Radiotherapy works by targeting high-energy gamma ray or electron beams onto cancer cells which are more prone to radiation damage than normal tissue. Refurbished linear accelerators are usually multi-modality ionizing radiation generators with associated imaging devices, currently used for delivery of external beam radiotherapy.

The contemporary linear accelerators provide either 6 MeV photons in the “low energy” range machines or dual/triple photon energy and several energies.

Systems Incorporated With Refurbished Linear Accelerators

• Multileaf Collimator (MLC) for beam shaping
• The capability to deliver intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT)
• 3D image guidance systems (IGRT)
• Electronic portal imaging system for image treatment beams

Other additional features may be incorporated into the linear accelerators such as arc-based IMRT delivery, total body irradiation, high-dose rate electrons, and more.  Despite the high capital cost of purchasing them, their high patient turnover throughout over a long lifespan makes them extremely cost-effective compared with other treatment options.

The operation of refurbished linear accelerators should be according to the existing standards and regulations which include:

• IEC standards
• Radiation regulations
• Guidelines for radiotherapy room design

Technical Considerations

The technology used in refurbished linear accelerators is essentially the same for all linear accelerators.  The high energy generation can be achieved either by implanting the “traveling waveguide technology” or by implementing the “standing waveguide technology”.

The first approach is simpler and very reliable, while the second approach features a more stable treatment beam.  The generated radiation beam is flattened and shaped using collimation devices to form a beam matching the shape of the tumor.  The wave guide, the filters, and the collimator are all mounted on a gantry which rotates around the patient, allowing the tumor to be irradiated from multiple directions.  There is a linear accelerator patient coach especially designed to allow irradiation of the patient from multiple directions.

Modern linear accelerators are designed to enable intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT).  This is a dynamic radiotherapy delivery method which enables good control over the three dimensional dose distributions: the delivered beam instead of being flat changes the intensity at different points within the beam.

There are different types of refurbished linear accelerators IMRT delivery methods:

• Step and Shoot Method: consists of delivering a series of different shaped fields formed by the MLC to build up a variable intensity pattern. The irradiation is stopped between the fields.
• Dynamic MLC Method: in which the radiation runs constant, while the MLC leaves move across the field at variable speeds.
• Arc Therapy Method: in which the radiation runs continuously and the gantry collimators and MLC leaves are all moving continuously. The dose rate also varies during the delivery.  Treatments are delivered in an arc, sometimes two.  This is probably the best choice for IMRT.

The multi-leaf collimator is a delicate computer-controlled mechanism.  The performance of the collimator depends on its resolution, the leakage radiation and the system penumbra.

The electronic portal imaging device allows verification of patient position on orthogonal two-dimensional images produced by the high-energy treatment beam.  The detector used for the portal imaging consists of an amorphous silicon indirect detection flat panel imager.

The imager system differs in the degree of complexity of software provided, as well as the ease of use.  The refurbished linear accelerators’ three-dimensional imaging systems can be materialized in three different ways:

• 1) Applying diagnostic x-ray cone beam, in plain or orthogonal to the linear accelerators’ high energy beam.
• 2) Using the high-energy treatment cone beam of the linear accelerator.
• 3) Using a CT machine combined with the linear accelerator.

Record and Verify Systems

In modern radiotherapy departments, the refurbished linear accelerators are operated using record and verify systems, which deliver the treatments, as well as make a record of them.  These systems are usually connected to the general information network, which allows a wide functionality, including booking and scheduling, recording of patient’s notes, recording costs, image handling, and more.

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.

Researching Linear Accelerators in the beginning, is important to take into account a variety of considerations. First and foremost is the cost of the accelerator itself. Now, the best way to save while spending is to look for a refurbished linear accelerator. That way, you will be able to get the machine you want in a more affordable way.

How Does A Linear Accelerator Work?

The machine uses microwave technology to accelerate electrons in a wave which allows the electronics to collide with a heavy metal target. This way, they are generating high-energy X-ray photons that conform to the shape of the tumor and destroy the cancer tissues.

Comparing the options to buy a new accelerator or look for refurbished linear accelerator ads is something that comes down to the specific needs and budget constraints within your facility. While new is new, used linear accelerator equipment can also be great for practices who treat relatively few patients.

