Building Blocks for Proton Therapy

Pyramid can supply everything from complete proton therapy nozzles to the building blocks to allow customers to build their own configurations. Two new products that assist this process are the FS-78 fast beam shutter and the HC-80 helium beampath controller.

The FS-78 was developed to handle the issue of beam trajectory control. Errors in beam trajectory translate to errors in dose placement unless counter measures are taken. Placing the FS-78 just before the beam scanning magnets allows a short beam pulse to be transported around the beamline, but without reaching the patient. The trajectory can be corrected, or the treatment map can be offset. The fast actuation of the FS-78 reduces the time penalty to a minimum.

The HC-80 provides a complete automated flow control and monitoring system for a helium-filled nozzle beampath. The system will purge and then maintain the helium concentration. Flow, pressure, temperature, orientation and residual oxygen levels are all tracked. The system keeps track of helium use, and warns when it is time to change the cylinder.