Further simplification of the iridium-192 wire afterloading method using nylon tube.

Abstract

In an earlier technical note (Payne, 1974), some of the problems associated with the implantation of iridium-192 wire were pointed out and a technique was described which minimized them. The basic implantation technique is as described by Pierquin (1964), Pierquin et al. (1971) and Paine (1972); a 1.2 mm bore nylon tube is threaded through the area under treatment to provide a pathway for a radioactive iridium-192 wire. The wire, which is itself inside a fine nylon tube for strength, and the outer tubing are fixed in the patient by crushing a lead or steel washer onto them. One of the suggested improvements to this method made by Payne (1974) involved the use of a block and pin system. The nylon tube is prevented from slipping through the wound by a block and pin which does not crush the tube, so that a clear path is left through it.