Know about the Active Breathing
Coordinator™ (ABC) Device
Princess Margaret
For patients who may need to use an ABC device for their
radiation treatment
Read this resource to learn:
• What is an Active Breathing Coordinator™ (ABC) Device?
• Why do I need an ABC device?
• How do I prepare for radiation treatment with the ABC Device?
• What do I need to remember when I use the ABC Device for treatment?
Please visit the UHN Patient Education website for more health information: www.uhnpatienteducation.ca
© 2016 University Health Network. All rights reserved.
This information is to be used for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional
medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific
medical condition. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for non-commercial personal use only.
Author: Radiation Medicine Program / Contact: Angela Cashell
Revised: 08/2016
Form: D-5794
What is an Active Breathing Coordinator™ (ABC) device?
When you breathe, the organs in your chest and abdomen (for example, your liver
and heart) move.
The Active Breathing Coordinator™ (ABC) device is used to reduce the amount
your organs move by holding your breath for you. This is called a breath hold.
The ABC device has a nose clip, mouth piece, tubing and green button. (Please
see the diagram on page 3). You can press down on the green button when you are
ready for breath hold. If for any reasons you need to stop the breath hold, you can
release or to stop pressing down on the green button and the breath hold will stop.
You will be given time to breathe between breath holds.
You will use the ABC device when you are having your CT Simulation scan (a type
of x-ray that takes detailed images of your body), and your radiation treatment.
You may need a number of breath holds to complete your CT Simulation scan and
Treatment.
Why do I need an ABC device?
The ABC device will reduce the amount the organs in your chest and abdomen
move. If your organs move less, radiation is reduced to the normal tissues that
surround the tumour or the area that needs treatment.
You will have a teaching session to learn how to use the ABC device. If you find
the device hard to use, there are other treatment options. Talk with your doctor and
radiation therapist about other options and how we could support you throughout
the treatment process.
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How do I prepare for radiation treatment with the
ABC device?
1. A radiation therapist will teach you how to use the ABC device. Your
breathing cycle and how long you can hold your breath will be measured and
recorded.
2. Next, the therapist will give you instructions on where to go. You may go to
the treatment unit on level 2B for more measurements with the ABC device
and other devices if needed. Then you will go back to level 1B for your CT
Simulation scan. Or you may go directly for your CT simulation scan.
3. At the CT Simulation scan, images will be taken with the ABC device if you
and the radiation therapist think the device is right for you. These images
will be used to plan for your treatment.
4. On the first day of your radiation treatment, the therapist(s) will go over how
to use the ABC device for your treatment again.
Here is an image of the ABC device and its parts: nose clip, mouth piece, tubing,
green button
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Note: When you press the green button, it will tell the therapist that you are ready
for breath hold.
When you stop pressing (release) the green button, it will tell the therapist that you
are not ready.
What do I need to remember when I use the ABC device for
treatment?
• How to use the “green button”.
◦◦ Press down the green button when you are ready for breath hold.
◦◦ Keep the green button pressed down during treatment or the device will
not stay in breath hold
◦◦ Stop pressing down or release the green button in case of emergency or if
you need to breathe and the breath hold will stop
• It is important to keep a tight seal around the mouth piece so that all the air
passing through will be read by the machine. If you feel the mouth piece is
not sealed, stop pressing (release) the green button. (Please see the diagram
on page 3). The therapist will stop the treatment.
• You will have a nose clip put on your nose. This will only let you breathe
through your mouth.
If during the treatment you feel the nose clip is not sealed, then stop pressing
(release) the green button. (Please see the diagram on page 3). The therapist
will stop the treatment.
• Take normal breaths except when the device puts you into a breath hold.
This will make it impossible for you to breathe in or out as long as you keep
a good seal around the edges of the mouth piece. Do not hold your breath
yourself.
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• The radiation therapist will tell you to take a couple of breaths. Then the
device will hold your breath for you. The therapist will put you into a breath
hold either while you breathe in or out. The therapist controls the machine
from outside the room.
• Let the ABC device hold your breath for you. You will then get your
treatment.
• You will be able to breathe in between breath holds.
• Your radiation therapist(s) will instruct and guide you throughout the
treatment process.
Remember:
In case of an emergency or if you need to breathe,
release the green button and the breath hold will stop
Talk with your Radiation Therapist if you have any questions or concerns.
The development of patient education resources is supported by the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation.
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