AbstractID: 7409 Title: Novoste Beta-Cath Integrity Test with the Active Source Train
Intravascular brachytherapy to prevent restenosis has moved from clinical studies to routine clinical use. Several isotopes and
delivery devices are in use including the Novoste Beta-Cath System and consists of a source train of Sr-90 / Y-90 pure beta emitters.
The system comes with two transfer devices, one containing an active source train for patient treatment and one containing a nonactive source train for testing the delivery catheter. Prior to patient treatment, the active device is not tested. We have developed an
alternate procedure using an acrylic shield to test both the active transfer device and delivery catheter prior to patient treatment. The
dimensions of the acrylic shield used for the Beta-Cath test procedure was 30 cm in diameter, 4 cm high, a 5 cm opening in the side
and the acrylic thickness was 1.2 cm. After checking the system for leaks, the delivery catheter is positioned under the sterile bagged
acrylic shield. The radioactive sources are sent out into the delivery catheter and a visual verification is made that the sources have
reached the treatment zone of the catheter. Instantaneous exposure rates were measured at various locations around the acrylic shield
with the active sources in the delivery catheter. The exposure rates to the radiation oncologist, physicist, and ancillary staff are found
to be minimal. The testing ensures the entire delivery system is functioning properly, saves time by not testing two devices, and
results in minimal radiation exposure to the staff.