Calculation of dose distribution near an innovative concentric balloon catheter for endovascular brachytherapy.

Purpose: Using a radioactive solution-filled catheter for intravascular irradiation has the potential problem of chemical and radiological toxicity in the case of a balloon rupture. In order to reduce this risk, an innovative concentric balloon catheter was developed.

Methods And Materials: The concentric balloon was made by inner and outer balloons filled with saline and radioactive solution, respectively. The optimal inner radius was determined by comparing the dose rate reduction vs. the volume reduction for various inner and outer radii for 188Re, 32P, and 90Y solutions.

Results: For a balloon with an outer radius of 1.5 mm, there was no advantage of a concentric balloon. For balloons with outer radii of 3.0 and 5 mm, the optimal inner radius was 1.5 and 3 mm, respectively.

Conclusions: With the newly designed concentric balloon, the risk of toxicity can be reduced while keeping the dose rate high enough so that the treatment times within tolerable limits are still maintained.