[Mechanical accuracy of a stereotactic irradiation system using a micro multi-leaf collimator]

Area of Science:

• Medical Physics
• Radiation Oncology

Context:

• Stereotactic irradiation requires high precision for effective tumor targeting and minimizing dose to surrounding tissues.
• The Elekta DMLC micro multi-leaf collimator (mMLC) is a critical component in modern stereotactic radiotherapy systems.

Purpose:

• To evaluate the mechanical accuracy and long-term stability of the Elekta DMLC system for stereotactic irradiation.
• To quantify key performance metrics including transmission, leakage, penumbra, leaf positioning accuracy, and isocenter stability.

Summary:

• Transmission was 0.31±0.01%, and leakage was 0.39±0.01%.
• Penumbra width ranged from 2.14±0.18 mm to 2.37±0.16 mm.
• Leaf gap error was 0.10±0.08 mm, and maximum leaf positioning error was 0.14±0.06 mm.
• Isocenter accuracy remained within 1 mm over two years.

Impact:

• The study validates the Elekta DMLC system's capability for accurate stereotactic treatments.
• Findings support the use of this system in clinical settings demanding high precision radiotherapy.
• The data provides a benchmark for quality assurance in stereotactic radiosurgery.