Abstract

Info

Title:: Application of 3D printing technology in manufacture of lead shielding for electron beams

Author(s):: WU Bing; ZHANG Caixun; FU Jinguo; MA Guangdong; WANG Luzhou; ZHANG Jun; Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China

Keywords:: Keywords: 3D printing; lead shielding for electron beams; radiotherapy; model

Abstract:: Objective To establish an implementation method of individualized lead shielding for electron beams based on 3D printing technology for providing a new method for the manufacture of lead shielding for electron beams. Methods A circle of lead wire was placed on the patient’s body surface where needed to be irradiated with electron beams, and the image data of this area were collected by Varian Acuity simulator. Based on the obtained image data, the contour of lead wire was delineated in the self-developed image processing software and modeled as a 3D printed model. The obtained model was printed out by a 3D printer, and then was combined with a traditional lead block casting technique to manufacture a lead shielding for electron beams. Results The contact surface of the lead shielding made by the proposed method was smooth and flat. The model was verified on Varian 23EX electronic tray and the shape of the light and shadow were perfectly matched the skin delineations by radiologists. Meanwhile, the model manufacture was low-cost and the time for manufacture was in an acceptable range. Conclusion The manufacture of individualized lead shielding for electron beams based on 3D printing technology has the advantages of simple steps and fast-spead, and the obtained lead shielding has a high precision. The proposed method provides a new idea for the manufacture of lead shielding for electron beams.