Head Fixation Using a Vac-Lok Cushion during Neuroendovascular Therapy

Abstract

Objective: Vac-Lok cushions are widely used in the field of radiation therapy to fix a body in place. We introduced this device during neuroendovascular therapy and evaluated its utility in comparison with a conventional device.Methods: We conducted questionnaire surveys regarding post-procedural headache among patients and regarding advantages and disadvantages of the new fixation device among radiation technologists and neurosurgeons. We measured the contact pressures of volunteers’ heads to compare stress on the head between the two devices.Results: Contact pressure significantly decreased using the new device. Furthermore, complaints regarding post-procedural headache sharply declined after introducing the new device. The new device also reduces respiratory motion artifacts and allows the head to be positioned at any angle we want.Conclusion: The Vac-Lok cushion is extremely useful for fixing the head in place during neuroendovascular therapy.