Save Time and Money Purchasing Refurbished Medical Equipment

Purchasing medical equipment that is used or refurbished is a great way to save money for your facility without sacrificing on quality.   In all actuality, the only real difference between brand new and refurbished medical equipment and parts is the amount of money and time that will be needed to invest in finding an excellent deal.

Many times medical facilities can save upwards of fifty percent off the original cost of equipment by purchasing refurbished over brand new.  It can result in quite a savings for your medical facility when you consider equipment such as linear accelerators which can run around four million dollars.  In a facility that is just getting established this can be a make or break difference.

The most obvious advantage to buying used or refurbished is the reduced price of the equipment.  For every piece of new equipment facilities look to purchase it is possible to find something similar for a reduced price.  Equipment that you can find at a lower price used or refurbished varies from intravenous poles to CT scanners. 

It is important to remember that when you buy equipment that has been refurbished you are buying a device that has been restored to its original state.  The refurbishing process is completed by highly skilled medical technician that specialize in restoring medical equipment to almost new condition before it can be resold.

Refurbished devices have been restored to their original state.  This means that any part that was worn out has been replaced and that the device is comparable to one that is brand new.  When you decide to look into refurbished medical equipment and supplies you will be able to find high end devices that are durable at a substantial discount.

Many companies that refurbish medical equipment offer their own warranty and guhttp://www.acceletronics.comarantee to protect the purchaser for faulty equipment.  The policies will differ from company to company so it is important to know exactly what type of warranty or guarantee comes with your purchase. 

To get a better idea of exactly who you are purchasing equipment from take time to do a little research.  Before making a final buying decisions check out the companies background information.  Has the company been in business long?  What type of reputation do they have regarding their services after a purchase has been made?  What about their quality standards and customer service?  As important as it is to buy a quality piece of refurbished equipment it is as equally crucial to be sure that they will be able to offer you support after the purchase. 

Acceletronics delivers the best equipment performance and service reliability from Linear Accelerators and CT Scanners across all major brands and models.  Our qualified oncology equipment specialists provide a quality customer experience across the USA with timely field maintenance.  We sell, repair, refurbish, move and finance oncology medical systems check out more at http://www.acceletronics.com.

Purchasing Large Scaled Medical Equipment

One of the biggest obstacles faced in running a medical facility is the expense of purchasing equipment and supplies.  It is a struggle to stay within the allotted budget while continuing to offer the highest quality treatment to patients.   The ability to scale back on expenses in the medical field is far more difficult than in many other areas of business.  To save money while continuing to provide top notch care, medical facilities must plan ahead and make smart business purchasing decisions.

One way facilities work to achieve this is to purchase refurbished medical equipment instead of purchasing brand new.  There are a number of advantages involved in purchasing refurbished medical equipment including: cost, quality, environmental, service, and reliability. 

Cost

The most obvious benefit of buying refurbished medical equipment is the cost advantage.  Medical facilities can cut a lot of excess out of their allotment for medical equipment by purchasing equipment and supplies that have been refurbished.  Inpatient care is one of the highest costs in the industry with most of the expense coming from basic supplies and equipment use. 

Quality

When the choice is made to purchase an item that is refurbished from a reputable medical equipment supplier, you can rest assured that the piece has been thoroughly tested.  In order to be sold, refurbished equipment must go through a stringent examination to test that it is both safe and reliable. 

Environmental 

Think of refurbishing in the same way that you think about recycling.  It is all about using something again over buying something new in order to prevent waste. Purchasing refurbished medical equipment like linear accelerators and ct scanners help in reducing the carbon footprint that that the medical industry is leaving.  Finding eco-friendly medical supplies and equipment can often be difficult.  Buying refurbished medical equipment is a safe manner in which to bring eco-friendliness to your medical practice.

Service

There are a number of benefits to working with a refurbished medical equipment supplier.  One of the main perks is the detailed customer service you will receive.  With knowledgeable support people at the helm you can rest assured that all of your needs will be taken care of.

Reliability

There are a variety of reasons to buy a product that has been on the market.  When buying new you are buying a product that has yet to stand the test of time.  With a refurbished model, the equipment has had time to be tested and all of the kinks worked out.  Think about it, if the model is unsafe for any reason it will be off the market by the time you are searching for a refurbished model. 

Acceletronics delivers the best equipment performance and service reliability from Linear Accelerators and CT Scanners across all major brands and models.  Our qualified oncology equipment specialists provide a quality customer experience across the USA with timely field maintenance.  We sell, repair, refurbish, move and finance oncology medical systems check out more at http://www.acceletronics.com.

The Process Of Buying A Linear Accelerator

It takes a great deal of forethought when purchasing any large piece of medical equipment, especially a linear accelerator.  The process of buying medical equipment should be left to an experienced team of experts.  It takes a great deal of planning and commitment to quality in order to ensure the equipment purchased meets your facilities exact needs.

