Topics:
Head and Neck Cancers • Radiation Oncology
Do you use a custom wax tongue immobilizer for oral cavity radiotherapy?
If so, how do you address the Joint Commission's cleaning requirements? The Joint Commission recently inspected our hospital including the radiation oncology department. We have used custom wax tongue immobilizers for many years for HNSCC of the oral tongue or palate. Because the wax manufacturer does not provide cleaning instructions (it's sold as one-time use), the Joint Commission said we can no longer used custom wax tongue immobilizers.
Answer from: Radiation Oncologist at Academic Institution
We use a custom oral stent for oral cavity patients. The core of the bite block is styrofoam (https://www.rpdinc.com/adult-bite-wedge-886.html) but we cover it in a fine layer of aquaplast. We are very pleased with this approach. First, the aquaplast is cleanable, so there are no issues with sterili...
Answer from: Radiation Oncologist at Academic Institution
We use sterilizable plastic devices.
Answer from: Radiation Oncologist at Academic Institution
We use a variety of intraoral devices ranging from simple Civco biteblocks to custom stents that are initially wax and then converted to a more permanent Lucite pattern. We also have recently been using Bionix Truguard, and there is an ongoing program for using 3d printed devices with the stents mad...
Nice paper @Avraham Eisbruch! We also used to use ...
I would love more info!
I would also like to get more information, please.