Influence of absorbed dose and field size on the geometry of the radiation-surgical brain lesion

Specimens from a number of patients locally irradiated in the thalamus for intractable pain with a multiple gamma beam technique have been examined. The geometry of well circumscribed necrotic lesions was ascertained. No correlation was seen between the dimensions of the lesions and the size of the field, 3 mm X 5 mm or 3 mm X 7 mm, within the clinically useful dose range, 16 to 25 krad.

Influence of copper intrauterine contraceptive devices (Cu-7-IUD) on the menstrual blood-loss

In a series of 43 healthy women menstrual blood loss was determined before and after insertion of copper IUD (Gravigard). The menstrual blood loss before insertion was compared with the blood loss 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 12 months after insertion. An increase amounting to approximately 20 ml per period without significant variations during the study was recorded. No significant influence upon serum iron and TIBC was found in 15 of the subjects selected by random. Compared with plastic IUD's the tested copper IUD causes a less pronounced increase of the menstrual blood loss. The menstrual blood loss in a small group of women with menorrhagia was determined before and up to 5 months after insertion of copper IUD. No aggravation of the menorrhagia was however recorded in this group.

Irradiation of small structures through the intact skull

The physical conditions for producing minute disc-shaped lesions for functional radiation surgery by means of narrow beam irradiation are discussed. The intention was a treatment procedure for routine clinical use and with high physical and mechanical reproducibility. The possibilities of using high energy electrons, supervoltage roentgen radiation, gamma emitting nuclides or fast neutrons in a technique for routine clinical use were investigated. The radiation of choice taking physical properties, radiation biologic factors and practical circumstances into account was considered to be 60-Co gamma radiation. A treatment apparatus containing 179 60-Co sources within a spherical sector of 70 degrees latitude and 160 degrees longitude was constructed.