WO2018002811A1

WO2018002811A1 - Compression apparatuses for positioning and immobilizing a patient and related methods

Info

Publication number: WO2018002811A1
Application number: PCT/IB2017/053815
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andrew N. Morrow; Seth RHODES
Original assignee: Scott & White Healthcare
Priority date: 2016-06-28
Filing date: 2017-06-26
Publication date: 2018-01-04

Abstract

At least some of the present apparatuses comprise: at least one post configured to extend between the legs of a patient; an elongated crossbar configured to be coupled to the at least one post; and a paddle configured to be coupled to the crossbar such that the paddle is movable relative to the at least one post in: a first direction that is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the crossbar in order to dispose at least a portion of the paddle over the abdomen of the patient; and/or a second a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the crossbar.

Description

DESCRIPTION

COMPRESSION APPARATUSES FOR POSITIONING AND IMMOBILIZING A

PATIENT AND RELATED METHODS

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent

Application Serial No. 62/355,433, filed on June 28, 2016, hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of Invention

[0002] The present invention relates generally to apparatuses and methods for positioning and immobilizing a patient, such as during a therapeutic and/or diagnostic treatment, and more specifically, but not by way of limitation, to compression apparatuses and related methods for positioning and immobilizing a patient.

2. Description of Related Art

[0003] The need for effective patient immobilization is well-documented. For example, during radiation therapy, immobilization may reduce normal tissue complication probability as well as allow increased irradiation of a target tissue. In many instances, patient immobilization is accomplished through the use of a frame including arched compression structures that arch over and around the patient.

SUMMARY

[0004] Existing patient immobilization apparatuses may be bulky, wide, and may interfere with radiation beams. Therefore, there exists a need for improved patient immobilization apparatuses and methods that provide for reduced interference with radiation beams directed toward the patient.

[0005] Some embodiments of the present apparatuses (e.g., for patient immobilization) comprise: at least one post configured to extend between the legs of a patient; an elongated crossbar configured to be coupled to the at least one post; and a paddle configured to be coupled to the crossbar such that the paddle is movable relative to the at least one post in: a first direction that is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the crossbar in order to dispose at least a portion of the paddle over the abdomen of the patient; and/or a second a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the crossbar.

[0006] In some embodiments of the present apparatuses, the at least one post is configured to be coupled to a base.

[0007] In some embodiments of the present apparatuses, the at least one post is coupled to a support structure that is configured to support one or both knees of the patient.

[0008] In some embodiments of the present apparatuses, the crossbar is configured to extend in a direction substantially parallel to a median plane of the patient.

[0009] In some embodiments of the present apparatuses, the at least one post includes a channel configured to receive the crossbar.

[0010] Some embodiments of the present apparatuses further comprise an adjustable joint configured to be coupled between the paddle and the crossbar such that the adjustable joint permits rotational and/or translational movement of the paddle relative to the at least one post.

[0011] Some embodiments of the present apparatuses further comprise a shaft configured to couple the paddle to the crossbar.

[0012] In some embodiments of the present apparatuses, at least one of the one or more posts includes: a first end; and a second end; where a distance between the first end and the second end is adjustable.

[0013] Some embodiments of the present disclosure include a kit (e.g., for patient immobilization) comprising: a support structure configured to be disposed over one or both knees of the patient; at least one post configured to be coupled to the support structure; an elongated crossbar configured to be coupled to the at least one post; and a paddle configured to be coupled to the crossbar such that the paddle is movable relative to the at least one post in: a first direction that is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the crossbar in order to dispose at least a portion of the paddle over the abdomen of the patient; and/or a second a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the crossbar.

[0014] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the crossbar is configured to extend in a direction substantially parallel relative to a median plane of the patient.

[0015] Some embodiments of the present disclosure further comprise a knee support configured to support one or both knees of the patient.

[0016] Some embodiments of the present apparatuses for patient immobilization during a radiation therapy comprise: at least one post configured to extend between the legs of a patient; an elongated crossbar configured to be coupled to the at least one post; and a paddle configured to be coupled to the crossbar, the paddle being configured to engage a portion of the abdomen of the patient.

