The following information was received via E-mail:
The licensee reported to the [Ohio] Department [of Health] on 8/3/2018 that a potential medical event had occurred due to a delay in a surgical procedure. The delay was caused by the insurance company rescinding approval to remove a breast tumor until three medical opinions were obtained. The licensee implanted a 472 microCi I-125 seed [radioactive seed localization] (RSL) in the tumor on 5/29/2018 after receiving approval from the insurance company. The surgery was scheduled for 6/4/2018. The expected dose to the patient was 12.65 Rem to the tissue and 1.52 Rem EDE [Effective Dose Equivalent]. The surgery was delayed until approval from the insurance company was obtained, and was performed on 8/2/2018. The delay resulted in a tissue dose of 99.45 Rem and EDE of 11.93 Rem.
A follow-up will be conducted with the routine inspection in September.
Ohio State Report: OH180006
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.