RADIATION-DOSE FROM A P-32 IMPREGNATED WIRE MESH VASCULAR STENT

The near field dose distribution of a realistic vascular stent impregn ated with radioactive P-32 is calculated employing the dose-point-kern el (DPK) method in a homogeneous and uniform medium. The cylindrical w ire mesh geometry for the Palmaz-Schatz(TM) [Palmaz-Schatz is a traden ame of Cordis (a Johnson & Johnson company)] stent is incorporated in the model calculation, and the dose distribution generated by the beta particles emitted from the decayed radioactive P-32 is computed at di stances ranging from 0.1 to 2 mm exterior to the stent surface. Dose m easurements were obtained using radiochromic film dosimetry media on a n actual Palmaz-Schatz half-stent impregnated with P-32 using ion impl antation, and compared to the DPK model predictions. The close agreeme nt between the model calculation and the film dosimetry data confirms the validity of the model which can be adapted to a variety of differe nt stent designs. (C) 1997 American Association of Physicists in Medic ine.