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Radiation therapy is one of the established modes of cancer treatment. Radiotherapy Simulator helps to diagnose the physical extent of the tumor and its relation to the surrounding tissues for proper selection of the size and orientation of the radiotherapy beams. It is also useful to verify a treatment plan. Radiotherapy simulator is an essential tool for improving the quality of radiotherapy for the treatment of cancer patients.Major sub-systems in the radiotherapy simulator are gantry, collimator, x-ray tube, imaging unit, patient support/positioning system (couch), and remote control console. It is similar to a external beam radiotherapy machine except that diagnostic x-ray is used as source of radiation. The variable focus to axis distance makes it suitable for therapy simulation for a number of teletherapy machines. The collimated x-ray beam passes through the patient (lying on the couch) from one side and the attenuated beam is converted to digital image by an image intensifier coupled with CCD camera system located on the other side. The image intensifier support arm has motorized motions for remote and interactive positioning of the image intensifier at the region of interest. All the motions of the gantry, collimator, and the image intensifier support arm can be controlled through these keypads (on the couch) as well as from the remote control console. The captured image can be processed / analyzed almost instantly to extract detail information about the tumor location, its volume, and closeness to critical structures. These images will be transferred into the treatment planning computer system for formulating actual radiation dose delivery plan. Immobilization device may be fabricated during this procedure.
SALIENT FEATURES - In the conventional form, a radiotherapy simulator is geometrically similar to isocentric external beam therapy machines to reproduce field arrangements for different teletherapy machines.
- All the motions in the main unit and the treatment table are motorized. This ensures faster patient positioning, and no unnecessary burden on the operator.
- It is a computer-controlled system. All motions of the main unit and the patient couch are monitored continuously. A database for the patient and simulation is maintained.
- Digital technology for fast and filmless operation. DICOM compatibility facilitates transfer of simulation plans to other equipments in the network.
- Advanced tools for image processing, annotations, contouring, displaying etc. to assist accurate planning.
- Dedicated collision avoidance system to reduce the risk of patient injury.
- User-friendly user-interface and operations- The operator interacts with the system using the mouse and keyboard located at the control console.
- Enhanced Security: In addition to physical key, selective access to operation, machine parameters, and patient/treatment data through password protection.
SPECIFICATIONS - Focus to axis distance (FAD)
- Isocenter height
- Gantry (C-Arm) rotation
- Collimator rotation
- Field Size (shielding jaws)
- Field Size (delineating wires)
- Patient positioning table
- X-Ray Generator
- X-Ray Tube
- Image Intensifier
- Supply voltage
- Compliance to Intl. Standards
- Regulatory approval
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: | 800-1200 mm
1280 mm
Motorized, isocentric design, ± 185 deg.
Motorized, ± 100 deg.
450 mm x 450 mm (at FAD 1000mm)
400 mm x 400 mm (at FAD 1000mm)
Motorized- four motions
Power: 65KW
KVp: 40-125(fluoro); 40-150(radiography)
mA: 0.2-12.5(fluoro), 10-1000 (radiography)Focal spot: 0.4 & 0.8; Target angle: 15deg
Tri-field, 290mm dia.(max.)
Three phase, 400V AC
IEC601-1, IEC60601-2-29, MDD 93/42/EEC
Atomic Energy Regulatory Board, INDIA | INFRASTRUCTURE REQUIRED The job involves high precision fabrication, assembly, extensive QA testing as per national and international requirements.
Manufacturing processes involved: Machining viz. Turning, Milling, Drilling, Grinding, Tapping etc. Gear Manufacture: Gear Generation, Grinding Casting Welding Hardening Electrical: Wiring, Soldering, etc. Inspection of parts and sub-assemblies. Lead handling/ melting/ pouring etc. Machine Tools/ Equipments needed for Manufacture: Lathe, milling machine, drilling machine Precision tool room machines: lathe, milling machine Inspection: height gauge, profile projector Universal grinding machine Crane: 2 T Capacity Space Required Workshop of size 12m x 8m x 6m height for manufacturing and fabrication of components Dust free room of size 10m x 8m x 6m height for precision assembly X-ray shielded room of size 10m x 6m x 4m. Regular office space approx 100sq.m. Electricity Supply Manpower Manpower consisting of 5 engineers (2-mechanical, 1- electrical, 1-electronics, 1-computer) and 10 technicians for fabrication, assembly and testing of the components, sub-assemblies, the complete unit and its performance are required. Additionally, medical physicist/radiation safety officer are required for ensuring conformity to clinical requirement and radiation safety to the working personnel respectively. Experience in Quality Assurance Requirements, Testing, Certification and Regulatory Framework for this type of Medical Electrical Equipments is essential |
FAQs
Preparation for Simulation
- Complete a bowel preparation.
