Vacuum-assisted patient positioning device with internal beads and bead adhesive

Abstract

This application relates to a vacuum-assisted patient positioning device. The device has a closed membrane encapsulating a plurality of beads and a predetermined fluid, the predetermined fluid acting as a binder for the beads. When a patient is positioned on the device, the binder, combined with the shape of the beads, exhibits a slow volumetric flow, allowing the physician to accurately position the patient on the device, even to some extent overcoming the natural pull of gravity. When a vacuum is applied to the interior of the device, the beads compress against each other, thus maintaining the shape of the device as long as the vacuum is maintained.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to patient positioning devices, particularly those with internal beads and those using vacuum assistance to maintain their posture. Background Technology

[0002] Vacuum-assisted patient positioning devices are well known in the art. These devices typically consist of a flexible bag partially filled with small (usually soft) beads that can move freely within the bag. When a vacuum is applied to the inside of the bag, the space between the beads is compressed, and the beads press against each other. Therefore, the flexible bag conforms to an external shape that roughly matches the patient's body and tends to maintain the patient's posture when the air is removed. Returning air to the bag causes the beads to loosen, and the shape disappears. Because the beads never retain a final, irreversible fixed shape, such a bag can be reused multiple times.

[0003] One problem with these devices is that the free-flowing nature of the beads before a vacuum is applied makes it difficult to initially position the bag in any orientation other than horizontal. If the bag is placed fully or even partially vertical, the beads tend to sink to the bottom of the bag due to their weight's response to gravity, leaving a small portion at the top if any. In various embodiments, the present invention eliminates this problem by adding a sticky adhesive to the beads, just enough to slow down but not stop the flow of gravity. This allows the beads to still move slightly, but allows the user to position the patient vertically or slightly vertically at some point, and still has time before gravity pulls the beads to the bottom of the bag. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The following describes a vacuum-assisted patient positioning device and a method of using the same, presented in various embodiments. The device has a closed membrane encapsulating a plurality of beads and a predetermined fluid, the predetermined fluid acting as a binder for the beads. When a patient is positioned on the device, the binder, combined with the shape of the beads, exhibits a slow volumetric flow, allowing the physician to accurately position the patient on the device, even to some extent overcoming the natural pull of gravity. When a vacuum is applied to the interior of the device, the beads compress against each other, thus maintaining the shape of the device as long as the vacuum is maintained.

[0005] When the vacuum is released, the beads are functionally released, and the device gradually returns to its original shape and can be reused in a variety of different uses and orientations. Attached Figure Description

[0006] Figure 1 An embodiment (10) of the present invention is shown, which is placed on a seat (S) before gas is partially extracted from the device (10);

[0007] Figure 2 The human patient (P) is shown sitting in a position such as Figure 1 On the device (10) shown;

[0008] Figure 3 The diagram shows the process after partial extraction of gas from device (10) according to... Figure 1 The device;

[0009] Figure 4 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of an embodiment of the device (10) according to claim 1 is shown;

[0010] Figure 5 Another embodiment (10) of the invention, shown in cross-section, is illustrated, having a plurality of independent enclosed volumes (205) and a plurality of valves (300); and

[0011] Figure 6 Another embodiment (10) of the invention is shown in cross-section, having at least one internal baffle (210) that partially, but not completely, separates a separate second volume (205).

[0012] These illustrations are provided to aid in understanding exemplary embodiments of a method for forming a vacuum-assisted patient positioning device having beads and bead adhesives and related materials, as described in more detail below, and should not be construed as an undue limitation of the specification. In particular, the relative spacing, positioning, size, and dimensions of the various elements shown in the illustrations may not be drawn to scale and may be exaggerated, reduced, or otherwise modified for improved clarity. Those skilled in the art will also understand that a number of alternative configurations have been omitted to improve clarity and reduce the number of illustrations. Detailed Implementation

[0013] In a specific embodiment, the sealing membrane 100 of the device 10 is a laminated fabric of nylon / thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Again, in some embodiments, the sealing membrane 100 may be formed of two layers: an inner layer and an outer layer. The outer vinyl layer provides protection while the inner TPU layer makes the device 10 hermetically tight. The inner TPU layers may be radio frequency (RF) soldered together to form a seal. Alternatively, the sealing membrane may comprise only a single layer, or may be formed of multiple layers, as is known to those skilled in the art. In some embodiments, the sealing membrane 100 may be formed of TPU laminated with nylon fabric on both sides. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that many other materials can be used to form the sealing membrane 100.

