The Glenn Face Down Pillow: an aid to performance of prone radiologic procedures

Abstract

The ease of performing computed tomography (CT)-guided radiologic procedures with the patient in the prone position can be compromised by patient discomfort. This is especially true during transthoracic needle aspiration biopsy when sedation or analgesia may interfere with the patient's ability to cooperate. The Glenn Face Down Pillow, a foam cushion with air vents that allows unimpeded respiration with the patient entirely prone, was tested in 34 such biopsies over a 1-year period. Patient compliance was better than with conventional cushions and padding, and procedural problems related to motion from cramping and stiffness were reduced.