Providing Solid Angle Formalism for Skyshine Calculation
We detail, derive and correct the technical use of the solid angle variable identified in formal guidance that relates skyshine calculations to dose-equivalent rate.
Pitfalls in Laparoscopic Surgery (Part 1)
Laparoscopic surgery has been around for decades, initially utilized for gynecologic surgery, then by general surgeons and others. Commonly known as "keyhole" surgery in the early days, laparoscopy gained early popularity among general surgeons for removing the gall bladder.
Design of Site-Specific Prognostic Morbidity-Mortality Studies and Internal Outcome Focus Studies in Radiation Oncology
In the process of radiation oncology department accreditation, surveyors pay close attention to continuous quality improvement in the clinical section.
NRC Restrictions On The Packaging Of Radioactive Material Should Be Expressed More Explicitly Than Simply in terms of "Activity"
As promulgated by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, packaging regulations for radioactive material are confusing (e.g., “activity” vs “contained” activity vs “total” activity). As a consequence, medical physicists are forced to secondguess the intent of the regulations.
Establishing Radiation Therapy Treatment Planning Effects Involving Implantable Pacemakers And Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators
Recent improvements to the functionality and stability of implantable pacemakers and cardioverter-defibrillators involve changes that include efficient battery power consumption and radiation hardened electrical circuits. Manufacturers have also pursued MRI-compatibility for these devices
Dosimetric Effects Near Implanted Vascular Access Ports: An Examination Of External Photon Beam Dose Calculations
Vascular access ports are used widely in the administering of drugs for radiation oncology patients. Their dosimetric effect on radiation therapy delivery in photon beams has not been rigorously established. In this work, the effects on external beam fields when any of a variety of vascular access ports were included in the path of a high energy beam are studied. This study specifically identifies sidescatter and backscatter consequences as well as attenuation effects.