[0014] Valves 300 for intake and exhaust gases can be welded to the inside of device 10 using polyurethane rods. Before device 10 is permanently sealed, beads 400 with a diameter of 0.5-3 mm (preferably about 1 mm) and a density of about 5 lbs. / cf are added to device 10. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the required total volume of beads 400 depends largely on the size of the device. When device 10 is under normal atmospheric pressure (or positive pressure), the internal beads 400 are free to move slightly. When the inside of the device is under vacuum (by way of example only, about -0.8 bar), device 10 will lock into its shape. There is a very small window (about -0.1 bar) that allows device 10 to be shaped without gravity causing the beads 400 to fall out.

[0015] For example, if a therapist wants to place a shaping device on a patient and wants to use a vacuum bag of existing technology to support the arms, the therapist will need to hold the outside of the bag in a designated position until a full vacuum is achieved. Otherwise, the internal beads will fall out, and the patient's arms will not be supported during the shaping process.

[0016] For the development of vacuum bags, various embodiments of the present invention add an adhesive 500 to the beads 400. The adhesive 500 reduces the effect of gravity on the beads 400. The beads 400 can still move freely, although more slowly within the sealing membrane 100, but will remain in the designated position during the shaping process without applying a vacuum to the interior of the device 10. Therefore, the therapist will be able to support the patient's arms without continuously holding the device 10 in the designated position until a full vacuum is applied.

[0017] The positioning device (especially the vacuum device 10) is particularly advantageous when used in upright postures (e.g., sitting or standing). Existing bags perform poorly in this regard due to the gravitational effect on the beads 400. Therapists have to rely on current vacuum bags to maintain the bag in the designated position until a vacuum is applied and the bag stabilizes.

[0018] Adhesive 500 may include, but is not limited to, silicone oil, rubber, polybutene, polyisobutylene, acrylic adhesive, polydimethylsiloxane, polysiloxane, or polyalkylene oxide. The most commonly used polyalkylene oxide may be polyethylene oxide. Polysiloxane may be methyl silicone oil, ethyl silicone oil, phenyl silicone oil, etc. Furthermore, a wide range of, and even more common, lubricants may be used, such as glycerin and mineral oil, or other lubricants known to those skilled in the art. The viscosity (expressed in centipoises (CPS)) of adhesive 500 at 18°C ​​to 30°C may be from 500 CPS to 100,000 CPS.

[0019] These adhesives are of the same type or similar to those used in moldable mats, play sand, and snow foam. In one set of embodiments, adhesive 500 is mixed at a ratio of approximately 1:280 (adhesive 500 to beads 400) for use in working prototypes. In another set of embodiments, the volume ratio of beads 400 to adhesive 500 can be approximately (5-10 ml) adhesive 500 : (20-30 ml) beads 400. The mixture can be manually mixed by kneading. The beads 400 and adhesive 500 can then be poured into device 10 using a partially sealed sealing membrane 100 before final sealing. Ultimately, when molding is performed without a vacuum, the internal beads 400 will maintain a shape. The adhesive 500 covering each bead 400 generates just enough resistance against gravity to allow device 10 to sit at least slightly upright for at least a period of clinical use without all beads 400 sinking to the bottom of device 10.

[0020] A series of embodiments using different materials were described. It should be emphasized that these embodiments are merely exemplary and are not intended to limit the claims or scope of the invention in any way.

[0021] Example 1

[0022] In one embodiment, a vacuum-assisted patient positioning device 10 is formed according to the above description. In this embodiment, the adhesive 500 is methyl silicone oil, and the ratio of methyl silicone oil to beads 400 is 5 mL:80 g. In this embodiment, the viscosity of the methyl silicone oil is 500 CPS. The filling rate of the beads in the positioning device is 70%.

