Immobilization System Aids Head and Neck Radiotherapy

An innovative patient head restraining system offers unique corrective pitch capability and positioning flexibility during stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS).

The CIVCO Radiotherapy (Coralville, IA, USA) Solstice SRS Immobilization System is comprised of a carbon fiber head support, a customizable cushion, and a dedicated thermoplastic mask designed for secure and simple attachment. The combined components create a highly customizable and comfortable head and neck immobilization system, with a variable pitch capability that provides increased setup options during computerized tomography (CT) simulations, and corrective positioning flexibility during treatment setup.

The midline thermoplastic mask attachment provides increased rigidity and minimizes shrinkage, thanks to a variety of thermoplastic materials, including intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) Reinforced and ClearVision open-face variants that are compatible with the Vision RT (London, United Kingdom) AlignRT camera system. The system can also be adapted for use with the proprietary Precise Bite positioner to aid in effective and repeatable positioning.

“The Solstice SRS Immobilization System is the only midline thermoplastic mask system on the market with variable pitch capability, increasing setup options in CT simulation and allowing positioning flexibility during treatment,” said John Steffen, director of product management at CIVCO. “We are excited that clearance in the United States and European Union opens opportunities for us to provide this unique solution to radiotherapy clinics to help improve patient outcomes.”

Reproducible positioning of the patient over multiple rounds of RT demands reliable immobilization for an accurate and consistent treatment setup. The use of low-temperature thermoplastic materials molded over the patient’s head effectively restricts movement, reducing the amount of time that it may take to receive RT and minimizing unwanted side effects such as damage to the skin, the upper digestive tract, and rampant caries due to damage to saliva glands.

Related Links:
CIVCO Radiotherapy
Vision RT