Earlier this year, the Mould Room at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham took delivery of the RapidHeat Oven. The oven supplied by Oncology Imaging Systems was purchased to replace the existing waterbath which had been successfully used over a period of many years.
The RapidHeat™ Oven is designed to quickly reach working temperatures for heating Aquaplast RT and Fibreplast thermoplastics, reducing the overall time for making masks.
Jason Bode, chief technologist and Mould Room manager at the University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, commented: “All in all, the transition from the waterbath to the RapidHeat Oven has been smooth and seamless. The patient tolerates this technique better and we find it is less traumatic for an already nervous patient.”
Bode added that the initial response from staff around changes to the handling and pre-stretch experience was positive.
“The material was dry and seemingly cooler to the touch when draping and moulding onto the patient. Working time for the thermoplastic also improved, meaning that there was no rush to shape and mould the mask when placed over the head and neck. The autonomy relieves staff to concentrate on the patient, knowing the mask will be consistent in quality.”
Overall, patients also found the experience of the RapidHeat Oven more comfortable compared to other methods, since there is no wetness in the thermoplastic mask.
This is because the RapidHeat Oven’s unique design allows for hot oven air to envelop the thermoplastic mask, so it softens quickly and evenly. The time can be set accordingly for different masks and Aquaplast RT™ Custom Bolus™.
Indicators easily preheat the oven while prepping the patient, and the oven’s digital display includes a timer that counts down from the designated time, alerting staff when it is ready.
