JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #39 - March/April 2008 - 34

BUSINESS Niche market Patient positioning during diagnosis and treatment State-of-the-art patient positioning solutions are required for use in diagnostic systems such as X-ray, computed tomography (CT) scanners, magnetic resonance imaging, and multi-mode applications like PET (Positron Emission Tomography) and SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography). They are also used in treatments involving radiation therapy or particle therapy. These solutions include table tops (called “couches” in some parts of the world), extensions, and accessories. s a specialist in this field, Composiflex uses composite materials to meet the product performance parameters and design considerations for such specific medical applications. significant for this application too. Attachment solutions need to be both mechanically sound and imageable. Moreover, due to the high-end nature of the medical market, the products require impeccable finish. Lastly, it is important to control costs, as in all industrial markets. More information Composiflex has been designing and manufacturing advanced highperformance composites for more than 20 years. Specializing in custom-designed composite products, this company currently serves the medical, military, aerospace, ballistic protection, industrial and recreational markets. Composiflex conducts operations in a 3,000 m2 facility in Erie, Pennsylvania, USA. providers is necessary to enhance “ease-ofuse”. Patient positioning products are typically manufactured in autoclaves and large laminating presses. A high level of quality is required to consistently deliver mechanical and imaging performance, along with aesthetics. Tight dimensional and flatness tolerances are required to ensure fit and accommodate motion inherent in most types of medical equipment. Key parameters To accommodate larger patients, there has been a trend towards higher load ratings. Products are often designed for 363 kg or higher with a 4X safety factor to withstand everyday clinical use. As digital imaging becomes more sophisticated, the requirements for minimizing artefacts and improving image quality have become more demanding. A lower attenuation improves image quality. It also reduces the equipment’s energy consumption and limits the exposure of patients and medical personnel to potentially harmful energy. CT scanner Specific design considerations Carbon fibre is “standard fare” for patient positioning products, due to its high strength and remarkably low X-ray/gamma absorption in comparison to phenolic, acrylic or other conventional table top materials. The sandwich construction of Composiflex imaging tops consists of a foam core integrally bonded between highstrength carbon fibre skins. The monocellular structural foam core is 100% artefact-free and can be used to produce incredibly strong structures without adding appreciably to image attenuation. After the material choice, a critical part of the design is to determine the optimal lay-up of the composite materials. Fibre orientation of each layer is carefully determined for strength and transparency. A thorough understanding of how these products are used by medical service A full range of medical products Composiflex’ medical product portfolio consists of radiographic imaging tops and cradles, as well as radiolucent patient positioning and retracting devices, mammography accessories, oncology breast boards, biomedical composites using materials such as PEEK for implant and rigid & flexible orthopaedic and orthotic devices. More information: www.composiflex.com Composiflex quality control Product weight is often another important feature, particularly for accessories that are handled by medical personnel. Attachment features, finish and cost are JEC Composites Magazine / No39 March - April 2008

http://www.composiflex.com

JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #39 - March/April 2008

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #39 - March/April 2008