[0017] In some embodiments of the present apparatuses, at least one of the one or more posts includes a first end and a second end, where a distance between the first end and the second is adjustable such that the paddle is configured to engage the portion of the abdomen.

[0018] In some embodiments of the present apparatuses, the at least one post includes a channel configured to receive the crossbar.

[0019] In some embodiments of the present apparatuses, the crossbar is configured to extend in a direction substantially parallel to a median plane of the patient.

[0020] Some embodiments of the present methods (e.g., of immobilizing a patient for a radiotherapy procedure) comprise: positioning an apparatus between the legs of the patient, where the apparatus includes: at least one post configured to extend between the legs of the patient, an elongated crossbar coupled to the at least one post, and a paddle configured to be coupled to the crossbar; moving the paddle in a first direction that is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the crossbar in order to dispose at least a portion of the paddle over the abdomen of the patient; and moving the paddle in a second a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the crossbar.

[0021] In some embodiments of the present methods, moving the paddle in the second direction causes the paddle to move toward the patient.

[0022] In some embodiments of the present methods, at least one of the one or more posts includes: a first end, a second end, and the method further comprises adjusting a distance between the first end and the second end.

[0023] In some embodiments of the present methods, moving the paddle in the second direction engages the paddle with the abdomen of the patient.

[0024] In some embodiments of the present methods, moving the paddle in the first direction includes moving the paddle in a direction substantially parallel to a median plane of the patient.

[0025] The term "coupled" is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically; two items that are "coupled" may be unitary with each other. The terms "a" and "an" are defined as one or more unless this disclosure explicitly requires otherwise. The term "substantially" is defined as largely but not necessarily wholly what is specified (and includes what is specified; e.g., substantially 90 degrees includes 90 degrees and substantially parallel includes parallel), as understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. In any disclosed embodiment, the term "substantially" may be substituted with "within [a percentage] of what is specified, where the percentage includes .1, 1, 5, and 10 percent.

[0026] Further, an apparatus or system that is configured in a certain way is configured in at least that way, but it can also be configured in other ways than those specifically described.

[0027] The terms "comprise" (and any form of comprise, such as "comprises" and "comprising"), "have" (and any form of have, such as "has" and "having"), and "include" (and any form of include, such as "includes" and "including") are open-ended linking verbs. As a result, an apparatus that "comprises," "has," or "includes" one or more elements possesses those one or more elements, but is not limited to possessing only those elements. Likewise, a method that "comprises," "has," or "includes" one or more steps possesses those one or more steps, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more steps. [0028] Any embodiment of any of the apparatuses, systems, and methods can consist of or consist essentially of - rather than comprise/include/have - any of the described steps, elements, and/or features. Thus, in any of the claims, the term "consisting of or "consisting essentially of can be substituted for any of the open-ended linking verbs recited above, in order to change the scope of a given claim from what it would otherwise be using the open- ended linking verb.

[0029] The feature or features of one embodiment may be applied to other embodiments, even though not described or illustrated, unless expressly prohibited by this disclosure or the nature of the embodiments.

[0030] Some details associated with the embodiments described above and others are described below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The following drawings illustrate by way of example and not limitation. For the sake of brevity and clarity, every feature of a given structure is not always labeled in every figure in which that structure appears. Identical reference numbers do not necessarily indicate an identical structure. Rather, the same reference number may be used to indicate a similar feature or a feature with similar functionality, as may non-identical reference numbers. The figures are drawn to scale (unless otherwise noted), meaning the sizes of the depicted elements are accurate relative to each other for at least the embodiment depicted in the figures.

[0032] FIGs. 1-5 are perspective, top, first side, second side, and third side views, respectively, of one embodiment of the present apparatuses.

[0033] FIG. 6 is a top view of the apparatus of FIGs. 1-5, shown in use with a patient. [0034] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIGs. 1-5, shown on a platform. [0035] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the present apparatuses, shown on a platform.

[0036] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the present apparatuses, shown on a platform.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGs. 1-7, shown therein and designated by the reference numeral 10 is a first embodiment of the present apparatuses.

