3 Tips For Installing or Replacing a Linear Accelerator

New linear accelerators can cost a medical facility between 1 and 5 million dollars. The expense of owning a LINAC does not stop once it has ben purchased. There are items outside of the actual equipment purchase such as a simulator, training computers, treatment rooms, salaries, ongoing training, operation expenses, maintenance, repairs, and more. The total cost of large scaled medical equipment is never one that should be underestimated. Whether you are installing a brand new or refurbished linear accelerator, installing a LINAC for the first time, or replacing an existing one there are three tips the professionals at Acceletronics want to give you.

Step One – Plan, Plan, and Plan Some More

The installation planning process for a linear accelerator takes between six months to eight years. The length of time for planning your project can span almost any length of time.

When planning new technology, you will first want to establish the technology that you need in order to treat patients. What types of cases will you be treating? Consider the options IMRT, IGRT, and so on.
If you are installing a linear accelerator in new construction, you will want to consider the constraints that come along with that. What local permits do you need, do you have the proper power supply needed for this large scaled equipment, are there constraints that will limit your installation? If you are renovating a space consider the rooms constraints, size, location of isocenter and so forth.
Create a timeline for major milestones. When will the vault be completed, when are vendors scheduled to install computers? When planning these things consider potential areas where conflict can occur and come up with a backup plan.
Once the goals are established, a budget is needed to acquire the new equipment. Consider other aspects as well such as training, equipment needed to run the LINAC and treat patients, and the extra items that can be forgotten about when focusing on the large scaled purchase.

Step Two – Hire Based on Experience

When hiring a team of professionals, it is crucial that you hire experts. Experts are needed for designing the vault, construction, providers of equipment and supplies, IT support, clinical implementation teams, and such. Don’t trade cost for quality. Sometimes a little bit more money now can save you a great deal of money later on down the road. Ask for references when working with different vendors. Hire only those vendors that understand the collaboration effort needed to install medical equipment such as CT Scanners and Linear Accelerators.

Step Three – Commit to Quality

When buying a used or refurbished linear accelerator there is a three-step process that you should follow to ensure you get a machine that meets your needs and beyond. These steps include: a review of the LINAC’s service history (look at major service events such as waveguide replacement), review the machine’s utilization and beam hours, and perform a physical inspection of the machine.

As an independent LINAC service company, Acceletronics is dedicated to delivering the best equipment performance and services for linear accelerators and CT scanners across all major brands and models, as well as new and refurbished LINAC systems for sale. More information can be found online at https://www.acceletronics.com/.

Removing a Linear Accelerator

Many times, when a facility gets a new or refurbished linear accelerator, they are replacing an older piece of equipment that needs to be removed. If you have ever worked with a LINAC you can only imagine how difficult the removal process can be. Not only is it a large piece of machinery you are dealing with the removal of a highly sophisticated machine that is quite expensive. On top of all of that it is important to remember you are working with in a medical facility that is busy treating patients. Removing a linear accelerator, CT scanner, or any other large scaled machinery is not a simple task by any means.

Through careful planning, companies like Acceletronics can minimize the hassle when removing and installing linear accelerators. Our team of experts specialize in the removal of linear accelerators. Our staff with guide you throughout the process to ensure your facility continues to run as expected and that the disruption to patient care is minimal.

First things first, safety is the top priority! Not only do we want to keep our employees safe, we are continually improving safety techniques to ensure safety for all. Here are some of the ways that we work to establish a safe environment when removing large scaled medical equipment like linear accelerators.

Areas that will be accessed in removal of the linear accelerator are all blocked off. This includes areas of the medical facility, parking areas, and side streets when necessary.
Accurate measurements are taken to prevent any emergency vault door removal. Removing the vault doors poses a risk to personnel and patients within the facility. Measuring, planning, and careful execution prevents this risk.
Water, lock and tag power is all shut off to the treatment room where your linear accelerator is location. This prevents injury to the rigging team. These tasks are completed by facility personnel who are familiar with the utility systems and helps to prevent dangerous mistakes that can happen when individuals unfamiliar to the location are tasked to complete utility shut down.
A plan is always in place for the handling of any materials deemed hazardous.

Many times, relocation of linear accelerators can occur on weekends or after hours which will help to eliminate any disruptions that may occur. It is important to work with companies that adhere to health protocols of your facility when working with you. The goal is to minimize risk to patients while ensuring quality patient care.

Budgeting is another area that the professionals at Acceletronics work with clients. Purchase and removal of LINAC systems is not inexpensive by any means. In order to help mitigate the costs and ensure you are not spending more than you need to when removing a linear accelerator, we offer you tips.

Planning and transparency is needed from the beginning to the end of the equipment removal process. In order to prevent confusion, errors in communication, or logistic issues that can increase costs it is crucial to have everyone working on the project in the know. Every detail, every change, and every hurdle needs to be thoroughly addressed with each and every person involved in the process. This will save you money. Preventing errors with detailed planning and complete transparency will keep expenditures within the quoted allotment.
When planning the time when the equipment will be removed choose a period that will cause the least amount of disruption to the operations of your facility. Although it may cost a bit more to have the removal take place on the weekends or a holiday it is less costly then a disruption to patient care.
Often companies can get credit for machines that are still in operational condition. Credit for working parts can decrease the cost of removal. The savings that is passed on to you will be determined by the year of the LINAC, the make, model, and condition.

Finally, the execution of removing the systems comes into play. After some major pre-planning and all of the pieces of the puzzle working to complete a whole picture the removal process can occur.

As previously mentioned, accurate measurements are a key element is removal. Costly errors occur when measuring is not precise. Before we arrive on site, facilities will give us a complete rig info sheet. This will ensure that there are zero surprises when moving the LINAC through doorways.

It is also important that a pathway clear of obstruction is obtained when removing a linear accelerator. Facilities should plan for the removal of furniture and unnecessary items in order to create a barrier free exit.

After the machine is removed it needs to be transported. It is important that a loading area is prepared to allow for this to easily occur. Most often a semi is needed. To ensure the semi has access to the loading area it is crucial that the area is sectioned off and that the exit is kept clear. The smoother this process goes the less it will cost your facility.

If you have any accessories or additional equipment that needs to be removed it is important to plan ahead. It is less expensive to remove the main piece of equipment and accessories all at one time instead of completing the removal in multiple steps. The more steps involved in the process the more costly it tends to be. Accommodating removal of everything in one day is the least expensive way in which to execute medical equipment removal.

Once the room is clear of the LINAC and depending on your plan, the next steps can start to unfold. There are many factors involved in coordinating the removal of a linear accelerator. It is important to hire the right team to achieve your vision, and we think the professionals at Acceletronics can help! We have years of experience in the removal and installation of new and refurbished linear accelerators. Our team specializes in CT scanners and linear accelerators and would be delighted to partner with you in purchasing, removal, installation, servicing, and more.

Exploring Radiation Therapy Treatments Part 1

Medical facilities have a lot to consider when purchasing new or refurbished medical equipment. It is imperative to offer clients the highest patient care possible while also meeting the goals of the facility. As patients we often don’t consider the rigorous behind the scenes work it takes to bring us the latest and greatest treatments. We just want to know that we are getting the best possible treatment for our unique situation. This is especially true in the treatment of cancer.

Being told you need radiation is perhaps one of the scariest things you will hear. Everyone has their own experience while going through the process to eliminate their cancer however, it seems the “negative” always outshines the positive as we are seeking answers to questions before our own treatment begins. We are here to help. The following installments will give you a solid understanding on the ins and outs of treatment. Information reduces anxiety and at a time when anxiety is at all time high the last thing you want is to have unanswered question in connection with your treatment.

