title: Evaluation of a second set of lateral lasers for easier patient positioning in radiotherapy.
abstract: On modern linear accelerators patient set-up is often awkward due to the height of the isocentre. A second set of lateral lasers was mounted approximately 20 cm below the isocentre allowing patient positioning at an ergonomical height. A small randomised study involving 16 heavy patients treated for pelvic malignancies demonstrated that using the lower lasers for patient set-up is not only likely to reduce strain on staff but also speed up the set-up process.
authors.affiliation: Newcastle Mater Misericordiae Hospital, Department of Radiation Oncology, Waratah, NSW, Australia. phtk@cc.newcastle.edu.au
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kron
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: McPherson
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ferguson
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007834:Lasers; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016272:Occupational Health; D010315:Particle Accelerators / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000592:standards; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000592:standards; D013679:Technology, Radiologic