Posted on by admin

External Radiotherapy: Beating Cancer with Radiation

One of the most popular options in treating cancerous tumors is with the use of external radiotherapy.  There are several types of external radiotherapy options for doctors to choose from when treating each unique patient needs with the overall principal of the therapy being the same.  Radiation is delivered to the source of the cancer using a high-powered beam.

Linear accelerators are one type of machine that can deliver radiation to the source without causing severe damage to the healthy tissues surrounding the area. External radiotherapy is used to destroy cancerous cells and is administer by LINAC systems that deliver high energy x-ray beams known as photon beams.  Other systems deliver radiotherapy through particle beams, such as protons and electrons.  The principle is similar in both as the beam of radiation is aimed at an internal cancer source as treatment.

The DNA in cancerous cells is damaged through external radiotherapy.  DNA is either damaged directly or through particles called free radicals that damage them. This keeps the cancerous cells from growing or kills.  When the cells die they are broken down by the body and removed as waste.  Normal healthy cells surrounding the cancerous tumor are damaged slightly however they can usually repair themselves over time.

Treatment is not started until you have spoken to your doctor about possible short- and long-term side effects.  Most often side effects can be controlled with medication and are temporary.  The treatment is planned based off of the images that have been taken of the cancer via x-ray, CT scans, MRI’s, and/or PET scans.  The plan will ensure a higher dose of treatment to the cancerous tumor.  Treatment is given in the radiotherapy department of the hospital.  Machines in the radiotherapy department such as linear accelerators, are very big and can be a bit scary.

LINAC machines use electricity to create the beams of radiation that are delivered to the cancer.  During treatment the machine never actually touches you and nothing is felt during treatment.  There may be some side effects of discomfort and pain that can be managed with medication.  For the treatment to work well, the radiotherapy needs to cover all of the cancer and the border around it using the lowest dose possible to reduce any side effects.

When choosing the treatment that you will need your radiotherapy doctor will consider the following:

  • The type of cancer you have
  • The position of the cancer within your body
  • Treatments that you have had in the past, are currently having, and that are planned
  • Your general wellness, health, and fitness levels

Your external radiotherapy treatment is individualized to each and every patient.

The entire course of treatment can last anywhere between one to six weeks but can be longer.  This is determined by your doctor and how well you are responding to treatment.  The treatment that is put in place will be based on a personal routine that you can easily follow.

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/.

 

Posted on by admin

Treating Cancer with External Beam Radiation

There are several treatment options available when it comes to cancer treatment, one of the most common being external beam radiation therapy.  In external beam radiation a beam, or many beams, of radiation are shot through a person’s skin onto the cancerous tumor destroying the tumor and nearby cells of cancer.   To reduce the consequences of treatment it is usually given Monday through Friday, five days a week for several weeks.  This gives patients enough radiation to shrink and kill off the cancerous tumors while allowing healthy cells to restore themselves.

 

The beam of radiation that moves through the skin and targets the cancerous tumor is delivered through a machine known as a linear accelerator, also known as a LINAC.  A linear accelerator produces high-energy x-rays which treat the cancer.  This treatment option is done using computers and specialized software to create a treatment plan.  This plan will control the shape and size of the radiation beam as well as how it will enter your body to treat the tumor while pardoning the normal tissue.

 

Different types of cancer require specialized delivery of radiation using external radiation therapy.  In this installment on external beam radiation we will discuss several methods of delivery.

 

3-D CRT: Three-Dimensional Conformal Radiation Therapy

 

No two tumors are the same shape or size.  No two patients’ bodies are the same either. 3-D CRT uses advancements in technology like CT, PET, or MR scans to display the tumors size, shape, and location relevant to the surrounding organs.  This allows the radiation oncologist to tailor the beams of radiation with special shielding options to your exact tumor.  The more targeted treatment ensures that less of the surrounding healthy tissues receive the harmful radiation.

