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Analyzing Linear Accelerators and Their Major Components

Linear accelerators are widely used for the treatment of cancer using high radio-frequency electromagnetic waves to speed up electrons to increased energy in a linear path inside of an accelerator waveguide.  The frequency is medical LINACs is around 3 billion Hertz.  As the most common form of external beam radiation treatment after a cancer diagnosis it is crucial for end users to have a basic understanding of what a LINAC is.  As well as how the major components within LINAC systems work in conjunction with one another to produce radiation treatment.

Consider how a microwave oven works.  This is in the most basic sense how a linear accelerator operates.  A LINAC uses microwave technology to accelerate charged particles within a waveguide, tube like structure.  These electrons then strike a metal target producing photons. It is these photons that are focused on the cancerous tumor.  This radiation is delivered in the shape of the tumor to avoid contact with healthy tissues with the use of a variety of positioning devices.   Now that we have a general understanding of the linear accelerator lets take a look into the major components that allow LINAC systems to operate as we know them to as of today.

Drive Stand:

A drive stand is a rather large cabinet, usually rectangular in shape, that secures the LINAC machine to the floor of the treatment room that houses the gantry.

Gantry:

The gantry is a moveable frame of the LINAC that is located in the drive stand and rotates on a horizontal axis.  It helps direct the photon beams directly into the patient’s tumor.  The gantry rotates 360 degrees on its axis.  There are three components that are found within the gantry: the electron gun, accelerator structure, and treatment head.

Klystron:

The klystron is a major component that is located within the drive stand that delivers the microwave energy that is used to accelerate the electrons through amplified RF electromagnetic waves.

Accelerator Guide:

The energy from the klystron moves to the accelerator structure to speed up electrons.

Treatment Head:

The treatment head of a LINAC encases the components that shape the radiation to the specific size of the cancerous tumor.  This can include: bending magnets, primary collimator, beam flattening filter, wedges, blocks, and compensators.

Cooling System:

The water cooling system in a linear accelerator is located within the drive stand and gantry to regulate the temperature in the space.

In our next installment we will look in greater detail to the treatment head of a LINAC system and the variety of components housed within that help shape radiation beams into the shape of different cancerous tumors.

Learn more about Radparts and the variety of services and parts they offer to repair medical equipment including: linear accelerators parts, CT scanners parts, linac parts, and radiation oncology equipment at www.radparts.com.  To contact one of our medical equipment repair specialists for parts or service call toll free 877.704.3838 for 24/7/365 support

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Maintaining LINAC Systems with OEM Replacement Parts

Any electrical equipment that is repeatedly used will break down due to several reasons such as improper maintenance or lack thereof. They can also malfunction owing to poor electrical connections, overrunning the machine’s capability, having an untrained individual operate the equipment, including not replacing worn out parts when needed.

The Importance Of LINAC Parts

A linear accelerator (LINAC) is a very complex medical device that delivers high-energy X-rays to treat patients with cancer. Each component within a LINAC system is important, and all of them need to continually undergo rigorous, cleaning, testing, and maintenance to ensure optimal performance.

Linear accelerators Parts are very costly, and most LINAC owners often consider the option of buying a brand-new unit instead of paying for outrageously high repair parts costs, including maintenance and upkeep fees. Even though all LINAC parts have separate but vital functions, they are linked to each other and therefore, need to work in cohesion. Any breakdown of one of the parts can lead to a ripple effect that may render the whole system useless.

Cooling the LINAC Parts

The linear accelerator works by producing high energy particle beams, thus making the cooling system inclined to overheat. Depending on the model, most LINACs use a water cooling system that provides thermal stability to the system and allows the gantry and drive stand to operate at a constant temperature.

Today there are technologically advanced air-cooled chillers for LINAC cooling systems that are would probably cost more to replace a broken system. There are several independent oncology equipment refurbishing companies that have original equipment manufacturer (OEM) LINAC replacement parts, which even though they are also costly, however, once these LINAC parts are replaced, the system can continue to work like new.

