Radiation therapy is a powerful treatment option for many cancer patients. By using high-energy particles or waves, such as x-rays, gamma rays, or electron beams, radiotherapy targets and destroys cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissues. The effectiveness of this treatment depends on the accurate delivery of radiation to the tumor site, making patient positioning and immobilization crucial.
The Importance of Immobilization Devices
Immobilization devices play a critical role in the success of radiation therapy.
These devices help ensure patient comfort and safety, as well as the accuracy and reproducibility of treatment. By minimizing patient movement, immobilization devices allow clinicians to deliver radiation precisely, reducing the risk of damaging healthy tissues or missing the tumor. This precision is particularly important for patients undergoing multiple sessions of radiotherapy, where consistency is key.
Types of Immobilization Devices
There are several types of immobilization devices used in radiotherapy:
Thermoplastic masks: These custom-fit masks help to immobilize the head and neck, ensuring the patient remains still during treatment. They are
Radiation Oncology Immobilization
often used for brain and head-and-neck cancers.
Vacuum cushions: These cushions mold to the patient’s body, providing a comfortable and secure immobilization solution for various body regions, including the pelvis and abdomen.
Breast boards: Specifically designed for breast cancer patients, breast boards are angled supports that position the patient for optimal treatment.
Body and limb immobilizers: These devices include foam wedges, leg troughs, and arm immobilizers, which help to hold the patient’s limbs in a stable position during treatment.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Different Devices
Radiation Oncology Immobilization Mask
Each immobilization device offers its unique set of benefits and drawbacks. Thermoplastic masks provide a high level of precision but may be uncomfortable for some patients. Vacuum cushions offer patient comfort but may require more time to set up. Breast boards are tailored for breast cancer treatment but aren’t suitable for other types of cancer. Body and limb immobilizers are versatile but may not offer the same level of precision as other devices.
How to Choose the Right Immobilization Device
Choosing the right immobilization device depends on several factors:
The type of cancer being treated
The patient’s anatomy and comfort preferences
The radiation therapy equipment being used
The desired level of precision and reproducibility
Consulting with your radiation oncologist and therapy team is essential to determine the best device for your specific treatment plan.
Immobilization devices play a vital role in the success of radiation therapy, ensuring patient safety and treatment accuracy. Understanding the various types of devices available and their benefits and drawbacks can help patients and clinicians make informed decisions about the best options for their treatment plan.
In the world of radiation therapy, immobilization devices play a crucial role in ensuring patient safety, comfort, and treatment accuracy. Numerous manufacturers specialize in producing these essential devices, each with its unique offerings and features. To help you explore and compare the leading companies in the field, we have compiled a table of manufacturers that produce immobilization devices for radiation therapy. The table includes information on each manufacturer’s country of origin, website, and the types of immobilization devices they provide. This comprehensive overview will serve as a valuable starting point as you navigate the options available for your specific needs in radiation therapy.
| Manufacturer | Country | Website | Immobilization Devices |
|---|---|---|---|
| Klarity | USA | klaritymedical.com | Thermoplastic masks, vacuum cushions, breast boards, headrests, etc. |
| Qfix | USA | qfix.com | Aquaplast RT™ and Fibreplast® thermoplastics, vacuum cushions, breast boards, limb immobilizers, etc. |
| Orfit | Belgium | orfit.com | Thermoplastic masks, vacuum cushions, breast boards, headrests, etc. |
| CIVCO Radiotherapy | USA | civco.com | Thermoplastic masks, vacuum cushions, breast boards, limb immobilizers, etc. |
| Bionix Radiation Therapy | USA | bionixrt.com | Thermoplastic masks, vacuum cushions, breast boards, limb immobilizers, etc. |
| Elekta | Sweden | elekta.com | Head and neck immobilization, vacuum cushions, breast boards, etc. |
| Medintec | Brazil | medintec.com.br | Thermoplastic masks, vacuum cushions, breast boards, limb immobilizers, etc
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