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A Better, Safer Heating Method for your Radiation Oncology Department

Sep 4, 2024

Thermoplastic masks and other immobilization devices are indispensable tools that ensure patients remain immobile during treatment, allowing for accurate and effective delivery of radiation therapy. Traditionally, these devices have been prepared using water baths, a method that, while widely adopted, presents several challenges, particularly in terms of infection control and workflow efficiency. The introduction of ovens specifically designed for this purpose offers significant advantages over the conventional water bath method.

This discussion focuses on the benefits of using an oven in radiation oncology, emphasizing the improvement in patient outcomes, operational efficiency, and infection control.

Superior Infection Control

Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) remain a persistent challenge across healthcare settings, including radiation oncology departments. The conventional use of water baths to soften thermoplastic masks for patient immobilization has been identified as a potential vector for microbial contamination. A study published in the Radiation Therapist journal highlights that water baths can serve as reservoirs for pathogenic bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa​.

The moist environment of a water bath is ideal for bacterial proliferation, which poses a significant risk when masks are applied to patients repeatedly over several weeks of treatment. In contrast, using an oven to prepare thermoplastic masks eliminates the need for water, thereby reducing the risk of microbial contamination. The dry heat of the oven, combined with the inherent properties of the thermoplastic materials, minimizes the potential for bacterial survival and transmission, thereby enhancing patient safety​.

Increased Workflow Efficiency

In a busy radiation oncology department, time is of the essence. The traditional water bath method is time-consuming, requiring several steps, including heating the water, submerging the thermoplastic mask, and ensuring it reaches the optimal malleable state before application. This process can be further delayed if the water bath needs to be cleaned or reheated, or if multiple masks are required simultaneously​.

Ovens designed for thermoplastic preparation streamline this process by allowing multiple masks to be prepared simultaneously on different shelves. This capability significantly improves workflow efficiency, enabling the preparation of several patient-specific devices at once. As a result, patient throughput is enhanced, and the overall treatment schedule can be more tightly managed. Facilities equipped with an oven can better manage peak patient loads, reducing wait times and increasing the number of patients treated each day​.

Consistent and Controlled Preparation

Consistency in the preparation of immobilization devices is crucial for achieving optimal patient outcomes. The water bath method, while effective, can result in variability in the softening of thermoplastic masks due to fluctuations in water temperature and immersion time. This inconsistency can affect the fit and performance of the mask, potentially compromising patient positioning and the accuracy of radiation delivery​.

Ovens offer a controlled environment where the temperature can be precisely regulated, ensuring that each mask is prepared to the exact specifications required. This level of control reduces the likelihood of errors and ensures that the masks conform uniformly to the patient’s anatomy, providing a secure and reproducible fit. This precision is particularly important in cases where even minor deviations in positioning can lead to significant differences in the radiation dose delivered to the target area​.

Reduction in Cross-Contamination Risks

The risk of cross-contamination is a significant concern in the preparation of thermoplastic masks, especially when multiple patients are treated in succession. Water baths can harbor residual contaminants from previous uses, even with regular cleaning. This contamination risk is exacerbated in facilities with high patient turnover, where thorough cleaning between uses may not always be feasible​.

Ovens, on the other hand, eliminate the shared environment that a water bath represents. By preparing each mask in a separate compartment or on a dedicated shelf, the risk of cross-contamination between patients is significantly reduced. This approach aligns with best practices in infection control, which prioritize the use of single-use or easily sterilized equipment to minimize the transmission of infectious agents​.

Improved Staff Safety and Ergonomics

From an occupational health perspective, the use of ovens over water baths also presents advantages. Handling hot water baths can pose a burn risk to staff, especially in fast-paced environments where the focus on patient care may lead to lapses in safety protocols. Additionally, the repetitive motions involved in lifting and maneuvering masks within water baths can contribute to musculoskeletal strain over time​.

Ovens, particularly those designed with ergonomic considerations, reduce these risks. The shelves in the oven allow for easy insertion and removal of masks without the need for manual handling of hot water or awkward positioning. This not only enhances the safety and comfort of the staff but also contributes to a more efficient workflow, as staff can focus on patient care rather than managing the equipment​.

