Cobalt-60 Teletherapy Machine
Introduction
Teletherapy machines are used for treating localized solid tumors, such as cancers of the skin, tongue, larynx, brain, breast, or uterine cervix. About half of the cancers incidents can be treated with Cobalt-60 Teletherapy Machine. In a teletherapy machine, the radiation source is kept outside the body and the beam is directed on the cancer site. The major components of the machine are Cobalt-60 Source, Source Head, Source Drawer, Collimator, Gantry, Base Housing, Controller and Control Console. The unit also has a Couch on which the patient is positioned during treatment. Its indexed Patient Positioning System enables quick, accurate and reproducible patient positioning.
Specifications
| Source head | Up to 200 RMM |
| Source to isocentre distance | 80 cm |
| Floor to isocentre distance | 115 cm |
| Collimator | Field size min: 0 x 0 cm at 80
cm Field size max: 35 x 35 cm at 80 cm Rotation: ± 90 degrees from its central axis Field size indicator: digital display Field size adjustment: motorized |
| Source to Skin Distance Indicator | Optically projected over the field under treatment (60-100 cm) |
| Patient Support Assembly Motions | Vertical: 70 cm to 170 cm from
floor Longitudinal: 70 cm Lateral: 620 cm Couch rotation: +/- 95 degrees |
| Control console | Machine health status of AC power, Battery, Door, Wedge, Key and
Air Displays exposed time and set time Source position indicator Emergency stop switch Patient and treatment database Treatment data interlock Gantry, Collimator and Couch motions |
| Hand control | Gantry, Collimator and Couch
positions Room lights, Laser Lights Emergency Stop switch |
| Automatic collimator closure | Will close the Collimator jaws to Zero Field size in case of source movement irregularities |
| Technology Standards | IEC 60601-2-11 |
Advantages
The machine has superior features in terms of safety, controls and user interface compared to imported machines of similar capacity.
Fully closable collimator, for improved radiation safety, is a unique feature of the machine. In case of any emergency, the collimator gets closed automatically ensuring safety. An internal battery supports this movement. The machine can withdraw the source automatically during emergency. It has lower penumbra for better beam quality. All of its operations are computer controlled to facilitate easy operation, complete control over all operating parameters and improved radiation safety. Patient details and treatment details are displayed on screen for close monitoring during treatment. There is on-screen status of AC power, battery, door, wedge, key and air supply. Position of radiation source such as safe, transit or treatment is also displayed. The console also displays scheduled treatment time, time completed and time remaining. It is possible to interrupt and resume treatment.
Applications
The machine can be used for treating localized solid tumors, such as cancers of the skin, tongue, larynx, brain, breast, or uterine cervix.
Infrastructure Required
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Working space of about 20,000 square feet
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A crane of 10 Ton capacity
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Machine shop with facility for precision machining, gear hobbling, welding, etc.
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Electronic assembly shop with PCB fabrication ,testing and programming facilities
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Lead melting and pouring facilities
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Documentation and maintenance facilities
Manpower
Skilled manpower is required in the following activities:
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Fabrication and testing of mechanical components and assemblies
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Manufacture and testing of control cards based on microcontrollers and embedded systems
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Coding and testing programs based on VC++ and database management
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Field support personnel for installation, services and maintenance of the machine
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Trained person for handling radioactive materials.
