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SummaryPurpose: To evaluate the calibration of an adaptive thresholding algorithm (contrastoriented algorithm) for FDG PET-based delineation of tumour volumes in eleven centres with respect to scanner types and image data processing by phantom measurements. Methods: A cylindrical phantom with spheres of different diameters was filled with FDG realizing different signal-to-background ratios and scanned using 5 Siemens Biograph PET/CT scanners, 5 Philips Gemini PET/CT scanners, and one Siemens ECAT-ART PET scanner. All scans were analysed by the contrast-oriented algorithm implemented in two different software packages. For each site, the threshold SUVs of all spheres best matching the known sphere volumes were determined. Calibration parameters a and b were calculated for each combination of scanner and image-analysis software package. In addition, “scanner-typespecific” calibration curves were determined from all values obtained for each combination of scanner type and software package. Both kinds of calibration curves were used for volume delineation of the spheres. Results: Only minor differences in calibration parameters were observed for scanners of the same type (Δa ≤ 4%, Δb ≤ 14%) provided that identical imaging protocols were used whereas significant differences were found comparing calibration parameters of the ART scanner with those of scanners of different type (Δa ≤ 60%, Δb ≤ 54%). After calibration, for all scanners investigated the calculated SUV thresholds for auto-contouring did not differ significantly (all p > 0.58). The resulting sphere volumes deviated by less than –7% to +8% from the true values. Conclusion: After multi-centre calibration the use of the contrast-oriented algorithm for FDG PET-based delineation of tumour volumes in the different centres using different scanner types and specific imaging protocols is feasible.

PURPOSE: Restenosis remains a major problem in percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) of peripheral arteries. The aim of this feasibility study was to evaluate the technical feasibility and safety of a new endovascular brachytherapy (EVBT) device with Rhenium-188 in restenosis prophylaxis of infrainguinal arteries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From March 2006 to April 2009, 52 patients with 71 infrainguinal arterial lesions were treated with Re-188 to prevent restenosis after PTA. 40 patients with 53 lesions (24 de-novo lesions and 29 restenoses) were reexamined (clinic, color-coded duplex ultrasound) after a mean follow-up period of 12.7 months (2.6 to 25.1 months). The liquid beta-emitter Re-188 was introduced to the target lesion via an EVBT certified PTA balloon and a tungsten applicator. After the calculated irradiation time, Re-188 was aspirated back into the tungsten applicator. A dose of 13 Gy was applied at a depth of 2 mm into the vessel wall. RESULTS: After a mean follow-up of 12.7 months, the overall restenosis rate after Re-PTA was 15.1 % (8 / 53 lesions). The restenosis rate for de-novo lesions was 20.8 % (5 / 24) and 10.3 % for restenoses (3 / 29). In 4 patients reintervention was necessary (3 PTAs and 2 major amputations). No periprocedural complications were observed. No elevated radiation dose for the patient or the interventionalist was measured. CONCLUSION: EVBT with a Re-188 filled balloon catheter was technically feasible and safe after PTA of infrainguinal arterial lesions with restenosis rates lower than expected compared to published results. Treatment of restenoses seems to be more effective than de-novo lesions.

Die Autoren veroffentlichen eine Verfahrensanweisung zur szintigraphischen Lokalisation von Wachterlymphknoten beim malignen Melanom und anderen Hauttumoren, beim Mammakarzinom, bei Kopf-Hals-Tumoren, beim Prostatakarzinom und beim Peniskarzinom. Wesentliche Ziele der szintigraphischen Wachterlymphknotendiagnostik bestehen in der Minimierung des Operationsausmases und der postoperativen Morbiditat sowie der Optimierung der histopathologischen Aufarbeitung durch Fokussierung auf die relevanten Lymphknoten. Die Wachterlymphknotenszintigrahie trifft selber keine Aussage zu einem evtl. tumorosen Befall und ist nicht indiziert, wenn bereits eine lymphogene Metastasierung diagnostiziert ist. Es werden Vorgehensweisen zur Durchfuhrung zusammengestellt, die zum Ziel haben, den oder die Wachterlymphknoten zuverlassig und mit hoher Nachweisrate typischerweise in einem fruhen Stadium einer Tumorerkrankung zu detektieren. Die Strahlenexposition des Patienten ist so niedrig, dass Schwangerschaft keine Kontraindikation darstellt. Aufgrund der sehr geringen Strahlenexposition von

