LINACWATCH – Automated LINAC Performance Monitoring
Continuous, automated LINAC performance monitoring software designed to analyze LINAC machine log files within the radiation therapy treatment workflow.
Monitor the Beam That Was Actually Delivered
Modern linear accelerators generate detailed machine log files containing high-frequency information about key irradiation parameters. LINACWATCH automatically analyzes these log files and compares delivered-machine information with the planned treatment described in the associated DICOM RT Plan.
The result is an automated layer of LINAC performance monitoring that can operate in the background during routine clinical activity, helping trained radiation oncology personnel identify potential machine delivery issues without adding a separate measurement device to the treatment workflow.
Designed for Continuous Performance Verification
LINACWATCH can perform permanent, batch, and real-time analysis of machine log-file data. The provider reports that LINAC parameters may be recorded at intervals ranging from 20 to 250 milliseconds, depending on the treatment machine.
When analyzed results fall outside user-defined tolerances, LINACWATCH can provide alerts and detailed information to help the clinical team investigate the origin of the deviation.
Key Capabilities
- Automatic analysis of LINAC machine log files
- Permanent, batch-processing, and real-time analysis modes
- Comparison of delivered-machine parameters with the associated DICOM RT Plan
- User-defined tolerances and alerts for out-of-tolerance results
- Detailed analysis of MLC leaf positions and deviations
- Monitoring of jaws and carriage positions
- Monitoring of gantry and collimator rotation
- Integrated-fluence comparison tools
- Session-to-session trend analysis
- PDF reporting
- Export of a DICOM RT Plan incorporating log-file delivery information for further evaluation in the institution’s treatment planning system
A Workflow Designed to Run in the Background
After the planned DICOM RT Plan is imported, LINACWATCH can continually scan for machine log files generated during treatment delivery. In batch operation, the software automatically retrieves and analyzes the log files associated with delivered beams and presents the results in a treatment-session journal.
Users can review summary results or open a session for more detailed analysis of dynamic delivery parameters, fluence, MLC leaves, jaws, carriage, gantry, collimator, and beam-related timing information.
From Individual Fractions to Longitudinal Trends
Medical physicists can review an individual session or load a complete treatment to evaluate results across multiple fractions. Trend curves can help visualize how tested parameters evolve from session to session, supporting investigation of machine-performance changes over time.
When Further Dose Evaluation Is Needed
LINACWATCH can generate a DICOM RT Plan incorporating delivery information documented by the machine log files. The exported plan can then be loaded into the institution’s treatment planning system for additional dose evaluation using the site’s established clinical workflow.
Important:
LINACWATCH is not primary treatment-planning or 3D dose-calculation software and cannot be used to generate radiotherapy treatment plans.
Complements Your Existing QA Program
LINACWATCH is intended to complement—not replace—established machine QA and pre-treatment QA. Log-file analysis provides a practical way to monitor the stability of important irradiation parameters during and between treatment sessions, while independent measurement-based QA remains essential within the institution’s quality program.
Designed for Radiation Oncology Teams
LINACWATCH is intended for use by trained radiation oncology personnel as a guide to alert them to potential machine delivery issues that can affect treatment quality and workflow. Its automated approach is particularly relevant to departments seeking additional visibility into LINAC performance during routine treatment delivery.
FDA 510(k) Cleared
LINACWATCH / LINACVIEW received FDA 510(k) clearance under K172534. The FDA identifies the device as stand-alone software that automatically analyzes radiation therapy machine performance for each fraction using log files provided by the radiation therapy machine.
FDA classification: Accelerator, Linear, Medical • 21 CFR 892.5050 • Product Code IYE • Prescription Use.
Technical Information
| Item | Provider-listed information |
|---|---|
| Current provider-listed release | Version 3.6 |
| Operating system | Microsoft Windows, 64-bit |
| Processor | Intel i7 2.5 GHz equivalent or greater |
| RAM | 4 GB free or greater |
| Hard drive | 50 GB or greater |
| Screen resolution | 1920 × 1080 or greater |
| Other | Internet access; speakers can support audible alerts |
Designer note: Technical specifications can change. Before final publication or future updates, confirm the current provider documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does LINACWATCH replace routine machine QA?
No. The provider specifically describes LINACWATCH as complementary to machine QA. Independent QA is necessary to confirm that machine log-file information remains consistent with physical reality.
Does LINACWATCH replace pre-treatment patient-specific QA?
No. LINACWATCH is designed as an additional monitoring layer within the treatment workflow. Pre-treatment QA should continue according to the institution’s clinical policies, risk assessment, applicable standards, and professional judgment.
What information does LINACWATCH analyze?
LINACWATCH analyzes dynamic machine log-file information and compares delivered parameters with the planned treatment information in the associated DICOM RT Plan. Available analyses include parameters such as MLC leaf positions, jaws, carriage, gantry and collimator rotation, fluence-related information, and treatment-session trends.
Can LINACWATCH calculate patient dose?
LINACWATCH itself is not primary treatment-planning or 3D dose-calculation software. It can export a DICOM RT Plan incorporating log-file delivery information so that further dose evaluation can be performed using the institution’s treatment planning system.
Who is LINACWATCH intended for?
The FDA-cleared intended use identifies trained radiation oncology personnel. The software is used as a guide to alert these professionals to potential machine delivery issues that may affect treatment quality and workflow.
Call to Action
Add another layer of automated visibility to your LINAC performance workflow.
Contact Quantaris Medical to discuss LINACWATCH, compatibility with your treatment environment, implementation requirements, and current U.S. availability.