Introduction of a breath gating system in a clinical environment: A practical description of our experiences

Abstract

In this work we describe the introduction of the active breath gating system SpiroDyn'RX (SDX), Dyn'R, Muret Cedex, France, in our clinical facility. The patient follows his own breath cycle on a screen, installed on the ceiling of the treatment room. For the CTscanner video-eyeglasses are available. During the treatment the patient is an active part, holding his breath according to commands in a moderate position. Only one extra appointment is necessary for training of the patient. We follow the introduction of the system from the beginning to the evaluation of the first breast irradiations. A guide line has been developed with special emphasis on installation, clinical routine, training of employees and acceptance of patients. The comparison of the lung-margins and virtual simulated dose profiles show a stabilisation of the target volume and a reduction of dose to the organs at risk. The extra time needed for one fraction is approximately two minutes and a set-up and calibration time of the system from about 10 minutes before and after patient treatment. The additional training session is about 30 minutes. The system is a sufficient and easy way to improve the daily radiation practice of breast and lung cancer. The necessary extra time is minimal compared to the benefit for the patient. © 2009 Springer-Verlag.