Each of these three elements: an experienced team, commitment to quality and detailed planning all make for successful purchasing of a linear accelerator or other large pieces of medical equipment.  When you begin researching linear accelerators there are a number of things to take into account including: the facilities budget, the actual cost of the equipment, operating costs and the facilities objectives.

Linear accelerators are an essential piece of equipment for a radiation oncology department to successfully treat clients.  This piece of machinery allows for a complete patient treatment plan to be provided. Although necessary the purchase of such large scaled medical equipment can be complex and expensive.  Purchasing used or refurbished LINAC machines over brand new equipment allows medical facilities a more reasonably priced manner in which to accumulate pieces; thus allowing them to continue bringing unparalleled care to their patients.

Your facilities needs and budget will help to define whether you should be looking into new, used or refurbished linear accelerators.  In smaller medical facilities purchasing used or refurbished equipment may offer you the best of both worlds: superb patient care along with profitability.  Refurbished linear accelerators are also a good option for facilities needing LINAC technology at a reasonable cost such as vet clinics, industrial users, research facilities and other non-medical uses.

There are many benefits to purchasing a refurbished linear accelerator for your facility.  It allows you to offer a service that may not have been previously offered which in turn allows your business to grow.  If your facility already offers radiation services, purchasing a refurbished linear accelerator allows you to service more patients and offer a backup in case one of the systems should fail.  It also allows for machines to be maintained and serviced without affecting the patient’s treatment plan.

Independent suppliers and service companies dedicated to selling and servicing refurbished linear accelerators and CT scanners are available to facilitate your purchase from start to finish.  They will assist your team of experts in creating a detailed plan considering physical building and room constraints as well as power and plumbing issues.  With your budget and timeline in mind they will help find refurbished equipment that meets your facilities needs.

From finding a machine from a preferred manufacturer, a machine that will meet or exceed your longevity needs, to obtaining equipment without unnecessary accessories and upgrades, the teams at Acceletronics and Radparts will help you find a refurbished linear accelerator or ct scanner that fits your facilities needs.

Acceletronics delivers the best equipment performance and service reliability from Linear Accelerators and CT Scanners across all major brands and models.  Our qualified oncology equipment specialists provide a quality customer experience across the USA with timely field maintenance.  We sell, repair, refurbish, move and finance oncology medical systems check out more at http://www.acceletronics.com.

Safely Delivering Radiation Using Linear Accelerator Equipment

Linac, short for linear accelerator, is a piece of medical equipment used in radiology.  It matches high powered x-ray energy up with the shape of cancerous tumors, destroying the cancerous cells while preserving the healthy tissue surrounding the area.    Using a linear accelerator, oncology radiologists can be sure that a higher does than what has been prescribed is not being delivered to the area.  The machines are frequently checked by medical physicists to ensure proper function.

As a patient needing radiation therapy a treatment plan is developed specifically for you with the support of experts including a radiation oncologist, a radiation dosimetrist and a medical physicist.  Before the treatment begins your oncologist with double a triple check the plan and create a course of action to ensure that the radiation is delivered in the exact same manner each and every time.

LINAC devices are used to provide external beam radiation treatments for cancer patients.  The linear accelerator treats various areas throughout the body.  The concentrated x-ray beams are centered on the tumor in hope that the healthy tissue surrounding the tumor will be spared.  The linear accelerator allows the x-rays to be sent in the shape of the tumor using blocks in the head of the machine or a multi-leaf collimator that is a part of the machine head.

During treatment the patient is positioned on a moveable couch like table.  The patient remains still while the table and linear accelerator is moved into position for optimal treatment of the tumor.  The linear accelerator is operated by a radiation therapist.  This professional is in charge of actually delivering the correct dose of radiation prescribed by the radiation oncologist.

When radiation is delivered the safety of the patient and the therapist is of utmost importance.  In order to ensure that the proper treatment plan is in place it is thoroughly checked by the radiation oncologist, radiation dosimetrist and physicist before the treatments are performed.   Several quality control checks are in place to ensure that the treatment is given as prescribed.

Systems are built directly into the linear accelerator to ensure that a dose higher then what is prescribed is not delivered to the patient.  Checks are preformed daily by the linear accelerator operator, radiation therapist, to make certain the radiation intensity is uniform across the beam and that the machine is in proper working order.  On top of this the radiation physicist performs weekly and monthly checks on the machine.  Modern day LINAC have internal systems that check the machine and do not allow it to be turned on until all of the treatment requirements are met.  Patient and operator safety is of utmost important when radiation distribution is concerned.

Acceletronics delivers the best equipment performance and service reliability from Linear Accelerators and CT Scanners across all major brands and models.  Our qualified oncology equipment specialists provide a quality customer experience across the USA with timely field maintenance.  We sell, repair, refurbish, move and finance oncology medical systems check out more at http://www.acceletronics.com.

You Don’t Have To Compromise When Choosing Medical Equipment

In order to run a competent medical facility such as a hospital, diagnostic health center or pharmacy you must not only have a solid team of professionals but also top notch medical equipment.  Without the right equipment and staff in position to operate them it is likely that your facility will be bypassed by patients looking for top quality care.

