Harpell Associates - Radiation Oncology, Medical Physics, Diagnostic Imaging, Nuclear Medicine, PET, Radiology, Ultrasound, Radiation Safety

Thermoplastic-based systems for head and neck
Thermoplastic masks have been a proven method for accurate patient positioning and immobilization in radiation therapy for years. Our Aquaplast-brand thermoplastic material softens in warm water to form a pliable "mask" that can be formed to the patient’s anatomical contours. As it cools, the thermoplastic hardens into a custom, comfortable mold for rigid fixation throughout the imaging process.

Thermoplastic is available in a perforated, solid, or "composite" material. The material is supported by your choice of frame systems, including a reloadable plastic frame, a Type-S head-shoulders frame, and "drape and mold" handles. For functional imaging, image fusion, and image-to-treatment applications, the molded patient mask is useful for achieving accurate placement/positioning (using fiducials directly on the thermoplastic), as well as immobilization during scanning and treatment.

A series of non-metallic acrylic and carbon fiber baseplates offer setups in a supine flat, supine tilted, lateral, or prone position.

Patient fixation systems for pelvic/prostate
There are three excellent patient positioning and fixation systems for hip and pelvic area setups, depending on the level of immobilization you require for your imaging procedures.

One simple, cost-effective method for comfortable positioning in either the prone or supine position is our Vac-Lok custom-molded “vacuum” cushions. Made of rugged, radiolucent urethane, these cushions are filled with tiny polystyrene beads. After positioning a patient on a cushion, a vacuum is drawn, creating a rigid, yet comfortable, custom mold of the patient’s anatomical area. This “cradle” helps the patient lie comfortably still through the imaging procedure. Because the Vac-Lok cushion maintains its shape until re-inflated, the patient can be accurately repositioned, if desired, in another imaging suite/modality, for radiation therapy treatment, or for surgical procedures.

Vac-Lok™ cushions can conform to even the smallest patient's contours creating a comfortable cradle for pediatric imaging or treatment procedures.

Another choice for pelvic fixation – when a greater degree of immobilization is required – is our exclusive BodyFIX system. This patented system utilizes clear plastic fixation “foils” over the patient that form a very rigid and homogeneous immobilization over the surface of the body part when the air is evacuated between the patient and the foil.



Manufacturers	Radiation Oncology	Medical Physics	Diagnostic Imaging	Radiation Safety	Exercise Systems

Discounted Nuclear Medicine Equipment