<style>.lazy{display:none}</style>Repositioning and Immobilizing Extremities with Alpha Cradle® Forms - Customized Repositioning and Immobilization in Radiation Therapy

Repositioning and Immobilizing Extremities with Alpha Cradle® Forms

finished form

REPOSITIONING AND IMMOBILIZING THE EXTREMITIES AND MISCELLANEOUS TREATMENT SITES
Jeffrey Vincent Kostich, President
Smithers Medical Products, Inc.
North Canton, Ohio

ALPHA CRADLE® BRAND PATIENT REPOSITIONING SYSTEMS
UEF, LEF, HND, K-9

Several forms have been developed for repositioning and immobilizing the extremities and miscellaneous treatment sites for successful treatment of sarcomas located on the patient’s extremities. Upper and lower extremity forms are available as well as a unique form developed for treatment of the hand and wrist. Forms have also been developed for treatment of whole body patients (TBI). These forms have varied from positions with the patient lying flat to the fetal position, as well as a foam chair to treat patients in a sitting position. Custom forms have also been developed for immobilization of canine head and neck treatment sites, and use with cadavers. Perhaps the most impressive area of customization is the willingness to create whatever type of form or alteration of form may be needed by a medical facility. Inserts, angle pieces and specialization are just one more area that makes Smithers Medical Products, Inc. a unique and highly respected medical company. Most times, there is no charge for prototype forms. At SMP, we see product development as an integral part of working with the community in order to develop the type of customized repositioning forms that are needed to increase the assault on cancer. By 1999, our goal is to provide free customized forms to every pediatric patient being treated with external beam radiation therapy.

If you need a customized form bigger or smaller than what is currently offered, call and speak with our general manager. We will do everything we can to fabricate the tool you need to effectively treat your patients successfully.

The key to effectiveness when forming around extremities is to keep the foam tight against the patient. If the extremity begins to rise out of the form, wait until the foam feels spongy to the touch and then push the extremity back, deep into the form. This should produce a firm and secure repositioning device.

ACMMII

Extremities are quickly and easily immobilized when using the ACMMII. To maintain structural integrity, allow the foam to rise to a height of 1” before you place the extremity onto the bag of foam. This will keep heavy extremities from bottoming out on the forms.

The ACMMII allows the user to immobilize any part of a patient’s anatomy that can be placed onto the board. For portions of anatomy that can’t be placed flat, the forms can actually be built up and off of the base. Uses tape to keep the bag of foam around (2/3) the patient’s extremity. This will allow the creation of a deep groove that will be an excellent guide for repositioning. Ports are also easily cut (when needed) with a serrated knife. Remember to wipe off the form with a damp cloth, removing particles of foam, and then cover the exposed foam with cloth or paper tape.