Lavallee Brensinger Architects and Engelberth Construction complete linear accelerator renovation/replacement in less than 2 weeks at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center. Courtesy photo.
Vermont Business Magazine Nine months of planning to replace a massive cancer treatment machine was required to compress a nine-week construction schedule into 11 days. The team of Engelberth Construction of Cochester and Lavallee Brensinger Architects of Portland, ME, was hired by Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC) to renovate the patient treatment area and replace its linear accelerator. Precise planning was necessary to ensure successful project completion, in under two weeks, with minimal impact to the six-week patient treatment cycle.
"The success of any project is the direct result of detailed planning, coordination, and a collaborative team effort. This project is certainly one of the most successful projects I have been a part of," said Richard Terk, VP of Project Management at Engelberth Construction. The construction process was an incredibly well organized effort. The construction manager and subcontractors worked 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for eleven straight days to fully renovate the patient treatment. Materials were organized months in advance and available onsite. The construction was intricately choreographed and scheduled at 15 minute increments. Lavallee Brensinger and their consultants were on-call 24/7 during construction, reviewing site images every 12 hours. In the end, construction was completed 3 days early.
"I think one of the things that impressed me most is the team driven approach that Lavallee Brensinger brings - resulting in what's best for the patient," stated Willy Hall, SVMC Director of Engineering. SVMC, who exists to provide exceptional health care and comfort to the people they serve, wanted a space that embodied the outside environment of the local area. To give the space a calming and airy feel, Lavallee Brensinger created custom, nature inspired displays and a large custom radial SkyFactory feature.
According to radiologyinfo.org: "The linear accelerator uses microwave technology (similar to that used for radar) to accelerate electrons in a part of the accelerator called the "wave guide," then allows these electrons to collide with a heavy metal target to produce high-energy x-rays. These high energy x-rays are shaped as they exit the machine to conform to the shape of the patient's tumor and the customized beam is directed to the patient's tumor. The beam may be shaped either by blocks that are placed in the head of the machine or by a multileaf collimator that is incorporated into the head of the machine. The patient lies on a moveable treatment couch and lasers are used to make sure the patient is in the proper position. The treatment couch can move in many directions including up, down, right, left, in and out. The beam comes out of a part of the accelerator called a gantry, which can be rotated around the patient. Radiation can be delivered to the tumor from any angle by rotating the gantry and moving the treatment couch."
Extensive research was conducted to ensure understanding of staff workflow, patient needs and to properly locate required equipment and supplies. That knowledge was tested, against the existing vault geometry, to define the layout and ensure every square inch of the 1400 square foot space was optimized. Erin Roy, Chief Radiation Therapist at Southwestern Vermont Regional Cancer Center said, "I had a chance last week to take a peek – amazing! I was really happy with it. I can't wait to see the finished product and I am sure the patients will have TONS of positive feedback."
Clear communication, teamwork and experience are vital to achieving a successful outcome. Lavallee Brensinger project manager Jeff Galvin, said, "It is a remarkable project and one that will certainly bring comfort to some of the most deserving patients."
Working with Lavallee Brensinger and Engelberth Constructions was Fitzemeyer & Tocci Associates, of Woburn, MA, who provided design consultation for the mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems.
This is Lavallee Brensinger Architect's fourth linear accelerator installation within the past four years and their third 'super-fast' completion.
SOURCE PORTLAND, Maine, June 14, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Lavallee Brensinger Architects