The MacroMedics Double Shell patient positioning system DSPS®: Why it’s a superior option for SRS and SRT

Radiation Oncology Departments that provide Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) and Stereotactic Radiotherapy (SRT) Treatments know the advantage this therapy offers for both patients and providers. Patients can be on the road to recovery with fewer treatments, and facilities can accept a larger patient volume because the treatment course can be completed in fewer visits. To realize the full potential of these benefits radiation oncology facilities must invest in the required equipment, notably an SRS/SRT-capable linear accelerator system. This is also true for patient positioning systems. The patient positioning equipment a facility chooses can have a tremendous impact not only on the treatment outcome but the patient experience and the workflow efficiency for the clinicians treating them.

To maximize the potential that SRS and SRT treatment techniques have to offer, facilities need a patient positioning system that not only provides sub millimetric positioning accuracy, but must also be comfortable for the patient to maintain their position during these long treatments times. Additionally, it must be user-friendly for the clinicians. In these areas, one product excels: the MacroMedics Double Shell patient positioning system (DSPS®).

Macromedics was the first to Introduce the concept of the Double Shell Positioning System.  MacroMedics’ s DSPS® has been used in more than 40,000 patient treatments. It has gained popularity because of several key advantages over competing systems. These include:

1. Patient Positioning – the system provides for sub millimetric positioning accuracy. Users report single fraction treatments utilizing the tightest tolerances with optical guidance and no beam holds being asserted Now that is immobilization!
2. Patient comfort – The DSPS® system is the only system utilizing a different thermoplastic for creation of the posterior mask. It has been specifically engineered so there is no need for a headrest to support it when the posterior mask is created. This allows the therapist full access to truly customize the mask without the pressure points caused by having a headrest during the sim process. Patient feedback is that the mask feels like their head is floating in hammock. No Shrinkage provides for comfortable treatments for the entire course.
3. Ease of use – The creation of the Double Shell mask takes less than 15 minutes. Because the masks are non-stick there is no need for a shower cap. Therapists are typically able to create the mask set in less than 15 minutes.
4. Versatility – With the Double Shell system the same cradle can be used for five different techniques (DSPS, SSPS, prone, SSPSHNS, and DSPSHNS).
5. Lower Cost – The Double Shell system is compatible with S-frame boards from most other vendors. This means that facilities do not need to repurchase their boards in order to take advantage of the Double Shell’s superior patient comfort, positioning and lower costs. Mask sets are one of the most significant recurring costs for SRT/SRS patient positioning systems, and some competitors charge from $250 to $400 per set. MacroMedics prioritizes affordability and offers their carbon fiber cradle and mask sets well below its competitors laying the groundwork for long-term savings over competing products. Additionally, the system has been evaluated by revenue cycle and two complex devices can be billed when creating the mask set.
6. Unique construction – This system uses an ultralight carbon fiber cradle which provides a rigid base and ensures low attenuation. The hollow carbon fiber stanchions have only 0.6 % attenuation using 6 MV.

In all areas, MacroMedics’s DSPS® outperforms competitors.

For example, one competing product has a large mouthpiece that can cause a gag reflex in patients. Therapist must force the mouthpiece further into the patient’s mouth due to the placement of the thermoplastics. Some have also criticized the same system’s posterior solution utilizing an Accuform™ for greater potential for positioning error.

Meanwhile, another competing system that happens to be the most expensive option requires users to hold the occipital mask in place for long periods or have it drop to the table. Their equipment also requires customers to buy the board, which is optional for MacroMedics customers.

Another system that is “included” with several machine purchases falls short by the need for a headrest during the sim process and has built in shims that have been reported to get stuck, trapping the patient in the mask. Users have also shared that there is less clearance for patients with larger body habitus.

MacroMedics’s DSPS® has none of these drawbacks; instead, it offers sub millimetric accuracy in positioning with the most comfortable, user-friendly experience on the market, all at a competitive price point.

Radiology Oncology Systems is a proud distributor of the MacroMedics Double Shell, and the entire MacroMedics product line. For more information, please contact us at Info@Oncologysystems.com, or visit www.OncologySystems.com.