Abstract: A manually-operated quantification soft tissue mobilization (QSTM) device includes a pressure applicator and a sensor member. The pressure applicator is configured to enable a user to dynamically apply a stroking mechanical force as the pressure applicator is moved over an area treatment areas of a patient's soft tissue. The sensor member including an accelerometer and a gyrometer is configured to determine various parameters of the dynamically applied stroking mechanical force in three dimensions as the pressure applicator is moved over the treatment areas of the patient's soft tissue. These parameters include a force magnitude in three dimensions, an angle in multiple axes, a stroke position, a stroke frequency, a sensed vibration magnitude at dominant spectral frequencies, and/or a rate of the stroking mechanical force dynamically applied to the soft tissue.

Abstract: A manual soft tissue device including a pressure applicator and a sensor member configured to determine at least one of a magnitude, an angle, a stroke frequency, and a rate of force applied to soft tissue by the pressure applicator.

Abstract: A method for providing radiation therapy to target tissue in a patient provides for adjustment of the vertical position of the patient couch to account for errors introduced by the weight supported by the couch at its desired positions for treatment. The method further contemplates determining the initial location of the center of the target tissue with respect to the immobilization frame supporting the patient, to eliminate errors introduced by collateral position sensing equipment. The method is particularly suited for extended distance treatments wherein, in one embodiment, a tare is established based on the actual isocenter of the gantry and then a subsequent adjustment of couch position is made with respect to movement of the couch to position the target tissue at the virtual isocenter.

Abstract: A patient immobilization frame is provided that can be secured to a patient table in a radiation therapy facility. The frame includes fiducials integrated into the bottom panel of the frame. The frame is provided with a removable locking mechanism for locking the frame to the patient table. Each side walls of the frame defines a forward cut-out and a mid-side cut-out to accommodate larger girth patients. A panel insert is provided to close the mid-side cut-outs when the additional space is not required for the patient. The frame further includes an abdomen compression device supported by a cross bar that is movably mountable to the frame. The device includes a compression plate configured to contact the patient and a compression mechanism between the cross bar and the compression plate. A pressure transducer may be incorporated between the compression plate and the cross bar.