MO‐F‐CAMPUS‐J‐04: Radiation Heat Load On the MR System of the Elekta Atlantic System

Abstract

Purpose:The Elekta Atlantic system combines a digital linear accelerator system with a 1.5T Philips MRI machine.This study aimed to assess the energy deposited within the cryostat system when the radiation beam passes through the cryostat. The cryocooler on the magnet has a cooling capacity which is about 1 Watt in excess of the cryogenic heat leak into the magnet's cold mass. A pressure‐controlled heater inside the magnet balances the excess refrigeration power such that the helium pressure in the tank is kept slightly above ambient air pressure. If radiation power is deposited in the cold mass then this heater will need less power to maintain pressure equilibrium and if the radiation heat load exceeds the excess cryocooler capacity the pressure will rise.Methods:An in‐house CAD based Monte Carlo code based on Penelope was used to model the entire MR‐Linac system to quantify the heat load on the magnet's cold mass. These results were then compared to experimental results obtained from an Elekta Atlantic system installed in UMC‐Utrecht.Results:For a field size of 25 cm × 22 cm and a dose rate of 107 mu.min‐1, the energy deposited by the radiation beam led to a reduction in heater power from 1.16 to 0.73 W. Simulations predicted a reduction to 0.69 W which is in good agreement. For the worst case field size (largest) and maximum dose rate the cryostat cooler capacity was exceeded. This resulted in a pressure rise within the system but was such that continuous irradiation for over 12 hours would be required before the magnet would start blowing off helium.Conclusion:The study concluded that the Atlantic system does not have to be duty cycle restricted, even for the worst case non‐clinical scenario and that there are no adverse effects on the MR system.Stephen Towe and David Roberts Both work for Elekta; Ezra Van Lanen works for Philips Healthcare; Johan Overweg works for Philips Innovative Technologies