How a Linear Accelerator works – Elekta

Have you ever wondered how a linear accelerator works and what it does?
A linear accelerator is a device that produces a beam of either electrons or very high energy X-rays that can be used to treat cancer. In this video, you will see an Elekta Synergy, an accelerator that is used for radiation therapy.

Radiation therapy is a treatment that uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells or shrink tumors. The radiation beam can be shaped and directed to match the tumor shape, so that it can target the cancer cells while sparing the healthy tissue. The beam of radiation is delivered with an accuracy of 2mm, which means that it can hit the tumor precisely and avoid damaging the surrounding organs.

How does a linear accelerator shape and direct the radiation beam?
There are three ways to do that:
- Using the primary and secondary collimators. These are large tungsten blocks that can shape the X-ray beam into the appropriate square shape.
- Using custom blocks. These are cast blocks that are made specifically for an individual patient to shield sensitive tissue or structures. They can be made to the exact shape of the tumor.
- Using a Multileaf Collimator (MLC). This is a device that has fine leaves (usually 1cm wide) that are computer-controlled to move in and out of the X-ray beam. The MLC can create complex shapes that match the tumor shape. This is the most common method used in many countries.

If you want to learn more about how a linear accelerator works and what it does, watch this video and visit the Elekta website here:

or watch this playlist:

Discover how this amazing technology can help improve the quality of life for cancer patients.

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#radiationtherapy #oncology

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction: How a linear accelerator works
00:42 How the X-ray Beam is generated and shaped
04:42 How the radiation dose is measured and controlled
06:17 How the Linac is operated and monitored
07:11 Clearance

[JimFinnis]

Thank you so much - I'm currently undergoing treatment with one of these very machines, have a science background, and I'm the kind of patient who feels much better when they understand what's going on. This really helped me.

[ch-e]

love how this was so educational, even though it's just a big ad for elekta

[Satine_Moisant]

I'm a cancer patient visiting this machine every day. I barely notice any side effects, I have another 1/2 month to go, 10 minutes a day. This machine is amazing!

[loiscarrington]

I am a cancer patient and this machine has been used daily on my tumour and the site of the lymph nodes in the arm pit. I am grateful for this video presentation.

[justafrog]

This is such a great video! The explanation is simple and precise. I had 38 daily treatments with this machine. 5 years out and still cancer free. The technology is amazing.

[VGGboiii]

The animation or whatever you call it is amazing, the animation really help with understanding how the machine works, if I only would of heard the lady speak I would be completely lost, amazing animation guys, awesome.

[edona]

Thank you so much for providing this information. As a family physician, I understand the basic principles of radiation therapy for cancer, but was really clueless as to what my radiation oncologist did when 'planning' my treatment and how the machine actually worked.

[no_scope]

i imagine this is expensive but nonetheless, the care it must have taken to make each marvellous engineering decision must have been laborious. I can't believe the amount of care one must have to have such precise measurements and such a high level of safety. It makes me happy to know that there are people who dedicate their lives to making these life-saving machines

[chrishawkins]

This is an excellent presentation. If you are being treated with a Varian linear accelerator there are a few small differences (klystron vs magnetron, placement of focus and steering coils & other components, type of bending magnets) but the principles are all the same. Bravo Elekta!

[jahdagod]

On a scale of 1 to 10, this video is an easy 9.

Good job.

[artchavez]

Currently undergoing treat with one these machines. Being the curious one and asking many questions, the Oncology nurse gave me a peak at the back side where everything start. It is truly a scientific and technical marvel!

[truckyonefortynine]

Each person undergoing Radiotherapy, really needs to watch this important presentation, Without these wonderful machines, and the people behind them, many would be clutching at straws to get help. Thank You

[joesitter]

I have 34 years of hands-on experience working with high vacuum systems, high powered radio frequency generators (including magnetrons), scanning electron microscopes, ion implanters (industrial particle beam accelerators used for doping semiconductors) and, industrial real time microfocus X-ray systems. I'd really enjoy working with this piece of equipment because it appears to be very well-designed and because it is used to help people in need.

[Faceybabybaby]

I am currently being treated with this device on my armpit. I was scared and knew not what to expect. This video has gave me more clarity. Thanks

[sanketsenapati]

The video is so so so informative that I just loved looking at so many applications of what I have been taught in my class XII.

[timmiller]

Thank you - this is very clear. I'm a current patient of radiation therapy, and it really helps me to understand how the technology works. This is a big help, thanks!

[Ayman]

Very well explained! The animation further helped to visualise and understand the concept. I really liked the addition of magnets near the end of the waveguide to further pinpoint the electrons on the target which is also unique with elekta.

[cggage]

It is nice to see the details of what is zapping me every day. Thanks for the video!

[lawyertroy]

I am also undergoing treatment. UNC Rex has a few of these Electa machines. They’re so cool, I had to find out how they work. This was extremely helpful.

[dallaspresser]

Excellent animated presentation. I have been keen to know how this machine works as it rotates around during my therapy visits. The variable focusing system is really smart.