First and foremost, lets talk about the medical equipment that will be used in treating your cancer with radiation therapy. Linear accelerators are large machines that can be quite intimidating. In all honesty, the size of the machine and the impact of the treatment are both extreme and just their sight can create anxiousness. The truth is there is no reason at all to be intimidated by the size or treatment that is provided by linear accelerators, LINAC.

A LINAC is a large piece of medical equipment that uses elevated electromagnetic waves to accelerate electrons into extreme energy in a linear path that travels through an accelerator waveguide. These electrons collide with a heavy metal target and the result of the collision is the production of high energy x-rays (photons) that are delivered to the patient. Linear accelerators have special features that allow these beams to be shaped to conform to the tumors shape. The LINAC treatment angles can be manipulated receiving a variety of angles through the rotating gantry and movable treatment couch.

Linear accelerators, LINAC, continue to evolve. Radiation therapy continues to advance as well. What does this mean for patients?

Increased survival rates, more efficient treatment, fewer side effects, faster results, and more await patients with the advancements of LINAC systems. The radiation therapy process doesn’t have nerve wracking to patients. In our next installment we will dive further into the treatment, side effects, and questions patients often ask when discussing treatment with radiation therapy.

The People Behind the Installation of a Linear Accelerators

Purchasing a linear accelerator takes a great deal of planning, an experienced team to pull it all together, and a commitment to purchasing a quality piece of equipment. The planning process, as previously stated includes:

Understanding the goals of your clinic
Facility Planning
Schedule
Budget

In this installment we will look at the team of experts that you will need as you go about purchasing and implementing treatment using a large scaled piece of radiation therapy equipment such as a LINAC. Putting an experienced team of experts in place starts by involving individuals who share a similar vision for the facilities project. A unified group of professionals who will communicate with one another throughout the project. This team should include: vault designer/construction, provider of the LINAC, physics support, IT team, and the facilities clinical team for implementation. Choosing the best players for your team ensures success. It is your responsibility when making a purchase of this magnitude to perform due diligence every step of the way.

Vault Designer/Construction

Only a specialist can design and construct a vault that is capable of safely accommodating a linear accelerator. Not every construction company can create this safe space, it requires experience. Having a reliable company, with proven results in your corner will not only save you money but also critical time as you begin planning the installation of your linear accelerator.

Linear Accelerator Provider

Not all LINAC and radiation therapy equipment providers are the same. Don’t purchase equipment based solely on the basis of price as this is not the true cost of owning a linear accelerator. It is crucial, whether you are purchasing a new, refurbished, or used linear accelerator that you work with a company that provides the necessary specialized installation and support needed throughout the ownership of the equipment. Vendors such as Accelectronics, that can complete sales, delivery, installation, servicing, replacement parts, and removal provide reliability and accountability that many companies cannot compete with.

Physics Support

Successful treatment and patient outcomes only can occur when a continuous quality assurance program is in place. This group must have the tools and knowledge needed to make sure the installation and implementation of said equipment in your facility will be successful. This can include but is not limited to the assurance that you are offering the best possible treatment, to ongoing FAQ support.

IT Team

The hardware and software of all types of medical equipment is ever changing, the same is true of radiation therapy equipment such as linear accelerators and CT scanners. An IT team must be in place to ensure that equipment is kept up to date with the latest upgrades. They also must understand the overall impact to the facility a new piece of equipment such as a LINAC will have. Different systems must work together. It is up to your IT team to implement this network in order to have successful patient outcomes.

Implementation

Once the other pieces of the puzzle are in place including technology, the clinical implementation team will work together to ensure the best treatment plans are delivered to patients. This team includes: in-house therapists, physicists, and dosimetrists. This team is in place to guarantee an optimization treatment from beginning to end.

What is a Linear Accelerator and What Does it Do?

Linear accelerators, LINAC, are used in the treatment of cancer. High energy x-rays (electrons) are shaped to conform to the size and shape of the patient’s tumor and delivered using a LINAC. The radiation, simply put, is used to destroy cancerous cells. They are delivered in the shape of the tumor to hopefully eliminate damage to the healthy tissues surrounding the cancerous tumor. A LINAC offers several built-in features, depending on the model, that make sure that the prescribed dose of radiation is delivered.