When medical facilities are looking to choose equipment they should never compromise.   A professional team should be established to check into the right parameters and purchase the top equipment and devices that can be purchased within their budget.  Often times a way that this can be done without breaking the facilities budget is with the purchase of refurbished medical equipment.  The choices available within the market should be examined thoroughly.

The difference between life and death can come down to the equipment that a facility chooses to purchase.  Purchasing a quality piece of equipment is something that facilities should never ignore.  The best product is one that often is backed by a top brand name.  Often times the price tag which comes with these top brand name products will break the facilities budget for medical equipment.  What is important is that facilities seek to get the best quality equipment at the best price even if it means purchasing refurbished medical equipment.

It is important to know the supplier in which you are purchasing medical equipment from.  Without a doubt, you should know that you are getting the best equipment at the best price.  Ask the supplier for referrals of clients that are currently using them to supply their equipment.  If you are interested in doing business with the supplier it is important to ensure that they take care of their existing customer base while building upon their business.  The more positive referrals you are given the more likely you are to be convinced that you are making the right decision when it comes to who will supply your medical equipment now and in the future.

The cost of medical equipment will always be a factor in the decision making process.  Suppliers should offer competitive pricing for the quality of equipment being purchased.  The value if your dollar should be equivalent to the value of the equipment you are receiving.  Never compromise on the quality of the medical equipment you purchase, it is crucial in the treatment of your patients and the quality of their care.

Another important factor to consider is the care you will receive after the sale.  The after sales support and service received is of the utmost importance when choosing the right supplier to purchase your medical equipment from.  Complex medical equipment must be serviced properly to increase its longevity.  It is crucial that when choosing a supplier to purchase medical equipment that your medical facility take the above into consideration to ensure the best possible results for your facility.

Acceletronics delivers the best equipment performance and service reliability from Linear Accelerators and CT Scanners across all major brands and models.  Our qualified oncology equipment specialists provide a quality customer experience across the USA with timely field maintenance.  We sell, repair, refurbish, move and finance oncology medical systems check out more at http://www.acceletronics.com.

Treating Cancer With Radiation

Radiation therapy involves using specific energy carried by waves or streams of particles in order to treat numerous types of cancer.  When it involves radiation there are several different levels of energy.  All of us have been exposed to certain low levels of radiation through things like the sun and x-rays.  Higher levels of radiation energy however can be used in the treatment of cancers and other illnesses.  Radiation therapy takes and makes use of these high-energy rays and particles to treat cancer.

By definition cancer is a tumor which consists of an overgrowth of abnormal cells.  As the abnormal cells grow they multiply and begin to divide quickly producing new cancerous tumor cells.  This ability, to multiply and divide without any limits and take over normal cells, makes cancerous cells different. 

There are numerous types of cancers.  Each different cancer is unique in how it grows and reacts to treatment.  Radiation therapy is just one type of treatment for cancer.  It helps treat cancer by interfering with the cell’s ability to multiple and divide.  In high doses, radiation, defeats cancer by stopping the growth of further cells and killing the existing cancerous cells. 

There are four main approaches to treating cancer including: radiation therapy, surgery, chemotherapy and biological therapy.  No two cancers are alike therefore no two treatments are alike.  Cancers are each unique, research has helped physicians determine the treatment or combination of treatments that is most useful in treatment.  Surgery may be used in combination with radiation therapy, chemotherapy and/or biological therapy.  In order to treat cancer or relieve patients from the undesirable symptoms of cancer, like bleeding or pain, radiation therapy is used. 

Many types of cancer such as brain tumors, head and neck cancers, lung cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, skin cancer, rectal cancer, cervix cancer, uterine cancer, lymphoma and sarcoma are all commonly treated using radiation therapy. 

There are two different manners in which radiation therapy can be given: external beam irradiation and brachytherapy, or internal radiation.  External beams irradiation is the most common method of treating cancer using radiation.  The treatment distributes radiation to specific, targeted areas of the body using a large machine similar to an x-ray machine called a linear accelerator.  Treatment using linear accelerator equipment is given every day, Monday through Friday, for anywhere between one and eight weeks depending on the type of cancer and the reason why the patient is receiving treatment.  It can be given between once a day to three times a day depending on the cancer that is being treated. 

Acceletronics delivers the best equipment performance and service reliability from Linear Accelerators and CT Scanners across all major brands and models.  Our qualified oncology equipment specialists provide a quality customer experience across the USA with timely field maintenance.  We sell, repair, refurbish, move and finance oncology medical systems check out more at http://www.acceletronics.com.

Radio Surgery Verse Radiation Therapy

Linear accelerator machines, LINAC for short, are used to generate radiation in the form of high energy x-rays.  The LINAC systems general purpose is to deliver radiation in a direct, concentrated form.  They target cancer treatment specifically to the tumor without damaging the healthy tissues that surround the tumor.  Modifications can be done to the machine for it to be used in radio surgery and IMRT, intensity modulated radiation therapy.