 

IMRT: Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy

 

IMRT, is a specialized from of 3-D CRT that shapes radiation to cover only the tumor sparing healthy, normal tissue surrounding the cancerous tumor.   In IMRT, the beams of radiation are broken down into several smaller beams with each beam’s intensity being able to be adjusted individually.  This allows the beam’s closer to the healthy tissue to deliver less intense radiation without decreasing the radiation delivered to the tumor.

 

IGRT: Image Guided Radiation Therapy

 

Image guided radiation therapy uses conformal radiation treatment that is guided by images from a CT, ultrasound, or x-rays taken right before treatment.  Since tumors can move between treatments, IGRT offers more targeted treatments as the images are taken right before treatment is given.  Your team of oncologists will confer the images between treatments to adjust the treatment that is needed.  Sometimes in IGRT doctors will place a marker in or near the tumor to help localize the treatment.  IGRT is another option in radiation treatment that allows for precise targeting of cancerous cells, protecting the healthy cells.

 

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/.

Posted on by admin

Patient Safety Is Affected by The Design of Your Facility

When it comes to receiving treatment, both in patient and out-patient, our safety is always a concern.  Whether a family member, friend, or even oneself is receiving care it is crucial that safety as a patient is of utmost concern for the facility where we are seeking treatment.  Accidents that occur within a facility whether they are minor, like slipping in the bathroom or major an error in medication received, cost billions of dollars per year.  The harm that is caused by ineffective patient safety measures don’t just affect the facility and patient, caregivers can also be scarred emotionally.

 

Patient care and safety is just one of the many reasons it is important to design your medical facility in such a manner that is basically fool proof.  You will see this demonstrated in a million different ways throughout the facility including:

Standardized patient and treatment rooms:

When rooms throughout the facility are designed in the same manner throughout it helps to prevent errors from occurring.  Rooms are set up in a manner that considers the predominance of right-handed professionals and patients.  This helps to ensure that the room is set up in the most efficient manner possible for the greatest good.

 

Standardized facilities take the guess work out of patient treatment and therefore help to ensure the best possible outcome in patient care.   Efficiency within the medical facility allows for a precise, standardized approach that allows treatment to be done quickly and safely.  Familiarity within the space, knowing where you can find what you need when you need it within a familiar environment that keeps patients safe and the work flow moving along competently.  When variation is removed all the guess work is taken out of the equation and thus error in treatment.

 

This is especially necessary when specialized treatment is sought.  Radiation oncology departments are just one of the many departments within a hospital that use a standardized approach in treatment room layout.  Radiation is an intense option in treating cancer using several large scaled devices like linear accelerators and CT scanners to find and treat cancerous tumors.

 

Although each patient’s treatment is unique the way it is received is not.  Simplifying the routine elements allows doctors and nurses to focus on the specific requirements of each patient.  Physicians can concentrate on patient information, dosing information, and the physical care of the patient over being concerned on where to find basic supplies.

Basic Principles To Promote Patient Safety:

As stated by author, John Reiling in Safe by Design: Designing Safety in Health Care Facilities, Process, and Culture, facilities must follow basic principles to promote patient safety.  This includes:

  • Being Patient Centered
  • Environmentally Conducive
  • Resourceful/Efficient
  • Safe
  • Superior Care
  • Advanced Technology
  • Knowledgeable and Approachable Staff

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/.

 

Posted on by admin

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.

 

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/.

 

Posted on by admin

Removal and Disposal of Medical Equipment

Technology is continuously changing and what was a brand-new machine last year, might be three models behind three hundred and sixty-five days later.  That means that it is not uncommon for hospitals and medical practices to remove and dispose of their medical equipment on a regular basis.  After all, they all want to offer the latest technological advances to their patients.

One of the first things that needs to be completed for linear accelerator removal, CT scanner disposal, or getting rid of any other medical equipment is to remove any of the personal patient information that may be stored on it.  This needs to be completed to meet HIPAA regulations and guidelines, but also to ensure that no patient will have their information getting into the wrong hands.