If radiation has been scheduled and will be delivered using a linear accelerator your radiation oncologist will work in conjunction with both a radiation dosimetrist and medical physicist to create a treatment plan that is uniquely designed for you. Your physician will review your treatment plan with you before it begins and put quality assurance procedures in place to be certain that all parties involved are on the same page and that your treatment will be delivered in the exact same manner.

What is linear accelerator equipment used for?

LINAC, which is short for linear accelerator, is a large-scale piece of medical equipment used in external beam radiation treatment. Radiation is a treatment option that is given to patients that have been diagnosed with cancer. Linear accelerators are used to treat a variety of cancers throughout the body. The LINAC distributes high-energy x-rays (electrons) directly on to the cancerous tumor. The treatment is deployed in a manner that allows the healthy tissues to receive less of a direct hit than the tumor to help prevent damage. Several techniques are used when delivering radiation from LINAC systems including:

Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)
Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT)
Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT)
Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS)
Stereotactic Body Radio Therapy (SBRT)

How does a LINAC work?

Microwave technology is used in LINAC to speed up electrons within the wave guide (a part inside the linear accelerator). It then lets the sped-up electrons to strike a dense metal target to produce the high-energy x-ray that is delivered to the cancerous tumor. Before the radiation (high-energy x-ray beams) are delivered they are shaped into custom beams that match up with the patient’s unique tumor.

Radiation beams are manipulated into the shape of the tumor as they exit the LINAC by a multi-leaf collimator. The multi-leaf collimator is uniquely designed to each patient and is integrated into the head of the LINAC. Patients are required to lie completely motionless on a treatment couch. In order to make sure that the patient is in the correct position laser are used as guides. The couch that patients are lying on can be manipulated about to make sure the laser beams are in the correct location. radiation beams are directed out of the LINAC through the gantry. The gantry revolves around the patient on the couch. Radiation can literally be delivered from any number of angles simply by rotating the gantry on the LINAC and moving the couch that the patient is lying on.

Who runs the LINAC?

Radiation therapy is prescribed by a patient’s radiation oncologist. They are the individual in charge of making sure you receive the appropriate dosage of radiation. Together a medical physicist and dosimetrist decide how the prescribed dose of radiation will be delivered and how long the process will take. Finally, a radiation therapist will operate the LINAC to give the patient the prescribed dose of radiation treatment.

How is the patient’s safety guaranteed?

The safety of the patient and the radiation therapist are of utmost importance and therefore secured in several ways throughout treatment. Before treatment is carried out a unique plan is created. This strategy is evaluated and approved through a few specialists working together including your radiation oncologist, radiation dosimetrist, and medical physicist. The proposal is double, and triple checked before treatment can be delivered and quality-assurance procedures are done to make sure that the therapy is delivered according to the plan.

LINAC safety is also another important factor in quality assurance. Linear accelerators have several built-in features that work to ensure a proper dose of radiation is given. Daily equipment checks are performed on linear accelerators. Radiation therapists check to ensure radiation intensity is uniform throughout the beam. Monthly checks are performed by medical physicists monthly and annually on linear accelerators. There are also several internal checks within the LINAC that don’t let the machine run unless all the prescribed treatment requirements are in place.

Radiation therapists continue to observe the patient during treatment using closed-circuit TV monitors. A microphone is in place within the treatment room to allow patients and therapists to speak during treatment. Imaging tools are regularly examined to be sure that beam position is the same as it was in the original plan.

The LINAC operator is crucial as well. Linear accelerator equipment sits within a room that consists of lead and concrete walls. This prevents radiation beams from exiting the treatment room. LINAC systems only release radiation when it is turned on so the accidental risk of exposure to radiation is low.

