Abstract:
An accessory device and an immobilization system including the device are provided for positioning at least a portion of a patient's body relative to an immobilization device including a low temperature thermoplastic sheet. The accessory device may include a patient fixation portion and a lock portion. The patient fixation portion is attached to or inserted in the patient during use. The lock portion may extend distally from the patient fixation portion generally along a lock portion axis. The lock portion includes a shape, surface feature, or configuration, such that the low temperature thermoplastic sheet may be conformed to the outer surface of the lock portion of the accessory device, such that unintended separation of the accessory device from the low temperature thermoplastic sheet is prevented. Methods of forming the accessory device and immobilization system are also provided.
Abstract:
Methods of immobilizing the head of a patient include heating a thermoplastic mask preform to a formable temperature, forming the thermoplastic mask over at least a mouth of the patient, and pushing a mouth receiving end of a bite piece into a portion of the thermoplastic mask preform that is positioned over the mouth of the patient, which moves the portion of the thermoplastic mask preform into the mouth of the patient. The methods also include allowing the thermoplastic mask preform to cool from the formable temperature, causing the portion of the thermoplastic mask moved into the mouth of the patient to harden.
Abstract:
A heat formable patient positioning cushion is provided including an impermeable or permeable outer shell; a filler material contained within an interior region defined by the outer shell; and a thermoplastic material applied to the outer shell, to the filler material, or to the outer shell and the filler material. The cushion has a first condition configured to be conformed to the anatomy of a patient in which the filler material moves relatively freely within the interior region defined by the outer shell, and a second condition conformed to the anatomy of the patient in which the filler material is relatively fixed against movement within the interior region defined by the outer shell. Heating and cooling changes the cushion from the first condition to the second condition and reheating permits increased movement of the filler material as compared to the second condition to further conform the cushion to the anatomy of the patient.
Abstract:
A patient transfer device includes a patient support surface having a top surface adapted for positioning a patient thereon and a bottom surface defining one or more areas having a concave curvature for passage of air flow therethrough. Passage of the air flow along the one or more areas having a concave curvature provides an air bearing below at least a portion of the bottom surface. Exemplary patient transfer systems and methods of moving a patient are also provided.
Abstract:
The present disclosure provides a structure constructed of carbon fiber that is compatible with Magnetic Resonance imaging and other radiofrequency technologies. The structure includes carbon fiber elements as well as insulating elements that are substantially x-ray translucent (radiolucent). These elements are arranged in such a way that the structure can be used in modalities such as Magnetic Resonance imaging where carbon fibers typically cannot be used due to image distortion and localized heating. At the same time, the structures are designed to maintain radiolucency that is significantly homogeneous.
Abstract:
An accessory device and an immobilization system including the device are provided for positioning at least a portion of a patient's body relative to an immobilization device including a low temperature thermoplastic sheet. The accessory device may include a patient fixation portion and a lock portion. The patient fixation portion is attached to or inserted in the patient during use. The lock portion may extend distally from the patient fixation portion generally along a lock portion axis. The lock portion includes a shape, surface feature, or configuration, such that the low temperature thermoplastic sheet may be conformed to the outer surface of the lock portion of the accessory device, such that unintended separation of the accessory device from the low temperature thermoplastic sheet is prevented. Methods of forming the accessory device and immobilization system are also provided.
Abstract:
Systems for immobilizing a patient are disclosed. The system includes at least one preform formed from a low melting temperature thermoplastic, the preform being configured to be formed to the anatomy of the patient, at least one frame coupled to the at least one preform, and at least one support configured to support the anatomy of the patient. The system also includes at least one lock mechanism coupled to at least one of the frame and the support and configured to couple the at least one frame to the at least one support, and at least one adjuster mechanism coupled to at least one of the at least one frame and the at least one support and configured to selectively adjust a distance between the at least one frame and the at least one support while the at least one frame is coupled to the at least one support.
Abstract:
An accessory device and an immobilization system including the device are provided for positioning at least a portion of a patient's body relative to an immobilization device including a low temperature thermoplastic sheet. The accessory device may include a patient fixation portion and a lock portion. The patient fixation portion is attached to or inserted in the patient during use. The lock portion may extend distally from the patient fixation portion generally along a lock portion axis. The lock portion includes a shape, surface feature, or configuration, such that the low temperature thermoplastic sheet may be conformed to the outer surface of the lock portion of the accessory device, such that unintended separation of the accessory device from the low temperature thermoplastic sheet is prevented. Methods of forming the accessory device and immobilization system are also provided.
Abstract:
A heat formable patient positioning cushion is provided including an impermeable or permeable outer shell; a filler material contained within an interior region defined by the outer shell; and a thermoplastic material applied to the outer shell, to the filler material, or to the outer shell and the filler material. The cushion has a first condition configured to be conformed to the anatomy of a patient in which the filler material moves relatively freely within the interior region defined by the outer shell, and a second condition conformed to the anatomy of the patient in which the filler material is relatively fixed against movement within the interior region defined by the outer shell. Heating and cooling changes the cushion from the first condition to the second condition and reheating permits increased movement of the filler material as compared to the second condition to further conform the cushion to the anatomy of the patient.
Abstract:
Systems for immobilizing a patient are disclosed. The system includes at least one preform formed from a low melting temperature thermoplastic, the preform being configured to be formed to the anatomy of the patient, at least one frame coupled to the at least one preform, and at least one support configured to support the anatomy of the patient. The system also includes at least one lock mechanism coupled to at least one of the frame and the support and configured to couple the at least one frame to the at least one support, and at least one adjuster mechanism coupled to at least one of the at least one frame and the at least one support and configured to selectively adjust a distance between the at least one frame and the at least one support while the at least one frame is coupled to the at least one support.