In the depicted embodiment, apparatus 10 may be used to reduce movement of the body of a patient during a medical procedure, such as, for example, during radiation therapy. For example, in this embodiment, apparatus 10 may provide abdominal compression to a patient to reduce movement of the abdomen of the patient, which may facilitate accurate targeting of lesions (e.g., lung lesions) with a radiation beam.

[0038] In the embodiment shown, apparatus 10 includes a base 14 to which other components (e.g., one or more posts 30, described in more detail below) of the apparatus can be coupled. Referring additionally to FIGs. 6 and 7, base 14 may be disposed on a patient platform 18 (e.g., a table). In this embodiment, movement of base 14 relative to platform 18 may be restricted by the weight of a patient (e.g., 22). In some embodiments (e.g., 10), a base (e.g., 14) may be configured to be coupled to a platform (e.g., 18) and/or an existing radiotherapy immobilization device (e.g., a thigh board, knee board, foot board, wing board, and/or the like) via one or more table latches, one or more fasteners (e.g., screws, nuts, bolts, rivets, pins, and/or the like), and/or the like. In other embodiments, a base (e.g., 14) may comprise a patient platform (e.g., 18) and/or the patient platform may function as the base.

[0039] In the depicted embodiment, base 14 may have a substantially rectangular shape. In this embodiment, base 14 includes a substantially planar upper surface 26. In other embodiments, a base (e.g., 14) may have any suitable shape, such as, for example, a shape that is circular, elliptical, otherwise rounded, square, rectangular, triangular, and/or otherwise polygonal, and such a base may have a non-planar upper surface (e.g., 26).

[0040] In the depicted embodiment, apparatus 10 may include one or more posts 30 (e.g., two posts, as shown) configured to be positioned between legs (e.g., 34) of a patient (e.g., 22). In this embodiment, one or more posts 30 may be configured to be coupled to base 14 such that the one or more posts extend from upper surface 26 of the base. For example, in the depicted embodiment, each of one or more posts 30 includes a first end 38 and a second end 42, where the first end is configured to be coupled to base 14 (e.g., via one or more fasteners, such as, for example, screws, nuts, bolts, rivets, pins, and/or the like, integral formation, and/or the like) such that the second end is spaced above upper surface 26 of the base. In the embodiment shown, at least one of one or more posts 30 may be cylindrical (e.g., the at least one post may include a circular cross-section). In other embodiments, one or more posts (e.g., 30) may be of any suitable shape, such as, for example, a shape having a cross-section that is circular, elliptical, otherwise rounded, triangular, square, rectangular, and/or otherwise polygonal.

[0041] In the depicted embodiment, one or more posts 30 each extend a height 46, measured between first end 38 and second end 42 of the post, that is sufficient to allow apparatus 10 to accommodate a patient (e.g., 22) between the second end of the post and a crossbar 50 (described in more detail below) coupled to the one or more posts. In some embodiments, one or more posts (e.g., 30) may be configured to provide for an adjustable height (e.g., 46). For example, in some embodiments, at least one of one or more posts (e.g., 30) may include a first portion that has a first end (e.g., 38) and a second portion that has a second end (e.g., 42), where the second portion is movably coupled to the first portion such that a distance between the first end and the second end is adjustable. For further example, some embodiments may include interchangeable posts (e.g., 30) of varying lengths. One or more posts 30 can comprise any suitable height 46 such as, for example, approximately any one of, or between approximately any two of the following: 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, and 30 centimeters.

[0042] In this embodiment, one or more posts 30 are configured to support an elongated crossbar 50 extending between a first end 54 and a second end 58. More particularly, in the embodiment shown, second end 42 of at least one of one or more posts 30 includes a connection portion 62 that defines a channel 66 (whether of open or closed cross-section) through which crossbar 50 can extend. In the depicted embodiment, crossbar 50 may be cylindrical (e.g., the crossbar may include a circular cross-section). In other embodiments, a crossbar (e.g., 50) may be of any suitable shape, such as, for example, a shape having a cross- section that is circular, elliptical, otherwise rounded, triangular, square, rectangular, and/or otherwise polygonal. In this embodiment, a channel 66 of a post 30 through which crossbar 50 can extend may include a cross-section that corresponds to (e.g., substantially matches) a cross-section of the crossbar.

