Development of picture and voice gated intermittent irradiation system connected without linear accelerator for voluntary breath-hold synchronized with respiration][Article in Japanese]

Yokokawa T, Shintani H.

Nippon Igaku Hoshasen Gakkai Zasshi. 2002 May;62(6):290-1

Department of Radiology, Teikyo University School of Medicine.

In patients with lung cancer of the lower lobes and liver cancer, treatment volume including respiratory motion is an important therapeutic problem. We developed a voluntary breath-hold system using pictures and voice messages so as to reduce the excessive safety margin that covers respiratory motion. The system consists of two sets of monitor and speaker, and a computer and software for control without direct connection to a linear accelerator. When the patient repeatedly holds his or her breath in response to a picture and voice message, irradiation is manually performed and then proceeds intermittently. Although safety problems remain to be solved because of off-line, synchronized irradiation with our system is simple, inexpensive, and could be widely used. It also would be expected to reduce the tumor target volume around the diaphragm.