Linear accelerator equipment can be dedicated or non-dedicated.  A dedicated LINAC machine is one that has additional equipment attached permanently that allows it to perform higher levels of radiation treatments.  This is the method that most radiation oncologists prefer to use.  A non-dedicated LINAC machine is one that can be used for conventional radiation therapy and converted to allow higher levels of treatment.  A non-dedicated LINAC system does not offer the same degree of accuracy in treatment that a dedicated linear accelerator does.

Radio surgery can be performed with linear accelerator machines.  Radio surgery involves a surgical procedure that neurosurgeons and radiation oncologists perform together.  This procedure often takes an entire day to perform.  The whole procedure involved immobilization, scanning, planning and the actual surgical procedure itself.  The amount of radiation given in one dose of radio surgery is less than the amount that would be given in traditional radiation therapy. The tumor that is being treated is given a much higher one time dose in radiation surgery whereas radiation therapy offers smaller doses more often.

The lower does in radiation therapy is important because of the number of times the healthy tissue surrounding the cancerous tumor is exposed to.  The side effects of too much radiation exposure on healthy cells can be permanent and incredibly dangerous.  Lower dose radiation therapy can result in poorer outcomes due to lower tumor control than what is seen in the higher single dose given during radio surgery.

More often than not the technology used in LINAC machines is best utilized in sessions over a period of time.  This is done to allow as little damage as possible to occur to the healthy tissues.  In between treatments the healthy tissue is allowed to heal and repair itself while the cancerous tumor shrinks and essentially dies.  The amount of radiation given over time may be more than that of radio surgery with this technique.  Is important to note that only your oncologist can say which treatment option is better for you cancer and unique situation.

Acceletronics delivers the best equipment performance and service reliability from Linear Accelerators and CT Scanners across all major brands and models.  Our qualified oncology equipment specialists provide a quality customer experience across the USA with timely field maintenance.  We sell, repair, refurbish, move and finance oncology medical systems check out more at http://www.acceletronics.com.

Cancer Treatment Using Different Radiation Therapy Techniques Part 3

In our third installment discussing different types of radiation treatment we will look into more details around image-guided radiotherapy, IGRT.  Treatment using IGRT is a bit different than previous therapies we have discussed because CT scans continue to be utilized throughout treatment to look for reduction in tumor size as well as other changes.  Using several scanned images allows the radiation oncologist to adjust treatment for changes in the position of the patient and adjust the amount of radiation needed.  IGRT leads to an increase in treatment accuracy while allowing for a decrease in radiation exposure to the tissue surrounding the tumor.

There are two main types of IGRT, stereotactic radiation and radio-surgery, such as SBRT, Gamma-Knife and Cyber-knife.  Stereotactic radiotherapy is similar to IMRT except that it involved fewer treatments, fractions.  It delivers a high dose of radiation directly into a tumor.  It delivers the radiation in a number of different angles to focus radiation all at one small area. Radio-surgery involves a single fraction whereas stereotactic radiation involves two to five fractions.  Most often this treatment is used for lesions within the brain.  This minimizes effects to normal tissue, which radiation passes through while delivering a large dose of radiation to a single point where the beams all come together.  The large number of beams angle in order to deliver radiation to a single point when precise targeting of the tumor is required.

Stereotactice radiation, also known as SBRT, is used most often for treating areas such as the lung, prostate, liver, brain and bone.  With the advancements in technology, computer imaging and patient stabilization radiation oncologists are able to offer treatment in fewer fractions.  The higher dose of radiation is delivered to the tumor while the outlying areas receive less and less harmful doses of radiation.  This type of treatment is often given with the use of linear accelerators and cyber-knife systems.  Cyber-knife is basically a linear accelerator placed on a robotic arm allowing for more freedom in movement.

Radio-surgery is most often used in the treatment of brain tumors.  The brain does not move so there are not the problems with motion that are run into with other cancer treatments.   An MRI scan is used to localize the tumor and a frame is used to position the head with great accuracy.  Radio-surgery requires both neurosurgeons and radiation oncologists during planning and treatment.  Lesions that are smaller than five centimeters can be treated using radio-surgery.

This series has outlined numerous types of radiotherapy along with the cancers best treated with each technique.  More detailed information on linear accelerators and how they can be used in the treatment of cancers is available online.

Acceletronics delivers the best equipment performance and service reliability from Linear Accelerators and CT Scanners across all major brands and models.  Our qualified oncology equipment specialists provide a quality customer experience across the USA with timely field maintenance.  We sell, repair, refurbish, move and finance oncology medical systems check out more at http://www.acceletronics.com.

Cancer Treatment Using Different Radiation Therapy Techniques Part 1

There are numerous types of radiation therapy that oncologists are using to treat cancers today.  Several types of radiation particles or waves are used to deliver radiation treatment including photons, electrons and protons.  Photons and electrons are the used types of radiation as they are the most abundant.  Proton radiation therapy is available in a few medical therapy facilities while new proton therapies are being developed.

