Amethyst Radiotherapy cranes in source loader to upgrade central London gamma knife machine

Provider of stereotactic radiosurgery Amethyst Radiotherapy has upgraded its gamma knife machine at its Queen Square Radiosurgery Centre, London.

Specialised cranage equipment was used, lifting more than 15 tonnes of equipment between the two high-rise buildings located in central London. The source loader weighed approximately nine tonnes, with the radiation vault weighing around five tonnes, and a variety of other equipment required specialist transportation. The gamma knife source loader is a device used to precisely position radioactive sources, specifically cobalt-60, within the machine.

The technology targets and treats brain tumours with high doses of radiation, while minimising exposure to surrounding healthy tissues. The precision of the source loader is vital for the effectiveness and safety of gamma knife radiotherapy, offering non-invasive treatment options for patients with various neurological conditions and metastatic brain tumours.

Consultant neurosurgeon and medical director for the gamma knife unit Mr Neil Kitchen commented: “The reloading of our state-of-the-art gamma knife treatment platform with brand new cobalt radiation sources will halve treatment times for our patients, making their therapy less onerous and allowing us to treat many more patients efficiently, thus reducing waiting times.

“As clinical director, on behalf of the clinical team, I would like to thank Amethyst UK and UCLH for completing this complicated task.”

Among the issues that had to be overcome during installation was an unrelated protest march that prevented delivery and vehicles that ignored the temporary parking restrictions.

This is an example of the logistics undertaken by the Amethyst team to ensure safe and efficient installation, reducing disruption to the surrounding area, while continuing to deliver treatment.

The equipment will soon be resuming treatment of NHS and private patients.

Director of clinical operations Daniel Lumley commented: “The logistical challenges of transporting and installing the source loader and radiation vault were formidable, particularly given the dense urban environment of central London.

“The use of a crane was essential for positioning these heavy and sensitive components with precision. Our team’s expertise in navigating these complexities was critical to the successful upgrade of our facilities. I’d like to thank all involved, from within Amethyst and the outside contractors who contributed to the project’s success.”

Picture: Delivery of the equipment presented logistical challenges for Amethyst Radiotherapy.

Published on page 8 of the June 2024 issue of RAD Magazine.