[0023] Example 2

[0024] In another embodiment, a vacuum-assisted patient positioning device 10 is formed according to the above description. The adhesive 500 is methyl silicone oil, and the ratio of methyl silicone oil to beads 400 is 5 mL:80 g. In this embodiment, the viscosity of the methyl silicone oil is 5000 CPS. The filling rate of the beads in the positioning device is 70%.

[0025] Example 3

[0026] In another embodiment, a vacuum-assisted patient positioning device 10 is formed according to the above description. The adhesive 500 is methyl silicone oil, and the ratio of methyl silicone oil to beads 400 is 5 mL:80 g. In this embodiment, the viscosity of the methyl silicone oil is 800 CPS. The filling rate of the beads in the positioning device is 70%.

[0027] Example 4

[0028] In another embodiment, a vacuum-assisted patient positioning device 10 is formed according to the above description. The adhesive 500 is methyl silicone oil, and the ratio of methyl silicone oil to beads 400 is 5 mL:80 g. In this embodiment, the viscosity of the methyl silicone oil is 2500 CPS. The filling rate of the beads in the positioning device is 70%.

[0029] Example 5

[0030] In another embodiment, a vacuum-assisted patient positioning device 10 is formed according to the above description. The adhesive 500 is methyl silicone oil, and the ratio of methyl silicone oil to beads 400 is 5 mL:80 g. In this embodiment, the viscosity of the methyl silicone oil is 1200 CPS. The filling rate of the beads in the positioning device is 70%.

[0031] Example 6

[0032] In another embodiment, a vacuum-assisted patient positioning device 10 is formed according to the above description. The adhesive 500 is methyl silicone oil, and the ratio of methyl silicone oil to beads 400 is 5 mL:80 g. In this embodiment, the viscosity of the methyl silicone oil is 1000 CPS. The filling rate of the beads in the positioning device is 70%.

[0033] Example 7

[0034] In another embodiment, a vacuum-assisted patient positioning device 10 is formed according to the above description. The adhesive 500 is methyl silicone oil, and the ratio of methyl silicone oil to beads 400 is 10 mL:80 g. In this embodiment, the viscosity of the methyl silicone oil is 2500 CPS. The filling rate of the beads in the positioning device is 70%.

[0035] Example 8

[0036] In another embodiment, a vacuum-assisted patient positioning device 10 is formed according to the above description. The beads are treated with methyl silicone oil, and the ratio of methyl silicone oil to beads 400 is 20 mL: 80 g. In this embodiment, the viscosity of the methyl silicone oil is 2500 CPS. The filling rate of the beads in the positioning device is 70%.

[0037] Example 9

[0038] In another embodiment, a vacuum-assisted patient positioning device 10 is formed according to the above description. The adhesive 500 is methyl silicone oil, and the ratio of methyl silicone oil to beads 400 is 25 mL:80 g. In this embodiment, the viscosity of the methyl silicone oil is 2500 CPS. The filling rate of the beads in the positioning device is 70%.

[0039] Example 10

[0040] In another embodiment, a vacuum-assisted patient positioning device 10 is formed according to the above description. The adhesive 500 is methyl silicone oil, and the ratio of methyl silicone oil to beads 400 is 20 mL:80 g. In this embodiment, the viscosity of the methyl silicone oil is 2500 CPS. The filling rate of the beads in the positioning device is 55%.

[0041] Example 11

[0042] In another embodiment, a vacuum-assisted patient positioning device 10 is formed according to the above description. The adhesive 500 is methyl silicone oil, and the ratio of methyl silicone oil to beads 400 is 20 mL:80 g. In this embodiment, the viscosity of the methyl silicone oil is 2500 CPS. The filling rate of the beads in the positioning device is 44%.

[0043] Example 12

[0044] In another embodiment, a vacuum-assisted patient positioning device 10 is formed according to the above description. The beads are treated with methyl silicone oil, and the ratio of methyl silicone oil to beads 400 is 5 mL:80 g. In this embodiment, the viscosity of the methyl silicone oil is 10000 CPS. The filling rate of the beads in the positioning device is 70%.

