The invention comprises a method and apparatus for tracking and/or imaging impact of a particle beam treating a tumor using one or more imaging systems positionable about the tumor, such as a positron emission tracking and/or imaging system, where resulting tracking/imaging data: dynamically determines a treatment beam position, tracks a history of treatment beam positions, guides the treatment beam, and/or images a tumor before, during, and/or after treatment with the charged particle beam.

A restraint system for a patient to be exposed to a radiation beam is disclosed. The system includes a patient support panel and a head restraint assembly in the form of a face mask to which plural clips are secured. The patient support panel includes plural connectors, which may include fixed or adjustable connectors. The clips include are configured to engage the plural connectors in a snap-on manner, without the need for tools or separate fastening devices.

Methods of immobilizing the head of a patient include heating a thermoplastic mask preform to a formable temperature, forming the thermoplastic mask over at least a mouth of the patient, and pushing a mouth receiving end of a bite piece into a portion of the thermoplastic mask preform that is positioned over the mouth of the patient, which moves the portion of the thermoplastic mask preform into the mouth of the patient. The methods also include allowing the thermoplastic mask preform to cool from the formable temperature, causing the portion of the thermoplastic mask moved into the mouth of the patient to harden.

Described herein are systems and methods of processing immobilization molds for application of treatment, A computing system may generate a three-dimensional mold model of immobilization mold within with a subject is to be positioned for application of a treatment. The computing system may subtract a three-dimensional scan of at least a portion of the subject from the three-dimensional mold model to define an opening therein. The computing system may remove, from the three-dimensional mold model, a first portion to define an imprint in the opening from a first axis along which the subject is to enter. The computing system may remove, from a second portion of the three-dimensional mold model remaining with the removal of the first portion, inward protrusions into the imprint of relative to the second axis intersecting the first axis.

A structure includes a base comprising a first ramp and an opposing, second ramp. The structure further includes a shell frame having an inner surface configured to a shape of a body part and an outer convex surface, wherein the outer convex surface of the shell frame rides upon, and moves relative to, upper surfaces of the first ramp and the second ramp to enable a pitch of the shell frame to be adjusted relative to the base.

An intraoral positioning device (IPD) is disclosed for positioning in a patient's mouth for radiation therapy planning and treatment, the device comprising an engagement member configured to engage structure within a patient's mouth during radiation planning or treatment, wherein the engagement member includes an upper wall, a lower wall and first and second side walls extending from and between the upper and lower walls, whereby the upper, lower and first and second side walls form top, bottom, front and rear walls of a bite block, and a handle extending from the engagement member to enable a user to grasp the IPD for introducing and removing it from the patient's mouth.

Disclosed is a patient positioning assembly for orientating a patient with respect to a radiation source. The patient positioning assembly includes a translatable member movable in a vertical direction between a vertically downwards first position and a vertically upwards second position. The patient positioning assembly further includes a patient support assembly mounted to the translatable member and adapted to rotate relative to the translatable member about a vertical axis. The patient support assembly is configurable between a first orientation, which sustains the patient in a seated position, and a second orientation, which sustains the patient in a generally standing position.

An accessory device and an immobilization system including the device are provided for positioning at least a portion of a patient's body relative to an immobilization device including a low temperature thermoplastic sheet. The accessory device may include a patient fixation portion and a lock portion. The patient fixation portion is attached to or inserted in the patient during use. The lock portion may extend distally from the patient fixation portion generally along a lock portion axis. The lock portion includes a shape, surface feature, or configuration, such that the low temperature thermoplastic sheet may be conformed to the outer surface of the lock portion of the accessory device, such that unintended separation of the accessory device from the low temperature thermoplastic sheet is prevented. Methods of forming the accessory device and immobilization system are also provided.

A support system configured to support the lower extremities of a patient, for example during radiotherapy and imaging procedures, and methods for employing the same is provided. The support system includes a knee support apparatus and a foot support apparatus, each of which may be used together or independently in order to customize the support needed for the particular procedure. When used on the patient table of an appropriate imaging or treatment modality, the support system is configured to allow the clinician to independently adjust the knee support and foot support's positioning in the superior-inferior axis of the patient table in both a gross and fine manner for optimal positioning of the patient for the target procedure. The robust adjustment capabilities of the support system enable enhanced patient comfort, setup reproducibility, and workflow efficiency.

The invention discloses a radio-oncology patient positioning device (100) comprising a torso support portion (102, 104) adapted to support the torso of a patient, having first positioning members (106) configured to releasably arrange a knee positioning means; and/or a pelvic positioning device; and a shoulder support region (102) comprising second positioning members (110) adapted to releasably arrange a neck positioning means; and/or a shoulder positioning device;
characterized by: a head support portion (116); wherein the head support portion (116) is pivotally mounted, by means of at least one hinge (114) to the torso support portion (102, 104) or a base plate (102) on which the torso support portion (102) is mounted; and wherein the head support portion (116) is adapted such that a radio-oncological head positioning device (200; 200′) is detachably attachable to the head support portion (116), wherein a occipital mask and/or a face mask is arrangeable to the head positioning device (200; 200′).