The Varian Clinac 2100 series linear accelerator
is the most widely used medical accelerator in the world, treating thousands
of patients daily. With it's dual energy output systems,the oncologist and
dosimetrist can prepare a treatment plan that effectively controls the
radiation dose giving more or less beam strength where appropriate.
RapidArc™ delivers treatments using a Clinac® linear accelerator, outfitted
with an On-Board Imager® kV imaging system for using images to guide patient
placement and treatment delivery. The linear accelerator rotates around the
patient to deliver radiation treatments from nearly any angle. During a
RapidArc treatment, radiation is shaped and reshaped as it is delivered
continuously from virtually every angle in a 360-degree revolution
around the patient.
Immediately prior to treatment, the exact location, size, and shape of the
patient’s tumor is visually observed through a simple two-minute imaging
procedure using the machine’s On-Board Imager. After imaging is completed,
the images are reviewed by the therapist and the patient’s position can be
adjusted so that an accurate treatment can be delivered. The patient does
not need to move off the treatment couch for this process—all adjustments
are made automatically by the treatment couch. A RapidArc radiotherapy treatment is delivered quickly—in less than two
minutes and with just one turn of the machine around the patient. RapidArc
shapes and modulates a highly focused treatment beam so that it targets the
tumor precisely, sparing surrounding healthy tissues. It treats the
entire tumor with pinpoint accuracy and is easier on the patient, who does
not have to hold still for long periods of time. |