We have put together 5 top reasons to buy a refurbished linear accelerator to help make the important decision of which one to get.

Five Reasons to Buy a Refurbished Linear Accelerator

1. Growth of company – Buying a used linear accelerator lets you treat more patients and grow your practice by operating with a relatively older machine. When your business grows, you will be able to renew it with a completely new one.
2. Flexibility – You can backup your existing system with a redundant and beam-based system. If a problem develops on one of your machines, you will be able to transfer your patients to another linear accelerator.
3. Improvement – The money that you save when buying a refurbished linear accelerator can be used to improve the quality of the patient care that you provide. You can add new upgrades, technologies or staff.
4. Strengthen – The uncertainty of looming reimbursement cuts lets you manage expenses, lowering your risk and strengthening your practice
5. Relaxation – If you know how to spot a top quality refurbished linear accelerator; chances are that you are going to use it for years. With a no-risk warranty, you can relax and have peace of mind.

Final Word On Buying Refurbished Linear Accelerators

You should always work with professionals for personalized advice when looking for buying a used linear accelerator. Additionally, you should consider planning aspects such as building constraints, water supply or power supply – and create a timeline that works for you to have your new equipment fully installed.

Also, it pays off to know how long you are going to keep the machine and which manufacturers you prefer. All of these tips will help you find the best refurbished linear accelerator for your needs!

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.

One of the key prospects for each healthcare provider is upgrading oncology medicinal equipment. Be that as it may, with the present healthcare reforms and diminishing budgets, the need to keep cost low while enhancing patient care can be very difficult. It’s important to search for cost-effective ways to invest limited capital, so before upgrading your oncology medical equipment, consider the following tips

Smart Financing

Paying money for the upgrade of oncology equipment can be attractive; it has the setback of cutting into your working capital that you may require for other expenditure. Strict leases are a good choice for bringing down the upfront cost associated with the upgrade of equipment and shielding your organization from future tech discoveries that may make the new equipment to be obsolete. Another great choice are loans, yet both lease and loan include interest rate that increases the equipment final cost. In lieu these, consider capitalizing equipment cost over time and recording equipment as an asset. These promoted expenses can incorporate most of the logistic cost associated with oncology medical equipment.

Go for the Warranty

Any upgrades of oncology equipment can be very costly. To guarantee that oncology equipment is not unintentionally repaired at a high cost, it is imperative for your department to monitor what is under warranty and have that information readily available.

Provide thorough explanations for expenditures

The budgetary demands of your department will be subject to the endorsement or dissatisfaction with the financial department. Giving clear clarifications of why you’re settling on a specific budgetary choice for your oncology medicinal equipment and how it will impact overall performance of your healthcare delivery.

Team up with an Equipment Planner

A medical equipment planner has the information and experience to assist in evaluation of your organization’s needs alongside the total ownership cost of oncology equipment, and also guaranteeing everything adjusts to local regulations.

Equipment Delivery Process

Research merchants and wholesalers can select equipment that offers an excellent track record. A decent merchant will guarantee that everything is legitimately named and that oncology equipment gets conveyed on time and to the desired location.

Involve the Appropriate Departments

Any department that will be regularly interacting with the new equipment ought to participate in the entire capital equipment procurement process. This will shield your organization from purchasing equipment with expensive, unneeded components or functions, and in addition getting you the appropriate feedback for future options.

Examine and Test Before Ownership Transfer

Before marking the last papers, have your Biomedical Engineering experts review the oncology medical equipment. They ought to do an electrical safety inspection and additionally testing for operations before they give the final affirmation.

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.

Are you wondering if it is safe to buy refurbished linear accelerators?  Thanks to the unrelenting spirit of radiation technology expert’s linear accelerators continue to maintain their place among the most sophisticated tools in the treatment of cancer.  They produce and deliver radiation with the utmost precision and thus are one of the main equipment sources in our fight against cancer.  In order to stay within a budget for medical equipment, medical facilities often consider refurbished equipment such as linear accelerators.

A refurbished linear accelerator does not mean that the machine is faulty or ineffective.  In fact many times a refurbished linear accelerator is tested more thoroughly then new OEM equipment.  A refurbished linear accelerator may have been used, parts replaced but still in pristine conditions.  The machine might have been used in one of the largest institution and perhaps it has been sold because they have upgraded theirs or have proceeded with a new machine or option in treatment.

