title: A computer controlled tele-cobalt unit.
abstract: A computer controlled cobalt treatment unit was commissioned for treating patients in January 1980. Initially the controlling computer was a minicomputer, but now the control of the therapy unit is by a microcomputer. The treatment files, which specify the movement and configurations necessary to deliver the prescribed dose, are produced on the minicomputer and then transferred to the microcomputer using minitape cartridges. The actual treatment unit is based on a standard cobalt unit with a few additional features e.g. the drive motors can be controlled either by the computer or manually. Since the treatment unit is used for both manual and automatic treatments, the operational procedure under computer control is made to closely follow the manual procedure for a single field treatment. The necessary safety features which protect against human, hardware and software errors as well as the advantages and disadvantages of computer controlled radiotherapy are discussed.
mesh_terms: D003037:Cobalt Radioisotopes / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003201:Computers; D011867:Radioisotope Teletherapy / Q000295:instrumentation*
chemical_list: D003037:Cobalt Radioisotopes