Beekley Medical Introduces RT-Crosshair for Superior Accuracy
In cancer treatments, precision is paramount, especially when it comes to radiation therapy. Any deviation in targeting can affect the efficiency of treatment and potentially harm healthy tissues. To address this challenge, Beekley Medical has recently expanded its renowned RT-SPOT line with the introduction of two new elevated skin markers for CT simulation—the RT-SPOT Pellet Markers and the RT-SPOT Crosshair Markers. These additions have been designed to improve accuracy and streamline the radiation planning process by elevating the marker from the skin line, preventing it from being included in the body contour during treatment planning.
Importance of Skin Markers in Radiation Therapy
Skin markers play a critical role in radiation therapy. They assist medical dosimetrists and radiation oncology professionals in targeting specific areas of the body for radiation, ensuring that the correct dose reaches the intended location. However, traditional markers, which lie flat on the skin, are often included in the body outline during CT simulation and treatment planning, which can cause inaccuracies in dose calculations.
In response to this challenge, Beekley Medical has developed elevated skin markers that help exclude them from the automatic body contour, thus improving accuracy and minimizing the need for manual intervention during the planning process.
Beekley Medical’s RT-SPOT Line: An Overview
First introduced in 2023, the RT-SPOT Line of skin markers has become a valuable tool for professionals in radiation oncology. The markers are elevated from the skin line, providing greater accuracy during CT simulations. By preventing the markers from being included in the automatic body contour, the RT-SPOT markers significantly reduce the need for manual contouring and density overrides, improving workflow efficiency.
This innovation was widely recognized at major medical conferences such as AAMD, ACRO, AAPM, and ASTRO, where radiation oncology professionals provided feedback that led to the development of new marker variations, including the RT-SPOT Pellet Markers and the RT-SPOT Crosshair Markers.
The Addition of RT-SPOT and RT-Crosshair Skin Markers
Pellet Markers
The pellet markers are available in two sizes, 2.3mm and 4.0mm, to accommodate different patient needs and treatment requirements. These markers feature a transparent center, allowing clinicians to clearly visualize the skin or thermoplastic beneath them during CT simulations. This feature enhances the precision of treatment planning and ensures that the marker does not interfere with the imaging process.
Crosshair Markers
The newly introduced crosshair marker also features a transparent center, which allows clear visualization of the skin or thermoplastic. The crosshair design is particularly beneficial in cases where precise alignment of the radiation beam is required. By using the crosshair markers, radiation therapists can target the correct area more effectively, reducing the chance of misalignments or dose miscalculations.
Benefits of Elevated Skin Markers
1. Improved Precision
The elevated design of the RT-SPOT markers ensures that the imaging portion of the marker remains outside the automatic body contour during CT simulation. This results in a cleaner, more accurate body contour, reducing the risk of inaccuracies in dose calculation.
2. Enhanced Workflow Efficiency
Traditional skin markers can require manual intervention, such as contouring or density overrides, during treatment planning. The elevated RT-SPOT markers eliminate this need, freeing up time for dosimetrists and physicians to focus on other aspects of patient care.
3. Minimization of Dose Inaccuracies
By ensuring that the markers are not included in the body outline during CT simulation, the RT-SPOT markers reduce the risk of incorrect dose calculations. This leads to more precise targeting during radiotherapy and ensures that the cancerous tissue receives the appropriate dose without affecting surrounding healthy tissue.
Testimonials from Medical Professionals
The introduction of the RT-SPOT and RT-Crosshair markers has been well-received by radiation therapists and dosimetrists. A physicist from Northfield, Minnesota, noted, “The elevated design of RT-SPOT markers creates a clean body contour without artifacts, saving time and improving workflow efficiency.” This sentiment was echoed by a dosimetrist in Bloomington, Indiana, who highlighted how these markers reduce the need for reworking treatment plans, ultimately enhancing accuracy during treatment planning.
Conclusion
The introduction of the new RT-SPOT Pellet Markers and RT-SPOT Crosshair Markers marks a significant advancement in the field of radiation oncology. By addressing the limitations of traditional skin markers, Beekley Medical has provided radiation therapists and dosimetrists with a valuable tool to improve accuracy, streamline workflows, and minimize the risk of dose miscalculations.
These markers are designed to be flexible, easy to use, and highly effective in ensuring precise targeting during radiotherapy, helping to improve patient outcomes. As cancer treatments continue to evolve, tools like the RT-SPOT markers will play a crucial role in enhancing the precision and effectiveness of these therapies.
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FAQs
1. What is the RT-SPOT Line of skin markers?
A. The RT-SPOT Line is a series of elevated skin markers designed for CT simulation in radiation therapy. These markers help exclude the marker from the automatic body contour, improving precision during treatment planning.
2. What are the new additions to the RT-SPOT Line?
A. Beekley Medical recently added RT-SPOT Pellet Markers and RT-SPOT Crosshair Markers to their lineup. Both markers feature an elevated design and a transparent center for enhanced visibility.
3. Why are elevated skin markers important?
A. Elevated skin markers prevent the marker from being included in the automatic body contour during CT simulations, reducing the need for manual contouring and minimizing the risk of dose inaccuracies.
4. How do the RT-SPOT markers improve workflow efficiency?
A. By eliminating the need for manual contouring or density overrides, the RT-SPOT markers streamline the treatment planning process, saving time for medical professionals.
