Internal dosimetry for radiation therapy in coronary arteries

L. Campos, M. Stabin, Y. S. Horowitz, L. Oster

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Acute myocardial infarction, which occurs because of the occlusion of one or more coronary arteries, is the most common form of cardiovascular disease. Balloon angioplasty is often used to treat coronary artery occlusion and is less invasive than surgery involving revascularisation of the myocardium, thus promising a better quality of life for patients. Unfortunately, the rate of re-stenosis after balloon angioplasty is high (approximately 30-50% within the first year after treatment). Intravascular radiation therapy has been used with several types of radiation source, and researchers have observed some success in decreasing the rate of re-stenosis. In this paper theoretical radiation dose distributions for monoenergetic electrons (with discrete energies) and photons are calculated for blood vessels of diameter 1.5, 3.0 and 4.5 mm with balloon and wire sources using the radiation transport code MCNP4B. Stent sources employing 32P are also simulated. Advantages and disadvantages of the radionuclides and source geometries are discussed, as well as issues regarding possible benefits to the patients.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)423-426
Number of pages4
JournalRadiation Protection Dosimetry
Volume101
Issue number1-4
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Jan 2002

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Radiation
  • Radiological and Ultrasound Technology
  • Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Internal dosimetry for radiation therapy in coronary arteries'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this