Support for Advanced Treatment Techniques

As radiation oncology continues to advance, the need for precise and reliable immobilization techniques becomes even more critical. The use of ovens in preparing thermoplastic masks supports the integration of advanced treatment techniques, such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), which demand high precision in patient positioning​.

By ensuring that each mask is prepared to exacting standards, ovens contribute to the overall accuracy and effectiveness of these advanced treatment modalities. This is particularly important in complex cases where the margin for error is minimal, and the consequences of misalignment can be severe​.

Partnering with a Ultraray for Radiation Oncology Needs:

When it comes to selecting equipment and supplies for radiation oncology, partnering with a Canadian-owned and operated company offers several strategic advantages that go beyond just the clinical benefits.

  • Canadian Owned and Operated: Working with a company that is based in Canada ensures that you are dealing with an organization that understands the specific needs and regulations of the Canadian healthcare system. This local expertise translates into better service and support tailored to your unique requirements.
  • Warehousing in Canada with Just-In-Time (JIT) Delivery: With warehousing facilities located within Canada, we can offer reliable just-in-time delivery. This means that essential equipment and supplies, such as the Klarity ovens, masks, cushions, and baseplates, along with Moldcare, are readily available without the delays that often come with international shipping. This is particularly crucial in a field where timing can directly impact patient outcomes.
  • Clinical Representatives in Every Territory: Having clinical representatives available across all territories ensures that you have access to expert support whenever and wherever you need it. This local presence means faster response times and a deeper understanding of regional needs, enhancing the overall effectiveness of your radiation oncology services.
  • All Pricing in Canadian Funds: By pricing all products in Canadian dollars, the company eliminates concerns over fluctuating exchange rates, customs duties, and border delays. This not only simplifies budgeting but also ensures that there are no unexpected costs or delays in receiving critical equipment.

Highlighting Critical Products

In addition to the operational benefits, the company offers a range of critical products that enhance the efficiency and safety of your radiation oncology practice:

  • Ovens: These ovens are designed to allow for the simultaneous preparation of multiple patient-specific devices, significantly speeding up the workflow. Unlike water baths, which pose sanitary concerns, these ovens provide a controlled, sanitary environment that enhances patient safety and reduces the risk of infections.
  • Moldcare: The availability of Moldcare products through Canadian warehousing ensures quick and reliable access without the complications of border crossings, foreign exchange fluctuations, or extended wait times. This is crucial for maintaining the efficiency and responsiveness of your treatment schedules.
  • Masks: Our range of masks, including options with Kevlar and BiteLock systems, deliver unmatched protection and patient comfort during radiation therapy. These masks are specifically designed to ensure precise patient positioning, enhancing both the safety and accuracy of treatment.
  • Accushion: The Klarity Accushion system provides a custom fit for each patient, ensuring maximum comfort and stability during radiation therapy. Designed to improve immobilization, the Accushion molds precisely to the patient’s anatomy, reducing movement and enhancing the accuracy of treatment delivery. Available through Canadian warehousing, the Klarity Accushion is readily accessible, ensuring your clinic stays on schedule without delays caused by shipping or supply shortages.
  • BiteLock: The BiteLock system offers superior patient immobilization by securing the head and neck in precise alignment during radiation therapy. Engineered with patient safety and comfort in mind, BiteLock ensures that even the smallest movements are minimized, which is critical for accurate radiation targeting. With its ergonomic design and high-grade materials, the BiteLock system provides both protection and peace of mind throughout the treatment process.

All of this, ensures a smooth, reliable, and cost-effective procurement process This enables departments to focus on what matters most, providing the best possible care for your patients.

For more information and to explore the full range of products that can enhance your practice, visit https://ultraraymedical.com/imaging-accessories/radiation-therapy/.

If you’d like to learn more about how our radiation oncology products can revolutionize your department, or if you have specific questions about our product offerings, we’re here to help. Contact one of our knowledgeable sales representatives today to discuss your needs and discover how we can support your practice.

Reach out to us here: https://ultraraymedical.com/contact-us/

Our team is ready to assist you in finding the best solutions for your department, ensuring you provide the highest level of care to your patients.

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