Medical Construction & Design

JAN-FEB 2016

Medical Construction & Design (MCD) is the industry's leading source for news and information and reaches all disciplines involved in the healthcare construction and design process.

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poor. This was an especially unfortunate problem to have when needing to build an extremely heavy and large facility. It complicated con- struction of the foundation but was resolved by restructur- ing. Since the weight of the cyclotron is heavy, 287 piers of concrete were incorporated in the foundation below to en- sure stability for the massive machine. In fact, 14,500 cubic yards of concrete, enough to build an eight-story park- ing garage, was used when constructing the center. This includes 12-foot thick concrete walls surrounding the cyclo- tron and a concrete ceiling 10- feet thick, a feature necessary due to the high amounts of radio activity given of in order to generate protons. Transporting this 220-ton, 143-foot long machine was a challenge, since it had to be delivered in one piece. A truck with multiple axles de- livered it to the center where a crane put it in the structure. A roof hatch was incorpo- rated into the building in case of the need to remove it. Technology at its fi nest The Texas Center for Proton Therapy brings advanced and complex technology. Ion Beam Applications S.A. provided the proton beam technology. In addition to the cyclotron, two isocentric gantry treat- ment rooms, used to point the protons in the direction of the tumor, and a fi xed-beam treat- ment room are included. Some of the most advanced technology featured include the PET/CT and 3-Tesla MRI. The PET/CT is an imaging tool used to diagnose, stage or restage the case of cancer and evaluate the treatment being used. This technology provides high-image quality and faster scan times with the possibility of reducing radiation exposure to patients. The 3-Tesla MRI doubles the strength of a standard clinical setting, provides clear images, performs faster and reduces sound pressure noise. This machine helps to reduce patients' fear and anxiety and provides more vivid results than standard MRI machines. Conveniently, a laboratory is also onsite, providing compre- hensive and timely lab work to the center. Patient-centered design The design for the center incorporated a patient-cen- tered approach to allow for a positive patient experience. Warm wood tones and natural light were implemented into the interior design to give patients a comforting spa-like environment. Support features of ered to patients and their families include clinical tri- als, therapeutic activities, a healing garden and wellness, yoga and nutrition programs. A large community room was designated within the center featuring a "HOPE wall" with hand-written messages of support and encouragement. The facility also features a children's room and learning center to provide comfort to children receiving treatment, as well as to those accompany- ing a family member. To provide the most convenience to patients, the center's location provides easy access to major highways with plenty of free outdoor parking. Travel and care logis- tical support services are also of ered throughout the center to assist in any way. Promoting sustainability The Texas Center for Proton Therapy is LEED certifi ed, making it the fi rst standalone proton therapy center in the U.S. with this certifi cation. To promote sustainability, project team members reduced the use of non-renewable resources, minimized waste and incorpo- rated healthy, productive envi- ronments within the center. Water use was reduced by 35 percent and energy use by 20 percent after incorporating automatic features for lights, faucets and the restrooms, as well as ef cient heating and air conditioning features. Less contaminated materials are used in the facility to improve air quality. To reduce waste, a recycling program was imple- mented, while 75 percent of the facility's waste is diverted from landfi lls. These fea- tures reinforce the ef ciency and sustainability practiced throughout the facility. While proton therapy might be more expensive than traditional radiation and comes with unique obstacles when constructing, the benefi ts it provides prove to be worth it. The Texas Center for Proton Therapy allows cancer patients in the DFW area to receive the benefi ts from this type of treatment in the comfort of their own city. With over 25 years of industry experi- ence, Dan White, AIA, LEED AP, serves as a vice president in CallisonRTKL's Chicago, Illinois of ce. The center's advanced type of radiation brings hope to patients and their families. > The center's advanced technology includes two isocentric gantry treatment rooms, each containing a machine that rotates to treat tumors with pinpoint accuracy, and a fi xed beam treatment room. 38 Medical Construction & Design | JA N UA RY/ F EBRUA RY 2016 | MCDM AG.COM

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