Zusammenfassung Die endovaskulare Brachytherapie mit Hilfe eines mit Re-188-Losung gefullten Ballonkatheters ist eine Erfolg versprechende Methode zur Restenoseprophylaxe nach perkutaner transluminaler Angioplastie (PTA) im peripheren Stromgebiet. Dabei wird Re-188 mit einer Aktivitat von ca. 20 GBq mit einer spezifischen Aktivitatskonzentration von ca. 5 GBq/ml zur Therapie verwendet. Die grose Ionisationsdichte hochenergetischer Betastrahlung dient in unmittelbarer Nahe der Ballonoberflache zur selektiven Bestrahlung der Gefaswand bei weitgehender Schonung des umgebenden Gewebes. Das Personal hat jedoch sowohl bei der Vorbereitung als auch bei der Therapie einige Arbeitsschritte in unmittelbarer Nahe der hohen Aktivitaten auszufuhren. Dabei kann es zu relativ hohen Expositionen der Haut kommen, insbesondere an den Handen des Personals. Bei Abschatzungen der maximalen lokalen Hautdosis und deren Messung mit Dunnschicht-Thermolumineszenzdosimetern wurde festgestellt, dass bei der geplanten jahrlichen Zahl von 75 Anwendungen bei konventioneller Durchfuhrung der Therapie der Jahresgrenzwert fur die Haut von 500 mSv deutlich uberschritten werden kann. Der Einsatz des neu entwickelten Applikationsgerates “FlowMedical Application System” fuhrte zur drastischen Senkung des Expositionsrisikos des Personals. Die maximale lokale Hautdosis konnte sowohl fur den Radiologen als auch fur den Medizinphysiker von 76 mSv bzw. 50 mSv auf jeweils ca. 2 mSv pro Anwendung reduziert werden. Infolgedessen ist die in dieser Klinik praktizierte itm Rhenium-PTA® aus strahlenhygienischer Sicht eine sichere Methode. Grenzwertuberschreitungen konnen dabei vermieden werden.

This report presents a review of the literature on endovascular brachytherapy (EVBT) after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) in the femoropopliteal segment. We summarize the pathophysiological changes induced by PTA and EVBT within the vessel wall, technical considerations regarding various radiation sources and their application, the impact of stents on the radial dose profile, recommendations for dosimetry of beta and gamma sources, results of experimental and clinical trials, and the medication required before, during, and after EVBT. We aim to help to identify patients who are eligible for EVBT, to choose an appropriate technical approach, and to initiate adequate antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapy.

ZusammenfassungZiel: Die kombinierte Schilddrüsenautonomie wird zurzeit mit unterschiedlichen Konzepten radioiodtherapiert. Der Unterschied liegt in der Berechnung des autonomen Volumens. In dieser retrospektiven Studie wird ein neues Verfahren der Volumenberechnung vorgestellt. Patienten und Methoden: Bei 398 Patienten mit kombinierter Autonomie, die eine gute Korrelation von heißen Knoten und sonographisch zirkumskripten Läsionen aufweisen, wird das Volumen der heißen Knoten anhand der sonographischen und szintigraphischen Messdaten ermittelt und das Volumen der disseminierten Autonomie mit einem Wichtungsfaktor (VF) bewertet. Dieser Faktor entspricht dem Quotienten der Impulsdichte von disseminiertem zu zircumskriptem Gewebe im Schilddrüsenszintigramm. Nach Messung des maximalen Iod-131-Uptakes und der effektiven Halbwertszeit (HWZ) in einem Radioiodtest wird die Aktivitätsmenge für eine Herddosis von 400 Gy ermittelt. Ergebnisse: Die Erfolgsquote beträgt mit und ohne Thyreostase 97% bei einer Hypothyreoserate von 18,6 % in der Bewertung des Therapieerfolges ab dem 4. Monat nach Radiojodtherapie. Schlussfolgerung: Die Radioiodtherapie bei kombinierter Autonomie unter Verwendung eines Wichtungsfaktors (Produkt aus VF und Volumen des perinodulären Gewebes) für die Berechnung der Therapieaktivität des disseminierten Autonomieanteils führt bei Patienten mit guter Korrelation von sonographischem und szintigraphischem Befund zu einer hervorragenden Erfolgsquote.

Summary Aim: To visualise the sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) of the prostate we injected the radiotracer into the parenchyma of the prostate. The activity was deposited in liver, spleen, bone marrow, urinary bladder and regional lymphatic system. The aim of this work is to determine biokinetical data and to estimate radiation doses to the patient. Methods: The patients with prostate cancer received a sonographically controlled, transrectal administration of 99mTc-Nanocoll®, injected directly into both prostate lobes. In 10 randomly selected patients radionuclide distribution and its time course was determined via regions of interest (ROIs) over prostate, urinary bladder, liver, spleen and the lymph nodes. The uptake in the SLNs was estimated from gamma probe measurements at the surgically removed nodes. To compare tumour positive with tumour free lymph nodes according to SLN-uptake and SLNlocalisation we evaluated 108 lymph nodes out of 24 patients with tumour positive SLN. For calculating the effective dose according to ICRP 60 of the patients we used the MIRD-method and the Mirdose 3.1 software. Results: The average uptake of separate organs was: bladder content 24%, liver 25.5%, spleen 2%, sum of SLN 0.5%. An average of 9% of the applied activity remained in the prostate. The residual activity was mainly accumulated in bone marrow and blood. Occasionally a weak activity enrichment in intestinal tract and kidneys could be recognized. The effective dose to the patient was estimated to 7.6 μSv/MBq. The radioactivity uptake of the SLN varied in several orders of magnitude between 0.006% and 0.6%. The probability of SLN-metastasis was found to be independent from tracer uptake in the lymph node. The radioactivity uptake of the SLNs in distinct lymph node regions showed no significant differences. Conclusion: The radiotracer is transferred out of the prostate via blood flow, by direct transfer via the urethra into the bladder and by lymphatic transport. Injecting a total activity of 200 MBq leads to a mean effective dose of 1.5 mSv. It is not recommended to use the tracer uptake in lymph nodes as the only criterion to characterize SLNs.

Zusammenfassung Ziel dieser Arbeit war die Wertigkeit von Lymphszintigraphie und intraoperativer Gammasondenmessung fur die Identifikation des Sentinel-Lymphknotens (SLN) beim Prostatakarzinom zu uberprufen. Patienten und Methode: Bei 117 Patienten mit Prostatakarzinom wurden nach sonographisch kontrollierter transrektaler, intraprostatischer Applikation von 99mTc-Nanocoll® Szintigramme des Beckens in verschiedenen Projektionen bis zirka 6 Stunden p.i. angefertigt. Am Folgetag wurden die SLN intraoperativ mittels einer Gammasonde gesucht und entfernt. Die pelvine Standardlymphadenektomie erfolgte im Anschluss an die Sentinel-Lymphonodektomie (SLNE). Ergebnisse: Drei der 117 Patienten mit einer praoperativen Lymphabflussszintigraphie zeigten keine SLN-Darstellung. Sie hatten eine transurethrale Prostataresektion in der Vorgeschichte. Bei 113 der verbliebenen 114 Patienten gelang der SLN-Nachweis intraoperativ. Durchschnittlich wurden vier SLNs pro Patient entfernt. 28 der 117 Patienten hatten eine pelvine Lymphknotenmetastasierung. Bei 25 Patienten war der SLN richtig positiv, einmal falsch negativ und einmal intraoperativ nicht auffindbar. Ein Patient hatte Makrometastasen mit einem Durchmesser von bis zu 4 cm (ein SLN war tumorpositiv). In 15 Fallen war nur der SLN befallen. Schlussfolgerungen: Die SLNE mit praoperativer Lymphszintigraphie und intraoperativer Gammasondenmessung ist ein geeignetes Verfahren zum Nachweis von Lymphknotenmetastasen beim Prostatakarzinom. Sie ist den bisher ublichen Verfahren der pelvinen Lymphadenektomie uberlegen.