[0043] In the embodiment shown, a channel 66 of a post 30 may be configured such that, when crossbar 50 is disposed within the channel, the crossbar extends in a direction that is substantially parallel to upper surface 26 of base 14; for example, a longitudinal axis of the channel may be substantially parallel to the upper surface of the base. However, in other embodiments, a channel (e.g., 66) of a post (e.g., 30) may be configured such that a crossbar (e.g., 50) disposed within the channel extends in a direction that is angularly disposed (e.g., inclined or declined) relative to an upper surface (e.g., 26) of a base (e.g., 14). In the embodiment shown, two or more channels 66 (e.g., longitudinal axes thereof) may be aligned such that crossbar 50 can extend through each of the two or more channels.

[0044] In this embodiment, at least a portion of crossbar 50 may be configured to extend in a direction away from one or more posts 30 such that the portion of the crossbar extends over the body of a patient (e.g., 22). For example, in the embodiment shown, second end 58 of crossbar 50 may be configured to extend over the abdomen (e.g., 70) of a patient (e.g., 22) (FIG. 6). In the depicted embodiment, crossbar 50 is configured to extend substantially along (e.g., parallel to) a median plane (e.g., 74) of a patient (e.g., 22). In these ways and others, apparatus 10 may be configured to position and/or immobilize a patient (e.g., 22), while reducing the size and/or number of structures that may interfere with radiation beams, such as those directed along a transverse plane (e.g., 78) of the patient, thereby allowing for increased treatment beam geometries and improving the accuracy, efficiency, and/or reproducibility of treatments, as compared to apparatuses have a structure extending along the transverse plane.

[0045] In the depicted embodiment, crossbar 50 may be movable (e.g., translationally along a longitudinal axis 82 of the crossbar and/or rotationally about the longitudinal axis of the crossbar) relative to one or more posts 30. For example, apparatus 10 may be configured such that crossbar 50 can be slidably and/or rotatably received by connection portion 62 (e.g., within channel 66) of each of one or more posts 30. In this embodiment, connection portion 62 of each of one or more posts 30 may be configured to restrict rotational and/or translational movement of crossbar 50 relative to the one or more posts via, for example, one or more fasteners (e.g., screws, nuts, bolts, rivets, pins, and/or the like), a frictional force between the connection portion and the crossbar, interlocking features of the connection portion and the crossbar, and/or the like.

[0046] In the depicted embodiment, apparatus 10 may include an extension member 86 configured to be coupled to crossbar 50 such that the extension member restricts movement of a patient (e.g., 22). For example, in the embodiment shown, extension member 86 includes a paddle 98 configured to engage the body of a patient (e.g., 22) to restrict movement of the patient. To illustrate, paddle 98 may exert force against the abdomen (e.g., 70) of a patient (e.g., 22) to reduce movement of the abdomen of the patient, which may facilitate accurate targeting of lesions (e.g., lung lesions) with a radiation beam. In this embodiment, paddle 98 may include a bottom surface 106 that is planar and/or curved. In the depicted embodiment, bottom surface 106 may include protrusions, may be textured, and/or the like (e.g., to mitigate movement of paddle 98 relative to a patient 22). In the embodiment shown, paddle 98 may include a plurality of lobes, such that, for example, the paddle is multifoil- shaped (e.g., trefoil- shaped, quatrefoil-shaped, and/or the like). In other embodiments, a paddle (e.g., 98) may be of any suitable shape, such as, for example, a shape having a cross-section that is circular, elliptical, otherwise rounded, triangular, square, rectangular, and/or otherwise polygonal.

[0047] In this embodiment, extension member 86 may include a shaft 94 configured to couple paddle 98 to crossbar 50. In the depicted embodiment, shaft 94 may have a cross- sectional area that is smaller than a cross-sectional area of paddle 98. Shaft 94 may be coupled to paddle 98 in any suitable fashion, such as, for example, via adhesive, welding, one or more fasteners (e.g., screws, nuts, bolts, rivets, pins, and/or the like), integral formation, and/or the like. In the depicted embodiment, shaft 94 may be cylindrical (e.g., the shaft may include a circular cross- section). In other embodiments, a shaft (e.g., 94) may be of any suitable shape, such as for example, a shape having a cross-section that is circular, elliptical, otherwise rounded, triangular, square, rectangular, and/or otherwise polygonal.

