PURPOSE This article summarises the evolution of microwave array applicators for heating large area chest wall disease as an adjuvant to external beam radiation, systemic chemotherapy, and potentially simultaneous brachytherapy. METHODS Current devices used for thermotherapy of chest wall recurrence are reviewed. The largest conformal array applicator to date is evaluated in four studies: (1)...

Dose distributions throughout the eye, from three types of beta-ray ophthalmic applicators, were calculated using the EGS4, ACCEPT 3.0, and other Monte Carlo codes. The applicators were those for which doses were measured in a recent international intercomparison [Med. Phys. 28, 1373 (2001)], planar applicators of 106Ru-106Rh and 90Sr-90Y and a concave 106Ru-106Rh applicator. The main purpose w...

Background: Previous research has compared the efficacies of accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) and wholebreast irradiation (WBI). APBI immediately after surgery may provide more benefit after intraoperative insertion of catheters. Although balloon catheter-based APBI is available in the US, it is difficult in Japanese women, who have relatively small breasts. With the applicators be...

bebig ruthenium-106 ophthalmic plaques have been used for treatment of uveal melanoma, retinoblastoma, melanoma of the iris and other special applications for many years. the plaques consist of a thin film of 106ru, a beta emitter, encapsulated in pure silver. the present work proposes a new mathematical eye model for ophthalmic brachytherapy dosimetry. this new model includes detailed descript...

Prototype 10 × 10 and 20 × 20-cm2 electron collimators were designed for the Elekta Infinity accelerator (MLCi2 treatment head), with the goal of reducing the trimmer weight of excessively heavy current applicators while maintaining acceptable beam flatness (±3% major axes, ±4% diagonals) and IEC leakage dose. Prototype applicators were designed initially using tungsten trimmers of constant thi...

PURPOSE To assess the relevance of virtual reality distraction (VR) during uterovaginal brachytherapy applicators’ removal, as an alternative to nitrous oxide (N2O) conscious sedation, decrease anxiety and pain perception. METHODS AND MATERIALS We prospectively evaluated 35 patients treated with cervical for locally or advanced cancer. Brachytherapy applicators were removed in patient's room at...

background: the primary agricultural product in egypt is the cotton crop. children and adolescents work seasonally in the cotton fields applying pesticides. objectives: to examine the effect of pesticide exposure on clinical and biochemical parameters in children and adolescents applying pesticides. methods: male children currently applying pesticides and aged between 9 and 19 years (n = 50) we...

The acute nervous system toxicity of organophosphate (OP) pesticides is well described. However, the reported long-term effects of OP pesticides on the nervous system are inconsistent. This inconsistency may be due to imprecise estimates of pesticide exposure, variability of central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS) assessment, small samples, and poor control of confoundi...