Compu•cutter® — Frequently Asked Questions

We've listed answers to some of our most common Compu•cutter® questions for your convenience.

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 (CC-1000 LT) or built-in (CC-1000) 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 differentiates the Compu•cutter® models?

Self-contained, our original Compu•cutter® CC-1000 has a built-in hot wire cutter and mounting platform to support the included digitizer, computer, and printer.

Our NEW Compu•cutter® CC-1000 LT 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. It features the same precision block cutting features and accuracy as our original self-contained Compu•cutter®. Modular in design, Compu•cutter® CC-1000 LT is ideal for custom setups or remote cutting applications.

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

Are there any installation considerations with your system?

Compu•cutter® is a self-standing radiotherapy shielding block cutter that does not require floor or wall mounting. Our self- contained CC-1000 model features a digitizer that is always at a comfortable, desktop working height and can be placed in almost any small area.

Our modular CC-1000 LT 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. Optional 220 VAC, 50 Hz, 5A is also available.

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

Compu•cutter® comes as a complete system. Mold room kits, foam blocks, shielding alloy, tray adapters, Lexan trays and other supplies compliment our complete line of accessories.