The three types of radiation therapy, photon, electron and proton therapy, all have the same basic effects on cancerous tissues; to eliminate them.  Each type of therapy has its own set of benefits and drawbacks which is why oncologists use it over the others in treating certain cancers.  In the following few installments on radiology treatments we will discuss why certain therapy’s are chosen by radiation oncologists over others.  Only the radiation oncologist treating you will understand your cancer situation and the best radiation therapy to best care for specific condition.

Photon Radiation Treatment Options

Photon beams are similar to those used in diagnostic x-ray machines like what would be seen to check for a bone break.  These same photon beams but in a much higher energy beam are used in radiotherapy.  Most conventional photon radiation is delivered using a machine known as a linear accelerator or linas for short.

First we will take a look into two dimensional photon therapies which are the most common therapy options in treating cancer.  This conventional radiation therapy utilizes x-ray films to determine how to best position the radiation beams to treat the cancerous tumors.  In treatment, the bones on the x-rays are used to map out the position of the tumor in relation to normal organs to allow radiologists to position the radiation beams on the targeted cancerous tumor.  In conventional radiation therapy the planning is done in a quick, efficient manner and a patient can begin the process of treatment swiftly.  Other techniques in treating cancer require lengthier planning.

Three dimensional radiation therapies use CT scanners and imaging to plan for treating tumors.  This treatment option is the most readily available within medical facilities.   One major advantage of CT-guided treatment over two dimension conventional therapy is that it allows radiation oncologists to define normal organs and cancerous tumors in three dimensions instead of the flat image present in x-ray technology.

Normally this type of treatment begins with the patient receiving a CT scan laying in the exact position they will be in for treatment.  The CT scan will outline the tumor in 3D.  Organs that are not affected will also be outlined so that during treatment they can be avoided.  The photon radiation beams will be positioned to deliver the most advantageous dose of radiation to the cancerous tumor while avoiding normal organs.

Radiologist use computer software in order to calculate the amount of radiation that is optimal to terminate the tumor while minimizing the radiation to healthy tissue.  The goal is to optimize the amount of radiation being received by the cancerous tumor while minimizing the effects of the radiation on healthy organs and tissues surrounding the area.  These calculations are constantly adjusted during treatment to take into consideration these calculations.

In order to better understand how this can be done it is important to understand how the beams are positioned using linear accelerators.  The radiation beams can be shaped in one of two ways.  The first is a leaf within the linear accelerator that can be used to form a customized radiation beam.  Usually these leaves, known as multi-leaf collimators, are made of small, shiny blocks of metal that can be quickly moved around independently of one another to form most complex configurations.  The second way that beams can be shaped is with the use cerrobend blocks that are individually molded into the desired shape.

We will continue to look into the numerous options available in radiation therapy treatments in our next installment.

Acceletronics delivers the best equipment performance and service reliability from Linear Accelerators and CT Scanners across all major brands and models.  Our qualified oncology equipment specialists provide a quality customer experience across the USA with timely field maintenance.  We sell, repair, refurbish, move and finance oncology medical systems check out more at http://www.acceletronics.com.

The Ins and Outs Of Internal Radiation

Unlike external radiation therapy which is delivered outside of the body, internal radiation therapy delivers radiation inside or on the body.  There are a few manners in which this type of therapy is delivered: interstitial, intracavitary and episcleral brachytherapy.   Interstitial allows radiation to be placed within the tumor.  Intracavitary allows a source of radiation to be placed in a body cavity near a tumor and episcleral that treats melanoma within the eye using a source that is attached to the eye.

With internal radiation therapy the radiation isotopes are sealed into tiny seeds that are delivered into a patient using needles or catheters.  These isotopes naturally deteriorate as they kill the nearby cancerous cells. Internal radiation therapy may deliver higher dosages of radiation to certain cancerous tumors then treatment using linear accelerators, external radiation therapy, while causing less disruption to the normal healthy cells surrounding the cancerous cells.

Internal radiation can be given in either low or high doses.  When low dose radiation is delivered, radiation therapy will be designed to give off radiation to cancerous cells continuously for several days.  If a higher dose of therapy is to be given, a machine is used to attach tubes to guide the radioactive treatment into place and then removes it at the end of treatment.  This can be done in one or more sessions.  The placement of either high or low doses of internal radiation can be given in either one treatment or several depending on the radiation oncologist’s recommendation.

The placement of the tubes delivering radiation can be placed permanently or temporarily.  For the tubes to be put into place permanently they will be surgically sealed within the patient’s body.  The source of the radiation will be sealed into the patient’s body to emit low doses of radiation continuously.  Once all of the radiation has been given off the pouch will remain sealed in the patient’s body without harm or discomfort.   Permanent therapy is given for low doses of radiation treatment.