[0048] In this embodiment, extension member 86 may be adjustable, such that, for example, a translational and/or rotational position of the extension member relative to one or more posts 30 can be varied. For example, in the depicted embodiment, extension member 86 is configured to be coupled to crossbar 50 via an adjustable joint 90. In this embodiment, joint 90 may include a first channel 118 (whether of open or closed cross-section) through which at least a portion of shaft 94 can extend and/or a second channel 122 (whether of open or closed cross-section) through which at least a portion of crossbar 50 can extend. In the depicted embodiment, shaft 94 may be slidably and/or rotatably received by first channel 118 and/or crossbar 50 may be slidably and/or rotatably received by second channel 122. Thus, translational movement of extension member 86 relative to one or more posts 30 may be provided by translation of crossbar 50 relative to second channel 122, translation of the crossbar relative to channel 66 of each of the one or more posts, and/or translation of shaft 94 relative to first channel 118 and/or rotational movement of the extension member relative to the one or more posts may be provided by rotation of the crossbar relative to the second channel, rotation of the crossbar relative to channel 66 of each of the one or more posts, and/or rotation of shaft 94 within the first channel. In this embodiment, first channel 118 may include a cross-section that corresponds to (e.g., substantially matches) a cross-section of shaft 94 and/or second channel 122 may include a cross-section that corresponds to (e.g., substantially matches) a cross-section of crossbar 50. In the depicted embodiment, joint 90 may be configured to restrict rotational and/or translational movement of extension member 86 relative to one or more posts 30 via, for example, one or more fasteners (e.g., screws, nuts, bolts, rivets, pins, and/or the like), a frictional force between the joint and crossbar 50 and/or shaft 94, interlocking features of the joint and the crossbar and/or shaft, and/or the like. Other embodiments may include any suitable joint(s) (e.g., 90), such as, for example, a pivoting joint (e.g., a hinge, ball joint, and/or the like) disposed between a shaft (e.g., 94) and a paddle (e.g., 98), between the shaft and a crossbar (e.g., 50), and/or the like.

[0049] To illustrate, in this embodiment, paddle 98 may be translated relative to one or more posts 30 (e.g., in a direction aligned with longitudinal axis 82 of crossbar 50 and/or in a direction aligned with longitudinal axis 110 of shaft 94) and/or rotated (e.g., about the longitudinal axis of the crossbar and/or the longitudinal axis of the shaft) to facilitate engagement of the paddle with the body of a patient (e.g., 22), to adjust force exerted on the patient by the paddle, and/or to adjust to the contour of the body of the patient.

[0050] Some embodiments of the present apparatuses (e.g., 10) may be configured to include an indexing inscription such that the relative positions of the components of the apparatuses may be replicated. For example, at least a portion of one or more posts 30 may include an inscription 123 indicating height 46. For further example, at least a portion of crossbar 50 may include an inscription 124 indicating the position of the crossbar relative to one or more posts 30. For yet further example, shaft 94 of extension member 86 may include an inscription 125 indicating the position of the shaft relative to joint 90 and/or crossbar 50. In the embodiments shown, indexing inscriptions (e.g., 123, 123a, 124, 124a, 125, 125a, and/or 140) discussed herein may include parallel dash lines spaced apart by one or more millimeters, centimeters, inches, and/or any other appropriate measuring spread.