The only concern when using such a complex and volatile piece of equipment is to maximize its uptime and minimizing on the overall total cost of ownership. Having said that, LINAC parts are available through the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) online or through a local dealer. The catch-22 is, do you go the economical way, such as scouring the local neighborhood depot to find the cheapest option that will work anyway, or do you stick with the original manufacturer’s LINAC parts?

Purchasing Replacement Parts

While the LINAC parts you find locally will probably serve you for a while until you can afford an OEM, but when it comes to quality, the materials will not be the same as the original. You can end up with a new replacement LINAC part that does not match up in the case of complicated parts and assemblies.

Maintaining LINAC systems with the original equipment manufacturer replacement parts also guarantee warranty coverage on each piece of equipment and in case the system fails, you can file a warranty claim provided the replacement parts that have been used match the manufacturer specifications. Using OEM LINAC parts also ensures the related components are compatible with the system, they are durable, and most importantly, they are reliable.

Learn more about Radparts and the variety of services and parts they offer to repair medical equipment including: linear accelerators parts, CT scanners parts, linac parts, and radiation oncology equipment at www.radparts.com.  To contact one of our medical equipment repair specialists for parts or service call toll free 877.704.3838 for 24/7/365 support.

 

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Fix or Forget It: Should you Repair That LINAC System or Buy New?

LINAC systems, the common name for linear accelerators, are very complicated and intricately built machines. They are formed by joining together several very small different parts, making it a highly fickle machine. Despite their extreme sensitivity, LINACs are very useful and powerful machines. They are a main component of many essential machines, such as the CT scanner.

Much like the CT scanner, linear accelerators can be used in several other machines related to the health industry. They are thus an integral part in fighting cancer with radiation therapy, while also being used in a large amount of research. However, because of their unbalanced structure, they are highly prone to many mechanical faults. Here is a look at the faults they may face and dealing with them.

Problems LINAC Systems Face

Used to hurl very small radiation particles at very high speeds at designated targets, linear accelerators are built by joining numerous small parts. Each part has its own function in the grand scheme of things and is often 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.

Everyone has heard about radiation equipment and how much intricate and complex it is. LINACs are a major component in radiation equipment. Parts for repairing radiation equipment are always very expensive, and this makes repairing LINACs a huge financial hassle, while also being exhausting. 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.

Fix it or forget it?

Often the parts for repairing linear accelerators (LINAC) are so expensive that they come just in short of the actual amount for buying a new LINAC. This makes many people wonder if it is better to just buy a new machine altogether since the other parts of the LINAC might break down soon enough and need to be replaced as well. Although there is no definite answer to this query since it has do a lot with the personal beliefs of people, it is always better to use something to the maximum. Therefore, in our opinion, fixing radiation machines and LINACs is the better option.

Refurbishing/ Repairing

Parts for repairing linear accelerators might be highly expensive, but that is if you buy new parts. Instead, you can opt for the sensible option, which is refurbishing or repairing the broken parts. 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.

Learn more about Radparts and the variety of services and parts they offer to repair medical equipment including: linear accelerators parts, CT scanners parts, linac parts, and radiation oncology equipment at www.radparts.com.  To contact one of our medical equipment repair specialists for parts or service call toll free 877.704.3838 for 24/7/365 support.

 

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Five Reasons to Purchase Refurbished Linear Accelerators

Wondering why you are safe to buy used linear accelerators?

Or

Looking for someone to supply Replacement Parts for Linear Accelerators?

Thanks to the unrelenting spirits of radiation technology experts, linear accelerators continue to maintain their place as among the most sophisticated tools in the treatment of cancer. They produce and deliver radiations with utmost precision, and thus helping a great deal in the fight against one of the dreaded maladies. And, while the best is often perceived as the finest in buying this piece of equipment, it also pays to consider a refurbished linear accelerator.

The decision to buy a new or used linear accelerator machine boils down to your pressing needs and your budget. A second-hand machine is oftentimes recommended when the facility aims at treating fewer than 8-10 patients on a typical day. Additionally, those facilities located in countries with limited budgets also qualify to buy a refurbished one.

