Compact multileaf collimator for conformal and intensity modulated fast neutron therapy: Electromechanical design and validation

The electromechanical properties of a 120-leaf, high-resolution, computer-controlled, fast neutron multileaf collimator (MLC) are presented. The MLC replaces an aging, manually operated multirod collimator. The MLC leaves project 5 mm in the isocentric plane perpendicular to the beam axis. A taper i...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Medical physics (Lancaster) 2006-09, Vol.33 (9), p.3313-3320
Main Authors: Farr, J. B., Maughan, R. L., Yudelev, M., Blosser, E., Brandon, J., Horste, T., Forman, J. D.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
BEAMS
Collimation
collimator
COLLIMATORS
Control systems
DESIGN
DOSIMETRY
Dosimetry/exposure assessment
Effects of ionizing radiation on biological systems
Electronics, Medical
Equipment Design
Equipment Failure Analysis
FAST NEUTRONS
Fast Neutrons - therapeutic use
IMRT
Intensity modulated radiation therapy
Machine vision
Mechanics
Miniaturization
MLC
multileaf
Multileaf collimators
neutron
NEUTRON CAPTURE THERAPY
Neutrons
PATIENTS
RADIATION MONITORING
radiation therapy
RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE
Radiotherapy Dosage
Radiotherapy, Conformal - instrumentation
Radiotherapy, Conformal - methods
SPATIAL RESOLUTION
Testing procedures
TUNGSTEN
VALIDATION
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Description
Summary:The electromechanical properties of a 120-leaf, high-resolution, computer-controlled, fast neutron multileaf collimator (MLC) are presented. The MLC replaces an aging, manually operated multirod collimator. The MLC leaves project 5 mm in the isocentric plane perpendicular to the beam axis. A taper is included on the leaves matching beam divergence along one axis. The 5 - mm leaf projection width is chosen to give high-resolution conformality across the entire field. The maximum field size provided is 30 × 30 cm 2 . To reduce the interleaf transmission a 0.254 - mm blocking step is included. End-leaf steps totaling 0.762 mm are also provided allowing opposing leaves to close off within the primary radiation beam. The neutron MLC also includes individual 45° and 60° automated universal tungsten wedges. The automated high-resolution neutron collimation provides an increase in patient throughput capacity, enables a new modality, intensity modulated neutron therapy, and limits occupational radiation exposure by providing remote operation from a shielded console area.
ISSN:0094-2405
2473-4209
DOI:10.1118/1.2237506