[0051] Referring now to FIG. 8, shown therein and designated by the reference numeral 126 is a second embodiment of the present apparatuses. In this embodiment, components that are similar (e.g., in structure and/or function) to components discussed with reference to FIGs. 1-7 are labeled with the same reference numerals and a suffix "a." As shown, apparatus 126 may be configured to include one or more posts 30a having an indexing inscription 123a, a crossbar 50a having an indexing inscription 124a, and/or a shaft 94a having an indexing inscription 125a such that the relative positions of the components of the apparatus may be replicated. In the embodiment shown, apparatus 126 may be configured to be installed on a patient platform 18a having a knee support 130. In this embodiment, knee support 130 may be configured to be disposed underneath the legs of a patient during radiation therapy. In the embodiment shown, one or more posts 30a of apparatus 126 may configured to be coupled to knee support 130. In the depicted embodiment, at least a portion of crossbar 50a may be configured to extend substantially horizontally (e.g., substantially parallel to platform 18a) away from one or more posts 30a such that the portion of the crossbar extends over the body of a patient (e.g., 22) during radiation therapy. For example, in the embodiment shown, a second end 58a of crossbar 50a may be configured to extend over the abdomen (e.g., 70) of a patient (e.g., 22) such that a paddle 98a may be positioned to compress the abdomen. In this way and others, apparatus 126 is configured to extend along a median plane (e.g., 74) of a patient such that the amount of material in a transverse plane (e.g., 78) of the patient is minimized. In this embodiment, by minimizing the amount of material in the transverse plane, the attenuation of a beam of radiation along the traverse plane may be minimized, thereby allowing for more treatment beam geometries and improving the accuracy, efficiency, and/or reproducibility of treatments, as compared to apparatuses have a structure extending along the transverse plane.

[0052] Referring now to FIG. 9, shown therein and designated by the reference numeral 134 is a third embodiment of the present apparatuses. In this embodiment, components that are similar (e.g., in structure and/or function) to components discussed with reference to FIGs. 1-8 are labeled with the same reference numerals and a suffix "b." As shown, apparatus 134 may be configured to be installed on a patient platform 18b having a knee support 130b and a support arm 138. As shown, apparatus 134 may be configured to include support arm 138 having an indexing inscription 140, a crossbar 50b having an indexing inscription 124b, and/or a shaft 94b having an indexing inscription 125b such that the relative positions of the components of the apparatus may be replicated. In this embodiment, support arm 138 may be configured to be disposed over the legs of a patient (e.g., 22) during radiation therapy. In the depicted embodiment, support arm 138 may include a connection portion 62b slidably movable relative to the support arm and configured to be coupled to crossbar 50b. In the embodiment shown, support arm 138 may facilitate a paddle 98b in providing a downward force on the body of a patient (e.g., 22). In this embodiment, at least a portion of crossbar 50b may be configured to extend substantially horizontally (e.g., substantially parallel to platform 18b) away from support arm 138 such that the portion of the crossbar extends over the body of a patient (e.g., 22) during radiation therapy. For example, in the embodiment shown, second end 58b of crossbar 50b may be configured to extend over the abdomen (e.g., 70) of a patient (e.g., 22) such that paddle 98b may be positioned to compress the abdomen. In this embodiment, knee support arm 138 may include reinforced clamps coupling the knee support arm to platform 18b such that paddle 98b can provide a downward force on the abdomen of the patient sufficient to prevent movement of (e.g., lung) lesions during radiotherapy. In this way and others, apparatus 134 is configured to extend along a median plane (e.g., 74) of a patient such that the amount of material in a transverse plane (e.g., 78) of the patient is minimized. In this embodiment, by minimizing the amount of material in the transverse plane, the attenuation of a beam of radiation along the traverse plane may be minimized, thereby allowing for more treatment beam geometries and improving the accuracy, efficiency, and/or reproducibility of treatments, as compared to apparatuses have a structure extending along the transverse plane.

[0053] The embodiments shown and/or discussed in reference to FIGs. 1-9 may include one or more components (e.g., base 14, post(s) 30, crossbar 50, joint 90, shaft 94, paddle 98) comprising a radio-transparent material (e.g., ceramic, fiberglass, and/or the like), a radio- translucent material (e.g., polyvinyl chloride, carbon fiber, and/or the like), and/or a radio- opaque material (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, and/or the like). For example, such a material may be chosen to prevent or mitigate bending of crossbar 50 when extension member 86 is used to compress abdomen 70 of patient 22. [0054] As compared to traditional compression apparatuses, the above-described embodiments include the benefits of (1) reducing the attenuation of a beam of radiation along a traverse plane of the patient, (2) providing more treatment beam geometries, (3) improving the accuracy, efficiency, and/or reproducibility of treatments, (4) reducing an error in dosing due to inconsistent placement of the apparatus relative to the patient, and/or (5) reducing material surrounding the patient, which can limit a patient's inadvertent contact or interference with the apparatus.