Planning for and Purchasing a Linear Accelerator

A lot of different aspects go into the purchasing procedure of equipment used throughout medical facilities, health clinics, and hospitals. Unlike other business, hospitals are not only looking for equipment that is affordable, they are searching for equipment that provides clients with effective treatment, precise results, and quality care. In order to do so, the purchasing team of the facility must work in conjunction with physicians and critical care staff to plan for new equipment purchases.

Planning & Understanding Your Clinical Goals

Critical personnel must understand the clinical goals of the clients. Right from the start it is important that all facility members involved recognize the types of patients that will be treated, and the technology needed to deliver top notch radiation therapy to them. Is important that you are fully automated and digital? Does the facility need to consider EPID, Electronic Portal Imaging Device? Will images of tumors be taken on a daily or less frequently? If you will be then an IGRT solution must be selected. It is also important to know how the tumor will be defined for treatment. Are you going to need a multi-leaf collimator with leaves (MLC)? Answering these questions will help your facility narrow down your exact need and the piece of equipment that will fill these needs.

Another crucial element in planning for a new piece of equipment, especially one as large as a linear accelerator, CT scanner, or other radiotherapy equipment is the location in which it will be installed. In new construction you will have to consider the machines that are to be places now as well as technology that will be used in the future. It will be crucial that the building has room for expansion for further equipment purchases as well as the technology appropriate for today’s need. When renovating an existing space within the facility it is important to consider all of the constraints present such as shielding.

Having an established timetable for any project, especially the installation of LINAC systems, is the only way to successfully manage a successful health care facility when the normal flow could be disrupted. Of course, it also helps prevent common sense issues such as having a space that is ready for equipment when it is delivered to be installed, set up, programmed, and ready for hands on training. What good is a piece of equipment it is sitting in the hallway unable to be used? It is important for facilities and personnel to establish a timetable for each milestone along the way, including a completion date. There are many moving elements, including a number of experts, when installing a large scaled piece of equipment. To prevent IT specialists from arriving before the equipment is ready for them to complete software installation and such, a timeline is necessary.

Once a clinical goal and time table have been set, now comes the time to create a budget for the acquisition of your new equipment. Once a budget is set you will know if you should look into new, refurbished, or used equipment. Quality refurbished linear accelerators and reconditioned CT scanners are ideal when working within a budget. Prices vary for a number of reasons including: the age of the equipment, features, technology, and manufacturer. When budgeting for large scaled equipment make sure to allocate for additional products and services that will be needed to use them successfully. Radiation therapy includes large scaled equipment such as linear accelerators but also patient positioning devices and the such. It is just as important to budget for the extras as it is the initial piece of equipment.

Predictive Maintenance: A Strong Strategy for The Longevity of LINAC Systems

If you are responsible for the operation of the linear accelerator equipment at your facility than you already know that to keep the machine running as accurately as possible it has to be maintained properly. Whether you are talking about some scheduled outage so that you can run all the necessary tests, do diagnostic and replace parts that have shown that they are in need of replacement before they go out.

Establishing a good Predictive Maintenance Schedule

One of the best ways to ensure that your Linear Accelerator equipment will be ready to go if it is necessary to be used for treating a patient. One of the ways to ensure that your equipment is running properly is to be sure that all the linear accelerator components are running correctly. Having a good maintenance schedule requires you to have linear accelerator replacements parts to be able to complete certain types of maintenance.

Benefits of Predictive Maintenance

Dramatically reduce equipment downtime – By being able to identify potential problems before they rise to the level of affecting the proper operation of the linear accelerator equipment. This makes it highly likely that your machine will be available when the need arises for the machine. This also means that you can make plans to have specific linear accelerator replacements parts on hand when they would be needed to be replaced.

Diagnostic equipment is considerably cheaper – The latest technology being used in today’s diagnostic equipment and the software that they use to run are cheaper to acquire and this makes them considerably cheaper to use. When you have the right equipment to do the job, you are far more likely to be able to keep your equipment running properly.

It can be used effectively for any size company – The linear accelerator equipment typically uses sensors that make it possible to check the proper operation of the machine. However, this does not offer real-time data, so it is not the most effective method. This is where the diagnostic equipment used in predictive maintenance is far more effective. This makes it possible for more companies to be able to use predictive maintenance, even if they are a smaller size company.

Real-time data makes catching potential problems much more likely – When it comes to detecting potential issues having real-time data is the best way to. This is one of biggest advantages to having the diagnostic equipment in the hands of your maintenance personnel to be able to schedule them to proactively check all the components of the machine to ensure that they are working properly.

It is the most proactive form of equipment maintenance – There are three distinct forms of equipment maintenance that a company can use to keep its equipment running and reducing downtime. The three types of maintenance are reactive, preventative and proactive maintenance. Each one has its own set of advantages and disadvantages when it comes to which one is the better however when patient care is the most important factor, as it in the treatment of cancer, predictive maintenance allows planned downtime instead of emergent care.

Preventative LINAC Maintenance: Unscheduled Repairs Impact Treatment

Radiotherapy engineers conduct preventative maintenance and repairs on equipment used for radiotherapy. Predictive and preventative maintenance of the complex equipment which includes linear accelerators, teletherapy systems, radiotherapy simulators, digital x-ray systems, among many more.

Quality management within a radiation therapy clinic involves maintaining, servicing and supporting linear accelerators. When a linear accelerator breaks down, the physician in charge or other clinic employees usually inform the support team who send engineers out to the location to do the repair. Unscheduled servicing on linear accelerators can have a significant impact on treatment. Patients going through radiation therapy should get the treatment at specific times. When linear accelerators malfunction, it means the patients must be moved to other centers for treatment or have their treatment rescheduled. As a clinic, this can have a negative impact on your business and it is, therefore, important to have the problem resolved as fast as possible.

To minimize the impact of downtown due to equipment failure maintenance must be kept up to date. To decrease the impact of equipment failure we suggest:

Reducing the processes involved in reporting the issue to the support engineers. Sometimes the process involved in reporting issues to the support engineers and have them dispatch people to five the machines can be too lengthy. The longer it takes to send a team over, the longer it will take before patients can receive treatment.
When there are repetition and redundancies in reporting the incident, it takes the support engineers a long time to resolve the issue. Time is of the essence when making unscheduled repairs on linear accelerators.
Cancer patients going through radiation therapy have compromised immunities because of the illness and the radiation treatment. If a Linear accelerator breaks down, the clinic might have to take patients to another facility for treatment. Moving patients who have a weakened immune system increases the risk of infection which could be detrimental to the patient’s health.
Linear accelerators are critical for administering radiation therapy to cancer patients. When a linear accelerator needs to be fixed, it means patients who were scheduled to use that machine will not get their scheduled treatments and even if they do so from another center they will still be inconvenienced.

Ensuring cancer patients have access to treatment is extremely imperative. Linear accelerator support engineers cannot prevent breakdowns entirely, but rapid repair of the machines goes a long way in minimizing the impact on patients’ treatment.

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.

Linear Accelerators Deliver Accuracy in Patient Care

A linear accelerator is one of the best tools to use for eradicating tumors in a cancer patient. In the past, one of the problems with cancer treatment was that healthy normal cells were killed too. But with a LINAC, linear accelerator, this machine delivers elevated electrons or energy x-rays that conform to the tumor’s form. It focuses on destroying cancer cells while sparing the surrounding normal tissues.

LINAC systems also contain numerous incorporated measures of protection that will ensure that they only deliver the most accurate dosage to patients. Therefore, servicing linear accelerators is an extremely valuable part of the entire process, as well as requiring constant checking by a medical physicist to ensure that they continue working properly.

Before a Procedure Begins

A patient who has been scheduled for radiation therapy with a LINAC will undergo a long and stringent process to ensure accuracy and safety. This begins with an appointment with the radiation oncologist. The oncologist will then collaborate with the radiation dosimetrist and a medical physicist to develop the best treatment plan. Before treatment proceeds, the patient’s own doctor will review and double check this plan before it can begin.

