Breast Radiotherapy Audio Visual Enhancement for Sparing the Heart
Saving the heart from damage during breast cancer radiation therapy.
We have developed a device to help patients manage Deep Inspiration Breath Hold (DIBH) – a technique where patients take a deep breath and hold it while radiation therapy is being delivered. Filling the lungs with air increases the distance between the target of radiation therapy (a lung or breast tumour) and the heart.
This reduces the chance of the heart tissue being damaged during radiation treatment. The BRAVEHeart trial uses an audiovisual feedback device (Breathe Well) to assist the patient in controlling their breathing pattern and it will be tested in patients undergoing treatment for breast cancer.
Site: Royal North Shore Hospital
Technology: AV Biofeedback
More information: Available at the Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry here.