At ASRT, Orfit® Industries America Introduces Enhanced Fixation Technology for Efficast® Thermoplastic Masks

BOSTON, Sept. 21, 2008 – To increase precision, safety and usability for patient immobilization during radiation therapy, Orfit® Industries America today announced a new fixation technology for its Efficast® thermoplastic masks. At the 32nd American Society of Radiation Technologists (ASRT) Radiation Therapy conference in Boston, Mass., from Sept. 21-23 at the Boston Marriot Copley Place, Orfit Industries America is showcasing new winged “L” profiles that secure Efficast masks for head, neck and shoulders into the high precision slots in the Orfit base plate. Compared to competitive u-shaped or s-type masks with commonly used push pins or that use swivel clamps, these new winged “L” profiles can be easily grasped with the fingers -- make it easier to mold Efficast masks, position them precisely and remove them quickly in case of emergency. Orfit is displaying the profiles as part of its complete immobilization solutions at booth 104.

“Our new winged L profile system provides usability benefits to therapists, and enhanced safety for patients,” said Steven Cuypers, president, Orfit Industries. “But perhaps most important, these profiles make our Efficast fixation system even more precise. Orfit solutions already surpass the competition by reducing patient movement to less than 2 mm. Now, we are enabling even more accurate therapy delivery through this simple but extremely effective design.”

Simplified mask molding, positioning and release

The sturdy profiles and attached wings simplify removing the mask from the water bath, positioning it over the patient’s face and neck, and attaching it to the base plate.Using the wings, the therapist can release the mask quickly in case of patient distress. Further, the profiles are designed with smooth rounded edges to ensure maximum for patients. This system provides greater ease of use than traditional push pins, which can cause numbness of the hands after repeated use, and may be difficult to release quickly.

Another benefit of this design is the ability to quickly and easily reposition the patient multiple times during adaptive radiation therapy.

The winged “L” profiles are made using a high-precision injection molding process. They are attached to the masks by innovative laser welding that ensures a stable bond without the risk of the profile separating from the thermoplastic mask material. Separation of the thermoplastic from the frame is known to occur with competitive masks.

Orfit Industries America will also have hands-on demonstrations at their booth throughout the conference, showing attendees the ease of use, innovative materials and factors that separate Orfit Industries America from their competitors.

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