too can be available 24 hour a day, seven days a week throughout the year. They can work during all hours and weekends too. The service contract can also be based on the cost of the material replaced and the time spent on the job by the company personnel.

Good maintenance

A good maintenance contract will always help the medical unit to get effective help quickly and to limit or altogether avoid any disruption in the healthcare services.
For more information on how we can assist your medical facility you can call our Linear Accelerator Repair Specialists at 610.524.3300 or visit our website at http://www.acceletronics.com.

Hiring a Specialist to Repair Linear Accelerators

Linear accelerators are the most important part of the CT scan and X-ray machines. Over the past few years, many new technologies and features have been introduced in the linear accelerators. Most of the labs have the latest machinery but the real issue arises when some of the parts are not working properly.
It means that they will require the linear accelerator replacement parts. You might get the best parts but if the installation is not perfect it will cause other issues. Here we have a few reasons why you should always hire the professionals.

Linear accelerator expertise

When you will hire the professionals, they will have expertise in different parts of the machinery. A single person will not repair linear accelerators completely. You will have to let them know the parts that are causing problems and the company will send the expert how knows how to deal with that certain portion of the device. In this way, you will get the best possible services.

Solution for every issue

The biggest benefit of hiring the specialist is that they will provide you the solution of every problem that you might have been facing. They will know how to deal with different parts of the machine. In case that you are confused, you can get the free consultation services and the experts will let you know the part of the machine that is causing issues and how you can resolve them,
Affordable rates
Experts always have the most reliable and affordable services.

• They have different packages regarding the repair linear accelerators services that customers might have been looking for
• Regarding your requirements, you can select the package that you require
• There are no hidden charges or services, everything is transparent
• You will never have to pay for the services that you do not need.

Knowledge and practice
As the technologic evolves many new things are introduced in the market. The experts always have the knowledge regarding everything. They participate in every training session regarding the repair linear accelerators. They go through special tests and practice sessions to assure that the customers will be satisfied with their services.
Quality services
The repair linear accelerators specialists are always reliable. They will assure that their customers will trust their working style. They have all the capabilities that you might have been looking for. In case that you do not find some parts or services, let the experts know and they will provide you with what you have been looking for.

Bottom line

We have been providing our customers with the best services regarding the linear accelerator replacement parts installation. At our platform, you will get all the latest parts and let us know what you want and our experts will meet your requirements.
All our customers are satisfied with our services and that is why we have the highest reputation in the market. All our services are available at affordable rates. For more information, you can visit our website.
For more information on how we can assist your medical facility you can call our Linear Accelerator Repair Specialists at 610.524.3300 or visit our website at http://www.acceletronics.com.

A Look At Refurbished Linear Accelerators

Radiotherapy works by targeting high-energy gamma ray or electron beams onto cancer cells which are more prone to radiation damage than normal tissue. Refurbished linear accelerators are usually multi-modality ionizing radiation generators with associated imaging devices, currently used for delivery of external beam radiotherapy.

The contemporary linear accelerators provide either 6 MeV photons in the “low energy” range machines or dual/triple photon energy and several energies.

Systems Incorporated With Refurbished Linear Accelerators

• Multileaf Collimator (MLC) for beam shaping
• The capability to deliver intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT)
• 3D image guidance systems (IGRT)
• Electronic portal imaging system for image treatment beams

Other additional features may be incorporated into the 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 turnover throughout over a long lifespan makes them extremely cost-effective compared with other treatment options.
The operation of refurbished linear accelerators should be according to the existing standards and regulations which include:

• IEC standards
• Radiation regulations
• Guidelines for radiotherapy room design

Technical Considerations

The technology used in refurbished linear accelerators is essentially the same for all linear accelerators.  The high energy generation can be achieved either by implanting the “traveling waveguide technology” or by implementing the “standing waveguide technology”.

The first approach is simpler and very 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 all mounted on a gantry which rotates around the patient, allowing the tumor to be irradiated from multiple directions.  There is a linear accelerator patient coach especially 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 distributions: the delivered beam instead of being flat changes the intensity at different points within the beam.
There are different types of refurbished linear accelerators IMRT delivery methods:

• Step and Shoot 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 the fields.
• 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 and MLC leaves are all moving continuously. The dose rate also varies during the delivery.  Treatments are delivered in an arc, sometimes two.  This is probably the best choice for IMRT.

The multi-leaf collimator is a delicate computer-controlled mechanism.  The performance of the collimator depends on its resolution, the leakage radiation and the system penumbra.
The electronic portal imaging device allows verification of patient position on orthogonal two-dimensional images produced by the high-energy treatment beam.  The detector used for the portal imaging consists of an amorphous silicon indirect detection flat panel imager.

The imager system differs in the degree of complexity of software provided, as well as the ease of use.  The refurbished linear accelerators’ three-dimensional imaging systems can be materialized in three different ways:

• 1) Applying diagnostic x-ray cone beam, in plain or orthogonal to the linear accelerators’ high energy beam.
• 2) Using the high-energy treatment cone beam of the linear accelerator.
• 3) Using a CT machine combined with the linear accelerator.

