An improved method for computed tomography of the base of the skull in head scanners that utilize a water bag

The original EMI Mark I head scanner as well as the Artronix Neuro CAT scanner utilize a water bag surrounding the patient's head. One of the disadvantages of this system is that the patient's head may be displaced out of the scanning beam by the pressure of the water bag, thus making it difficult to obtain good scans of the base of the skull or the posterior fossa. A device that utilizes an adjustable footboard and restraining straps around the legs to hold the patient in position is described. Although designed specifically for the Artronix Neuro CAT scanner, it can readily be adapted to other scanners that utilize a water bag. In our experience it has worked well in restraining caudal movement of patients, thus enabling us to obtain good images of the posterior fossa and base of the skull.