Evaluation of the Elekta Agility MLC performance using high‐resolution log files

Abstract

Purpose With the advent of volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) and intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) treatment techniques, the requirement for more elaborate approaches in reviewing linac components’ integrity has become even more stringent. A possible solution to this challenge is to employ the usage of log files generated during treatment. The log files generated by the new generation of Elekta linacs record events at a higher frequency (25 Hz) than their predecessors, which allows for retrospective analysis and identification of subtle changes and provides another means of quality assurance. The ability to track machine components based on log files for each treatment can allow for constant monitoring of fraction consistency in addition to machine reliability. Using Elekta Agility log files, a set of tests were developed to evaluate the reliability and robustness of the multileaf collimators (MLCs). Methods To evaluate Elekta log file utilization for linac MLC QA effectiveness, five MLC test patterns were constructed to review the effects of leaf velocity and acceleration on positional accuracy, including gravitational effects for the Elekta MLC system. Each test was run five times in a particular setting to obtain reproducibility data and statistical averages. This study was performed on two identical Versa HD machines, each delivering a full set of test plans with all possible variations. Plans were delivered using Elekta's iCOMcat software and recorded log files were extracted. Log files were reformatted for readability and automatically analyzed in Matlab®. Results The Elekta Agility MLC system was shown to be capable of obtaining speeds within the range of 5–35 mm/s. MLC step and shoot tests have demonstrated the MLC system's capability of having positional repeatability, averaging 0.03‐ and 0.08‐mm offsets with and without gravitational effects, respectively. The IMRT‐specific tests have shown that gravitational effects are negligible with all positional tests averaging 0.5‐mm offsets. The largest speed root‐mean‐square error (RMSE) for the MLC system was found at the maximum speed of 35 mm/s with an average error of 0.8 mm. For slower speeds, the value was found to be much lower. Conclusion Utilizing log files has demonstrated the feasibility for higher precision of MLC motions to be reviewed, based on the performance tests that were instituted. Log files provide insight on the effects of friction, acceleration, and gravity, with MU's delivered that previously could not be reviewed in such detail. Based on our results, log file‐based QA has enhanced our ability to review performance, functionality, and perform QA on Elekta's MLC system.

Prediction of the individual multileaf collimator positional deviations during dynamic IMRT delivery priori with artificial neural network

“…Multileaf collimator bank/carriage positioning may be affected by gantry rotation due to the heavyweight of the MLC assembly mounted in the gantry, which may cause drifts in the carriage drive and its supporting assemblies . Studies based on Elekta and Siemens MLC systems reported leaf deviations due to gravity within 0.3 mm at different gantry angles. In contrast, for the Varian machine, Rowshanfarzad et al reported an average shift in the leaf carriages of about 0.7 mm associated with gantry angles.…”

“…Even though several studies 8,15,16,[27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35] were conducted on the MLC leaf positional errors for dynamic IMRT delivery through the analysis of the machine log file data 15,16,[27][28][29] or electronic portal imaging device, 27,30-33 they may be considered passive and do not provide predictions ahead of time. ML methods can provide the active prediction of the MLC positional errors during the IMRT/VMAT delivery.…”

Error sensitivity of a log file analysis tool compared with a helical diode array dosimeter for VMAT delivery quality assurance

“…Log file analysis with LW is a convenient and time‐saving QA tool to find such delivery errors. Kabat et al demonstrated that log files can increase the efficiency of QA for Elekta linacs 5 …”

“…An alternative method for delivery QA is integrating log file analysis into clinical routine. 2,5 Log files are automatically generated by the linear accelerator (linac) and contain all relevant plan data. Log files are considered as a practical and time-saving method as part of patient QA.…”

“…An advantage is that log files are generated automatically during every treatment and can be used for every single fraction to analyze the correct delivery of treatment plans. Log file analysis with LW is a convenient and time-saving QA tool to find such delivery errors.Kabat et al demonstrated that log files can increase the efficiency of QA for Elekta linacs 5.…”