[0045] Example 13

[0046] In another embodiment, a vacuum-assisted patient positioning device 10 is formed according to the above description. The beads are treated with methyl silicone oil, and the ratio of methyl silicone oil to beads 400 is 5 mL:80 g. In this embodiment, the viscosity of the methyl silicone oil is 100,000 CPS. The filling rate of the beads in the positioning device is 70%.

[0047] Example 14

[0048] In another embodiment, a vacuum-assisted patient positioning device 10 is formed according to the above description. The beads are treated with methyl silicone oil, and the ratio of methyl silicone oil to beads 400 is 30 mL: 80 g. In this embodiment, the viscosity of the methyl silicone oil is 500 CPS. The filling rate of the beads in the positioning device is 70%.

[0049] Example 15

[0050] In another embodiment, a vacuum-assisted patient positioning device 10 is formed according to the above description. The beads are treated with polyethylene oxide, and the ratio of polyethylene oxide to beads 400 is 5 mL:80 g. In this embodiment, the viscosity of the polyethylene oxide is 500 CPS. The filling rate of the beads in the positioning device is 70%.

[0051] Furthermore, all of the aforementioned embodiments were tested in a seated shaping test to evaluate the descent speed of the beads 400, thereby demonstrating the ability of the device 10 to maintain its relative shape when air is extracted from the device 10.

[0052] The beads, mixed with adhesive 500, are placed in a transparent bag, flattened, and the bag is lifted and placed vertically next to a steel ruler. The time it takes for the beads 400 to sink from the top to the bottom of the device 10 is observed and recorded with a stopwatch. The sinking speed is calculated according to the formula sinking speed (mm / s) = distance (mm) / time (s). When the sinking speed is ≤5mm / s, it is judged to have passed the sitting posture shaping test. Because a faster sinking speed indicates (for testing purposes only) that the device (10) cannot maintain its shape in a sitting posture.

[0053] Furthermore, the radiation penetrability of the various embodiments provided above was tested. Radiation penetrability is an important feature of patient positioning devices, as they are frequently used to locate patients for radiation testing or treatment, and therefore it is desirable for the device to absorb as little radiation as possible.

[0054] The above embodiments are exposed to a linear accelerator beam, and the ray transmittance is calculated as a percentage of beam attenuation due to device absorption, with the most ideal relative ray transmittance approaching 100%.

[0055] Table 1

[0056]

[0057] As shown in Table 1, the addition of adhesive 500 does not negatively affect the flowability of beads 400. Furthermore, the addition of adhesive 500 significantly reduces the settling speed of beads 400, thereby achieving the purpose of seated shaping.

[0058] Considering both plasticity and X-ray penetration, samples with a sinking velocity of 1.0~1.5 mm / s are more suitable as products for the vacuum negative pressure device 10.

[0059] In various embodiments, and as such Figures 1 to 6 As shown, vacuum-assisted patient positioning device 10 (see Figure 4 The device has a closed membrane 100 having at least one wall (with an inner surface and an outer surface) and enclosing at least one volume 200. The closed membrane 100 can completely enclose at least one fluid-containing volume 200, 205, and the volume 200 can be fluidly communicated with the ambient atmosphere through a valve 300.

[0060] The valve 300 can pass through the diaphragm 100 and can have a first operating position that allows fluid to pass through the valve 300 and a second operating position that prevents fluid from passing through the valve 300.

[0061] The containment volume 200 may include a plurality of beads 400 contained within the volume 200 and a predetermined volume of gas (typically air), as well as at least one predetermined fluid adhesive 500; the adhesive having a predetermined viscosity and volume, being mixed with the beads 400 and completely contained within the sealing membrane 100.

[0062] In some embodiments, the sealing membrane 100 may include multiple walls (see...) Figure 4 These walls are bonded together or simply adjacent to each other. In one particular embodiment, the sealing membrane 100 may have at least one first layer 101 on the outer side of the sealing membrane 100 and a second layer 102 on the inner side of the sealing membrane 100. In a common, but not unique, embodiment, the sealing membrane 100 is at least partially formed of thermoplastic polyurethane.

