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[A simple device for improving the reproducibility of patient positioning in craniospinal irradiation]
1Klinik und Poliklinik für Strahlentherapie, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden.
Purpose:
For craniospinal irradiation generally 2 lateral cranial fields and 1 or more posterior spinal fields are used. The cranial and spinal fields are matched in the mobile portion of the neck. Therefore, the relative position between head and upper part of the body needs to be exactly defined.
Material And Method:
A wooden "H"-shaped frame is attached to the base plate of the head fixation device (Figure 1). A vacuum cushion filled with polystyrene beads is used to fix the thorax. This cushion is held in place by the wooden frame (Figure 1). This assures a fixed relation between the body-cushion and the head fixation device (Figures 2 and 3).
Discussion:
The connection between the body-cushion and the head fixation device by means of the "H"-shaped frame is easy to handle in clinical practice. The method does not interfere with any the planning or irradiation procedures.
Conclusions:
The "H"-frame can be used to connect a wide range of self-made or custom-made head fixation devices to body-fixation-cushions, thereby avoiding the need for individual foam shells.