Some older equipment can always have the information removed and then the equipment can be sold to medical businesses who are looking to upgrade their equipment without spending a lot of money.  This is a great way for businesses to get some money for their CT scanner or linear accelerator removal and put it towards their future purchase.

Of course, it is not always possible to sell older medical equipment, and in those instances, it is best to send the equipment for recycling.  This will ensure that all these medical devices are not filling up landfills, plus some of the parts may be able to be used to repair broken down equipment.

Medical facilities will want to make sure that they are following all the federal guidelines, as well as their state guidelines for their linear accelerator removal and CT scanner disposal.  If they don’t, they will find that they are responsible for paying fines and fees that can be tens of thousands of dollars.

Every medical facility will have their own guidelines that they want to follow as well, which means that the removal and disposal of medical equipment is never going to always be the same.  Some facilities may try to sell their old medical equipment prior to purchasing new equipment, while others will have a new piece of equipment ready to be installed prior to removing the older version.

Medical facilities cannot face any down time with their equipment, because their patients would needlessly suffer.  That is why many places have detailed plans in place, so that they are ready when they are facing a linear accelerator removal or CT scanner disposal.

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.

Posted on by admin

The Ins and Outs of Radiation Oncology Equipment

Radiation oncology occurs through the use of ionizing radiation to treat/cure disease such as cancer.  It can also be used to assist in the relief of symptoms when a cure or treatment is no longer a viable option.  Most often radiation is most frequently associated with cancer however can be used in treated in a limited range of benign or non-malignant illnesses.  Some of the equipment that is used within the radiation oncology department is linear accelerators, simulators, and CT scanners.

Linear Accelerator

Linear accelerator, LINAC systems are sophisticated pieces of medical equipment that are used to distribute radiation therapy treatments for patients with cancer. Linear accelerators can be used to treat most types of cancers.  During radiation therapy, treatment is provided by directing the beams on to the cancerous tumor.  Targeting the cancer and encompassing area to annihilate the main cancerous tumor and close cancer cells without causing undo harm to the healthy tissue around it.

Patients are placed on a treatment couch that moves, with the help of specifically planned out lasers and X-ray imaging panels, are manipulated to ensure that the beam is in the right position for treatment. The couch can be maneuvered in many planes with sub-millimeter accuracy. This occurs in sync with the LINAC gantry allows the radiation to be directed from any angle to reach the cancerous tumor from any angle.

Simulators and CT-simulators

A simulator is an advanced diagnostic x-ray unit that enables the localization of the tumor site.  The radiation beams are employed in the treatment process.  In addition, the simulator provides a component of the permanent record (verification) of the treatment plan. It is named as so because it has been fabricated to mimic several of the treatment positions that are possible within radiation treatment units.

Servicing and Repairing Linear Accelerator

Problems LINAC System Face

Linear accelerators are built by joining numerous small parts and sending very small radiation particles at very high speeds towards designated targets. Each part has its own function and in the grand scheme of things isnt linked to adjacent parts. This makes the LINAC a very fickle machine since any faulty part can lead to the entire machine going out of order. Hence, the LINAC is an unsustainable machine that can require very intricate maintenance. Therefore, the debate about whether to install spare parts or to change the machine entirely holds a lot of weight and is something that many professionals in the health industry constantly talk about.

Repairing LINAC system

Medical equipment parts used for repairing linear accelerators can be quite expensive especially if you choose to buy new OEM parts over refurbished. Instead of spending your valuable budget on new parts to repair equipment, there are a number of firms in the market that offer refurbishing of parts for radiation equipment. The refurbished parts are often returned very quickly, and this efficient process saves you half the money you would spend on a new part. Therefore, it is best to find a good servicing company for your LINACs to extend the lifespan of the equipment.

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.