- Fill or empty your bladder.
- Follow specific diet instructions (no eating after a certain time).
- Take medications prior to appointment.
- Practice breathing exercises.
- Practice holding still or bringing your arms above your head.
Tumor delineation: The weakest link in the search for accuracy in radiotherapy.
How long does it take to recover from radiation treatment for prostate cancer? ›
Full recovery however takes three to six months and some patients may never recover to their baseline urinary and bowel function and may need to continue taking medications prescribed during treatment. Rare patients report continued but lessening fatigue for several weeks or months after treatment ends.
How long after simulation does radiation start? ›
After simulation, your radiation oncologist will use the images obtained during the CT scan to determine an effective treatment plan. Depending on the severity of your cancer, your radiation may begin one to ten days after simulation.
Can you eat or drink before radiation simulation? ›
Bring the scan card you were given during the simulation. Eat and drink as usual. No fasting is needed. Drink about 16 ounces of water 20 minutes before each treatment.
What do you wear for radiation simulation? ›
What should I wear? Comfortable clothing is recommended; however, you will be able to access our private changing area to change into a hospital gown and store your clothing and belongings in a secure locker.
What is a random error in radiotherapy? ›
Two kinds of errors occur in radiotherapy treatment positioning: systematic error and random error. Systematic errors result in a dose distribution that deviates from the intended target area, while random errors can cause the cumulative dose to be displaced from its proper position.
What is the most sensitive cell to radiotherapy? ›
Amongst the body cells, the most sensitive are spermatogonia and erythroblasts, epidermal stem cells, gastrointestinal stem cells. The least sensitive are nerve cells and muscle fibers. Very sensitive cells are also oocytes and lymphocytes, although they are resting cells and do not meet the criteria described above.
What is the least damaging radiation? ›
Alpha particles lack the energy to penetrate even the outer layer of skin, so exposure to the outside of the body is not a major concern. Inside the body, however, they can be very harmful.
At what stage of prostate cancer is radiotherapy used? ›
Radiation therapy can: Treat both early stage cancers of the prostate gland and more advanced cancers that may have spread beyond the prostate. Be used alone or with other treatments such as hormone deprivation. Treat recurrent prostate cancer following surgery.
Prostate cancer patients who have a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) value of less than or equal to 1.5 at two years after external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) are less likely to have a cancer recurrence and cancer-related death, according to a study in the December 1 issue of the International Journal of Radiation ...
Is it better to have prostate removed or radiation? ›
Both treatments work well. With either treatment, the chance of your cancer spreading is low. Both treatments have side effects, such as bladder, bowel, and erection problems. Radiation therapy is more likely to cause bowel problems.
Do oncologists lie about prognosis? ›
A majority of cancer patients want information about their disease and prognosis [1]. Yet, oncologists do not routinely share prognoses. In a study of nearly 600 patients with advanced cancer, only 17.6% of the 71% who wanted to know their prognosis reported being told [2].
Why do they tattoo you for radiation? ›
During your radiotherapy planning session, your radiographer might make between 1 to 5 permanent pin point tattoo marks on your skin. For some types of radiotherapy, you might not have tattoo marks. Your radiographer uses the tattoos to line up the radiotherapy machine for each treatment.
Why can't you have radiation twice? ›
While this risk is low, it depends on how much radiation is given. A second round of radiation treatment can increase the risk of a second cancer. The body doesn't forget its first encounter with radiation, so you can't treat it a second time like you did the first time.
How to prepare your body for radiation therapy? ›
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water before your appointment to stay hydrated. Avoid skin irritants: Do not apply lotions, perfumes, or deodorants to the treatment area. Wear loose, comfortable clothing to avoid irritation. Limit alcohol and caffeine: Avoid alcohol and caffeine on the day of your treatment.
What is a simulation appointment for radiation? ›
For most types of treatment, a simulation (SIM) appointment will be scheduled. The purpose of this visit is to outline or map the exact area to be treated. A CT scan will be taken to verify the anatomy and assure accuracy. If needed, immobilization devices such as a face mask or a leg mold will be made at this time.
How long does CT simulation take in radiotherapy? ›
The purpose of the CT simulation is to determine the exact location, shape and size of the tumor to be treated. This appointment will take approximately one hour.
Is mapping for radiation painful? ›
As you lie on the treatment table, the table and gantry (part of the radiation machine) may move to get the radiation beams in the right location. The treatment is not painful, and you will not feel anything during treatment.