Record and Verify Systems

In modern radiotherapy departments, the refurbished linear accelerators are operated using record and verify systems, which deliver the treatments, as well as make a record of them.  These systems are usually connected to the general information network, which allows a wide functionality, including booking and scheduling, recording of patient’s notes, recording costs, image handling, and more.

Acceletronics is an independent service company dedicated to delivering the best equipment performance and service reliability from Linear Accelerators and CT Scanners across all major brands and models. Learn more about Acceletronics and their selection of new and refurbished linear accelerators and CT scanners today at http://www.acceletronics.com.  To contact one of our LINAC experts call 610.524.3300.

Things To Consider When Buying A Refurbished Linear Accelerator

When beginning to research the different linear accelerator options, it is important to take into account a variety of considerations. First and foremost is the cost of the accelerator itself. Now, the best way to save while spending is to look for a refurbished linear accelerator. That way, you will be able to get the machine you want in a more affordable way.

How Does A Linear Accelerator Work?

Basically, it uses a microwave technology to accelerate electrons in a wave which allows the electronics to collide with a heavy metal target. This way, they are generating high-energy X-ray photons that conform to the shape of the tumor and destroy the cancer tissues.
Determining whether to buy a new accelerator or look for refurbished linear accelerator ads is something that comes down to the specific needs and budget constraints within your facility. While new is new, used linear accelerator equipment can also be great for practices who treat relatively few patients.
In order to help you know what to look for when buying a refurbished linear accelerator, we are listing the five most important reasons to make the decision - below.

Five Reasons to Buy a Refurbished Linear Accelerator

1. Growing Your Practice Is Easier - Buying a used linear accelerator lets you treat more patients and grow your practice by operating with a relatively older machine. When your business grows, you will be able to renew it with a completely new one.
2. Flexibility - You can backup your existing system with a redundant and beam-based system. If a problem develops on one of your machines, you will be able to transfer your patients to another linear accelerator.
3. Improvement - The money that you save when buying a refurbished linear accelerator can be used to improve the quality of the patient care that you provide. You can add new upgrades, technologies or staff.
4. Strengthen - The uncertainty of looming reimbursement cuts lets you manage expenses, lowering your risk and strengthening your practice
5. Peace of mind - If you know how to spot a top quality refurbished linear accelerator; chances are that you are going to use it for years. With a no-risk warranty, you can relax and have peace of mind.

Final Word On Buying Refurbished Linear Accelerators

So, if you are looking for buying a used linear accelerator, you should always work with professionals for personalized advice. Additionally, you should consider planning aspects such as building constraints, water supply or power supply - and create a timeline that works for you to have your new equipment fully installed.

Also, it pays off to know how long you are going to keep the machine and which manufacturers you prefer. All of these tips will help you find the best refurbished linear accelerator for your needs!

Acceletronics is an independent service company dedicated to delivering the best equipment performance and service reliability from Linear Accelerators and CT Scanners across all major brands and models. Learn more about Acceletronics and their selection of new and refurbished linear accelerators and CT scanners today at http://www.acceletronics.com.  To contact one of our LINAC experts call 610.524.3300.

Basic Principles Of LINAC Systems

Linear Accelerator Technology

Every piece of radiation oncology varies but the basic principle of the equipment is the same. The Linear Accelerator (LINAC) microwave technology, radiation, is similar to that of which is used in radar technology. It is designed in such a way that electrons move in a part of the accelerator called the "wave guide." It is the wave guide that allows these electrons to collide with a heavy metal target which now produces high-energy x-rays. Next, the energized x-rays take up a shape that fits the patient’s tumour as it flows out from the machine. The customized x-ray is directed to the patient who is lying down already on the moveable treatment couch where moulds and masks help to keep the patient in proper place that is most suitable for the lasers to reach the cancerous tumour. The beam is emitted through a gantry that can be rotated around the patient. By rotating the gantry and the treatment couch, the tumour could be target from any angle.

Maintenance of Radiation Oncology Equipment

For your radiation oncology equipment such as CT scanners and linear accelerators to work at optimum capacity it is advisable you use the machine carefully and also use it according to the manufacturers’ guidelines. Radiation oncology equipment needs constant check-up and maintenance. If the equipment is faulty, it can affect the force of the radiation that you feel and this can be dangerous to both the technician and the patient. The air-filter should be constantly cleaned and free from dust if the air-filter has holes. You will need the input of a radiology equipment technician who can inspect the error logs, provide much needed maintenance and repairs. You may occasional check for connections, test the image quality, clean the fans, grease bearings, and backup your system data but most maintenance is best left up to professional medical equipment technicians. In order to maintain your LINAC systems you may need to replace parts of the equipment to keep receiving effective therapy from your radiation oncology equipment. Replacements should occur before you feel your treatment is no longer at an optimum level have a service technician out to perform maintenance.

Here at Acceletronics is an independent service company dedicated to delivering the best equipment performance & service reliability from Linear Accelerators and CT Scanners across all major brand and models. Find more information check out our website http://www.acceletronics.com or speak to a LINACS professional at 610.524.3300