[0063] In other implementations, such as Figure 6 As shown, the outer surface of the sealing membrane 100 may have an external reading rod 110 that is detachably attached to an anchor point outside the device 10; while in other embodiments, the outer surface of the sealing membrane 100 may also include at least one metal ring 120 that is detachably attached to an anchor point outside the device 10.

[0064] In different series of embodiments, at least one volume 200 may also be at least two independent volumes 205, each fluidly isolated from any other volume 200, 205, and each fluidly connected to the ambient atmosphere via an independent valve 300 (e.g., Figure 5 (As shown). This causes the positioning of some parts of the device to be slightly different from that of other parts of the device.

[0065] In related embodiments, device 10 further includes at least one internal baffle 210 that partially, but not completely, subdivides volume 200 into partially independent enclosed volumes 205. This configuration reduces the settling velocity of beads 400 due to gravity or pressure. In all embodiments where the volumes are separated, at least one baffle 210 may be integrally formed with the sealing membrane 100. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the baffle 210 may also be non-integral, i.e., mechanically fixed or bonded to the surface of the sealing membrane 100.

[0066] A wide variety of fluids are suitable for use as adhesive 500. These include, but are not limited to, lubricating fluids such as silicone oil, rubber, polybutene, polyisobutylene, acrylic adhesive, polydimethylsiloxane, polysiloxane, polyalkylene oxide, polyethylene oxide, methyl silicone oil, ethyl silicone oil, phenyl silicone oil, glycerol, and mineral oil. In a general embodiment, the viscosity of adhesive 500 can be from about 500 CPS to 100,000 CPS. In other embodiments, the surface tension of adhesive 500 at 25°C is from about 0.019 N / m to 0.023 N / m.

[0067] In a common but not unique embodiment, the plurality of beads 400 may be formed of expanded polystyrene (EPS) and may have different sizes and compositions. In some embodiments, the plurality of beads 400 may also include beads 400 with an individual diameter of about 1 mm to about 2 mm, while in at least one embodiment, the individual diameter of the beads 400 is about 1.7 mm.

[0068] Before use, the device 10 may have a closed volume 200 containing a plurality of beads 400, at least one adhesive 500, and a re-metered amount of air. During operation, a portion of the air is extracted, thereby producing the aforementioned function. In some embodiments, the volume ratio of beads 400 to adhesive 500 is approximately 280:1. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, in terms of fluid ratios, Figure 4 , 5 The relative proportions between beads 400 and adhesive 500 shown in Figure 6 are highly exaggerated. This is to emphasize that beads 400 and adhesive 500 are composed of independent components. In reality, the mixed beads 400 and adhesive 500 will behave as a thick slurry lubricating beads 400, rather than as beads 400 floating in adhesive 500.

[0069] Those skilled in the art will also recognize that the device 10 described in this disclosure is readily adaptable to methods of using the device 10. One such method would include: step 1, providing the device 10, including a sealing membrane 100 having at least one wall and enclosing at least one enclosed volume 200, wherein the sealing membrane 100 completely encloses at least one fluid-containing volume 200, 205, and the volume 200 is in fluid communication with the ambient atmosphere via a valve 300.

[0070] The valve is permeable through the closure membrane 100 and has a first operating position that allows fluid to pass through the valve 300 and a second operating position that prevents fluid from passing through the valve 300, allowing partial venting of the volume 200. The volume 200 has a plurality of beads 400 contained within the volume 200 and a predetermined volume of gas (most typically air, but may be any other fluid) and at least one predetermined fluid binder 500; the binder 500 has a predetermined viscosity and volume, is mixed with the beads 400 and is completely contained within the closure membrane 100.

[0071] The patient P is placed on the device 10 for examination, and the device 10 is aligned with the patient P's body in the desired position; then the fluid-containing volume 200 within the closure membrane 100 is partially vented (usually only the contained air), thereby reducing the volume 200 and thus allowing the pressure of the ambient air outside the closure membrane 100 to compress the volume 200.

