Dosimetric performance of Strut-Adjusted Volume Implant: a new single-entry multicatheter breast brachytherapy applicator.

Purpose: To evaluate the dosimetric performance and clinical utility of the Strut-Adjusted Volume Implant (SAVI) (Cianna Medical, Aliso Viejo, CA) applicator when used as the sole method of radiation therapy for patients with early breast carcinoma.

Methods And Materials: The dosimetric performance of a Phase II clinical trial has been reported using the SAVI applicator for patients with early breast carcinoma. Cavity volume, planning target volume, dose homogeneity, and dose for organs at risk had been calculated. As a result, the D(90) and D(100) averages had been presented especially on the distances to the skin and the chest wall because these are critical parameters using the MammoSite (Cytyc Corp., Marlborough, MA) technique.

Results: D(90) and D(100) averages were 95.8% and 91.2%, respectively. The average dose homogeneity index was 55.9%. Average minimum distances to the skin and chest wall were 15.1 and 23.4mm, respectively. The average D(max) values to the skin and ribs were 249 and 199 cGy/fraction, respectively. The mean V(20) for the lungs was 17.9 cc. The average V(150) and V(200) were 30.80 and 14.91 cc, respectively.

Conclusions: With this study, we have been able to optimize dose distribution to obtain clinically acceptable dose plans, while minimizing doses to healthy tissues. The dose sculpting versatility of SAVI in the clinical setting makes the SAVI applicator a useful addition to the tools available for accelerated partial breast irradiation.