Abstract: Methods of immobilizing the head of a patient include heating a thermoplastic mask preform to a formable temperature, forming the thermoplastic mask over at least a mouth of the patient, and pushing a mouth receiving end of a bite piece into a portion of the thermoplastic mask preform that is positioned over the mouth of the patient, which moves the portion of the thermoplastic mask preform into the mouth of the patient. The methods also include allowing the thermoplastic mask preform to cool from the formable temperature, causing the portion of the thermoplastic mask moved into the mouth of the patient to harden.

Abstract: Methods of immobilizing the head of a patient include heating a thermoplastic mask preform to a formable temperature, forming the thermoplastic mask over at least a mouth of the patient, and pushing a mouth receiving end of a bite piece into a portion of the thermoplastic mask preform that is positioned over the mouth of the patient, which moves the portion of the thermoplastic mask preform into the mouth of the patient. The methods also include allowing the thermoplastic mask preform to cool from the formable temperature, causing the portion of the thermoplastic mask moved into the mouth of the patient to harden.

Abstract: A support system configured to support the lower extremities of a patient, for example during radiotherapy and imaging procedures, and methods for employing the same is provided. The support system includes a knee support apparatus and a foot support apparatus, each of which may be used together or independently in order to customize the support needed for the particular procedure. When used on the patient table of an appropriate imaging or treatment modality, the support system is configured to allow the clinician to independently adjust the knee support and foot support's positioning in the superior-inferior axis of the patient table in both a gross and fine manner for optimal positioning of the patient for the target procedure. The robust adjustment capabilities of the support system enable enhanced patient comfort, setup reproducibility, and workflow efficiency.

Abstract: Methods of immobilizing the head of a patient include heating a thermoplastic mask preform to a formable temperature, forming the thermoplastic mask over at least a mouth of the patient, and pushing a mouth receiving end of a bite piece into a portion of the thermoplastic mask preform that is positioned over the mouth of the patient, which moves the portion of the thermoplastic mask preform into the mouth of the patient. The methods also include allowing the thermoplastic mask preform to cool from the formable temperature, causing the portion of the thermoplastic mask moved into the mouth of the patient to harden.

Abstract: A patient transfer system is provided to move a patient between modalities. The system includes a deploying modality having a top surface configured to support the patient; a patient transfer support positionable on the top surface of the deploying modality, the patient transfer support also being configured for movement from the top surface of the deploying modality to a top surface of the receiving modality; a patient transfer support locating feature positionable to limit movement of the patient transfer support relative to the top surface of the receiving modality; and a keying feature positionable to engage at least one of a surface associated with the receiving modality or a surface of the patient transfer support, the keying feature being configured to inhibit movement of the patient transfer support in at least one direction relative to the top surface of the receiving modality.

Abstract: A patient transfer system is provided to move a patient between modalities. The system includes a deploying modality having a top surface configured to support the patient; a patient transfer support positionable on the top surface of the deploying modality, the patient transfer support also being configured for movement from the top surface of the deploying modality to a top surface of the receiving modality; a patient transfer support locating feature positionable to limit movement of the patient transfer support relative to the top surface of the receiving modality; and a keying feature positionable to engage at least one of a surface associated with the receiving modality or a surface of the patient transfer support, the keying feature being configured to inhibit movement of the patient transfer support in at least one direction relative to the top surface of the receiving modality.

Abstract: Methods of immobilizing the head of a patient include heating a thermoplastic mask preform to a formable temperature, forming the thermoplastic mask over at least a mouth of the patient, and pushing a mouth receiving end of a bite piece into a portion of the thermoplastic mask preform that is positioned over the mouth of the patient, which moves the portion of the thermoplastic mask preform into the mouth of the patient. The methods also include allowing the thermoplastic mask preform to cool from the formable temperature, causing the portion of the thermoplastic mask moved into the mouth of the patient to harden.