SU-E-T-308: Dosimetry of a New Minimally Invasive Episcleral Brachytherapy Device

Medical Physics
R HamiltonL Marsteller

Abstract

Describe the dosimetry of an episcleral brachytherapy device. The SMD-I device is designed to treat exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and employs a Sr-90/Y-90 source encapsulated in a stainless steel cylinder. The source is welded to a flexible wire allowing it to travel from a shielded vault in the SMD-I handle to the distal end of a curved cannula to deliver a therapeutic dose of radiation through the sclera to the neovascular target in the subchoroidal space. The SMD-I handle and vault are comprised of Ultem, a lightweight radiation tolerant plastic, which shields the surgeon. Dose calculations were performed using the MCNPX radiation transport code. The absolute dose rate was determined using radiochromic film (GAFChromatic© MD-55) at a point in solid water 2.0mm from the source center perpendicular to the cannula. Dose rates at several depths were measured using Kodak EDR2 film in water equivalent phantoms to compare with the absolute dose rate measurement and MCNPX calculations. The surgeon's hand dose received while manipulating the device with the source in the vault was measured using standard TL (thermoluminescence) finger ring dosimeters, TL ChipstratesTM, and calculated with MCNPX. The absolute dose r...Continue Reading

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.