Deep Inspiration Breath Hold (DIBH)

Deep Inspiration Breath Hold [DIBH] is a technique for left-sided breast cancer patients that reduces the potential impact of radiation on the heart.

The treatment process involves holding a number of breaths for short bursts during treatment. When the patient holds their breath, the amount of air in the lungs increases and the heart will move backwards into the chest while the breast is exposed to radiation. This increases the distance between the heart and the area of the breast receiving radiation treatment. By increasing the distance between the heart and the radiation beams, it reduces the potential risk of heart injury in the future after treatment.

The Linear Accelerator treatment machine only allows the radiation beams to be delivered when the chest is in the optimal position. Without the correct breath-hold, the machine will not deliver the radiation beams, meaning that the patient will be in control during the treatment process.

It is understandable that patients may be nervous about undergoing DIBH treatment. To ensure that patients are comfortable, our team will conduct practice runs and teach you the proper technique to practice at home. Each individual breath-hold will be less than thirty seconds.