Prog Med Phys.  2020 Jun;31(2):29-34. 10.14316/pmp.2020.31.2.29.

Verification of Secondary Electron Generated by Head Screw in Gamma Knife Using Monte Carlo N-Particle Simulation

• Kim H
• Lee JW

• KMID: 2503940
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.14316/pmp.2020.31.2.29

Abstract

Purpose
The interaction of various substances inserted into the human body and radiation can confirm the radiation enhancement effect. A Leksell frame inserted into the human body for gamma knife treatment will cause not only pain and inconvenience to the patient, but also additional exposure to the patient’s normal tissues. In this study, we attempt to confirm the additional exposure caused by the interaction of the Leksell frame and thermoplastic mask, and 60Co used for gamma knife treatment.
Methods
A 60Co energy of 1.17, 1.33 MeV is applied using Monte Carlo simulation, and fixation screws and thermoplastic mask are fabricated using aluminum and titanium alloy, and Carbon compounds.
Results
Results show a dose enhancement of up to 396.27% higher compared with that without a Leksell frame and up to 391.25% in thermoplastic mask.
Conclusions
Hence, appropriate treatment methods and materials must be used to reduce additional exposure to normal tissues.

Keyword

Gamma knife; Head screw; Secondary electron; Monte Carlo N-Particle

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Radiosurgery of head frame and head screw.

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  Fig. 2 Monte Carlo simulation geo­metry. (a) Schematics of fixed screw; (b) schematics of thermoplastic mask. Simulation geometry was simplified for rendering of head, fixing screws, and thermoplastic mask; build-up region was 5 mm.

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  Fig. 3 Simulation process for MCNP coding. Based on the structure and supplies information of the Leksell gamma knife from a confidential data sheet, coding was performed for MCNP simulation; the number of repetition was specified as 1×108 to accom¡©modate an uncertainty of less than 5%. MNCP, Monte Carlo N-Particle.

• 

  Fig. 4 Comparison of electron generation in titanium and aluminum alloy (a) 1.17 MeV, (b) 1.33 MeV. Based on the absence of fixing screws, secondary electron generation was compared by screw size and energy.

Reference

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