A refurbished doesn’t mean that the machine is faulty and ineffective. Instead, it could have been used and its parts replaced, but still in pristine condition. The machine might have been in use at one of the big institutions, and perhaps it’s sold because it has no purpose. So, if you are a budding private veterinarian, a research fellow, a non-medical student or just about anyone looking to buy a low-budget linear accelerator, this post is for you.

Five reasons to invest on a refurbished Linear Accelerator

Hone your skills at your pace

As you work on meeting more challenges at your line of duty, such an affordable tool grants you a chance to hone your expertise. Especially if you are opening your center, expanding or just hoping to up your game, expenses can be the greatest worry. Thankfully, a refurbished linear accelerator will not be a bad idea.

Be a bit more flexible

In the medical world where machines are pretty much essential, being smart enough to have a backup tool often pays big time. When the main one fails, your facility will not stall simply because you have another linear accelerator.

The need to improve

As much as you are spending more in buying a second or third linear accelerator, the same investment might be helping you offer better services in the long run. In the end, the new tool will make your facility a go-to location, perhaps perfect for that much-needed expansion.

Strengthen your tools of work

There’s a certain form of uncertainty surrounding looming reimbursement cuts, and one of the best ways of staying put, despite the turbulence is investing in a second-hand, but still perfect, machine. A refurbished machine such as one linear accelerator strengthens your firm’s usual practices.

Peace of mind

When all’s said and done, peace of mind knows that you have a reliable tool when handling a massive and challenging assignment. And, if the unexpected happen, find a firm that offers the best replacement parts for linear accelerators.

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.

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Outsourcing Medical Equipment Maintenance Is Beneficial

Indeed a hot and never-ending topic in the medical world, outsourcing seemingly has more benefits than its demerits. Especially whether they are the pricey equipment or just the Replacement Parts for Oncology Equipment, outsourcing the maintenance services serve a great money-saving idea. The following benefits are merely an eye-opener.

Benefits of outsourcing medical tools maintenance services

Arguably the greatest motivator behind outsourcing the maintenance services, the practice eliminates the need to hire in-house personnel. The need to repair and replace the machines isn’t as always as the other gigs, and thus, there’s no reason to hire someone whose job will not be a guarantee.

Moreover, most of the best persons skilled and experienced in doing the maintenance will consume a massive chunk of the facility’s funds. The biomedical technicians are so trained that the medical facility can’t guarantee their average salaries. So, an outsourced program reduces the overall costs of managing the most vital clinical assets.

An independent medical equipment company is a sure bet and will oversee the huge scope of work in a much reduced period. Such a firm is usually a collection of specialized minds who guarantee the highest standard of quality. And, granted that they can be only alerted whenever the job pops up, that’s a good idea considering their reliability and credibility whenever there’s a problem.

Pretty much like the medical sector is a dynamic and ever-growing industry, the ability to get skilled Biomed technicians always isn’t always guaranteed. A medical facility might choose to hire someone responsible for all the repairs, and that will not mean they’ll get the best brains. Clinical engineering technicians are a rarity, especially when the need for quality services is concerned.

Another benefit that comes with hiring independent medical equipment maintenance experts is their perfect knowledge concerning the best spare parts. When it comes to selecting the best tools like the Replacement Parts for Oncology Equipment, someone who is actively engaged in the industry have the answers. They’re also equipped with the latest manuals, test fixtures, and diagnostic devices and are less likely to fail.

For a facility that’s highly essential in offering the most reliable services for all, choosing a professional with experience can’t be overestimated. Being a professional extends to how you handle those less-important tasks. There will be no unpleasant glitches in your facility, and in the end, you’ll grow and become a viable solution for your patients.

There you have it; outsourcing can be expensive, but not as costly as having in-house personnel who is regularly paid for services needed once for an extended period. Firms to outsource the services from aren’t hard to locate.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.