Linear Accelerator Removal and Disposal Services

To make way for the new, we often have to clear out the old. Far too often, ROS has received phone calls from hospitals and clinics that have relied on local contractors with little medical equipment removal experience to dispose of their radiation oncology or imaging equipment. Every so often, we hear of poor, if not disastrous, results. To comply with state regulations, for liability and safety reason, and to ensure you don’t end up having to pay for a service multiple times, it is critical to hire the right professionals for the job from the get-go. For over 18 years, ROS has been safely and professionally removing and disposing linacs (short for linear accelerators) and other heavy, hard-to-remove medical equipment. Here below are some examples of recent linac disposal and removal jobs ROS has successfully completed.

Linear Accelerator Removals and Installations

Recently, at a major university’s radiation oncology facility in the Southeast, ROS was selected as the vendor to perform equipment removal and disposal of four pieces of radiation oncology equipment (Varian Acuity Simulator, Varian Ximatron Simulator, two Siemens Primus linear accelerators). Also involved in the project was the relocation of a Varian Clinac 21iX linear accelerator with On-Board Imaging (OBI) from one location to a modular vault a few blocks away. ROS was also responsible for the installation of the machine at the new location.

Working with ROS provided the customer with experience and know-how to do the job right. ROS was also able to provide a significant discount on the work by providing a trade-in credit on some of the parts from the Siemens linear accelerators. And to avoid extra downtime during the installation of the linear accelerator, ROS loaned the facility a base plate (the large metal frame that sits underground to support the weight of a linear accelerator). This allowed the job to continue without having to wait for the older base plate to be removed from the ground.

Vault Door Surprise

Another benefit of working with an experienced group is the ability to successfully tackle challenges as they come up. One such surprise was that the vault door had not been removed by the customer’s contractor when the ROS crew commenced the project, as originally planned. ROS took care of the problem and was able to safely remove the vault door the very next morning after the issue was found. That is just one example of how working with an experienced linear accelerator removal, disposal and relocation company like ROS can bring a lot of additional value to a customer that may not otherwise be provided by other vendors.

Multi-Vendor Equipment Removals and Disposals are Common

Another recent project in the Midwest involved the removal of an Accuray TomoTherapy unit and a Varian Ximatron Simulator in an adjacent room. Not only did ROS’s customer get a discount for parts, but having a single team remove multiple systems also saved the customer’s money. Future nearby projects, such as a Gamma Knife disposal and base frame removal, are also in the works.

Breaking Concrete is Required to Remove a Linear Accelerator Base Frame

Depending on the type of linear accelerator being removed, ROS’s experienced riggers know how to safely break apart the concrete around the base frame and remove the heavy steel from the linac room, making way for any further construction work needed for renovations to repurpose the room or leave it in the condition their owner or landlord would expect.

Recycle Your Used Linear Accelerator

Besides straight linear accelerator disposal services, ROS will often remove a linear accelerator for reuse. This allows the customer to save money and allows ROS to extend the life of the equipment and help those in most need. Such was the case in Missouri when ROS removed an older system that will be in Eastern Europe. ROS handled the removal, crating, and shipping of this system to Europe. You would be surprised to learn that much of the equipment that we scrap out or part out in the United States actually has tremendous value in clinical applications in many other parts of the world.

Important Questions to Ask Any Vendor Before Removing Your Equipment

Whether it be a Gamma Knife removal, linear accelerator removal, linac disposal, or any other radiation oncology removal/disposal service, hiring the right company and crew is critical for a smooth process. Questions that your potential removal vendor should be able to easily answer:

• Do they have the appropriate equipment to remove a linear accelerator?
• Are they providing all the necessary packing materials, floor protection, and manpower?
• Will they clean up after themselves?
• If a crane is needed, do they have experience necessary for such a removal?
• Do they know exactly what size and type of specialty truck is necessary for shipping?
• Are they licensed to handle and/or dispose of any radioactive material?
• Do they have the proper rigging equipment to move equipment pieces as heavy as 12,000 lbs?

These are just a few of the many questions an experienced team should be able to answer. At ROS, our riggers have years of experience with linac removal and linac disposal projects. ROS goes out of its way to ensure patient care is not disrupted (often completing jobs in a 2-3 day window over a weekend). If you are in need of radiation therapy equipment disposal services, or any other radiation oncology equipment removal services, please reach out to one of our qualified team members to see how ROS can help you today.

About Radiology Oncology Systems

Radiology Oncology Systems, headquartered in San Diego, California, provides medical equipment solutions to customers worldwide, including hospitals, clinics, veterinary practices, OEMs, and other equipment and service providers. ROS specializes in CT, MRI, nuclear medicine, linear accelerator, and oncology equipment, and also sells related upgrades, products, and accessories. Radiology Oncology Systems is a US distributor of CYRPA patient positioning lasers and the SafeCT dose-reduction software system. For more information, please visit www.OncologySystems.com.