Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 11, 2026

Voluntary Breath-hold Technique for Reducing Heart Dose in Left Breast Radiotherapy
Published on: July 3, 2014
[Breast cancer adjuvant radiotherapy using active breathing control-moderate inspiration breath-hold - a case report]
D Vrána1, K Cwiertka, L Lukešová
1Onkologicka klinika LF UP v Olomouci, Olomouc. davvrana@gmail.com
Background:
Chest movements during the breathing cycle represent a significant problem during radiotherapy of target volumes in the chest. There are several methods how to solve this problem.
Case:
We have used Active breathing control-moderate inspiration breath-hold device in the case of adjuvant treatment of breast cancer.
Results:
Comparing the DVH (dose-volume histograms) without ABC the heart dose is V25 = 6,95% = 34 cm3, V30 = 5,36%, V45 = 1,71%, D mean 6,2 Gy, however in the case of using ABC device V25 = 1,96% = 8,77 cm3, V30 = 1,26%, V45 = 0%, D mean = 2,58 Gy. The dose delivered to left lung was in the first case V20 = 31,2%, D mean = 15,9 Gy and with ABC device V20 = 26,99% a D mean 13,6 Gy. Doses deliver to right lung, cord and target volume coverage were similar in both situations.
Conclusion:
According to our experience ABC device represents simple technique how to solve problems with chest movements during radiotherapy.
Related Concept Videos
Breathing
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation II: ACLS Airway Management
Radiological Investigation III: Pulmonary Angiogram and PET Scan
Pulmonary Angiogram
A Pulmonary Angiogram is an invasive procedure involving injecting a contrast medium through a catheter threaded into the pulmonary artery or the right side of the heart to visualize the pulmonary vasculature. Computed Tomography (CT) scans have mainly replaced this...
Assessment of Respiration
Subjective Assessment: Nurses interview the patient to gather information directly during the subjective assessment. It includes questions about the individual's medical history, medications, and symptoms, focusing on past respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD,...