There will also be quality assurance procedures put in place to ensure that the patient remains safe during the procedure. These procedures are also put in place so that if multiple treatments are required, that the patient will receive each one in the exact same manner.

A LINAC is most frequently used for external radiation beam treatment for patients with cancer. Linear accelerators treat all parts and organs of the body and the organs that may have cancer. The machine delivers high-energy x-rays or electrons to the center of the patient’s tumor. It destroys the cancer cells while sparing surrounding tissue.

How a LINAC Works

The LINAC uses a microwave technology that is like radar technology. It accelerates electrons so that they collide with a heavy metal target that produces high energy x-rays. These are shaped to conform to the exact shape of the patient’s tumor.

The patient lies on a movable couch during treatment. The patient must be in the right position for the most effective treatment. The couch can be moved up, down, left, right, and left in and out. The beam is directed from a gantry which is rotated around the patient.

There are a variety of experts who operate this equipment. It’s important that the LINAC be regularly serviced. There are qualified businesses who perform regular servicing of linear accelerators.

Repairs May Be Needed On LINAC Systems

In some instances, the LINAC may need to be repaired. The machine will deliver errors and reports and not turn on if it’s not safe. This is when clinics and hospitals need to call in technicians for repairing LINAC systems. It can be difficult to determine what has gone wrong, as the LINAC system is complex. It may simply need servicing, or it may need certain parts replaced.

If your facility’s linear accelerator is due for servicing, please contact us today so that your facility can continue to delivery accuracy in patient care.

What You Should Know When Repairing LINAC Systems

A linear accelerator service engineer is responsible for the repair, testing, and calibration of imaging and clinical equipment, devices, instruments, and systems. In addition to the inspection and installation of LINAC systems, it is an accelerator service engineer’s role to repair defective medical equipment and provide scheduled maintenance of specialized equipment in accordance with departmental and manufacturer protocols and specifications on a routine basis. Consider the following points when servicing or repairing LINAC systems:

Know the parts of a LINAC system

Even though third generation LINACS are now computerized and have improved beam modifying systems, you still need to be conversant with some if not all the main units of a LINAC, including the major components that are housed in a modular cabinet. Do you know what a klystron or magnetron is, or a wave guide, a circulator, an electron gun, including the water systems the LINAC is composed of and much more?

Diagnose and correct system and equipment malfunctions

As a linear accelerator service engineer, you should develop accuracy in judgment, planning, technique, and confidence in dealing with systems emergencies and malfunctions when servicing linear accelerators. You must exhibit knowledge of the various elements of a LINAC system, analyze the situation and take the appropriate action so that your clients can have more confidence and trust in your work.

Maintain accurate records of work performed

Whether maintenance is scheduled or unscheduled, it’s important to keep a comprehensive record to help you keep track of all the maintenance work. Records also enable you to arrange a time to provide maintenance on the machine when needed, at the same time it ensures that the LINAC system that you have already repaired is safe to work with and you can prove it with your records if necessitated.

The records should also show the customer’s details, the detail of the complaint, when you arrived at the job site and the evidence documenting that the LINAC system was checked. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommended schedule.

Use quality OEM replacement parts

Linear accelerator parts and accessories are met with strict guidelines throughout the reconditioning process. In the event you are called to repair LINAC Systems, and you must replace an important LINAC part, ensure that the accelerator parts meet and exceed the OEM specifications, but always talk to the client to make sure that they are willing to meet the costs.

Linear accelerator removal and disposal

A LINAC is a very heavy medical equipment and challenging to remove. The removal and disposal of medical equipment of either radiation, oncology or imaging equipment is an important skill set for all equipment engineers who are required by law to comply with state regulations, for liability and safety reasons.

Work with experienced riggers who have the appropriate equipment to remove a linear accelerator and with a knowledge of pulling the concrete around the base frame of a LINAC system without damaging it because most LINACs can be recycled and reused.