[0055] The above specification and examples provide a complete description of the structure and use of illustrative embodiments. Although certain embodiments have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, or with reference to one or more individual embodiments, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the scope of this invention. As such, the various illustrative embodiments of the methods and systems are not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, they include all modifications and alternatives falling within the scope of the claims, and embodiments other than the one shown may include some or all of the features of the depicted embodiment. For example, elements may be omitted or combined as a unitary structure, and/or connections may be substituted. Further, where appropriate, aspects of any of the examples described above may be combined with aspects of any of the other examples described to form further examples having comparable or different properties and/or functions, and addressing the same or different problems. Similarly, it will be understood that the benefits and advantages described above may relate to one embodiment or may relate to several embodiments.

[0056] The claims are not intended to include, and should not be interpreted to include, means-plus- or step-plus-function limitations, unless such a limitation is explicitly recited in a given claim using the phrase(s) "means for" or "step for," respectively.

Claims

1. An apparatus for patient immobilization comprising:

at least one post configured to extend between the legs of a patient;

an elongated crossbar configured to be coupled to the at least one post; and

a paddle configured to be coupled to the crossbar such that the paddle is movable relative to the at least one post in:

a first direction that is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the crossbar in order to dispose at least a portion of the paddle over the abdomen of the patient; and/or

a second a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the crossbar.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, where the at least one post is configured to be coupled to a base.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, where the at least one post is coupled to a support structure that is configured to support one or both knees of the patient.

4. The apparatus of any of claims 1-3, where the crossbar is configured to extend in a direction substantially parallel to a median plane of the patient.

5. The apparatus of any of claims 1-4, where the at least one post includes a channel configured to receive the crossbar.

6. The apparatus of any of claims 1-5, comprising an adjustable joint configured to be coupled between the paddle and the crossbar such that the adjustable joint permits rotational and/or translational movement of the paddle relative to the at least one post.

7. The apparatus of any of claims 1-6, comprising a shaft configured to couple the paddle to the crossbar.

8. The apparatus of any of claims 1-7, where at least one of the one or more posts includes:

a first end; and

a second end;

where a distance between the first end and the second end is adjustable.

9. A kit for patient immobilization comprising:

a support structure configured to be disposed over one or both knees of the patient; at least one post configured to be coupled to the support structure;

an elongated crossbar configured to be coupled to the at least one post; and

10. The kit of claim 9, where the crossbar is configured to extend in a direction substantially parallel relative to a median plane of the patient.

11. The kit of either claim 9 or 10, further comprising a knee support configured to support one or both knees of the patient.

12. An apparatus for patient immobilization during a radiation therapy comprising:

at least one post configured to extend between the legs of a patient;

an elongated crossbar configured to be coupled to the at least one post; and

a paddle configured to be coupled to the crossbar, the paddle being configured to engage a portion of the abdomen of the patient.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, where at least one of the one or more posts includes a first end and a second end, where a distance between the first end and the second is adjustable such that the paddle is configured to engage the portion of the abdomen.

14. The apparatus of either claim 12 or 13, where the at least one post includes a channel configured to receive the crossbar.

15. The apparatus of any of claims 12-14, where the crossbar is configured to extend in a direction substantially parallel to a median plane of the patient.

16. A method of immobilizing a patient for a radiotherapy procedure comprising:

positioning an apparatus between the legs of the patient, where the apparatus includes: at least one post configured to extend between the legs of the patient, an elongated crossbar coupled to the at least one post, and

a paddle configured to be coupled to the crossbar;

moving the paddle in a first direction that is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the crossbar in order to dispose at least a portion of the paddle over the abdomen of the patient; and

moving the paddle in a second a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the crossbar.

17. The method of claim 16, where moving the paddle in the second direction causes the paddle to move toward the patient.

18. The method of either claim 16 or 17, where at least one of the one or more posts includes:

a first end,

a second end, and

the method further comprises adjusting a distance between the first end and the second end.

19. The method of any of claims 16-18, where moving the paddle in the second direction engages the paddle with the abdomen of the patient.

20. The method of any of claims 16-19, where moving the paddle in the first direction includes moving the paddle in a direction substantially parallel to a median plane of the patient.