Abstract: The present invention provides a patient couch top or device for quickly and accurately positioning a patient during simulation and treatment by placing a series of small fiducial markers in discrete locations on the couch top or device. With use of the fiducial markers, the present invention allows for the correction for misalignment and deformation of patient positioning equipment which occurs due in part to a patient's size and weight. The present invention also provides a method for positioning a patient and correcting for deformation of the couch top or device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a radiolucent patient treatment table top with a removable tip extension base that can be accurately and repeatably mounted at the end of a table top that is completely metal free in the area of interest for imaging and treatment. The table top is composed primarily of polymer composites reinforced with carbon fibers or other non-metallic fibers such as Kevlar®. The table top allows for accurately and repeatably mounting removable tip extension members, radiographic phantoms, immobilization devices, brachytherapy steppers, and other devices to the end and sides of the patient table top. The present invention further provides a method of adding a variety of useful accessories without introducing any permanent metal components in the imaging/treatment area of the table top.

Abstract: A radiation therapy patient couch top which provides optimal fields of treatment in a high-energy radiation therapy environment. In addition, the patient couch top provides superior imaging qualities when used in a diagnostic imaging x-ray environment. All metal is eliminated from the treatment/imaging area. This ensures that no metal will be in the way of the radiation treatment beam and that no artifacting will occur when used with diagnostic imaging techniques such as Computed Tomography. By employing moveable fiber reinforced support beams, the main patient support structure can be positioned so that a minimum of electron generation will occur through Compton scattering. By allowing for a removable insert, the top patient surface can be optimized for treatment, diagnostic imaging or the addition of other useful features.

Abstract: A low temperature thermoplastic material for use in medical procedures including radiotherapy patient immobilization, orthopedic splinting or casting, plastic and reconstructive surgery splinting, and orthotic or prosthetic socket cone production or reproduction. The material is made from a thermoplastic that softens when heated to approximately 140 F, after which it can then be formed directly on the patient. The material will then retain this new shape as it cools. The material is composed of Polycaprolactone reinforced with a discontinuous short length fiber and/or fines. The device can also be cross-linked to improve its handling properties.

Abstract: A patient support device with shoulder depression devices for accurately and repeatably positioning a patient on a treatment table. The patient support device includes a headrest frame and an adjustable shoulder depression device and optionally includes a torso positioning device and a buttock restraint device.