Heart Dose Reduction
Heart Dose Reduction - Related Videos
08:30
X-ray Dose Reduction through Adaptive Exposure in Fluoroscopic Imaging
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Cited by 2 •
2011
We are developing a dynamic adaptive exposure technique using our scanning beam digital X-ray system. Rather than exposing an object uniformly, the exposure is adapted depending on the opacity of the object. Here we show an experiment on an anthropomorphic phantom that resulted in a dose saving of 30%.
07:24
Reduction in Left Ventricular Wall Stress and Improvement in Function in Failing Hearts using Algisyl-LVR
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Cited by 34 •
2013
This article describes procedures for implanting a novel hydrogel in failing hearts and quantifying its effect on left ventricular wall stress and function. These procedures have been successfully applied in dogs and humans.
11:38
Voluntary Breath-hold Technique for Reducing Heart Dose in Left Breast Radiotherapy
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Cited by 49 •
2014
The current priority in breast cancer radiotherapy is to reduce cardiac doses without compromising target tissue coverage. The voluntary breath-hold technique described here is a simple, inexpensive solution to this problem and capable of being instituted widely without the need for specialized equipment.
03:11
Oxidation-Reduction Reactions
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2020
Oxidation–Reduction Reactions Earth’s atmosphere contains about 20% molecular oxygen, O2, a chemically reactive gas that plays an essential role in the metabolism of aerobic organisms and in many environmental processes that shape the world. The term oxidation was originally used to describe chemical reactions involving O2, but its meaning has evolved to refer to a broad and important reaction class known as oxidation–reduction (redox) reactions. Some redox reactions involve the transfer of...
07:27
Implantation of Total Artificial Heart in Congenital Heart Disease
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Cited by 40 •
2014
This is a case report of a patient with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (CCTGA) who received a total artificial heart (TAH) as a bridge to heart transplant. The TAH was successfully implanted with modifications to accommodate the patient's congenitally malformed heart.
FAQs
During deep inspiration, the lungs expand and can increase the distance between the heart and nearby treatment tissues. Holding that breath position while radiation is delivered may therefore reduce the heart’s exposure without changing the intended treatment target. This approach is particularly relevant when the heart lies close to areas treated for breast, chest, or mediastinal cancers.
Individualized beam planning adapts radiation directions and treatment arrangements to the patient’s anatomy and the location of the target. By accounting for how closely the heart lies to the treatment field, clinicians can avoid unnecessary cardiac exposure while maintaining the planned therapeutic goal. The approach supports more precise treatment than relying on a uniform plan for every patient.
Image guidance helps confirm the patient’s anatomy and treatment position before or during radiation delivery. This verification can support accurate targeting and help ensure that the planned relationship between the heart, treatment field, and target is maintained. Its value is greatest when small positional differences could increase unintended cardiac exposure or reduce treatment precision.
The heart may lie near tissues targeted during treatment of cancers in the breast, chest, or mediastinum. That proximity can make unintended cardiac exposure an important planning concern, particularly when treatment is delivered near the heart. Recognizing the heart’s position allows clinicians to select strategies that better balance target coverage with protection of cardiac function.
A typical approach begins by considering the target location and the heart’s relationship to the treatment field. Clinicians may then select deep-inspiration breath-hold, develop an individualized beam plan, and use image guidance to verify positioning. Together, these steps reduce avoidable exposure while preserving the diagnostic or treatment objective described in the patient’s care plan.
These strategies are especially relevant when imaging or radiation therapy involves regions near the heart, including the breast, chest, and mediastinum. They are considered when cardiac exposure could affect the balance between effective cancer management and protection of heart function. The selected approach depends on the treatment context and the need to preserve diagnostic or therapeutic goals.
Lowering unnecessary cardiac exposure is intended to support safer, more precise care while preserving the purpose of imaging or radiation therapy. In radiotherapy, limiting dose may reduce the risk of long-term radiation-associated heart disease and help protect cardiac function. These benefits must be pursued alongside adequate treatment of the intended target.