What Is a Linear Accelerator?

A linear accelerator is a device that uses high Radio-Frequency (RF) electromagnetic waves to accelerate charged particles to high energies in a linear path, inside a tube like structure called the accelerator waveguide. The resonating frequency of the medical linac is about 3 billion Hertz cycles per second. This is the most common device to treat cancer with external beam radiation. Accelerator is basically an apparatus for accelerating charged subatomic particles, used in radiotherapy, and the production of radionuclides.

A pulsed electron beam generated by an electron gun passes through a long, straight vacuum tube containing alternating hollow electrodes. The electrodes are arranged so that, when their high frequency potentials are properly varied, the electrons passing through the tube receive successive increments of energy. The electrons are stopped abruptly by a heavy metal target and directed by a collimator to deliver super voltage X-Rays to the patient receiving radiotherapy.

The linear accelerator (Linac), uses microwave technology to accelerate electrons in a part of the linac called waveguide, then allows these electrons to collide with a heavy metal target. As a result of these collisions, high energy X-Rays (Photons) are produced from the target.

Linear Accelerator Technicians: Performs advanced technical support related to the maintenance and operation of medical linear accelerators. Jobs include preventive maintenance scheduling and responding to down linear accelerator parts and services, Coordinates vendor service and documentation, when necessary. Maintains inventory and orders parts for linear accelerators. Can assist in the design and modification of treatment accessories for physics and other departmental equipment as needed for patient treatment, quality assurance and research support. May require an ASEE or equivalent or Bachelors’ degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering or a directly related field. A senior position requires five (5) years of directly related experience maintaining and servicing medical linear accelerators. Specific experience is typically required on Varian Linear Accelerators. Authorized Varian training is highly desirable. Manufactures of these items include Siemens, Philips, Varian, and Elekta. Repair organizations include Acceletronics, Centura, and Altair.

When linear accelerator parts and services breaks down it is imperative that repair services are almost immediate. Downtime in a medical setting can literally be the difference between life and death so having the ability to have direct access to medical equipment repair services should be of the outmost priority. Another detail that is forgotten is the urgency of finding the parts for medical equipment. Without the proper parts to fix down machines technicians are at a stalemate with getting much need equipment like LINACS and CT scanners up and going again.

Having instantaneous access to OEM replacement parts for Linear Accelerators, Radiotherapy CT Simulators and Radiation Oncology equipment is pertinent.  With newer equipment it is often difficult to find access to replacement parts. Newer medical equipment can be difficult to find replacement parts for simply because of the newness of the piece to the market.

Radparts is the world’s largest independent distributor of OEM replacement parts for Linear Accelerators and Radiation Oncology equipment.  We provide high quality, user friendly, low cost parts support for linear accelerators and radiation equipment.  For more information on low cost parts for repairing Linac equipment find us at http://www.radparts.com.

Choosing refurbished vs. new

The best cancer treatment starts when patients have a proper diagnosis. It is crucial to have a definitive plan of action when treating cancerous tumors.  Top medical facilities, skilled professionals, proper medical equipment, and a complete and accurate diagnosis allow patients to have the best possible outcome with their cancer treatment.

Radiation therapy is used in the treatment of most cancer patients.  This is true even when patients are being given a cocktail of other drugs used to treat cancer.  Radiation is a service that is provided by oncology practitioners.  According to a research, about 60% or more cases involving patients with cancer in the United States undergo radiation therapy to treat or cure their cancer.  Radiation cannot be delivered with using a linear accelerator.

A linear accelerator is machine that is able to shoot radiation onto the cancerous tumor without damaging the surrounding healthy tissue.  With innovative attempts to make linear accelerators more advanced, they would give guaranteed accuracy at all times. This will ensure the least possible impact on the surrounding tissue around the tumor.  Damage to the surrounding tissue is one of the greatest drawbacks of using radiation in the first place.  This issue can come to an end with this more technological attempt at radiation treatment using linear accelerators in treatment.

Oncology care providers can only get the equipment their facilities can afford to purchase.  New linear accelerators can cost upwards of four million dollars.  This is where purchasing a refurbished linear accelerator can sometimes offer facilities a chance to offer top notch treatments at a fraction of the cost.  Refurbished medical equipment can save companies upwards of fifty percent off the cost of buying new.

Refurbished equipment is reliable, secure, and effective while taking in consideration your facilities budget and is surely a good approach to offer to cancer patients. These newly advanced linear accelerators offer precise treatments that are carried out by best of engineers and technicians.

One of the most important reasons to buy a refurbished accelerator is that it frees up your remaining budget to help you continue to grow your practice. With updated equipment you have the chance of treating more patients.  This in turn increases your experience and your practice. With a refurbished linear accelerator you have more chances of saving the patients you treat and curing them of cancer. Advances in technology and equipment give your patient’s confidence in the effectiveness of your treatments.

Radparts is the world’s largest independent distributor of OEM replacement parts for Linear Accelerators and Radiation Oncology equipment.  We provide high quality, user friendly, low cost parts support for linear accelerators and radiation equipment.  For more information on low cost parts for repairing Linac equipment find us at http://www.radparts.com.