The following was received from the State of
California via email:
Patient was prescribed to receive 30.24 mCi of Y90 in Microsphere form (MDS Nordion, Model TheraSphere) through a catheter. The catheter became plugged during the procedure not allowing approximately 47% of the prescribed spheres to reach the treatment location. Patient received 16.2 mCi of the prescribed 30.24 mCi (53%)
The dosage to the patient was not available at the time of report, therefore RHB (Radiation Health Branch) was unable to determine whether this met all requirements to be classified as a 'Medical Event.'
The reporting requirements will be reviewed once the licensee provides RHB with the dose information.
A formal, written report will be compiled by the licensee and submitted to RHB Brea and Sacramento.
California 5010 #: 110112
- * * UPDATE FROM DONALD OESTERLE TO CHARLES TEAL ON 11/5/12 AT 1428 EDT * * *
On 11/2/2012, the dosage to the patient was not available at the time of the report, therefore RHB was unable to determine whether this met all requirements to be classified as a Medical Event. The reporting requirements will be reviewed once the licensee provides RHB with the dose information. A formal, written report will be compiled by the licensee and submitted to RHB Brea and Sacramento.
At 11:00 am, 11/5/2012 RHB received additional information: The physician's written directive prescribed 130 Gy (13,000 rem) to the liver. The patient received 68.9 Gy (6,890 rem) to the intended organ. The remaining activity was contained by the microsphere delivery system.
The NRC Operation Center was updated on 11/5/2012; 11:25AM confirming this report as meeting the necessary conditions of classifying this as a Medical Event.
Notified R4DO (Farnholtz) and FSME Event Resource via email.
A Medical Event may indicate potential problems in a medical facility's use of radioactive materials. It does not necessarily result in harm to the patient.