Liquid embolisation material reduces the delivered radiation dose: a physical experiment

Area of Science:

• Medical Physics
• Interventional Radiology
• Radiation Oncology

Background:

• Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are complex vascular abnormalities.
• Embolisation is a common treatment for AVMs, often using glue/contrast admixtures.
• Understanding radiation dose modification by embolisation materials is crucial for treatment planning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To experimentally validate the hypothesis that embolisation glue/contrast admixtures reduce radiation dose.
• To quantify the radiation dose reduction effect of a specific glue admixture (Enbucrilate + Lipiodol).

Main Methods:

• An experimental model using a solid water phantom with varying well depths was created.
• Different concentrations of Enbucrilate + Lipiodol admixture were tested.
• Radiation dose measurements were performed using Kodak XV film and RIT software following irradiation with a 5MV LINAC beam.

Main Results:

• Radiation dose reduction was observed, decreasing with distance from the glue admixture interface.
• Mean dose reductions of 13.65%, 6.87%, and 1.75% were measured at 0, 2, and 5 mm, respectively.
• Dose reduction correlated with Lipiodol concentration, with maximum reductions up to 16.1% for 80% Lipiodol.

Conclusions:

• The study experimentally confirms that the glue/contrast admixture used in embolisation reduces radiation dose.
• The findings support the hypothesis and have implications for radiation dose calculations in AVM treatment.