Routine machine quality assurance tests for a self-shielded gyroscopic radiosurgery system

Area of Science:

• Medical Physics
• Radiosurgery Technology
• Quality Assurance

Background:

• The Zap-X Gyroscopic Radiosurgery platform represents an advancement in focused radiation delivery.
• Establishing robust quality assurance protocols is critical for the safe and effective operation of radiosurgery systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe routine machine quality assurance (QA) tests for the Zap-X Gyroscopic Radiosurgery platform.
• To provide a framework for implementing daily, monthly, and annual QA procedures specific to the Zap-X system.

Main Methods:

• Implemented QA tests following American Association of Physicists in Medicine Task Group (AAPM TG)-142 and Medical Physics Practice Guideline (MPPG) 8.b recommendations.
• Detailed specific QA methods, tolerance values, and required equipment for the Zap-X system.
• Included dosimetry, mechanical, safety, and imaging tests as part of the routine QA protocol.

Main Results:

• Presented baseline values and key results from daily, monthly, and annual QA tests for the Zap-X system.
• Discussed modifications to standard QA protocols, including tests not adopted from TG 142/MPPG 8.b and additional tests incorporated from vendor recommendations and TG-135.
• Highlighted unique Zap-X features influencing QA test selection, such as the distance indicator.

Conclusions:

• The report provides comprehensive information to aid Zap-X teams in establishing and maintaining QA programs.
• Offers practical guidance for Neurosurgery centers and Radiation Oncology clinics utilizing the Zap-X platform.
• Aims to support QA practices until official American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) endorsed guidelines are available.