Verification of the dose from an iridium-192 ((192)Ir) sealed source absorbed by an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) during uterine intracavitary brachytherapy

The purpose of this study was to verify the dose absorbed by an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) from an (192)Ir sealed source during uterine intracavitary brachytherapy, and to confirm its immunity to radiation effects. First, prior to treatment, the doses around the ICD position of an anthromorphic phantom were evaluated. Next, we also measured the dose at the ICD position using a fluorescent glass dosimeter and silicon diode dosimeter during the treatment of intracavitary brachytherapy of a patient implanted with an ICD. The results of the phantom study showed the dose percentage at the ICD location, 2 cm deep, to be 0.074% of the prescribed dose. The results of a treatment study similarly showed the dose, measured using a fluorescent glass dosimeter in the ICD position, to be 0.071% of the prescribed dose. During the application of the total prescribed dose, 30 Gy/5 fraction, the dose at the surface of the ICD position was estimated to be 21.2 mGy, well below the 1 Gy maximum recommended in the JASTRO guidelines. We regard dose verification and monitoring during treatment to be both necessary and useful in the treatment of individual cases.