There are many reasons to invest in a refurbished linear accelerator.  It allows you to meet the new challenges in treatment without maximizing the budget on a single piece of machinery.  This is extremely helpful when opening a center, expanding a facility, bringing new treatments to your hospital, when budgeting is crucial.

Refurbished linear accelerators are pretty much essential so having a back up piece of equipment often pays off in a big way.  When your main machinery fails your facility will not experience a stall in treatment because you have furnished your facility with a spare refurbished linear accelerator.

When you are able to invest in more machinery your facility may be able to offer more and better treatment.  The new refurbished equipment will allow your medical facility to turn into the go-to location for treatment therefore leading to expansion.

Refurbished medical equipment allows facilities to have peace of mind.  Reliable equipment that has been tested relentlessly can live up to providing proper treatment to patients.  When equipment needs to be maintained hiring a specialized medical equipment service company is important.  Many times refurbished components can actually be used to maintain and repair equipment.

Outsourcing medical equipment repairs also saves companies money as they are not required to keep a technician on staff. A reliable repair team that is able to service your machinery as repairs and maintenance are needed remain a part of the crucial aspects of ensuring the prosperity of your facility and the positive results of 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.

Health care equipment costs are continuing to increase. The high cost of medical equipment required for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of various diseases makes every medical care unit pause to think about the purchase and create a plan to manage the financial side of buying equipment.

When planning to acquire any medical equipment, the points which need proper consideration and evaluation are as follows.

• The type of equipment needed
• The budget for medical equipment
• The cost of each individual piece
• The cost of maintaining the equipment
• The possibility of purchasing refurbished medical equipment
• The ability to acquire a machine with reduced capacity

Once all of these things are taken into consideration it is important that the medical facility choose the right partner to finance the deal to make sure you are getting the most bang for your dollar.

Check into Alternatives

While considering financing options for medical equipment such as linear accelerators and CT scanners facilities may have to think about all affordable alternatives available because equipment is costly and a high part of the total cost of new projects within the hospital.  It is also important to note that the equipment is also not simple or inexpensive to operate.  This encourages the emergence of the refurbished medical equipment industry.

There are a number of reasons to consider refurbished medical equipment.  If the number of patients that you will be seeing and treating is significantly high facilities may want to consider a brand new linear accelerator.  If the number of patients is starting small, in hopes for the expansion of services the choice to find a high quality refurbished linear accelerator.

Buying or financing a refurbished piece reduces the burden on the overall budget for the project, will allow you to treat more patients while working to expand the size of your medical facility and treat your patients better by using those extra financial resources that have been saved by not purchasing new medical equipment.

Financing Companies

Once the decision has been made to purchase a new or refurbished medical device facilities should seek the help of the right financing company for the project.  There are a number of companies that will help you to reach the right decision on the right piece of equipment for your facilities needs.  They guarantee the latest state of the art version of the equipment of international standards, the newest upgrades, complete transportation and set up of the equipment, testing, and training of the personnel to ensure that the equipment is ready for use.  The financer is there to back you in case of any operational or maintenance difficulty.

Many finance companies also allow for a partial initial payment and deferred or regular installments later to enable companies to manage their budgets well.  Many of them offer a completely customized project to specifically meet your needs.  They also offer to handle the complicated tax implications in such a way that the facility will only have to pay the minimum required taxes.

Leasing Equipment

Financing oncology equipment again requires a plan on lines similar to financing for new or refurbished linear accelerators.  The only difference is that the cost of other oncology equipment may not be as high as linear accelerators or CT scanners.  Medical facilities can be more at ease when planning to lease or purchase less costly equipment.

There are many financing companies that offer a turnkey project, financial incentives, training, and maintenance back-up deferred payments.  It is even possible to lease equipment.  This reduces the capital requirement and allows medical facilities flexibility in their healthcare venture.  Some of them offer terms that enable facilities to pay for the equipment from the fees that are collected by treating patients with that equipment.

Another advantage in financing linear accelerators or other oncology equipment is that the facility will be disciplined in their profession. Medical facilities will think more carefully about what is needed right now verse what can be put on hold for a bit.  Facilities learn to handle their finances knowing the exact time and amount due.

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.