 

 

 

Posted on by admin

Traits of a Superior Medical Equipment Service Company

There is substantial growth within the medical care industry.  The population of aging citizens is growing as well.  As this is occurring it is our responsibility as professionals to make sure we are keeping up with technological advancements which often means more complicated medical equipment and devices throughout a variety of care centers including radiation oncology departments.  It takes a unique person, with the right skill set, and work ethic to ensure facilities are successful in keeping linear accelerators, CT scanners, and other oncology equipment up and running to ensure on-time treatment.

Superior medical equipment repair providers all seem to posses’ similar qualities which allow facilities to maintain a high level of care without downtime due to equipment failure.  Some of these traits include:

Lovers of Technology: Repairing large scaled medical equipment is not quite like anything else.  Linear accelerators and other machines found in the radiation oncology department are complex and involve very complicated and detailed computer software and mechanical components.  Most often companies that perform these detailed tasks use computers to troubleshoot issues with equipment as well as being capable of performing hands on tasks that involve the nitty gritty nuts and bolts.

Detailed Oriented: Medical equipment performs jobs that humans are not capable of performing including pin pointing laser treatments for cancerous tumors while keeping healthy tissues safe.  When these machines breakdown the entire facility often comes to a stand-still.  This means it is crucial that a complete diagnosis and repair is completed the first time.  Good medical equipment technicians provide repair solutions efficiently and can identify even the tiniest thing is out of whack on medical equipment throughout the radiation department.

Solvers of Problems: Imagine having to solve a problem that has never been solved before.  These are the mysteries that medical equipment repair specialists deal with daily.  The problems and repairs that need to be done are usually a first of there kind and need to be able to be diagnosed properly and remedied quickly as not to affect downtime and patient care.

Reliable: When working within the medical industry in any capacity it is crucial that you are reliable, on-time, and ready to get down to business when needed. Other people’s lives are dependent on you being able to complete yours.  Even if you are not in the direct line of patient care your job is of critical importance.

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.

Posted on by admin

Upgrading Medical Equipment

Medical facilities all have one thing in common and that is the need for progressive, radical technology and equipment.  To supply patients with outstanding medical service it is crucial that facilities exceed their needs by bringing in additional, updated medical equipment and adding services to meet the growing demands of a fluctuating marketplace in a constantly changing industry.

Leasing and Financing Medical Equipment

To keep existing patients happy and draw new patients in there needs to be products and services to attract them to your facility.  Keeping your facility up to date with the latest medical equipment will allow patients the assurance they need. Below you will find several reasons it is vital medical facilities keep up with the requirements of their patients, existing and future.

To show patients you care about their ongoing health care needs and comfort level it is vital that your facility keep medical equipment and its software up to date.  By obtaining current diagnostic equipment it allows patients to know that your facility has the means to solve their problems.  New patients, especially within the younger generation will be judging your practice on the services and technology you can offer them.  When you can provide care for your patients in house rather than referring them to other medical facilities it helps to grow your practice, maximize profits, and improves your reputation.

We all know that acquiring new, used, or even refurbished medical equipment, such as linear accelerators and CT scanners is costly.  One option to make it more affordable is to finance equipment through leasing.  Obtaining medical equipment that is paid for upfront utilizes valuable cash assets and lines of credit.  These funds are essential in day to day operations.  Leasing is the best option for medical facilities because it offers:

  • Fixed rate financing
  • Less upfront capital
  • Decreased payment monthly
  • Tax benefits

The team at Acceletronics, an independent medical equipment service company, is dedicated to delivering the best equipment performance and service reliability from Linear Accelerators and CT Scanners across all major brands and models.

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.

 

Posted on by admin

A Few Reasons It May Be Time To Upgrade Your Linear Accelerator

When it comes to medical equipment a linear accelerator is considered the “workhorse” as it is used again and again, every day.  Some facilities, with lower patient counts, can often still use a linear accelerator that can be decades old whereas larger facilities often replace their radiation oncology equipment regularly every few years.  In the United States, linear accelerator equipment and other larger pieces of radiation equipment are upgraded every decade.

