A dosimetry evaluation of 90y-stent implantation in intracoronary radiation treatment

Abstract

Ionizing particles have been used for the treatment of atherosclerosis. Internal irradiation is commonly carried out by means of several methods (catheter-based systems, radioactive stents or balloons) to reduce the probability of restenosis. 90Y, due to some of its characteristics, is an appropriate radioisotope for intravascular brachytherapy. However, since there are some critical tissues in the vicinity of the heart like the breast and lymph nodes, it is necessary to perform a dosimetry calculation around the artery under radiotherapy to justify the treatment method. In this study, a 3-D dose distribution was obtained for the coronary vessel and its surrounding tissues for a standard 90Y stent in a MCNPX program. The results were compared with other investigations on restenosis prevention using 90Y-coated stents. The calculations represented a 28-day cumulative dose between 1230 cGy and 2400 cGy at 0.1 mm from the stent surface, while this quantity was about 23.8 cGy at 8.5 mm from the stent surface. An assessment of the dose equivalent and effective dose was also performed at r = 8.5 mm for the mentioned surrounding tissues which may be located in the area, based on the latest changes in ICRP recommendations. Additionally, the dose equivalent calculated within the treatment period for these organs was compared with published dosimetry data for 90Sr/90Y seed sources in order to evaluate radiation protection concerns about these two radiotherapy methods. It has been found that, depending on stent parameters, 90Y stent implantation might increase the unfavorable side effects for the patient, but to a much lesser degree than the other methods.