58. RADIOTHERAPY: LINAC Flashcards
1
Q
- What does LINAC stand for?
A
- Linear Accelerator
- it functions very similarly to an X-Ray Tube
2
Q
- What are the advantages of LINACs?
A
- they are compact
- they have an efficient design
- they offer excellent versatility
- they provide electron X-Ray therapy
- they can also provide mega electron X-Ray therapy
- they use a wide range of energies
3
Q
- What are two other kinds of Accelerators that we use to carry out X-Ray Radiotherapy?
A
- Betatrons
- Microtrons
4
Q
- How do Betatrons and Microtrons work?
A
- the electrons are accelerated
- they are accelerated very close to the speed of light
- they are accelerated by electro-magnetic fields
5
Q
- Why do we prefer to use LINAC over the X-Ray tube?
A
- the X-Ray Tube produces low energy photons
- the LINAC uses high energy photons
NB:
- we also make use of Teletherapy Cobalt units
6
Q
- What do special accelerators produce?
A
MORE EXOTIC PARTICLES, SUCH AS:
- protons
- neutrons
- heavy ions
7
Q
- What kind of X-Rays do we use in Radiotherapy?
A
- Superficial X-Rays
- these have a voltage of 50 to 150 kV - Orthovoltage X-Rays
- these have a voltage of 150 to 500 kV
NB:
- both of these are produced by X-Ray machines
8
Q
- What is an advantage of Superficial X-Rays?
A
- they avoid deep tissue damage and injuries to the face
9
Q
- What are the 5 main components of a Radiotherapeutic X-Ray machine?
A
- X-Ray Tube
- Ceiling or Floor Mount for the X-Ray Tube
- Target Cooling System
- Control Console
- X-Ray Power Generator
10
Q
- What are Teletherapy Machines?
A
- these are Treatment Machines
- they incorporate Gamma Ray Sources to use in
External Beam Radiotherapy
11
Q
- What are the main components of a Teletherapy Machines?
A
- A Radioactive Source
- A Source Housing
- with a beam collimator
- with source movement mechanisms - A Gantry
- A Stand
- or a Housing Support Assembly
(in stand alone machines) - A patient support assembly
- A machine console
12
Q
- What is the most widely used Teletherapy Source?
A
- 60 Co Radionuclides
- they are contained inside a Cylindrical Stainless Steel
Capsule - they are sealed by Welding
13
Q
- What is the purpose of the double welded seal?
A
- it is used to prevent any leakage of the Radioactive
material
14
Q
- What is the purpose of Standard Source Capsules?
A
- the enable the swapping of sources
- this is from one Teletherapy to another
- this is also from one isotope production facility to
another
15
Q
- What is the typical diameter of the Cylindrical Teletherapy Source?
A
- it is between 1 and 2 cm
- it has a height of about 2.5 cm