Zusammenfassung Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit ist die Überprüfung der Wertigkeit nuklearmedizinischer Verfahren in der prä- und intraoperativen Diagnostik des Sentinel-Lymphknotens (SLN). Methoden: Bei 214 Patienten führten wir während der vergangenen vier Jahre die präoperative Lymphszintigraphie und bei 150 Patienten die intraoperative Gammasondenmessung zur Lokalisationsdiagnostik des SLN durch. Ergebnisse: Es fanden sich bei 214 Patienten 247 Abflußgebiete. Bei drei Patienten konnte kein Lymphabfluß nachgewiesen werden. Es handelte sich um Melanome der Wange, zwei dieser Patienten waren voroperiert. 14 Patienten zeigten Intervall-Lymphknoten. Bei 150 Patienten erfolgte eine operative Entfernung des SLN (Sentinel-Lymphonodektomie, SLNE) mit intraoperativer Gammasondenmessung. Bei zwei Patienten mit supraklavikulärem Primärtumor waren vier SLN präoperativ festgelegt worden, von denen intraoperativ nur zwei gefunden wurden. In allen anderen Fällen konnte der SLN intraoperativ entdeckt und entfernt werden. Bei 19 der 150 Patienten (12,7%) wurden Metastasen in einem SLN nachgewiesen. Die Häufigkeit der Metastasierung nahm von 0% im Stadium pT1 kontinuierlich bis 44% im Stadium pT4 zu. Schlußfolgerung: Die Lymphszintigraphie und Gammasondenmessung sind geeignete Verfahren für die Lokalisation des SLN. Die SLNE ist eine zuverlässige Methode, um eine Lymphknotenbeteiligung bei malignem Melanom nachzuweisen. Sie minimiert den operativen Eingriff.

Zusammenfassung Durch die Entwicklung des Sentinel-Lymphknotenkonzeptes bei Malignem Melanom [11] ist eine rasch zunehmende Anwendung der Sentinel-Lymphadeneklomie zu verzeichnen. Hierbei werden Gamma-Messonden zur intraoperativen Lokalisation radioaktiv markierter Lymphknoten eingesetzt. Die Anzahl kommerziell erhaltlicher Messysteme hierfur steigt stetig. Fur deren Beurteilung haben wir Qualitatskriterien erarbeitet. Drei Gerate verschiedener Hersteller wurden in der Praxis getestet und deren Qualitatsmerkmale bestimmt. Fur die verschiedenen Sondensysteme zeigten sich wesentliche Qualitatsunterschiede.

A newly developed ion beam assisted deposition system is introduced which includes a facility to illuminate samples by UV light during the deposition process in order to enhance motion of deposited atoms, interfacial reactions between substrate and coating as well as reactions between growing layer and environmental gas. This PHIBAD system was used to produce thin δ-TiN by deposition of titanium on Si(001) under low-energy argon ion irradiation and simultaneous illumination with UV light in a defined nitrogen environment at room temperature. The composition of the TiN films was investigated by elastic recoil detection and the structure by transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The impurity content (oxygen, carbon) of TiN films formed by Ar + ion assisted deposition is significatly lower than in films produced without ion irradiation. The orientation of the TiN crystallites changes from 〈111〉 without ion irradiation to 〈001〉 under ion impingement. The uniform alignment becomes stronger with increasing ion energy. The UV-light illumination during deposition in a gas environment without ion irradiation leads to stronger (111) and with ion assisted deposition to stronger (001) oriented TiN films.

A newly developed facility for photon and ion beam assisted deposition was built and successfully tested for simultaneous deposition, ion bombardment and UV-light irradiation of thin films in a defined gas environment. This system was used to produce thin films of the cubic δ-TiN phase on Si(001) by the deposition of titanium in a nitrogen gas atmosphere and irradiation by Ar + ions. The effect of an additional UV-light irradiation during TiN deposition with and without ion bombardment was studied by X-ray diffraction pole figure measurements using synchrotron radiation. The results demonstrate that the UV-light irradiation during deposition without ion bombardment leads to stronger {111} oriented TiN films and the ion assisted deposition with simultaneous UV-light irradiation results in a distinct emphasis of the [001] orientation of the TiN crystallites. The irradiation with UV-light increases drastically the preferential alignment of the titanium nitride crystallites. As an important consequence, photon irradiation in combination with the well known ion beam assisted deposition is expected to have an advantageous influence on the structure of thin films.

We present a review of the literature on endovascular brachytherapy (EVBT) after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) in the femoropopliteal and tibial arteries. The pathophysiological changes induced by PTA and EVBT within the vessel wall, technical considerations regarding 192Ir and 188Re, the results of clinical trials, and the medication required before, during, and after EVBT are summarized.

The authors present a procedure guideline for scintigraphic detection of sentinel lymph nodes in malignant melanoma and other skin tumours, in breast cancer, in head and neck cancer, and in prostate and penile carcinoma. Important goals of sentinel lymph node scintigraphy comprise reduction of the extent of surgery, lower postoperative morbidity and optimization of histopathological examination focussing on relevant lymph nodes. Sentinel lymph node scintigraphy itself does not diagnose tumorous lymph node involvement and is not indicated when lymph node metastases have been definitely diagnosed before sentinel lymph node scintigraphy. Procedures are compiled with the aim to reliably localise sentinel lymph nodes with a high detection rate typically in early tumour stages. Radiation exposure is low so that pregnancy is not a contraindication for sentinel lymph node scintigraphy. Even with high volumes of scintigraphic sentinel lymph node procedures surgeons, theatre staff and pathologists receive a radiation exposure1 mSv/year so that they do not require occupational radiation surveillance.

Sentinel lymph node dissection (SLND) has replaced extended lymphadenectomy for nodal staging in several solid tumours. We present our results of SLND in prostate cancer in regard to detection and false-negative rate.In a 2-day protocol about 300 MBq (99m)Tc-nanocolloid are injected into the prostate. Two hours later static scans of the pelvis are performed to get information about the number and location of radioactive lymph nodes. During surgery the radioactive nodes are excised with the help of a gamma probe and sent separately to the pathologist. The histological procedure includes haematoxylin and eosin staining, serial sections and immunohistochemistry.Since 1999, a total of 2,020 men underwent SLND alone or in combination with either standard or extended lymphadenectomy after radical retropubic prostatectomy. Lymph nodes positive for metastases were found in 16.7% of patients. The scintigraphic detection rate was 97.6% and the intraoperative detection rate 98%. For 187 lymph node-positive men who had either standard or extended lymphadenectomy in addition to SLND the false-negative rate could be calculated, resulting in false-negative findings in 11 of 187 patients (6%).Our results demonstrate that SLND in prostate cancer is a reliable procedure for nodal staging.

In combined focal and disseminated thyroid autonomy a variety of concepts in the treatment with radioiodine are used. The difference lies mainly in the calculation of the autonomous volume. This retrospective study shows a new method of calculating the autonomous volume.In 398 patients with combined thyroid autonomy and good correlation of scintigraphically hot nodules and lesions defined by ultrasound the volume of the nodules is ascertained from scintigraphic and ultrasound parameters and the volume of the disseminated autonomous tissue is assessed with a weighting factor (VF). This factor is the ratio of impulse density in a ROI over the disseminated volume divided by the corresponding impulse density over the nodular volume of the thyroid scintigraphy. The sum of nodular volume and weighted perinodular volume gives the total autonomous volume. A standard radioiodine test gives the maximum iodine-131-uptake and effective half-life to calculate the activity to obtain a treatment dose of 400 Gy.The rate of success with and without thyrostatic medication was 97% with an 18.6% rate of hypothyroidism observed from 4 months post therapy onwards.The use of the weighting factor VF in the treatment of combined autonomy leads to an excellent rate of success in patients with good correlation of functional imaging and ultrasound findings.

Over the last decade ion‐beam‐assisted deposition (IBAD) has become a well‐known technique for deposition of thin films because of its ability to control properties of coatings. A new IBAD system is introduced which includes a facility to illuminate samples by UV light during the deposition process in order to enhance motion of deposited atoms and interfacial reactions between substrate and coating. The IBAD system consists of two vacuum chambers, the preparation chamber and the analysis chamber, which are connected by a straight tube for sample transfer. Samples may be moved through the tube between the two chambers by a linear feedthrough. The preparation chamber includes a filamentless rf ion source, an electron‐beam evaporator, and a tube with a nozzle delivering reactive gases near the sample during deposition. In addition to the ion‐assisted deposition process, a technique based on photon irradiation has been employed to obtain significant improvements of structure and properties of deposited metal ...

Die Sentinel-Lymphknoten-Chirurgie bei urologischen Malignomen ist – obwohl ihr Ursprung wesentlich auf den Erfahrungen von Cabanas Ende der 70er Jahre beim Peniskarzinom beruht – eine vergleichsweise junge Disziplin. Uber erste positive Erfahrungen mit Hilfe der Gammasonden-gesteuerten Lymphknotenchirurgie bei urologischen Malignomen wird seit Ende der 90er Jahre fur das Prostata- und Peniskarzinom und im neuen Jahrtausend auch fur das Harnblasenkarzinom und den Hodentumor berichtet.

Evaluation of the significance of lymphoscintigraphy and intraoperative probe measurement for the identification of the sentinel lymph node (SLN) in prostate cancer.In 117 patients with prostate cancer scintigrams in various projections were acquired till approximately 6 hours p.i. after ultrasound guided transrectal intraprostatic injection of 99mTc-Nanocoll. On the following day the SLNs were identified in the operation theatre with a gamma probe and removed. Pelvic standard lymph node dissection followed SLNE.In three of 117 patients with preoperative lymphoscintigraphy no SLN was scintigraphically detectable. These three patients had antecedent transurethral resection of the prostate. In 113 of the residual 114 patients SLN could be intraoperatively localized. In the mean four SLNs per patient were removed. 28 of 117 patients had pelvic lymph node metastases. In 25 cases SLN were right-positive, in one false-negative and in one intraoperatively not detectable. In one patient we found macrometastasis of up to 4 cm diameter (one SLN was tumour positive). In 15 cases only the SLN was bearing tumour.The SLNE with preoperative lymphoscintigraphy and intraoperative gamma probe measurement is suitable for detecting lymph node metastasis in prostate cancer. SLNE is superior to the surgical techniques commonly used in pelvic lymphadenectomy.

To visualise the sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) of the prostate we injected the radiotracer into the parenchyma of the prostate. The activity was deposited in liver, spleen, bone marrow, urinary bladder and regional lymphatic system. The aim of this work is to determine biokinetical data and to estimate radiation doses to the patient.The patients with prostate cancer received a sonographically controlled, transrectal administration of 99mTc-Nanocoll, injected directly into both prostate lobes. In 10 randomly selected patients radionuclide distribution and its time course was determined via regions of interest (ROIs) over prostate, urinary bladder, liver, spleen and the lymph nodes. The uptake in the SLNs was estimated from gamma probe measurements at the surgically removed nodes. To compare tumour positive with tumour free lymph nodes according to SLN-uptake and SLN-localisation we evaluated 108 lymph nodes out of 24 patients with tumour positive SLN. For calculating the effective dose according to ICRP 60 of the patients we used the MIRD-method and the Mirdose 3.1 software.The average uptake of separate organs was: bladder content 24%, liver 25.5%, spleen 2%, sum of SLN 0.5%. An average of 9% of the applied activity remained in the prostate. The residual activity was mainly accumulated in bone marrow and blood. Occasionally a weak activity enrichment in intestinal tract and kidneys could be recognized. The effective dose to the patient was estimated to 7.6 microSv/MBq. The radioactivity uptake of the SLN varied in several orders of magnitude between 0.006% and 0.6%. The probability of SLN-metastasis was found to be independent from tracer uptake in the lymph node. The radioactivity uptake of the SLNs in distinct lymph node regions showed no significant differences.The radiotracer is transferred out of the prostate via blood flow, by direct transfer via the urethra into the bladder and by lymphatic transport. Injecting a total activity of 200 MBq leads to a mean effective dose of 1.5 mSv. It is not recommended to use the tracer uptake in lymph nodes as the only criterion to characterize SLNs.

The purpose of this work was to prove the clinical significance of nuclear medical procedures in pre- and intraoperative detection of the SLN.In the past 4 years, we did preoperative lymphoscintigraphy in 214 patients (pts.). Intraoperative localisation of the SLN with a hand-held gamma probe followed in 150 pts.In 214 pts. 247 lymphatic draining regions were found by preoperative scintigraphy. In 3 pts. with melanoma of the cheek no lymphatics/lymph nodes could be detected. 14 pts. showed interval lymph nodes. In 150 pts. gamma probe guided SLNE was done. In 2 pts. with supraclavicular primary tumor 4 SLN had been defined by preoperative scintigraphy but only 2 could be found intraoperatively. In all other cases (98.7%) the sentinel node was detected correctly by the gamma probe and then removed. In 19 of 150 pts. (12.7%) metastases were detected in the pathologic specimen. The incidence of lymph node metastases showed a continuous increase from 0% at tumor stage pT1 to 44% at stage pT4.SLNE is an accurate method to determine nodal involvement in melanoma and minimizes operative invasiveness in melanoma surgery.

Ion beam assisted deposition of thin films has gained widespread acceptance in industrial applications. In this work, fine crystalline titanium nitride films on steel were examined with respect to their mechanical properties. Nanohardness was determined by nanoindentation experiments. The influence of ion current density during the IBAD process on hardness was investigated. Additionally, samples produced by reactive evaporation (RE) and photon assisted deposition (PHAD) were examined. The nanohardness of all the titanium nitride films decreased with increasing indentation depth and ion current density, and increased with exposure time to air. It was found that the nanohardness of TiN films correlates directly with the oxygen content of the films. Therefore, high oxygen concentration in the near-surface region results in a higher hardness.

The biaxial alignment of TiN on Si(111) films prepared by nitrogen ion beam assisted deposition at room temperature was studied. By reactive deposition within a nitrogen environment a preferred {111} orientation was obtained the growing TiN crystallites. In contrast, a nitrogen ion bombardment perpendicular to the surface of the substrate during deposition causes an {001} alignment of the crystallites. A 55° ion beam incidence produces both {111}‐orientation relative to the surface and {100}‐orientation relative to the ion beam. This results in a totally fixed orientation of the crystallites. Simultaneous UV‐light illumination during ion bombardment promotes a uniformly oriented growth.

Titanium nitride films were produced by a newly developed photon and ion beam assisted deposition system (PHIBAD system). With an electron beam evaporator titanium was deposited on silicon substrates in a controlled nitrogen environment. Optionally, the growing films were bombarded with argon or nitrogen ions and/or illuminated with UV light. With these procedures δ-TiN films with distinct chemical composition were formed. The composition determination was done with elastic recoil detection analysis (ERDA) to avoid the problems usually occurring with standard methods like AES. The results demonstrate that both impurity content and nitrogen to titanium ratio of the films are dependent on the ion current density. UV light illumination also has a positive influence on film composition. Generally, a certain energy transfer to the growing film is necessary to cause composition changes. Titannitrid-Schichten werden mit einer neu entwickelten Anlage zur ionen- und photonengestutzten Deposition (PHIBAD-System) hergestellt. Mittels Elektronenstrahl-Verdampfung wird Titan auf Siliziumsubstraten in einer kontrollierten Stickstoffatmosphare abgeschieden. Durch zusatzliche Bestrahlung mit Argon- oder Stickstoffionen und/oder UV-Licht kann der Wachstumsprozes der Schichten unterstutzt werden. Es werden δ-TiN-Schichten mit einer definierten Zusammensetzung synthetisiert. Die Zusammensetzung wurde mittels der Detektion elastisch gestosener Teilchen (ERDA) bestimmt, um die Probleme bei der Bestimmung der Zusammensetzung mittels AES zu uberwinden. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, das sowohl der Gehalt an Verunreinigungen als auch das Stickstoff-Titan-Verhaltnis in den Schichten von der Ionenstromdichte abhangig ist. Die UV-Licht-Bestrahlung hat einen positiven Einflus auf die Zusammensetzung der Schicht. Im allgemeinen ist die in die wachsende Schicht ubertragene Energie notwendig fur die Anderungen der Zusammensetzung.

Titanium nitride films were produced by a newly developed photon and ion beam assisted deposition system (PHIBAD system). With an electron beam evaporator titanium was deposited on silicon substrates in a controlled nitrogen environment. The growing δ-TiN films were bombarded with argon ions and illuminated with UV-light. The results demonstrate that the impurity content, the nitrogen to titanium ratio of the films, the microstructure and the crystal alignment are changed using UV-light irradiation during ion assisted deposition.