Medical equipment has evolved enormously over the past half a century. In addition to entirely new machines, new improved versions of older equipment keep being introduced all the time.  So there arises a constant need to shift old equipment to a different location and commission the latest version in your premises. Also, more and more medical facilities are coming up across the world making it frequently necessary to install a complete new set of medical equipment.

Handling medical equipment is no simple matter. The equipment can be quite bulky in size as it has to accommodate the patient, who is being examined or treated. It is usually quite delicate too. A machine from the technologically advanced era is bound to have many electrical, electronic and digital aspects. The equipment often has many separate parts. And medical equipment is almost always quite costly. So it has to be handled carefully so that it is spared any damage, even a small one, during transport and installation. Obviously, we need specialized experts to install and commission all new medical equipment.

A linear accelerator facilitates external radiation treatment for cancer patients. It can treat every organ of the human body. A linear accelerator is a big machine. Relocating linear accelerators is a job best left to the experts who specialize in such jobs. They will be able to de-install the equipment at the present site, pack it in the right type of crates designed for the equipment, transport them to the new site, care specifically for each part of the accelerator during the entire process, reinstall it at the new site, commission it and test it adequately to ensure that it is functioning properly.

Relocating CT scanners is again a job that should be entrusted to people who are logistic specialists in the field. It is a large machine. It prepares pictures of parts of the patient’s body using X-rays, while the patient is lying on the CT scanner table. The scanners are computerized. Any such relocation needs a well-informed agency equipped with proper packing and transporting amenities handled by experts familiar with the machine.

The oncology branch of medicine involves prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of all types of cancer. It uses an extensive range of equipment including various types of radiation equipment. So relocating oncology equipment becomes a specialized job that demands experts in that field. These experts not only have a clear idea about the machine they are handling but they also have the right type of system to perform the job in the best and quickest possible way.

Relocating medical equipment has become a complicated job, needing a group of specialized persons to handle it. Such groups know the job thoroughly and have the means to handle the process competently. They also ensure that they do the job in the least possible time, and without disrupting the other functioning of the medical unit. Many of such groups can work in post-office hours and through the night so that the unit functions normally most of the time.

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.

Each of the radiation oncology equipment works varies but the principle is the same. The Linear Accelerator (LINAC) microwave technology which is similar to that used for radar is designed in such a way that electrons move in a part of the accelerator called the “wave guide.” It is the wave guide that allows these electrons to collide with a heavy metal target which now produces high-energy x-rays.

Next, the energized x-rays take up a shape that fits the patient’s tumour as they flow out from the machine. The customized x-ray is directed to the patient who is already lying down on the moveable treatment couch where lasers help to keep the patient in a position that is most suitable. The beam is emitted through a gantry that can be rotated around the patient. The tumour could be target from any angle by rotating the gantry and the treatment couch.

Maintenance of Radiation Oncology Equipment

For your radiation oncology equipment such as CT scanners and linear accelerators to work at optimum capacity it is advisable you use the machine carefully and also use it according to the manufacturers’ guidelines.

Radiation oncology equipment needs constant check-up and maintenance. If the equipment is faulty, it can affect the force of the radiation that you feel and this can be dangerous to both the technician and the patient.  If the air-filter has holes, it should be constantly cleaned and free from dust.

You will need the input of a radiology equipment technician who can review the error logs, provide much needed maintenance and repairs. You may occasional check for connections, test the image quality, clean the fans, grease bearings, and backup your system data but most maintenance is best left up to professional medical equipment technicians.

In conclusion, you may need to replace some parts of the equipment to get effective therapy from your radiation oncology equipment. Before you feel your treatment is no longer at an optimum level get your service technician out to perform maintenance.

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.

Each year around 14 million cases of cancer spring up globally. It is estimated that radiation therapy heals 3.5 million people and provides palliative relief for another 3.5 million people. These approximations have been made based on the fact that radiation therapy has benefitted over 50 percent of all cancer patients.

What Is Radiation Therapy?

Radiation therapy employs the high-energy particles or waves, such as X-rays, gamma rays, electron beams, or protons to kill the cancer cells. The radiation is delivered by the linear accelerators which customize the high-energy x-rays or protons to adhere to the tumor’s shape and eliminate cancer cells but being mindful of the surrounding normal tissue. The radiation might be delivered from outside the body or a radioactive material placed inside the body near the cancer cells. This is called internal radiation therapy or brachytherapy.

