These are NOT your usual soft positioning aids. Alpha Cradle® forms are Fully Customized Anatomical Forms that allow you to reposition your patient in the exact set-up position continually, on a daily basis.
The patient simply rests as warm foam rises around every contour of their unique anatomy. Within 15 minutes, the form has finished forming and hardened. The patient simply gets up and the form is complete.
Dramatic Results — Better Accuracy and Comfort
ZERO Virus Transmission or Infection Transfer
A correctly made form will easily support the patient as they get into and out of the form. The foam rises tightly against the patient and molds to their exact position. Durable enough to stand on, these forms are climate friendly and recyclable.
The form can be indexed easily with alignment lasers by marking where the lasers hit the cradles. Ports can be easily cut through the forms. Superior immobilization allows for tighter margins and leads to more lethal radiation to the tumor, with less potential collateral damage. Alpha Cradle® forms have a flat base and do not leak air, which can create the need for re-simulation and treatment.
Poor Accuracy — Slows Set Up Times
Vacuum bags work by pulling the air out of a bag that the patient lays on. This requires added investment in equipment to pull air out, as well as the cost of buying differing sized bags. Once the air is out, the form pulls away from the patient. The sides are soft and can be bent when putting weight on the bag. They are not flat and will not sit firmly on the treatment couch or index easily to the couch. They may leak air, and if a small pinhole occurs, it becomes useless.
Re-using repositioning devices may pose a health risk to radiation patients with weakened immune systems. Used vacuum bags can transmit viruses, and antimicrobial-treated positioners may expose patients to dangerous chemicals. There is just no practical way to remove 100% of bacteria, viruses and contamination.
Set up quickly, with minimum effort and maximum results. Easy in, and easy out ensures you save valuable time by quickly enabling your patient to get into and out of the exact treatment position.
| Feature | Vac Bags | Alpha Cradle® |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | ❌ Can feel awkward, uneven pressure | ✅ Sturdy, evenly supportive fit |
| Safety | ❌ Can leak air or harbor bacteria | ✅ Leak-proof, clean, inert |
| Daily Setup | ❌ Must reshape/adjust each time | ✅ Instantly reproducible fit |
| Reliability | ❌ May shift during treatment | ✅ Locks patient in position |
| Toxicology | ❌ Unverified chemical safety | ✅ Independently lab-tested |
Gunilla Bentel, RN, RTT
Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC