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Epithermal neutron beam interference with cardiac pacemakers.

H Koivunoro¹, T Serén, H Hyvönen

¹Department of Physics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland. hanna.koivunoro@helsinki.fi

Applied Radiation and Isotopes : Including Data, Instrumentation and Methods for Use in Agriculture, Industry and Medicine

|April 12, 2011

Summary

Epithermal neutron beam irradiation severely damaged cardiac pacemakers at lower doses than other radiation types. Pacemakers activated, producing radioactive nuclides. Removal is recommended before Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT).

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Area of Science:

Medical physics
Radiation oncology
Biomedical engineering

Background:

Cardiac pacemakers are essential medical devices for regulating heart rhythm.
Epithermal neutron beams are used in radiation therapy, including Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT).
The effects of neutron irradiation on electronic medical implants like pacemakers require thorough investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

To evaluate the impact of epithermal neutron beam irradiation on cardiac pacemaker function.
To compare the radiation tolerance of pacemakers to epithermal neutrons versus other radiation types (fast neutrons, photons).
To assess the potential for pacemaker activation and subsequent radioactivity induction.

Main Methods:

A phantom study was conducted to simulate in-vivo conditions.
Pacemakers were exposed to an epithermal neutron beam.
Malfunction and activation levels were assessed at various radiation doses and dose rates.

Main Results:

Severe pacemaker malfunction occurred at significantly lower doses of epithermal neutron irradiation compared to fast neutron or photon beams at equivalent dose rates.
Pacemaker components became activated, leading to the formation of radioactive nuclides with half-lives ranging from 25 minutes to 115 days.
The observed effects indicate a high sensitivity of pacemakers to epithermal neutron exposure.

Conclusions:

Epithermal neutron beams pose a significant risk to cardiac pacemaker function.
Pacemaker malfunction and activation necessitate careful consideration in radiation therapy planning.
It is strongly recommended to remove pacemakers from the vicinity of the tumor site before administering Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT).