Abstract: A stretcher with a dedicated multi-functional removable floating patient support platform is described. The stretcher has a lower frame assembly and an upper frame assembly is vertically displaceable thereover in an adjustable manner. The patient support platform is a rigid rectangular platform having a substantial portion thereof constructed of radiolucent material. The patient support platform is supported on bearings and retained captive on a platform support structure, whereby to slide axially thereof. Restraining hingeable side frames are provided and permit the patient support platform to be displaced laterally on the bearings to permit the patient support platform to be transferred from the platform support structure laterally thereof, in an effortless support manner.

Abstract: Certain embodiments include a system and method for tilting in a patient positioning system. The system includes a tilt plate for tilting a patient positioning surface, a screw for moving the tilt plate, a nut for translating rotary motion into linear motion to drive the screw, and a motor for imparting rotary motion to the nut. In an embodiment, the screw is a ball screw. In an embodiment, the nut is a rotary nut. The system may also include a drive gear situated on the motor, a driven gear situated on the nut the meshes with the drive gear, and a brake gear that meshes with the driven gear. The system may also include a fail-safe brake preventing collapse of the tilt mechanism in the event of a component failure.

Abstract: A body-supporting couch and a radiation system incorporating such a couch are disclosed. The couch comprises a first and second couch unit, respectively. The first couch unit comprises a first table top support and a first elongated table top portion extending horizontally from the first support. The first table top portion is provided with a first docking element arranged in an end. Element for moving the first table top portion relative the first table top support along its longitudinal axis is arranged in the first couch unit. The second couch unit comprises a second table top support, which supports a second table top portion, provided with a second docking element in an end facing the first couch unit. Upon contact, the first docking element engages with the second docking element and the first table top portion connects with the second table top portion forming a stable continuous table top.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a device for the calibration and standardization of the rotation and movement of a patient's hip. More particularly the present invention relates to a device for the calibration and standardization of the rotation and movement of the hip for use in connection with improving the reproducibility and accuracy of a diagnostic procedure such as, for example, bone density measurement using dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA).

Abstract: A drive system for a patient support table in a medical imaging apparatus is provided. In some embodiments, the system comprises at least one first drive means for driving a patient support surface in at least one first direction, at least one second drive means for driving the patient support surface in at least one second direction, wherein the at least first drive means and the at least second drive means are mounted on at least one common mounting member.

Abstract: A patient examination support system includes a positioning display that displays the patient position required for an examination and/or treatment. Characteristic parameters for the examination and/or treatment of a patient via an X-ray or radiological system are made available at a reduced expense and with substantial reliability, via a preferably remote-controllable positioning display to persons operating the system.

Abstract: A cover and patient restraint for use with a radiologic imaging table having an upper surface on which a patient may lie, the cover having a central section corresponding generally to the length and width of the patient supporting surface of the table and a width substantially greater than that of the supporting surface so the opposite sides of the cover form flaps which extend beyond and depend from the upper surface of the table to prevent the collection on the table surface of liquids. The cover includes a pad of cushioning material inboard of the flaps to enhance the comfort of a patient lying on the cover. Restraining straps are coupled to anchor strips extending longitudinally of the cover adjacent opposite sides of the pad so as to enable the straps to be placed in overlying relation to the patient in any selected one of a large number of adjusted positions. The cover is encapsulated in a pliable, washable, radiologic inert coating.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a tabletop is provided for positioning a patient for diagnostic imaging of a body part. The tabletop preferably rests on a diagnostic imaging table for supporting a patient during diagnostic imaging. The tabletop is defined by (a) a top support surface for supporting a patient being imaged and (b) a bottom support surface for contacting the diagnostic imaging table. A recess, defined in the top support surface, is configured to accommodate a patient support. The recess has a depth sufficient for allowing for vertically positioning a patient on the patient support.

Abstract: The invention relates to a modular patient support system for use with radiotherapy treatments comprising a basic portion to be fixedly mounted and an exchangeable radiotransparent modular portion, said portion to be fixedly mounted being provided with a radiotransparent supporting part intended for supporting an exchangeable modular portion and means being provided for exactly positioning said modular portion in relation to said basic portion and coupling it to said basic portion.

Abstract: A medical chair provides a radiolucent backrest pivotally secured to a seat section. A pivoting push bar on the backrest pivots between an operative position, where it can be used to maneuver the chair, and a storage position where it does not compromise the radiolucent property of the backrest. The chair includes a leg support section, and the backrest and leg support section pivot between a chair structure and a stretcher structure. The pivoting of the backrest and legs support section are controlled by actuators that are positioned so as not to interfere with the radiolucent property of the backrest. A foot platform on the leg support section is connected to remain substantially parallel to the seat section as the leg support section is pivoted. A remote control allows for adjusting the configuration of the chair from points distant from the medical chair.

Abstract: A patient examination support system comprises a support structure and a tabletop. The tabletop supported on the support structure is displaceable toward an examination region. The examination region is spaced apart from the support structure in a longitudinal direction of the tabletop, and a supporting arm, which is extendable from the support structure in a direction of the examination region, braces the tabletop.

Abstract: A patient examination support system comprising an examination tabletop adjustable in vertical and in longitudinal directions, and a lifting structure which supports the examination tabletop. A treatment or diagnosis area is spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the examination tabletop from a lifting structure, and the lifting structure has a height compensation device for compensating for a sagging of the examination tabletop when loaded by a patient of predetermined stature in a predetermined way, in the treatment or diagnosis area.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for performing interstitial laser therapy and adjunctive therapy on a patient are revealed. The apparatus employs a combination of a mammography unit, an interstitial laser treatment device attached to the mammography unit and a treatment platform positioned relative to the mammography unit to enable the interstitial laser therapy to be performed. The use of the treatment platform with the mammography unit enables the interstitial laser therapy to be performed and, if necessary, adjunctive therapy to be performed in the same treatment room without transferring the patient to a new platform.

Abstract: For the purpose of providing a parallel-link table that is moved up/down without moving the position of a subject in the longitudinal direction, an upper structure is placed over a base plate connected with a platform via parallel links, and a first bracket on the upper structure and a middle point of one parallel link are connected by a first position correcting link of a length half that of the parallel link using pivotal joint portions; and therefore, when the base plate is moved up/down with respect to the platform, the upper structure moves only in the vertical direction without moving in the horizontal direction, and the top plate over the upper structure, hence, the subject placed on the top plate can be moved up/down in the vertical direction without moving in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A patient exam bed useful for sonograms including echocardiography exams has a mattress provided with one or more pop-up wedges as well as one or more access bays formed through a side edge of the mattress. The access bays provide reach up access to a patient from below a plane of the mattress top, and can be filled-in when not needed by movable or removable in-fill sections. The pop-up wedges act to chock or support a patient to hold steady in a specific angle-of-roll or attitude chosen from various angles of lying down on one's side. The mattress optionally might have one or more folding sections to convert the bed into more like a chair or reclining chair. Additionally, any of the various foregoing options may be enhanced with power equipment to drive the movable components through their movements.

Abstract: A radiolucent surgical table (40) is provided with a low shadow accessory interface profile (70). The interface profile includes a plurality of interconnected curved surfaces formed along the entire outer edge of the patient support member for selective attachment to a range of medical accessory devices. The support interface includes a non-planar first connection area (72) having a recess (82) and a curved lip area (90) adapted to engage correspondingly formed surfaces (122, 126) on a medical accessory connector (110, 140). A second connection area (76) of the support interface (70) includes a planar locating surface (100) formed at an angle oblique with the top surface (74) of the patient support member. Engagement with the locating surface by corresponding surfaces formed on the medical accessory connectors (110, 140) generate a downward force that causes an increase in the engagement forces between the recess and lip areas of the interface and corresponding surfaces on the accessory connectors.

Abstract: A curved wing board is provided for use on a CT cradle having a curved upper surface. The wing board includes a base with a curved lower surface and opposite sides. A pair of wing boards extend upwardly and outwardly from the sides of the base to support a patient's arms raised above their head. A pair of hand grips are provided on the base for gripping by the patient. The curved wing board matingly engages the curved CT cradle so as to comfortably support the patient in a stable orientation during CT imaging.

Abstract: The invention relates to a patient bed having a frame (1) for supporting a mattress (3). To enable the insertion of an X-ray detector (9), it is proposed in accordance with the invention that a tensioning device (5a, 5b) is provided to secure a fabric-like carrier means (4) resting on a mattress (3) and a lifting device (6) is provided for lifting a patient (8) accommodated on the taut carrier means (4) from the mattress (3), so that an X-ray detector (9) can be inserted in a gap (10) formed between the lifted carrier means (4) and the mattress (3).

Abstract: A device 10 for aligning a patient for delivering a plurality of radiation beams comprising a patient support surface 12, a coarse alignment subsystem 14 connected to the patient support surface, and a fine alignment subsystem connected to the patient support surface 16. A method of aligning a patient for delivering a plurality of radiation beams from a plurality of device positions comprising compensating for flexion of a radiation beam delivery device within a gantry during movement of the radiation beam delivery device from a first device position to a second device position by using a set of predetermined data describing the flexion behavior of the radiation beam delivery device so that the target tissue within the patient is placed at the beamline center for the radiation beam delivery device at the second device position.

Abstract: A medical imaging method utilizing pads for supporting the head and neck of a supine patient during the medical imaging, wherein the pads produce either flexion or extension of the cervical vertebrae. A cavity is provided in the pad to define an area of non-contact on the back of the neck and to receive a secondary coil if present.

Abstract: A patient support device for a radiation therapy system has a load-bearing element, which is set up so as to be supported rotatably on a stationary structure about a vertical iso-axis extending through a treatment iso-center. The load-bearing element, with a patient tabletop mounted on it, can be leveled by a continuously adjustable leveling device. The leveling device is embodied in particular as a leveling shoe, which includes a bottom plate, a top plate, and an adjustable wedge disposed between them.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a first lever is employed to secure a surgical knee positioner unit to the operating table and a second lever is employed to positionally adjust the surgical knee positioner, per se.

Abstract: For the purpose of providing a method of keeping an iso-center at a fixed position regardless of the tilt of a table top, and a table system having such a function, an apparatus comprises a table top member; lifting means for moving the table top member up and down; forwarding/backing means for longitudinally moving the table top member forward and backward; tilting means for tilting the table top member from a horizontal state; and control means, and the table top member is tilted around an iso-center lying at a spatial position different from a mechanical center of tilt motion of the table top member by the control means controlling vertical displacement of the mechanical center and longitudinal displacement of the table top member according to a tilt angle.

Abstract: A surgical table having a patient support top, at least one section of the top having a metal support supporting an x-ray transparent plate and a moulded cover member fitted to the section to extend across the top and down the sides of the section so as to conceal joins between the support and the plate.

Abstract: Certain embodiments include a system and method for positioning a patient with a patient positioning system. The system includes a patient positioning surface for supporting a patient. The system also includes a lift subsystem for adjusting elevation of the patient positioning surface, a longitudinal subsystem for moving the patient positioning surface in a longitudinal direction, a lateral subsystem for moving the patient positioning surface in a lateral direction, a tilt subsystem for tilting the patient positioning surface, and a rotation subsystem for rotating the patient positioning surface. The system further includes a control subsystem for controlling operation of the patient positioning system and a base affixed to a floor for securing the patient positioning system. The control subsystem may perform iso-center tracking to maintain a region of interest of the patient in an image area during tilt. The control subsystem may also avoid collision with the ground and/or predetermined objects.

Abstract: A small surgical table which can be attached directly to a C-arm X-ray machine. A flat plate of X-ray transparent material is provided as a surface on which surgical procedures can be performed. Clamping features are provided on the underside of this plate to allow its attachment to an image intensifier or an emitter of a C-arm machine. The clamping features are preferably made readily adjustable in order to allow the attachment of the surgical table to a wide variety of X-ray machines. The invention is particularly suited for surgeries involving a small portion of the anatomy—such as the hand. The direct attachment of the surgical table to the X-ray machine allows the surgeon to conveniently visualize the internal placement of orthopaedic hardware and other features both before and during the surgery.

Abstract: According to the present disclosure, a transfer top adapted to carry a patient is transferable between a mobile base and a docking station in a hospital room. Thus, instead of transferring a patient between a stretcher and a hospital bed, the entire transfer top with the patient thereon is transferred between the mobile base and the docking station.

Abstract: A medical system for examination of a patient, comprising an examination device (1), a patient support device (13,15), and docking means for connecting both said devices to each other. The docking means comprises a first part (21) provided with a guiding member (57) and a second part (19) provided with guiding elements (61,63) for contacting the guiding surface (59). Each of said parts (19,21) is attached to one of said devices. The guiding member (57) comprises two substantially vertical guiding surfaces (59), positioned symmetrically with respect to a vertical plane through the device (1) to which the first part (21) of the docking means is attached. The distance between said two guiding surfaces (59) decreases further away from the device (1) to which said first part (21) is attached.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an ankle and foot immobilizer has a base, a spine perpendicular to the base, and a shoulder perpendicular to both the base and spine. A foot cover is rotatably attached to the shoulder and engageable to the foot so that the sole is either resting upon the base to obtain a top view of the foot or so that the sole is resting against the spine to obtain a side-view of the foot. A vertical leg support that is releasably attached to the spine is provided to secure the leg in a vertical fashion. A horizontal leg support that is releasably attached to the spine is provided to secure the leg in a horizontal fashion. The base can have a cassette holder so that a separate cassette holder is not required. The immobilizer has an anchor that can be releasably secured to a standard x-ray table such as a suction cup.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a structurally rigid, X-ray translucent backboard for transporting an injured person from the scene of an injury to a treatment center. The backboard comprises a planar top side which contacts the patient and a bottom side forming a single curvilinear shape that provides structural support to the planar top side. A hollow, foam filled core formed between the planer top side and the curved bottom side helps provide sufficient X-ray translucence and structural support to the backboard.

Abstract: There is described method and apparatus for supporting a patient's body in a MR scanner, including supporting it to rotate about its longitudinal axis and cant about a point on the longitudinal axis. Also provided are method and apparatus for supporting a patient's head and neck and using a surgical head-holder. Yet another embodiment of the invention provides method and apparatus for attaching first and second stirrups to a member supporting the patient.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for supporting accessories on a patent resting surface of an operation or examination table (10) comprising an accessory adapter (24) that can be slipped on the profile of the patient resting surface (14). Support elements (32) for accessories are fastened to said accessory adapter. The adapter (14) comprises two claws (26) adapted to encompass the longitudinal edges of the patient resting surface. Said claws are interlinked via a bracket (28) that extends across a width of the patient resting surface.

Abstract: A patient bed support for maneuvering a patient in an open MRI system that includes an upper pole assembly and a lower pole assembly. The patient bed support includes a frame for attaching the patient bed support to the lower pole assembly in the MRI system and a member movably attached to the frame such that a patient placed on the member may be moved relative to the lower and upper pole assemblies of the MRI system.

Abstract: An improved patient support table including a first or fixed table section and a second or removable table section to allow the second table section to be exchanged with other second table sections of different structure. Each of the table sections includes a mating connector end portion where two pairs of horizontally disposed pads on the fixed table section engage two pairs of horizontally disposed pads on the removable table section, where a curved edge of the removable table section engages a vertical edge on the fixed table section, and where vertical side walls of the fixed table section are engaged by beveled pegs on the removable table section. The pads, edges, walls and pegs align and support the removable table section relative to the fixed table section in the x, y, z directions, the traditional, three dimensional, mutually perpendicular coordinate system.

Abstract: A medical apparatus has a support mechanism for a treatment and/or examination subject having a support plate for the treatment and/or examination subject that is adjustable at a base and is radiation-transparent in at least one region. The support plate is seated so as to be height-adjustable at the base and adjustable around three spatial axes and is seated so as to be optionally displaceable in the longitudinal direction and/or the transverse direction in floating fashion, or displaceable by means of a connectable drive device.

Abstract: A patient table including a table assembly and a pallet assembly supported on the table assembly. The pallet assembly includes a longitudinally extending lower portion that is longitudinally moveable with respect to the table assembly and has opposing ends that are laterally fixed with respect to the table assembly. The pallet assembly also includes a longitudinally extending upper portion that is longitudinally fixed with respect to the lower portion of the pallet assembly and has opposing ends that are each laterally moveable with respect to the ends of the lower portion. Among other features and advantages, a pallet assembly constructed in accordance with the present invention has opposing ends that are each laterally adjustable so that a patient lying on the pallet can be correctly positioned within medical diagnostic and therapy systems in a comfortable manner, and without being moved on the pallet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a patient positioning and transport system comprising a transportable stretcher (1) and a cart (2) for transporting the stretcher (1) with the patient. The stretcher (1) can be removed from the cart (2) to be placed on a diagnosis or treatment station (4). A patient positioning and transport system of the aforementioned type should be designed as to avoid, to the greatest possible extent, repositionings of the patient between separate diagnosis or treatment stations (4). Towards this end, at least one adapter plate (3) that can be assigned to the stretcher (1) is provided, whereby the stretcher (1), the adapter plate (3) and the cart (2) can be joined to another and are configured in such a manner that the stretcher (1) with the patient can be transferred from the cart (2) to various, differently designed diagnosis or treatment stations (4) and back.

Abstract: An articulated x-ray table comprises a planar, rigid radiolucent top support and a base spaced therefrom to form a gap whereby radiographic plates can be inserted and withdrawn. The gap is maintained by the use of one or more trolleys that are moveable along the length of the table to be moved into proximity to the location where the plate is to be inserted. Generally, two of the trolleys are used along either side of the table for placement near the x-ray plate. The trolleys move in grooves or tracks on the edges of the base along the length of the table. Each trolley includes wheels that engage the grooves, and a separate roller that engages the top support. This permits the trolleys to be easily moved along the guide notwithstanding the weight of a patient on the table. The table can be used for animals and humans.

Abstract: There is provided a table for positioning a patient for a medical procedure on a breast, the table comprising: a solid frame surrounding a perimeter of the table; and a membrane-like contour surface for a surrounding breast area, wherein the surface comprises an aperture for the breast to be pendantly suspended therethrough, and the surface is adjusted to a shape of the patient's body. Preferably, the membrane-like contour surface covers the entire surface area of the table. Alternatively, it can be limited to a section that will cover an area from approximately the bottom of the rib cage to the collar bone when the patient is lying face down on the table.

Abstract: A radiolucent surgical table is provided with a patient support member and includes a low shadow accessory interface profile formed by a plurality of interconnected curved surfaces disposed along the outer edge of the patient support member for selective attachment of a range of medical accessory devices. A clamping apparatus secures associated accessories to the outer edge, which has a top recess and an essentially planar and non-vertical side surface slanting inwardly from top to bottom and terminating in a flared lower edge extending beyond the bottom of the patient support member. The clamping apparatus includes an upper jaw member which has a downwardly projecting lip formed to conformably engage a section of the top recess. A lower jaw member is also included and has a hook region formed to surroundingly engage a section of the flared lower edge. The upper and lower jaw members are joined.

Abstract: This invention relates to a bed for accommodating heavy persons. The bed is particularly for use in hospitals, where heavy patients have to be treated. The invention provides a bed comprising a frame; a central support section mounted on the frame; two opposite end support sections, one being a head section and the other being a foot section, each mounted for pivoting movement relative to the central section; and drive means for driving the end support sections for pivoting movement relative to the central section; wherein the foot section has a platform which extends at an angle to the plane of the section, and the foot section can pivot to a position where the platform is substantially at ground level. In a particularly preferred embodiment the central section is mounted for pivoting movement about a pivot axis at or near to its edge adjacent the foot section and further comprises drive means for driving the central support section for pivoting movement about said pivot axis.

Abstract: A tabletop useful for accurate positioning of a patient for imaging and diagnosis, so that patient positioning in subsequent medical treatments, such as radiation therapy, accurately and precisely correlates with the imaging data. The tabletop of the present invention is a solid flat tabletop adapted to fit over or as an insert in a conventional CT imaging or scan table and provides a flexible support section in which the flexible support material is tensioned to provide a vertical deflection corresponding to the vertical deflection of a flexible patient support of a treatment simulator or linear accelerator. In a preferred embodiment, the flexible support section may be removed and inserted into the treatment table to provide an exact correlation in vertical deflection during treatment.

Abstract: A tabletop device for use in supporting and positioning a patient in a medical therapy or diagnostic system having a support base and operable to project a beam over at least a portion of the tabletop. The tabletop is rotatably mounted on the support base. The tabletop includes a central section configured for attachment to the support base. The central section is positioned such that it is outside of a beam projection area when the tabletop is mounted in the medical therapy or diagnostic system. A frame is fixedly attached to the central section and extends longitudinally outward from opposite sides thereof. The tabletop further includes a support system connected to the frame for supporting a patient thereon. At least a portion of the frame and support system is located within the beam projection area when the tabletop is mounted in the medical therapy or diagnostic system and the portion of the frame located within the beam projection area is formed from substantially non-metal components.

Abstract: A patient table including a generally C-shaped lower base having opposing laterally extending end portions connected by a longitudinally extending central portion, and wherein the longitudinally extending portion is offset laterally from a longitudinally extending center line of the table. The table also includes an upper base, front and rear lift arms extending upwardly from the lower base and holding the upper base vertically above the lower base, and an elongated patient support pallet secured on one longitudinally extending side to the upper base and having an opposite longitudinally extending side substantially overhanging the laterally extending end portions of the lower base, and wherein the pallet is made of radiolucent material.

Abstract: A medical table extension device and method has an elongated plate with opposite attachment and support sections. The attachment section extends under a mattress of the medical table to be stabilized by a patient's body weight. The support section extends outwardly from the medical table to support a patient's limb. The plate can include a continuous sheet with at least one bend defining the attachment and support sections of the plate. The attachment and support sections can have upper surfaces disposed at different elevational heights.

Abstract: A patient support system for medical treatments is disclosed having an attached table section, an exchangeable table section and a fastener for the sections, the fastener including a sleeve, a rod and a cam-lock mechanism. The system also includes an easily operated and precisely located clamp for mounting accessory devices to the top of the table sections. The sections include peripheral channels and ridges which are used by the clamp to make a tight engagement. The channels also are used to form a coordinate number scale so that the patient, clamp and accessory devices may be consistently located time after time for multiple periodic treatments.

Abstract: A pad assembly adapted to receive an envelope enclosing an x-ray cassette, thus allowing x-rays to be taken while a patient is lying or sitting on the pad assembly. The pad assembly allows a conventional hospital stretcher to be converted for use as a specialized x-ray stretcher.

Abstract: A table is provided for positioning a patient for a medical procedure on a breast, the table comprising: a supporting platform having a back end for supporting the patient's legs and a front end for supporting the patient's torso while the patient is in a prone position, and a cavity at the front end for allowing the breast and a surrounding axilla region to be pendantly suspended therethrough; and an armrest for positioning and supporting a forearm such that a shoulder adjacent to the axilla region is at a desired height, wherein the armrest is lower than the platform.

Abstract: There is provided a table for positioning a patient for a medical procedure on a breast, the table comprising: a supporting platform having a back end for supporting the patient's legs and a front end for supporting the patient's torso while the patient is in a prone position, and a cavity at the front end for allowing the breast and a surrounding axilla region to be pendantly suspended therethrough; wherein the table has a lateral depression for allowing an arm and a shoulder adjacent to the breast to extend over the table and be lowered such that skin from the axilla region is relaxed and extends through the cavity, and the table is configured to provide the depression on each side of the cavity in a position where a right shoulder would be when a right breast.

Abstract: The patient support apparatus includes a base frame and a patient support assembly. The patient support assembly is pivotably mounted the base frame and is moved by a first actuator to rotate between a horizontal position and an upright position. The patient support assembly includes an upper body portion, a lower body portion and a leg portion. The upper body portion, the lower body portion and the leg portion are pivotably interconnected with a linkage frame so that they can be moved in unison by a second actuator between a supine configuration and an upright, chair shaped configuration. Thus, the patient support apparatus is adjustable between a flat, bed shaped configuration and a seat shaped configuration and is also movable between a horizontal position and an upright position.