A rapid-afterloading vaginal cylinder for 137Cs brachytherapy.
A small diameter, single-step afterloading vaginal cylinder has been developed for 137Cs brachytherapy of the vaginal cuff and walls. The Lucite cylinder has an interior slot of rectangular cross section running along its length and opening to the outside of the patient. A single rectangular Lucite insert, containing preselected sources, fits into the slot. Two short sources in the tip form a T with the sources along the vaginal canal and provide a high, uniform dose rate across the spherical tip of the applicator. A catalog of 30 precalculated loadings provides surface dose rates at the tip which vary from 140 to 230 cGy/hr for standard source strengths, as well as a variety of dose rate profiles along the vaginal wall. The applicator is tapered at the base for comfortable and secure placement, and the single-step insertion reduces both patient discomfort and personnel radiation exposure for this procedure.
Lexington Radiation Therapy Center, KY 40504.
J L
JL
Beach
O A
OA
Mendiondo
J L
JL
Martin
D001918:Brachytherapy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D002588:Cesium Radioisotopes / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D014625:Vaginal Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*
D002588:Cesium Radioisotopes