[0072] This causes multiple beads 400 to be compressed within a volume 200; thereby maintaining the multiple beads 400 in a temporary shape. This shape then allows the patient P to maintain the desired posture during the examination.

[0073] Because multiple beads 400 are compressed, the device 10 will maintain a shape that resists gravity-induced flow, and further steps may include placing the patient P on the device 10 in a posture at least partially perpendicular to the Earth's surface for examination. Figure 1 Before use, the visible device 10 is draped over the seat S. Figure 2 The image shows that before partial venting of volume 200, patient P is sitting upright on device 10 in seat S. Finally, device 10 is seen maintaining its shape while patient P is no longer present, and then partial venting of volume 200 is performed.

[0074] Many changes, modifications, and variations of the preferred embodiments disclosed herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and they are all contemplated and envisioned within the spirit and scope of the disclosed specification. For example, although specific embodiments have been described in detail, those skilled in the art will understand that the foregoing embodiments and variations can be modified to incorporate various types of alternative and / or additional or substitute materials, relative arrangements of elements, sequences of steps and additional steps, and dimensional configurations. Therefore, although only a few variations of the methods and products have been described herein, it should be understood that such additional modifications and variations, and their equivalents, are within the spirit and scope of the methods and products as defined in the appended claims. The corresponding structures, materials, actions, and equivalents of all means or steps plus functional elements in the following claims are intended to include any structure, material, or action that performs the function in combination with other elements specifically claimed.

Claims

1. A vacuum bag for assisting patient positioning during radiation therapy, comprising: A closed membrane (100) having at least one wall and enclosing at least one volume (200), wherein the closed membrane (100) completely encloses at least one fluid-containing volume (200), and the volume (200) is in fluid communication with the ambient atmosphere via a valve (300); A valve (300) that passes through the closure membrane (100) and has a first operating position that allows fluid to pass through the valve (300) and a second operating position that prevents fluid from passing through the valve (300); Multiple beads (400) and a predetermined volume of gas are contained within a volume (200); and At least one predetermined fluid adhesive (500) having a predetermined viscosity and volume is mixed with the beads (400) and completely contained within the sealing membrane (100); The viscosity of the adhesive is from 500 CPS to 100,000 CPS; The adhesive has a volume of at least 5 mL relative to each 80g bead; the adhesive (500) reduces the effect of gravity on the beads (400); When the vacuum bag is under normal atmospheric pressure or positive pressure, the internal beads (400) can move freely; when the inside of the vacuum bag is under vacuum, the vacuum bag will lock its shape.

2. The vacuum bag according to claim 1, wherein the sealing film (100) further comprises at least one first layer (101) on the outside of the sealing film (100) and a second layer (102) on the inside of the sealing film (100).

3. The vacuum bag according to claim 1, wherein the outer surface of the sealing film (100) further includes an external reading rod (110) detachably attached to an anchor point outside the vacuum bag.

4. The vacuum bag according to claim 1, wherein the outer surface of the sealing film (100) further includes at least one metal ring (120) detachably attached to an anchor point outside the vacuum bag.

5. The vacuum bag according to claim 1, wherein the at least one volume (200) further comprises at least two independent volumes (205), each fluidly isolated from any other volume (200, 205), and each fluidly connected to the ambient atmosphere via an independent valve (300).

6. The vacuum bag of claim 1, wherein the vacuum bag further comprises at least one internal baffle (210) that partially but not completely subdivides the volume (200).

7. The vacuum bag according to claim 6, wherein at least one of the baffles (210) is integrally formed with the sealing film (100).

8. The vacuum bag according to claim 1, wherein the adhesive (500) is a lubricant.

9. The vacuum bag according to claim 1, wherein the adhesive (500) is a fluid selected from silicone oil, rubber, polybutene, polyisobutylene, acrylic adhesive, polydimethylsiloxane, polysiloxane, polyalkylene oxide, polyethylene oxide, methyl silicone oil, ethyl silicone oil, phenyl silicone oil, glycerol and mineral oil.

