Beam Modulation Workstation — Frequently Asked Questions

We've listed answers to some of our most common Beam Modulation Workstation questions for your convenience.

What is the Beam Modulation Workstation?

Our Beam Modulation Workstation combines the Compu•cutter® CC-1000 LT modular block cutter and Compu•former® beam compensation milling machine linked to one common computer work station.

FAQ Links:
Compu•cutter® CC-1000 LT modular block cutter
Compu•former® beam compensation milling machine
Installation/Accessory considerations

What does Compu•cutter® do?

Compu•cutter® is a radiotherapy shielding block cutter that utilizes digitized files to cut foam blocks so that extremely precise alloy shielding blocks can be made to protect healthy tissue during a radiation therapy treatment. Digitized block outlines can be transferred from common treatment planning systems or manually created by outlining treatment areas on a radiograph with a digitizing mouse. Compu•cutter® has the ability to “flip” images for fast AP/ PA or L/R lateral blocks, or change any parameter without re-digitizing.

How is accuracy ensured with Compu•cutter®?

A computer controlled, four-axis cutting mechanism ensures accuracy of ± 1 mm. The temperature-adjustable hot wire cutter has a quick .45”/sec. (1 cm/sec.) cutting speed and is safely enclosed under the table to fit compactly into crowded therapy offices. A windows based program digitizes and stores files for reference or alterations, and has built-in checks to minimize operator error and consequently, remakes.

Does Compu•cutter® work with my treatment planning system?

Digitized block outlines can be easily transferred from treatment planning systems. This eliminates the need to input block outlines from radiographs, saving time and minimizing redundancy. The imported outlines from treatment planning systems are given a cut path and can be cut immediately or stored for later use. Compu•cutter® interfaces to all common treatment planning systems including:

- CMS/Focus
- PTI/Electa
- ROCS
- ADAC
- Nucletron/PLATO
- RAHD
- HELAX
- Varian/CADPLAN
- Theratronics
- Tech. Diffusion
- DICOM-RT

How are outlines hand-digitized?

A stand-alone digitizing table features calibration lines for X-ray alignment. The operator traces the radiograph with a digitizing mouse which sends location data to the Compu•cutter® software. The outline is visible on the monitor and can be sent to the printer for examination of the printout or to the hot wire cutter for block cutting. The operator has the opportunity to select any cut path to connect more than one block outline.

Is Compu•cutter® easy to use?

Compu•cutter® allows easy input of patient and block information. Preset function keys simplify multi-step operations. Contour data can be stored, inverted and easily edited. Inverting eliminates retracing and re-cutting files for PA treatment.

What type of wire is used with the Compu•cutter®?

We use a special nichrome wire for the hot wire cutter. The nichrome cutting wire fits into the frame's unique electromechanical bushings. These bushings, designed to hold the wire with a flat grip, ensure long wire life and easy replacement. Should your cutting wire break, we will replace it free of charge for the life of the machine.

Does Compu•cutter® need to be adjusted?

Compu•cutter® is temperature preset for precut Huestis Medical foam blocks. It is also temperature adjustable for other thickness' and densities of foam blocks. Data such as source-to film distance, source-to-axis distance and source-to tray distance is programmed into the computer before block cutting. Distance changes can be factored in after digitizing. The Windows driven Compu•cutter® software also tells the operator the smallest foam block that can be used to cut any shape or combination of shapes.

Can different size blocks be used with Compu•cutter®?

Standard adapters make positioning of different size blocks quick and easy. 12”, 10”, and 8” blocks can be placed precisely to minimize positioning errors.

What does Compu•former® do?

Compu•former® is proven to help deliver uniform radiation dosage over an entire treatment area. It produces a mold used to create a compensator filter that provides radiation beam attenuation to “compensate” for inhomogeneity. A menu-driven program interfaces with treatment planning systems for quick, accurate beam compensation. Changes for reduction ratio and treatment geometry are programmed into the procedure. The beam compensator filter mold is cut from a foam block using a highly accurate CNC milling machine. Milling can be done remotely and at any time.

How is accuracy ensured with Compu•former®?

Compu•former® produces repeatable, accurate, and fast cuts for unmatched effectiveness. It utilizes a three-axis CNC milling machine to ensure milling accuracy of ± 1 mm. It also cuts offset registration holes in the block to ensure proper orientation of the compensator on a Lexan tray.

Does Compu•former® work with my treatment planning system?

Digitized files can be easily transferred from treatment planning systems. This eliminates hand digitizing, saving time and minimizing redundancy. The files from treatment planning systems are given a milling path and can be milled immediately or stored for later use. Compu•former® interfaces to common treatment planning systems including:

- CMS/Focus
- PTI/Electa
- ADAC
- Nucletron/PLATO
- HELAX
- Varian/CADPLAN
- Theratronics
- OSIRIS

Is Compu•former® easy to use?

Compu•former® combines treatment planning interfaces, Windows driven software and a precision CNC milling machine to offer an easy-to-use, high accuracy, cost-effective beam compensation system. Operators need little training to operate Compu•former® because its menu-driven software directs every step of data processing and milling. Milling can be performed on the CNC milling machine at any time or at another location freeing valuable treatment area space.

What type of compensating material is used with Compu•former®?

We recommend a medium-density compensating material comprised of a mixture of stainless steel powder and gypsum. It offers greater accuracy than low melt alloy because it eliminates potential voids in thin sections of the compensator. This compensating material is also easy to use because there is no melting, just mixing with water.

What size blocks are used with Compu•former®?

Precut foam blocks (10” x 10” x 2”) are used and can make a compensator up to about 22 cm. square.

How is the compensator mounted to a Lexan Tray?

Offset registration holes are cut when the foam is milled and are used for proper alignment of the compensator on a Lexan tray supplied with the system.

Metal-filled gypsum composite is mixed with water and used to fill the cavity of the cut foam block. This material is left in the foam block and the block is aligned on its registration holes underneath a Lexan tray, which can also have shielding blocks on its top surface. Lexan trays and mounting hardware can be produced for any treatment machine.

Our Beam Modulation Workstation is a self-standing system that does not require floor or wall mounting. Our modular CC-1000 LT Compu•cutter® model features a versatile, stand-alone cutting bay that may be used with your own digitizer, through a treatment planning interface, or supplied as a fully integrated system.

Electrical requirements (all systems) are 120 VAC, 60 Hz, 5A (Compu•cutter), 10A (Compu•former).
Optional 220 VAC, 50 Hz, 5A is also available.

Are there any additional components that I will have to purchase?

Beam Modulation Workstation comes as a complete system. Mold room kits, foam blocks, shielding alloy, gypsum compensating material, tray adapters, Lexan trays and other supplies compliment our complete line of accessories.