respiratory gating
Technique synchronizing radiation delivery with patient breathing patterns to reduce target motion.
Full Definition
Respiratory gating is an advanced radiation therapy technique that synchronizes treatment beam delivery with the patient's breathing cycle to minimize the effects of respiratory motion on target accuracy. This technology uses external monitoring devices or internal fiducials to track respiratory patterns and triggers radiation delivery only during specific phases of the breathing cycle, typically during breath-hold or at end-expiration. Respiratory gating is particularly valuable for treating tumors in the thorax and upper abdomen where respiratory motion can significantly affect target position and normal tissue exposure.
Usage
Usage note: Hyphenate when used as an adjective (respiratory-gating system).
In Context
- "Respiratory gating reduced target motion uncertainty from 15mm to 3mm." — Motion management assessment
- "The patient underwent respiratory gating training prior to treatment initiation." — Pre-treatment consultation note