How do you commission a linac?

The process of commissioning a linac for clinical use includes comprehensive measurements of dosimetric parameters that are necessary to validate the treatment planning systems used to select optimal radiation modality and treatment technique for individual patients.

What is commissioning in radiotherapy?

40.13) “Development of procedures for dosimetry calculation in radiotherapy” was established. Commissioning involves testing of system functions, documentation of the different capabilities and verification of the ability of the dose calculation algorithms to reproduce measured dose calculations.

How much does a TrueBeam machine cost?

The TrueBeam machine itself packs a $5.5 million price tag, and the software and computers to support it add another $1.5 million. Machinery that complex and expensive isn’t available on demand.

How does a Varian linear accelerator work?

How Does It Work? TrueBeam combines imaging, beam delivery and sophisticated motion management to accurately and precisely target tumors with speed. TrueBeam rotates around the patient to deliver a prescribed radiation dose from nearly any angle.

How long does it take to install a linear accelerator?

A linear accelerator replacement is a huge logistical undertaking that can cause a lot of stress for both doctors and patients in radiation oncology centers. The physical process, from start to finish, can take as long as six weeks.

How does a linear accelerator produce radiation?

The linear accelerator uses microwave technology (similar to that used for radar) to accelerate electrons in a part of the accelerator called the “wave guide”. Then, it allows these electrons to collide with a heavy metal target to produce high-energy x-rays.

Is Sat part of commissioning?

The Site Acceptance Test (SAT) is to assure the system condition after successful installation is safe and ready to begin commissioning, and assuring that there is no damage or change during shipment. …

What is the cost of radiation?

For patients not covered by health insurance, radiation therapy can cost $10,000-$50,000 or more, depending on the type of cancer, number of treatments needed and especially the type of radiation used.

How much does a Varian Halcyon cost?

Systems will run between $2 million and $4 million, Lavin said, with lower prices targeting emerging markets and higher prices having more imaging options, and more algorithms and software integration.

What is the best linear accelerator?

Top 5 Linear Accelerator Systems Being Removed

• Siemens Linear Accelerators (Oncor/Primus/MD2)
• Varian 600C Linear Accelerators.
• Varian 2100C/D Linear Accelerators.
• Elekta SL Series and Precise Linear Accelerators.
• Varian 21EX Linear Accelerators.

What is the advantage of linear accelerator?

The main advantage of linear accelerators is that the particles are able to reach very high energies without the need for extremely high voltages. The main disadvantage is that, because the particles travel in a straight line, each accelerating segment is used only once.

What are some of the pros and cons of a linear accelerator?

Who is commissioning the Varian TrueBeam linear accelerator?

031719-2 Glide-Hurst et al.: Multi-institutional commissioning of five TrueBeam linear accelerators 031719-2 I. INTRODUCTION

How is acceptance testing and commissioning of linac done?

Therefore, the acceptance testing and commissioning of a computer-controlled linac can be quite complex and may vary from institution to institution depending on its anticipated use.

What are the criteria for selecting a linac?

Criteria for Linac Selection The selection of a linac is critically dependent on its clinical utilization. Fortunately, the choice of commercially available, FDA-approved medical linacs is primarily limited to three major linac manufacturers: Elekta, Siemens, and Varian.

What do you need to know about TrueBeam linacs?

This work details the commissioning experience of five TrueBeam linacs, including timelines, baseline beam parameters, mechanical and multileaf collimator characteristics, end-to-end testing, and final dosimetric verification.