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. 2017 Dec 6;9(12):e1917.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.1917.

Self-Shielding Analysis of the Zap-X System

Georg A Weidlich  1 , M Bret Schneider  2 , John R Adler  3
Affiliations

Self-Shielding Analysis of the Zap-X System

Georg A Weidlich et al. Cureus. .

Erratum in

Abstract

The Zap-X is a self-contained and first-of-its-kind self-shielded therapeutic radiation device dedicated to brain as well as head and neck stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). By utilizing an S-band linear accelerator (linac) with a 2.7 megavolt (MV) accelerating potential and incorporating radiation-shielded mechanical structures, the Zap-X does not typically require a radiation bunker, thereby saving SRS facilities considerable cost. At the same time, the self-shielded features of the Zap-X are designed for more consistency of radiation protection, reducing the risk to radiation workers and others potentially exposed from a poorly designed or constructed radiotherapy vault. The hypothesis of the present study is that a radiosurgical system can be self-shielded such that it produces radiation exposure levels deemed safe to the public while operating under a full clinical workload. This study summarizes the Zap-X system shielding and found that the overall system radiation leakage values are reduced by a factor of 50 compared to the occupational radiation limit stipulated by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) or agreement states. The goal of self-shielding is achieved under all but the most exceptional conditions for which additional room shielding or a larger restricted area in the vicinity of the Zap-X system would be required.

Keywords: radiation; radiation exposure; radiation shielding; self-shielded; stereotactic radiosurgery.

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Conflict of interest statement

9,308,395 9,757,594 PCT/US2017/038256 PCT/US 2017/054880 29/616,477

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. The Zap-X system and its shielding.
(A) Cross-sectional view of the Zap-X system; (B) Room's eye view of the Zap-X system.
Figure 2
Figure 2. Summary of measurement stations.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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