Cranial-Spinal Axis Immobilization with Alpha Cradle CNS

Jeffrey Vincent Kostich, President
Smithers Medical Products, Inc.
North Canton, Ohio

ALPHA CRADLE® IMMOBILIZATION DEVICES:
CNS, CNS-P
Smithers Medical Products, Inc. is proud to introduce the Alpha Cradle CNS device to immobilize the cranial-spinal axis. This is the first truly prone customized repositioning device using a polystyrene shell and Alpha Cradle foam. This new device, available in adult and pediatric sizes, immobilizes the patient from the top of their head to the base of the hips. Our unique patented design allows foam to form around the patient’s head, while allowing ample breathing space. Foam fills the supports around the patient’s forehead, zygomatic bone and base of the mandible. This unit is connected to the larger base that continues the flow of foam from the patient’s neck to the ilium. This form is the first of its kind to offer immobilization of the entire cranial-spinal axis, all in less than 20 minutes fabrication time.

It is imperative that constant attention be given throughout the foaming process to the patient’s face. No leaks have been reported in 10+ years of use with this form. If you notice a leak, immediately remove the patient from the form and begin the process again with a new form. Defective forms are replaced immediately free of charge.
Remember that the head may tend to lift out of the form. If this happens, wait until the foam feels spongy and then carefully press the back of the patient’s head deep into the foam. This should prevent the head from rising again. It is imperative with this form that the patient is centered correctly inside the form. Using your sagittal lasers, make sure the patient remains centered correctly. Keep the arms pressed deep into the foam for a good impression.

ACMMII
By placing the top end of the bag at the patient’s lower lip, the bag can be pulled up along the mandible to the tip of the zygomatic arch, back to the patient’s ear. By immobilizing the mandible in this fashion, movement of the patient’s head is reduced considerably. Before making the form, measure the height of the patient’s nose, from their chest, when laying supine. By placing a support piece of polystyrene inside of the bag that corresponds to this height, you will allow the base of the skull to drop to the same plane as the vertebrae.