With temporary treatment the source carrying the radiation is removed after the treatment is performed.  Temporary, internal radiation therapy can be given as a treatment option for both high and low doses of radiation therapy.  This treatment can be used to treat or boost other forms of radiation therapy for cancer.

Another form of radiation therapy is systemic radiation therapy.  This form of treatment is given either an injection or is made to swallow radioactive materials.  This form of therapy is used for thyroid cancers or other cancers in which treatment needs to travel through the blood to locate and kill the tumor cells.  It is also used regularly for pain relief in patients with bone cancer.

In our next installment on radiation therapy we will discuss why some types of radiation therapy is given in small doses and others in larger doses.  We will also discuss more about external radiation therapy using linear accelerators, LINAC, and internal radiation therapy that delivers radiation in several manners.

Acceletronics delivers the best equipment performance and service reliability from Linear Accelerators and CT Scanners across all major brands and models.  Our qualified oncology equipment specialists provide a quality customer experience across the USA with timely field maintenance.  We sell, repair, refurbish, move and finance oncology medical systems check out more at http://www.acceletronics.com.

Delivering Radiation Therapy To Patients

Most often radiation therapy is given in small doses throughout several weeks through an outpatient facility.  This is especially true of external beam radiation therapy given with the use of a linear accelerator.  Most often radiation will only be administered once a day but occasionally can be given twice daily if recommended.

For most patients receiving radiation therapy as part of their cancer treatment external beam radiation therapy will be given once daily using a linear accelerator.  The treatment is delivered in this manner because a once daily treatment plan helps to minimize the amount of damage that is done to the healthy tissue and normal cells surrounding the cancerous tumors and cells.   Also the likelihood of exposing radiation to cancerous cells during the cell cycle when they are most susceptible to DNA damage increases.

Three other methods in which to distribute radiation have been tested including:

Hypo-fractionation: In order to reduce the number of treatments needed, hypo-fractionation is given in larger doses either once a day or less.

Hyper-fractionation: It is the opposite of hypo-fractionation; smaller doses are given throughout multiple treatments a day.

Accelerated Fractionation: In order to reduce the number of weeks treatment is needed, accelerated fractionation allows treatment to be given in larger doses on a daily or weekly basis.

The hope is to find different options that make receiving treatment more convenient to patients without sacrificing the effectiveness of the therapy.

Patients most often receive radiation therapy before, during or after surgery.  In some patients therapy is given using linear accelerators only without other treatments or surgery while others receive chemotherapy and radiation therapy without surgery.  This will vary due to a number of factors.  The exact point at which radiation is delivered alone or with other cancer treatment methods mainly depends on the patient’s goals and specific type of cancer that is being treated.

When radiation therapy is given before a patient has surgery is done in hopes to shrink the tumor.   This makes it simpler for surgeons to remove the entire tumor decreasing the likelihood it will return after the surgery is complete.   Radiation that is given during surgery is known as IORT, inter-operative radiation therapy.  During surgery radiation is given when normal structures are too close to the cancerous tumor and external-beam radiation would damage the nearby normal tissues.   After surgery radiation is known as post-operative therapy.    Post-operative radiation therapy is given during complicated surgeries to regions such as the abdomen and pelvis.

Acceletronics delivers the best equipment performance and service reliability from Linear Accelerators and CT Scanners across all major brands and models.  Our qualified oncology equipment specialists provide a quality customer experience across the USA with timely field maintenance.  We sell, repair, refurbish, move and finance oncology medical systems check out more at http://www.acceletronics.com.

Understanding How Radiation Therapy Works

Many patients going through radiation therapy don’t truly understand how their tumors are shrunk or the cancer cells killed.  It is a complex procedure that many physicians are not able to simplify for patience just learning they have cancer.  It is a term that is commonly tossed out in the treatment plan of various cancers; it is crucial that individuals understand exactly what the treatment they are being prescribed will look like.  In this ongoing series on radiation therapy we will continue to look into the answers to questions many patients and loves ones are asking.

How does radiation kill cancer cells and shrink tumors using various radiation therapy and different techniques?

In radiation therapy the actual DNA of the cancer cells and tumors is damaged.  DNA refers the combination of unique molecules each of us is made from.  The molecules are carried within the cells.  The cells are actually carrying the genetic information, or molecules, that we pass between generations.  Individuals are created from a combination of cells that carry the molecules that carry our unique database of genetics; this genetic database is what radiation therapy is in charge of destroying.

This can occur in two different ways.  Radiation therapy can damage DNA directly thus creating a cell that can no longer repair itself or divide leading to the death of the cell.  Once the cell is damaged and dies it is then broken down into the body and naturally eliminated.

How does radiation therapy only kill those cells that are cancerous?

It doesn’t; that is the most truthful answer when someone asks how radiation therapy knows only to damage the cancerous cells.  In truth healthy normal cells can be damaged which leads to unpleasant side effects.  When planning for treatment the damage that can potentially be done to healthy cells is accounted for.

