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

Comparing Vac-Lok and Two-Part Foam Systems
-Features, benefits, cost comparisons – the choice is still yours

What does your department use to position and immobilize patients for radiation therapy? Chances are, you have worked with a variety of methods and have developed systems that work for specific treatments.

One of the earliest and most common positioning systems is two-part foam. There are several brands on the market MED-TEC offers Redi-foam™, which has a comfortable and workable rising time, and comes in your choice of stir or shake mixing methods.

While the two-part foam system has been a favorite of many radiation oncology departments for years, it does pose some problems and hazards, including clean-up of spills and mishaps, and disposal of the “used” foam forms.

An alternative to two-part foam is our Vac-Lok™ system. This method is easy and simple: a rugged, reusable “cushion” filled with tiny polystyrene beads is molded to the patient’s body contours. When a vacuum is drawn through the cushion, it becomes rigid yet very comfortable cradle for the anatomical part to be immobilized. Vac-Lok™ cushions hold their vacuum for 60 days – for accurate and reproducible positioning throughout the course of treatment.

Many radiation therapy professionals have discovered the benefits of the Vac-Lok system, including safety, ease of use, and patient comfort. But did you know that the Vac-Lok™ system can save you money over two-part foam systems?

First, it increases patient throughput because it is so quick and easy. Second, because Vac-Lok™ cushions are reusable, you save the expense of using a new foam kit for every patient.

The figures here compare the annual and per-patient costs of each system, based on an upper thorax immobilization. Check them out, then call your MED-TEC account representative at 1-800-842-8688 for more information. Rest assured… we will still continue to offer both systems to meet your needs. The choice is still yours!

COST COMPARISONS: Two-Part foam vs. Vac-Lok™

F A C T O R S
One RediFoam* two-part foam kit	$38
One 100 x 100 cm Vac-Lok cushion	$150

F A C T O R S
One RediFoam* two-part foam kit	$38
One 100 x 100 cm Vac-Lok cushion	$150

L I F E S P A N S
Two-part foam	One patient
One 100 x 100 cm Vac-Lok cushion	Vac-Lok™ cushion

T O T A L A N N U A L C O S T S (8 patients)
Two-part foam	$304 ($38 x 8)
Vac-Lok™ cushion	$150 (one cushion)

P E R P A T I E N T I M M O B I L I Z A T I O N C O S T S
Two-part foam	$38
Vac-Lok™ cushion	$18.75 ($150 / 8 )



Manufacturers	Radiation Oncology	Medical Physics	Diagnostic Imaging	Radiation Safety	Exercise Systems

Discounted Nuclear Medicine Equipment