The word Ximatron sounds a little like a modern-day Cyber Robot. But in reality, it’s become more of a Cyber Dinosaur. Conventional simulators like the Varian Ximatron, Varian Acuity, and Elekta (Nucletron) Simulix, have largely been replaced by CT Scanners…
Varian low/single photon energy linear accelerators manufactured in the 1970’s through the early 1990’s often contain depleted uranium shielding (also referred to as counterweights). Depleted uranium is a radioactive material that must be handled appropriately during the removal and disposal…
According to a recent article in Radiology Business summarizing recent announcements by the country’s largest health insurer, UnitedHealth Group (which covers 70 million people across all 50 states), freestanding centers are a better alternative than hospitals for a variety of treatments. The…
Hospitals and medical practices around the world are enthusiastic consumers of used medical equipment, a market that is projected to be worth $8.7 billion by 2025. However, many American consumers are reluctant to explore the benefits of pre-owned medical equipment,…
The Life Cycle of Radiation Oncology Equipment Should Be Circular, Not Linear It’s an exciting moment to be a radiation oncology professional… Now, more than ever before, cutting-edge techniques have the power to save patients’ lives and reduce the worst…
Removing a linear accelerator (LINAC) is a challenging process from start to finish, with every step requiring critical attention to detail and rigorous planning. Partnering with the right team is essential to ensuring a painless removal. Ed Brown, our resident…
Gamma Knife ® systems are considered state-of-the art technology for the treatment of brain tumors and other stereotactic treatments. However, when it’s time to remove some of the older units, it becomes a notoriously delicate process largely due to the…
For about the last decade, the U.S. has become a ‘replacement market’ for linear accelerators (LINAC), meaning that old radiation therapy machines are being replaced with new machines on a 1:1 basis. While many cancer centers are opening up new…
Over the course of the past several years, a record number of Siemens Linear Accelerators have been removed and replaced with either Varian or Elekta systems. Siemens made the decision to exit the linear accelerator market in 2011, and although…
Looking at a linear accelerator, it is not hard to imagine how difficult it can be to remove one from a medical facility. Not only is it a sophisticated and expensive piece of machinery, but it is also, to put…