The systematic radiation therapy makes use of radioactive substances that travel in the blood killing the cancer cells. One such element is the radioactive iodine.

Almost all the cancer patients use radiation during their treatment period. These radiations deploy oncology equipment to operate the patients.

How Does Radiation Therapy Kill Cancer Cells?

The rays from the linear accelerator destroy the DNA of the cells. Either it destroys the DNA itself or creates charged particles within the cells to do the damaging. The ruined DNA is unable to repair itself or divide. The linear accelerator uses electricity forming a stream of fast moving particles.

The linear accelerator or LINAC is cures cancers of all types. Patients lie on an adjustable and movable couch. With the help of spatially calibrated lasers and X-ray imaging panels the beam in maneuvered. The couch too can be adjusted with sub-millimeter accuracy.

The several other oncology equipment employed are:

• 3-Dimensional Conformal Radiation Therapy (3D-CRT)

Many sophisticated machines and software target the affected region by this method.

• Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy

Several tiny radiation beam-shaping devices, called collimators, deliver a single dose of radiation. These devices might be stationary or move in order to control the intensity. IMRT is planned in reverse, which means the oncologist picks the radiation dose to different areas of the tumor and surrounding tissue. After this, a high-powered computer program calculates the required number of beams for the treatment.

• Image-Guided Radiation Therapy

Iterative image scans are performed which are then processed by computers to identify the size and location of the tumor. The treatment and dosage is then done accordingly. This method increases the accuracy of the treatment.

These are just a few of the many forms of the oncology equipment the doctor’s use. The doctors though have to be careful about the dosage, one dose of the total dosage given. That is twice a day. Doctors have to be careful since

• The damage to the normal tissues should be minimized.
• To ensure that the likelihood of the radiation hitting the DNA of the cancer cell are on the point where damage would be maximum.

Patients receive radiation before, during or after the surgery. After the treatment the patients receive a follow-up by their oncologist to monitor their health.

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.

Upgrading oncology medicinal equipment is a key prospect for each healthcare provider. Be that as it may, with the present healthcare reforms and diminishing budgets, the need to keep cost low while enhancing patient care can be challenging. It’s important to search for cost-effective ways to invest limited capital, so before upgrading your oncology medical equipment, consider the following tips

Smart Financing

Paying money for the upgrade of oncology equipment can be attractive; it has the setback of cutting into your working capital that you may require for other expenditure. Strict leases are a good choice for bringing down the upfront cost associated with the upgrade of equipment and shielding your organization from future tech discoveries that may make the new equipment to be obsolete. Loans are another great choice, yet both lease and loan include interest rate that increases the equipment final cost. In lieu these, consider capitalizing equipment cost over time and recording equipment as an asset. These promoted expenses can incorporate most of the logistic cost associated with oncology medical equipment.

Go for the Warranty

The upgrade of oncology equipment can be expensive. To guarantee that oncology equipment is not unintentionally repaired at a high cost, it is imperative for your department to monitor what is under warranty and have that information readily available.

Provide thorough explanations for expenditures

The budgetary demands of your department will be subject to the endorsement or dissatisfaction with the financial department. Giving clear clarifications of why you’re settling on a specific budgetary choice for your oncology medicinal equipment and how it will impact overall performance of your healthcare delivery.

Team up with an Equipment Planner

A medical equipment planner has the information and experience to help evaluate your organization’s needs alongside the total ownership cost of oncology equipment, and also guaranteeing everything adjusts to local regulations.

Equipment Delivery Process

Research merchants and wholesalers can select equipment that offers an excellent track record. A decent merchant will guarantee that everything is legitimately named and that oncology equipment gets conveyed on time and to the desired location.

Involve the Appropriate Departments

Any department that will be regularly interacting with the new equipment ought to participate in the entire capital equipment procurement process. This will shield your organization from purchasing equipment with expensive, unneeded components or functions, and in addition getting you the appropriate feedback for future options.

Examine and Test Before Ownership Transfer

Before marking the last papers, have your Biomedical Engineering experts review the oncology medical equipment. They ought to do an electrical safety inspection and additionally testing for operations before they give the final affirmation.

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.