There is a certain amount of radiation that normal, healthy tissue can safely receive before any real side effects are reported.  Each part of the body is different and therefor a different treatment is used as called for.  External radiation using linear accelerator equipment may be used for more sensitive areas where as internal radiation, brachytherapy, is used on areas where tissue is hardier.  Knowing this information allows doctors to specifically target radiation throughout therapy.

From here our next installment will take a deeper look into why doctors chose to use radiation therapy over other treatments for cancer as well as how a plan is individualized to each specific patient.  As in treatment options of many diseases there is not a one size fits all treatment plan for cancer.  Linear accelerator equipment treating cancer through external radiation may work well with patients of a certain age with certain cancers where it would be ineffective for others.  Our next installment will further look into the answers to why and how questions in radiation therapy.

Acceletronics delivers the best equipment performance and service reliability from Linear Accelerators and CT Scanners across all major brands and models.  Our qualified oncology equipment specialists provide a quality customer experience across the USA with timely field maintenance.  We sell, repair, refurbish, move and finance oncology medical systems check out more at http://www.acceletronics.com.

Treating Cancer Using Radiation Therapy Explained

There are many articles that talk about cancer and treatments for cancers.  Many are written in terms that the average person can’t fully comprehend.  This series of articles will discuss radiation therapy and how it is used to treat cancer.  It is difficult to get a cancer diagnosis for you or someone you love only to find that one of the main treatment options needs a medical degree to understand.  That is where articles like this help.

When treating cancer a term that is often used is radiation.  Many people will ask if the patient will be going through chemotherapy, radiation or a combination.  The problem is that the answer that is given is usually a combination or radiation alone but the reality is the patient hardly understands what that means.  Cancer treatments deserve to be spoken about in terms that all patients can understand and explain to their loved ones.

What exactly is radiation therapy?

In order to fully understand radiation therapy it is important to grasp exactly what radiation is.  There are two main definitions of radiation both which apply when discussing radiation therapy.

1)      Radiation is the discharge of energy in waves or the travel of subatomic particles, particles even smaller than an atom itself.  Most often radiation is used to describe ionization, generally speaking the process that an atom takes to form ions.  An ion is an atom that has either a positive or negative charge.  Positive ions are bad and negative ions are good.

2)      Radiation is also used to convey discharge outward from one central location.

In radiation therapy there are multiple types of radiation that can be used to shrink tumors and kill cancerous cells: x-rays, gamma rays and charged (negatively) particles.  High amounts of radiation in any of the three forms is delivered in treatment.

The process of radiation therapy occurs in one of two different methods.  The first method of radiation delivery is with the use of a machine such as a linear accelerator.  A linacs machine delivers radiation outside of the body.  This is known as external (outside) beam radiation therapy; literally a beam of radiation is sent through to the inside of your body.

The second method in which radiation can be delivered through sealed radioactive material that is placed close to the cancerous cells within the body.  This is often referred to as internal radiation therapy or brachytherapy.

Another form of radiation therapy is systemic radiation therapy which distributes radioactive substances that travels through the blood to kill cancerous cells.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer there is a good chance that you will require some form of radiation therapy; in fact fifty percent of cancer patients do receive radiation therapy at one point or another during their treatment plan.  Not all radiation therapy uses linear accelerator equipment in delivery.  There are multiple methods of distributing radiation to shrink tumors and kill cancer cells.

We will further our discussion on radiation therapy for cancer treatments in out next installment.  Patience experiencing radiation therapy deserve to understand in greater detail the treatment they are receiving.

Acceletronics delivers the best equipment performance and service reliability from Linear Accelerators and CT Scanners across all major brands and models.  Our qualified oncology equipment specialists provide a quality customer experience across the USA with timely field maintenance.  We sell, repair, refurbish, move and finance oncology medical systems check out more at http://www.acceletronics.com.

Tips On Purchasing Linear Accelerator Equipment

Medical facilities looking into purchasing Linear Accelerator equipment should budget between one million to upwards of five million dollars.  On top of the cost of radiotherapy equipment also comes with the expense of simulators, treatment planning coordinators, treatment room, machine operating costs, and the salary costs of the radiographers and physicists.  The overall expense is nothing to joke about; whether you are planning to install new equipment, replacing equipment or repairing an existing Linear Accelerator you will want to ensure the purchase stays on track.

Prepare, Plan, Propose

In can take anywhere between six months and eight years from start to finish when it comes to the acquisition of new radiotherapy equipment.  Projects span a duration that varies between facilities.  The first determination is in regards to the type of cases and the technology that is needed to treat patients.  Are you considering new construction or renovating an existing location?  New construction requires local permits, specific room requirements, electrical power and a water supply.  When renovating a room other issues arise such as room size and the location of isocenter as well as shielding.

Plan for milestones such as the vault completion date, equipment testing and acceptance date, when will vendors and IT techs be able to connect your equipment?  When planning for contractors beyond your control work in a margin of error.  It will decrease the number of uncertainties that are beyond your control and possible holdups.  When the clinical issues are decided upon the next step is to come up with a budget for acquiring the equipment and the additional expenses that are expected.

