They have a flat base and do not leak air, which can create the need for re-simulation and treatment. Alpha Cradle forms press tightly against the patient as they form. Vacuum bags pull away. Vac bags also require an investment in equipment. Unfortunately, vac bags are reused by some facilities that do not notify the…
Many foams are recyclable. You can recycle if it’s done in your area. Forms that end in landfills are actually good for the environment, as foam acts as a natural soil drain. No hazardous chemicals leach into the ground. You may also return forms to Smithers Medical Products for proper recycling and disposal.
We always recommend using expired foam to train students or new staff using Alpha Cradle brand products. If you wish to safely discard the foam, open the large bag used to make your form, mix the foam together, pour foam-over into the bag, roll up bag and place in trash receptacle. Treat as any other…
When the foam is poured into the bag, the bag must be placed on a piece of wood, styrofoam or cardboard, until the foam has risen a good solid inch or two. Then the bag can be transferred to your accessory device or treatment table. These act as insulators and keep the heat in the…
AC250 – Adult upper extremities, HEAD, HEAD & NECK AC325 – Most adult sites, HEAD & SHOULDER, BREAST, PELVIC AC500 – THIS 1.5 VOLUME OF AC325. Use it to make larger and stronger forms. AC660 – THIS IS 2.0 VOLUME OF AC325. Use it to make extended breast forms. From HEAD TO THIGHS, or EXTENDED…
Smithers Medical Products, Inc. is dedicated to the ongoing education of radiation therapists. As such, we have developed a completely free training and certification course for radiation therapists and oncologists to help increase knowledge and stay current on radiation therapy treatment trends and the Alpha Cradle® system. This course is one more way to show…
Help keep our planet green with SMP Products Our Alpha Cradle® brand patient repositioning anatomical forms are made from expanded polystyrene (EPS). EPS is CFC free, and does not harm the environment. Alpha Cradles® are made from reprocessed EPS, are fully-recyclable, and can be completely dissolved in the recycling process using common citrus oils. In…
EASY INTEGRATION — Make the form you need, on the device you use ™ Our customized foam can work with any and all treatment table tops and devices. This superior foam, placed between your patient and your treatment device, creates a durable and customized form that keeps the patient in the exact…
Gunilla Bentel, R.N., R.T.T., was a renowned author and clinician at Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina. Gunilla was the Chief Dosimetrist and Clinical Associate in the Department of Radiation Oncology/Physics Division. Gunilla was a true pioneer in the use of immobilization devices for external beam radiation therapy patients. Ms. Bentel spent several decades…
PATIENT POSITIONING AND IMMOBILIZATION IN RADIATION ONCOLOGY: SOME CONSIDERATIONS BY Gunilla C. Bentel, RN, RTT Duke University Medical Center Durham, North Durham INTRODUCTION Uncertainties associated with the delivery of a prescribed radiation treatment can be divided into two groups; uncertainties of dose (i.e., in homogeneities, dose calculations, variables in machine output and uncertainties in patient-beam…