title: Evaluation of the Sinmed Mastercouch as replacement for a standard couch.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Introducing into practice a new carbon-fibre couch necessitates its evaluation with regard to the present clinical situation.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this study, a geometric and dosimetric evaluation has been made for the Sinmed Mastercouch as a replacement for the Elekta C-arm couch with Mylar-tennis racket combination. Geometrically, feasible gantry angles with regard to collision and beam intersection were discriminated as function of isocentric table rotation for 10 treatment isocentres. Dosimetrically, the build-up distortion and attenuation by the aforementioned tabletops and a carbon-fibre tabletop of an Elekta Precise simulator was measured. Finally, the clinical implications of these influences were assessed for a 3-field prostate treatment in three configurations: Mastercouch, C-arm couch and no-intersection situation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  With regard to collision, the largest advantages are observed for the Mastercouch with the Omega-shaped treatment module compared to the C-arm couch for isocentres located in the upper part of the body, thanks to its shape and the absence of any metal. Dosimetrically, one has to take into account the build-up loss and attenuation by beam intersection with Mastercouch and the carbon-fibre edges of the tennis racket (C-arm couch). The clinical relevance of these dosimetric aspects depends on the dose delivered by the compromised beams.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiotherapy, Ghent University Hospital, Gent, Belgium. sofie@krtkg1.ugent.be
authors.forename: Sofie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gillis
authors.forename: Samuel
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bral
authors.forename: Carlos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: De Wagter
authors.forename: Cristina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Derie
authors.forename: Leen
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Paelinck
authors.forename: Koen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Van Vaerenbergh
authors.forename: Marc
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Coghe
authors.forename: Gert
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: De Meerleer
authors.forename: Wilfried
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: De Neve
mesh_terms: D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D007103:Immobilization; D008297:Male; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D011874:Radiometry; D020266:Radiotherapy, Conformal / Q000295:instrumentation*