A new, rapid safe method for local radiation of intrathoracic sites

A technique for intraoperative, intrathoracic placement of afterloading catheters for post-thoracotomy radiation therapy is described. This technique offers speed and simplicity and requires no advance planning of radiation therapy. It uses materials that are readily available in operative theaters and radiation oncology units. No radiation exposure of operating room personnel is involved. It also avoids the mechanical problems of crimping and dislodgment associated with the traditional method of individual placement of small afterloading catheters for local radiation therapy. Isodose curves derived from radiographs showing postsurgical source positions demonstrated that it was possible to achieve a uniform therapeutic radiation dose distribution to the chest wall at the site of desired radiotherapy.