Radiation Therapy in Cochlear Implant Recipients
Since the first commercial multichannel cochlear implant was marketed by Cochlear in 1985 (1), use of the device has grown exponentially. As of mid-2010, more than 188,000 people worldwide have received a cochlear implant system (2). Recent developments in the manufacturing of cochlear implants by the market leader, Cochlear Limited (based in Australia), have resulted in an aim to provide electronically stable models (3).
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.
A Novel Phantom Model For Mouse Tumor Dose Assessment Under MV Beams
Abstract -- In order to determine a mouse's dose accurately and prior to engaging in live mouse radiobiological research, a tissue-equivalent tumor-bearing phantom mouse was constructed and bored to accommodate detectors. Comparisons were made among four different types of radiation detectors, each inserted into the mouse phantom for radiation measurement under a 6 MV linear accelerator beam.
Radiation Skyshine From A 6 MeV Medical Accelerator
Skyshine radiation emanating from medical accelerator facilities is a phenomenon not well understood.
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.
Edited by Oliver Vonend & Siegfried Eckert
Michael Gossman is the author of Chapter 9: Clinical Concerns For and Strategies With Pacemakers in Radiation Oncology
Authors: Todd Pawlicki, et al; Editors; Michael Gossman (Ch. 19), et al
This comprehensive work highlights benefits of quality techniques, approaches to implementation, and guidelines for specific quality assurance steps related to equipment and procedures used in radiotherapy. After an overview of manufacturing and engineering techniques, the text addresses quality and safety issues in radiotherapy from both the physician and physicist viewpoints.