10. The vacuum bag according to claim 1, wherein the adhesive (500) has a surface tension of about 0.019 to about 0.023 N / m at about 25°C.

11. The vacuum bag according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of beads (400) further comprises beads (400) with an individual diameter of about 1 mm to about 2 mm.

12. The vacuum bag according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of beads (400) further comprises beads (400) with an individual diameter of about 1.7 mm.

13. The vacuum bag of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the volume (200) further comprises air.

14. The vacuum bag according to claim 1, wherein the volume ratio of beads (400) to adhesive (500) is about 280:

1.

15. A method of using a vacuum bag for assisting patient positioning in radiation therapy, comprising the steps of: Step 1: Provide vacuum bags, including: a. A closed membrane (100) having at least one wall and enclosing at least one closed volume (200), wherein the closed membrane (100) completely encloses at least one fluid-containing volume (200, 205), and the volume (200) is in fluid communication with the ambient atmosphere via a valve (300); b. A valve (300) that passes through the closure membrane (100) and has a first operating position that allows fluid to pass through the valve (300) and a second operating position that prevents fluid from passing through the valve (300); c. Multiple beads (400) contained within a volume and a predetermined volume of gas; and d. At least one predetermined fluid adhesive (500) having a predetermined viscosity and volume, mixed with the beads (400) and completely contained within the sealing membrane (100); the viscosity of the adhesive is from 500 CPS to 100,000 CPS; The adhesive has a volume of at least 5 mL relative to each 80g bead; the adhesive (500) reduces the effect of gravity on the beads (400); When the vacuum bag is under normal atmospheric pressure or positive pressure, the internal beads (400) can move freely; when the inside of the vacuum bag is under vacuum, the vacuum bag will lock its shape. Step 2: Place the patient (P) to be examined on the vacuum bag and align the vacuum bag with the patient's body in the desired position; Step 3: Partially venting the fluid-containing volume (200) through the valve (300) inside the closed membrane (100) reduces the volume (200) and thus allows the pressure of the ambient air outside the closed membrane (100) to compress the volume (200); Step 4: Compress the plurality of beads (400) within a volume (200); Step 5: Maintain the temporary shape of the plurality of beads (400).

16. The method of claim 15, wherein placing the patient (P) to be examined on a vacuum bag and conforming the vacuum bag to the patient's body in a desired posture, further comprising arranging at least a portion of the body in a posture at least partially perpendicular to the Earth's surface.

17. A vacuum bag for assisting patient positioning during radiation therapy, comprising: A closed membrane (100) having at least one wall and enclosing at least one volume (200), wherein the closed membrane (100) completely encloses at least one fluid-containing volume (200), and the volume (200) is in fluid communication with the ambient atmosphere via a valve (300); A valve (300) that passes through the closure membrane (100) and has a first operating position that allows fluid to pass through the valve (300) and a second operating position that prevents fluid from passing through the valve (300); Multiple beads (400) and a predetermined volume of gas are contained within a volume (200), wherein the individual diameter of the multiple beads (400) is approximately 1.7 mm; and At least one predetermined fluid adhesive (500) having a predetermined viscosity of 500 CPS to 100,000 CPS and a surface tension of about 0.019 to about 0.023 N / m at about 25°C, the predetermined fluid adhesive (500) being mixed with the beads (400) and completely contained within the sealing membrane (100); The adhesive has a volume of at least 5 mL relative to each 80g bead; the adhesive (500) reduces the effect of gravity on the beads (400); When the vacuum bag is under normal atmospheric pressure or positive pressure, the internal beads (400) can move freely; when the inside of the vacuum bag is under vacuum, the vacuum bag will lock its shape.

18. The vacuum bag of claim 17, wherein the closed volume (200) further comprises at least two separate closed volumes (205), each fluidly isolated from any other separate closed volume (205), and each fluidly connected to the ambient atmosphere via a separate valve (300).

19. The vacuum bag according to claim 17, wherein the volume ratio of beads (400) to adhesive (500) is about 280:1.

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