DOTmed Industry Sector Report: Linear Accelerators and Simulators

by Barbara Kram, Editor | November 19, 2008

Service and Support Side of the Story

Top independent service organizations (ISOs) for used equipment provide sales, service, and parts at about 30 to 50% of OEM cost, several organizations have reported to DOTmed Business News. Some ISOs report significantly greater savings--up to 70% off the cost of new equipment.

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Typical service and refurbishment requirements might include testing and replacing radiation damaged wiring and water lines and worn mechanical parts such as bearings and slides, as well as sprucing up cosmetics. Power supplies often need replacement. OEM software updates may be required.

The wave guide is the essential component of the LINAC and its failure may require an OEM replacement unit, although, depending on the manufacturer and ISO, the wave guide may be serviceable. Note that industry insiders told DOTmed that several companies in China are producing wave guides and may sell them for around $25,000 in the near future, compared to about $65,000 from the OEM in today's market.

ISOs that specialize in LINACs often partner with other companies to do the related CT scanner support. Technicians related that service of the CT simulator technology used in conjunction with linear accelerators requires more precise alignment in this radiation oncology application than for other uses.

Apart from discrete fixes, there's a larger issue related to LINAC service. "One of the things we are seeing is that people integrate technologies. It is becoming more important to train the centers in the workflow and how to use those technologies," said Tony Richardson, Marketing Director, Oncology Services International, Ramsey, NJ. "Although that's the traditional strength of the OEM, most centers don't have one single OEM's equipment. So having an organization that understands how all these black boxes fit together and can train the workflow is important."