When you are ready for an upgrade depends on a number of things.  A few indicators that it is time to upgrade your linear accelerator include:

  • You want to provide treatment to more clients, provide higher quality of care, and provide treatment for a wider variety of cases.

Newer technology can empower a facility to provide faster and more precise, or more integrated, treatment. An upgrade may allow a broader ability to take on any case. For example, an upgrade to offer SRS (Stereotactic Radio Surgery) to treat head and neck cases may be an option. Other common upgrades include:

  • Upgrading the MLC
  • Updating the portal imaging system
  • Adding VMAT capabilities
  • Enhancing the couch

 

  • The goal of your facility is to maintain a competitive edge.

Expanding your capabilities means referrals can also grow. Enhanced capabilities enable physicians to direct new types of treatment cases. Patients who had to be referred to another clinic may now come to your clinic.

  • Maintenance expenses are continual and keep adding up.

Many LINAC systems will be under an annual service contract, with preventive maintenance visits throughout the year to keep the machines working smoothly. However, older machines that have reached their “end-of-life” may no longer be supported and, in worst-case scenarios, some of the replacement parts may not be available at all.

  • Replacing the linear accelerator is not an option.

Extending the life of a machine with upgrades is less costly than purchasing a new machine. It also means less downtime as your old machine is removed and a new one installed, a process which can take as long as five weeks. No machine means no treatments, and you risk losing patients.

Any of these reasons may compel you to consider replacing your facility’s linear accelerator.  If that’s the case, first consider adding upgrades. Upgrading your existing system can give you the power and capabilities you want, cost-effectively.

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.

Posted on by admin

What to Look for When Purchasing a Refurbished Linear Accelerator

A brand-new linear accelerator can cost upwards of four million dollars, which is why many places will choose to purchase a refurbished one to meet their needs.  There is nothing wrong with most refurbished linear accelerators, but as with most things, when you purchase used, you must use an abundance of caution.

Here is what you want to look for when purchasing a refurbished linear accelerator:

Software and Hardware

Each refurbished linear accelerator comes with software and hardware, and it helps if you are familiar with it all before you begin the purchasing process.  You will not want to purchase a refurbished linear accelerator that does not meet your current needs due to the fact that it does not have the software or hardware components that you are looking for.

Know What Has Been Refurbished

There are many parts of linear accelerators that can be refurbished, and you will want to know if those items were mechanical, electrical, or cosmetic.  While all three categories should be checked on the machines, to see if any repairs are needed and that everything is operational, it doesn’t mean that there is always something seriously wrong with them.  Instead, the process can ensure that the linear accelerators are in excellent working order and lists exactly what items need to be repaired or replaced.

See if the Refurbished Linear Accelerator Received Routine Maintenance and Servicing

Records that show that a refurbished linear accelerator was carefully maintained and serviced when it was in use may not guarantee that it will work better than any other refurbished linear accelerator, but it does show that it was well taken care of.  That means that there is a better chance that there will not be any surprise issues right after the purchase.

Accessories that are Included

Certain accessories can ensure that a refurbished linear accelerator works better than those that do not have specific accessories.  A few of the accessories that you should look for include a water chiller, power conditioner, in-room monitoring system, and patient positioning lasers.  If you can find a refurbished linear accelerator that includes these accessories, you can save yourself even more money.

Always Get an Inspection of the Refurbished Linear Accelerator Before Purchasing

Anyone that doesn’t want you to have a professional inspection done on the refurbished linear accelerator that they are selling you is trying to hide something major and that should be your first clue to walk away quickly.  An inspection can show any inadequacies of the linear accelerator as well as any repairs that need to be made before it can be used.

You won’t need to worry about being scammed when purchasing a refurbished linear accelerator as long as you take your time and know what you are looking for as you are going through the purchase process.  If you are unsure of certain things, talk to other professionals as you are going through the process for input and guidance.

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.