Respiratory gating
The London Clinic is able to offer a specialist breathing technique called respiratory gating. This may be used for patients having radiotherapy to the left breast or left chest wall although the technique can be used for other treatment sites.
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What is it for?
Radiotherapy to the left breast or left chest wall
Treatment overview
Breast/chest wall
If you need to receive radiotherapy to your left breast or left chest wall there is a possibility that your heart may be close to the treatment area. The heart is situated to the left side of the chest, but it varies in exact position for each person.
Respiratory gating is a special breathing technique which involves holding your breath at planned times.
Holding your breath when breathing in, increases the air in your lungs, which moves the chest wall away from the heart and this technique may help to minimise the radiation dose to the heart and it is called Deep Inspiration Breath Hold. (DIBH).
During your CT appointment, the radiographer will place a small lightweight reflective box on your chest. This together with infra-red camera will monitor your breathing and helps assess your suitability for respiratory gating.
You will be asked to hold your breath for around 20 seconds. We may ask you to wear a pair of special glasses. These glasses act as a visual aid to your breathing.
Chest and abdomen radiotherapy
If you are having treatment to your chest or abdomen, breath hold treatment may also be considered.
This is because internal organs in the chest and abdomen may move with breathing, Breath hold treatment either breathing in or breathing out, (expiration breath hold) may help to reduce the area we treat and target the treatment site more accurately.
If you are referred for breath hold treatment, the radiographer will monitor your breathing and asses your suitability for breath hold treatment as stated above.
The consultant and the planning team will review the scans and you breathing and decide if the breath hold treatment is of benefit or not.
Why choose The London Clinic
Excellence in one place
We operate as teams of experts with world-class resources dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of medical care. You are surrounded by the latest treatments and advice with everything you need to get back to your best health.
Personal care, every time
Exceptional patient care is a way of life for us. Our nurses, clinicians and support teams are dedicated to the care of a very small number of patients, so have more time for you. They’ll be with you every step of the way, tailoring your care around you and giving the peace-of-mind that comes with knowing you’re in the best hands.
Effortlessly simple
We work together as one to guide you through each step of your experience, with complexities unravelled and answers readily to hand. Your personal treatment plan will be laid out for you, with all the details taken care of so you can focus on you.
What's included in your package?
Choosing The London Clinic means your treatment plan will be laid out for you, with all the details taken care of so you can focus on you.
Your treatment package will include:
- Enhanced pre-admission assessment
- Your treatment with our complete care team at your fingertips
- Personalised aftercare and follow-up
We want you to be in control of your health. That’s why we also offer optional services such as comprehensive recovery packages and extra touches for you to choose from during your stay with us.
How to pay
- You can use private medical insurance (PMI) to access this treatment. We work with all major PMI providers in the UK and many internationally
- You can pay for yourself (self-pay)
- If you’re paying for yourself, we have finance options available with Chrysalis