Hire, Educate, Train

It is crucial to have a team of experts on your side when it comes to the acquisition of any new piece of equipment specifically Linear Accelerators.  Experts that are hired on as an expert representing your team should include vault designers, construction firms, equipment suppliers, IT integration and support specialists, and a proven implementation team.  When installing new, used, or refurbished Linear Accelerators speak to vendor references before settling on a team of experts.  Choose a Linear Accelerator vendor that understands software, hardware, and the clinical flow.  A relationship with a supplier that also offers refurbished parts for repairing equipment is especially beneficial to any organization.

Commit To Quality

No matter if a new, used or refurbished piece of equipment is purchased there is a three step process to consider.  Review service history and major service events, machine utilization and an actual physical inspection.  When equipment is refurbished it consists of both cosmetic and mechanical updates.  New technology is crucial and mechanical refurbishment helps to protect against outdated parts and accessories.  The installation team needs to comprehend all aspects of installation from hardware, software to manufacturer’s acceptance testing procedures.

When purchasing any new medical equipment the transition between purchase, installation and service needs to be seamless; expect a long term relationship between the supplier and facility.

Acceletronics delivers the best equipment performance and service reliability from Linear Accelerators and CT Scanners across all major brands and models.  Our qualified oncology equipment specialists provide a quality customer experience across the USA with timely field maintenance.  We sell, repair, refurbish, move and finance oncology medical systems check out more at http://www.acceletronics.com.

Tips To Consider Before Purchasing Diagnostic Imaging Equipment

Are you in the market to replace diagnostic imaging equipment that is out of date or broken down?  Are you looking to purchase the latest and greatest in Linacs systems?  If this describes where you are at it is crucial to purchase the right equipment for your working environment.  When purchasing IMRT Equipment, otherwise known as Intensity-Modulation Radiation Therapy, Linear Accelerators, CT Simulators, or CT Scanner look at pieces that encompass the whole organization including patients and technicians.

Consider the benefits that your organization will gain with the purchase of the new equipment. How will they benefit from the latest, most up to date technology? Does it make sense to replace your 16 slice CT scanner with a 64 slice CT scanner?  Are patient satisfied with 3D images or do they prefer 4D images?  It will totally depend on whether your organization will benefit or not from the purchase of new equipment before making a purchase.  Due diligence, research and fore thought are needed before making a purchase of such magnitude for your facility, patients and employees.  Consider if and how everyone will benefit from the purchase.

Below you will find tips to consider before purchasing diagnostic imaging equipment.

• Price: No matter if you are purchasing new or refurbished diagnostic imaging equipment the cost is always a consideration.  Consider the initial price, the cost to maintain the piece, the service cost and the accessibility to parts to repair the equipment if it does fail.  Each piece of equipment that you consider to purchase should be evaluated in the same manner to ensure it is properly considered.
• Environmental Consequences: Within many organizations it is important to not only provide top quality equipment but for it also to be friendly to our environment. When purchasing an imaging piece consider the impact it has on the environment especially if this is of importance within your organization.  The initial cost of equipment that is environmentally friendly may initially cost more however in the long run may cost less than other pieces being that repairs are often cheaper.
• Treatment: Consider how often and when the equipment will be used. Will the features on this new or refurbished equipment meet the treatment needs that you are in need of it treating?  Does it truly meet the needs to the people in which it will be servicing?
• Technicians: Consider the level of the skills that the technicians possess.  Will they be able to use the new equipment without much training or support?  Is training online or in person and how much will this cost the organization?  Does the end user feel the piece meets the overall needs of the company?  Meet with the technicians before major purchases within the organization.  They are the ones that truly know what is needed and the impact it will have on their jobs as well as the patients.
• Service Contract/Technical Support: Establish what is and what is not covered within the service contract. How much support are the end users given when the equipment is not operating properly?  Negotiate all technical support within the initial purchase agreement to be sure that your needs will be properly met after the sale.
• Repairs, Parts and Access: Another consideration is fixing each piece if it is to break down. Are new parts available?  If not how accessible and reliable are refurbished parts?  What is the budget to maintain this equipment?  How hard is it to diagnosis issues that are occurring? Are the technicians trained to quickly and properly fix and maintain the equipment with what is available to them?

Such large purchases are difficult to make. Organizations, especially those in need of imaging equipment, are not often allowed unlimited budgets.  The cost of such pieces along with maintaining them is always important.  Knowing this information before you make a purchase ensure you have done due diligence in purchasing such a large line item for your company.

Acceletronics is dedicated to delivering the best equipment performance and service reliability from Linear Accelerators and CT Scanners across all major brands and models.  Our highly qualified oncology equipment specialists provide a quality customer experience across the USA with timely field maintenance.  We sell, repair, refurbish, move and finance a variety of oncology medical systems check out more athttp://www.acceletronics.com.