Lynx-2 fully indispensable for control of accelerator beams

Lynx enables the increasing needs of quality control requirements for accelerator beams to be met. It simplifies and automates a large number of procedures for beam analysis in accordance with standardized protocols towards advanced functions for MLC and dose planning control.

The Lynx software, integrating numerous possibilities, owns an interface particularly ergonomic and easy to use.

It can be placed on the irradiation couch or used with accessory holders for all types of accelerators; it is easy to use and to connect to the computer with a thin cable (Firewire).

Controlling the beam’s profile

This basic function is carried out simply and quickly.

Immediately after irradiation the software enables the beam analysis according to the selected standardized protocol.

The following are displayed:

Beam’s profile

Beam alignment

ROI of the protocol used

Protocol data

Digital values

Comparison of four acquisitions

Acquisition and registration of images in real time
Superimposition of four images in profiles or isodose mode

Home display of acquisitions

Superimposition of acquisitions

Periodic computerized checking

Lynx software produces and edits control reports as defined in the decree of July 27, 2009 of the French Health and Safety Agency for health products.

The following checks are fully programmable by the user for both photon and electron beams:

Conformity between lighted and irradiated fields
Beam size
Homogeneity
Symmetry
Penumbra
Quality index
Orthogonality and symmetry of jaw
Wedge filter transmission

Reports are generated in various formats such as "Excel, ASCCI, Note-Pad"

Report displayed in "Excel" format:

Fast scanning of results

Identification of values without tolerance

Automatic control of the MLC

Based on real to theoretical beam comparisons (DICOM RT planning or leaf data files), this procedure is fully automated.

Procedure very useful in normal use and indispensable for IMRT.

Three executive reports are immediately produced after irradiation (view example in text format)

The first report provides synthesised data enabling a fast checking with the correct working of the MLC (Maximum and average error of leaf positioning)

In case of anomalies, two other reports identify with details the leaf or the jaw presenting a wrong positioning.

Dose control for IMRT

This function will be particularly appreciated for IMRT. It enables comparison of measured dose distributions with TPS dose plans for the whole set of irradiation beam sequences.

Mathematical processing may be used between the two images (addition, average, subtraction, difference and gamma index)

Automatic Source Control Module for HDR Brachytherapy

This procedure compares the true source position with that defined in a source moving file to check that the source position and stopping time for the 20 possible catheters in the mechanical interface are correct.

After the control, two reports are generated : the first provides summarized information, and the second specifies position and stopping time errors for each source position, catheter by catheter

Calibration

A calibration tool enables the user to control or calibrate the Lynx response in comparison with tested devices: film, ionisation chamber, chamber matrix, etc

General features

Lynx

Working area: 300 x 300 mm
Resolution: 0.5 mm
Geometric distortion: < 0.5 mm at 95 % of the field < 1 mm elsewhere
Energy range: 60Co with 25 MV for photons, 4 to 25 Mev for electrons
Dimensions: 360 x 370 x 600 mm
Connected with Firewire
Mechanical adaptation for all types of accessory holders
Transport storage cover included
Weight: < 10 Kg

Software

Operate with Windows 2000, XP, Vista or Seven several modules are included :

Basic module
- Required for using Lynx, it enables the measuring head to be controlled in “Photo” or “Video” mode.
- It also allows:
  - Four different images to be displayed simultaneously in tile mode.
  - Display in Image mode, profile, 3D and isodose
  - Overlaying of profile or isodose displays
  - Beam control in accordance with standardised protocols
  - Importation of external files
    - DICOM RT plan
    - DICOM Image
    - TPS dose plan
    - Tiff images
    - Leaf data files (***.mlc)
    - Other file format are possible on request
  - Lynx data exportation
  - Printing results
  - Set of image processing tools (addition, average, subtraction, difference and gamma index)
Automation Module for Periodic Control
- Can produce and edit a control report as defined in the decree of 2sd March 2004 from the French Agency for Health and Safety on health products.
- Controls, fully programmable by the user for both photons and electrons are:
  - Superimposition of light control field and irradiation field
  - Beam size
  - Homogeneity
  - Symmetry
  - Penumbra
  - Quality index
  - Orthogonality and symmetry of jaws
  - Transmission of wedge filters
Automation Module for Controlling the MLC
- Intended for controlling the position of the MLC leafs, it completely automates this procedure by comparing the actual shape of the beam and the theoretic position of the leafs defined in a DICOM file or MLC.
- This automation will also be very useful with conventional radiotherapy as well as IMRT.
- At the end of the control, a detailed error report on the positioning of each leaf for each irradiation field is provided.
Projector control automated for HDR Brachytherapy
- This procedure compares the true source position with that defined in a source moving file to check that the source position and stopping time for the 20 possible catheters in the mechanical interface are correct.
- After the control, two reports are generated : the first provides summarized information, and the second specifies position and stopping time errors for each source position, catheter by catheter.

IMRT Module
- It enables to compare the dose plan received by the lynx with the TPS dose plan. Comparison of both can be carried out using the mathematical tools provided as basic standard.

Please contact us for additional information.