Inauguration of the new linear accelerator, Varian (U.S.A.) and medical equipment at the B. K. L. Walawalkar Hospital, Dervan, with the Tata Memorial Centre support
On Monday , 10th October 2022, B. K. L. Walawalkar Hospital, Dervan inaugurated the new linear accelerator , Varian (U.S.A) which begins its clinical operations, upon the successful completion of the configuration, installation and license works for the machine, streamlining the operation of the Hospital’s radiotherapy department and patient treatment methods in the surrounding areas.
This machine will be used for cancer treatment of the needy patients With Free of Cost This is benefit to the people of the State of Maharashtra. This was inaugurated By Padmashree Dr. Rajendra Badwe (Director, Tata Memorial Centre) with Presence of Dr. Shripad Banavli (Director of Academics, Tata Memorial Centre), Ms. Nishu Goel (Kevat Program Head, Tata Memorial Hospital), Shri. Ashok R. Joshi (Trustee), Mr. Vikas Walawalkar (Managing Trustee) and Dr. Suvarna Patil (Medical Director, B. K. L. Walawalkar Rural Medical College).
A medical linear accelerator (LINAC) customizes high energy x-rays or electrons to conform to a tumor’s shape and destroy cancer cells while sparing surrounding normal tissue. It features several built-in safety measures to ensure that it will deliver the dose as prescribed and is routinely checked by a medical physicist to ensure it is working properly.
The linear accelerator uses microwave technology (similar to that used for radar) to accelerate electrons in a part of the accelerator called the “wave guide,” then allows these electrons to collide with a heavy metal target to produce high-energy x-rays. These high energy x-rays are shaped as they exit the machine to conform to the shape of the patient’s tumor and the customized beam is directed to the patient’s tumor. The beam is usually shaped by a multileaf collimator that is incorporated into the head of the machine. The patient lies on a moveable treatment couch and lasers are used to make sure the patient is in the proper position. The treatment couch can move in many directions including up, down, right, left, in and out. The beam comes out of a part of the accelerator called a gantry, which can be rotated around the patient. Radiation can be delivered to the tumor from many angles by rotating the gantry and moving the treatment couch.
