Investigation of Regional Disparities In Failure Modes of Medical Electron Linear Accelerators Using Data from Multi-Center Sentinel Hospitals
Abstract
Purpose
Based on measured failure data and adverse event records from five sentinel hospitals, this study compares failure characteristics of medical electron linear accelerators (LA) across brands, regions and service life, clarifies core failure modes, evolutionary rules and influencing factors, and provides empirical support for cross-regional and long-term refined equipment management.
Methods
A total of 555 failure reports (2022-2025) from five hospitals were collected, covering 25 LA devices of four brands (A, B, C, D). Grouped by brand, region and service life, descriptive statistical analysis was conducted focusing on failure types, frequency, modes, maintenance processes and treatment impacts.
Results
Regarding brand differences,A devices had the highest proportion of Multi-Leaf Collimator (MLC) system failures for 64.6%, mainly due to mechanical wear, with component replacement accounting for 78.2%; B devices had a 17.2% proportion of software failures, primarily related to optical calibration and communication software; failures of C and D devices were scattered without a single high-incidence type. For regional differences, the A group had the highest proportion of MLC failures for 50.1%, while the B group had the highest proportion of electronic acceleration system failures for 34.0%. Negative binomial regression results showed that usage intensity had a significant positive driving effect on the failure rate. The baseline failure rate of the ≥10-year group was significantly higher than that of the ≤5-year group, and the ≥10-year group was most sensitive to usage intensity.
Conclusion
LA failure characteristics are influenced by brand design, regional treatment load and service cycle. Data-based differentiated maintenance reduces failure frequency, shortens maintenance time and minimizes treatment delays, guiding clinical equipment management.