title: A head immobilization system for radiation simulation, CT, MRI, and PET imaging.
abstract: An aquaplast mask/marker immobilization system for the routine radiation therapy treatment of head and neck disease is described. The system utilizes a commercially available thermoplastic mesh indexed and mounted to a rigid frame attached to the therapy couch. The apparatus is designed to permit CT, MRI, and PET diagnostic scans of the patient to be performed in the simulation and treatment position utilizing the same mask, thereby facilitating image correlation. Studies employing weekly simulation indicate that patient treatment position movement can be restricted to 3 mm over the course of treatment. This easily constructed system permits rapid mask formation to be performed on the treatment simulator, resulting in an immobilization device comparable to masks produced with vacuum-forming techniques. Details of construction, verification, and central axis CT, MRI, PET markers are offered.
authors.affiliation: University of Michigan Medical Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, Ann Arbor 48109.
authors.forename: A F
authors.initials: AF
authors.lastname: Thornton
authors.forename: R K
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Ten Haken
authors.forename: K J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Weeks
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gerhardsson
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Correll
authors.forename: K A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Lash
mesh_terms: D002266:Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy; D006801:Humans; D007103:Immobilization; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D011880:Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted; D011882:Radiotherapy, High-Energy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013679:Technology, Radiologic / Q000295:instrumentation*; D014055:Tomography, Emission-Computed; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
chemical_list: D002266:Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium