Abstract: Certain embodiments include a system and method for synchronized telescopic guidance along a longitudinal axis in a patient positioning system. The system includes a top channel driven by a motor, a bottom channel synchronized with the top channel, and a rack and pinion for transmitting drive from the top channel to the bottom channel. The bottom channel is driven by the top channel. The system may also include a gear for transmitting drive from the top channel to the bottom channel using the rack and pinion. The system may also include a plurality of racks and pinions for transmitting drive from the top channel to the bottom channel. Additionally, the size of the pinion meshing with the top channel may be half the size of the pinion meshing with the bottom channel. The bottom channel may move along the top channel.

Abstract: A surgical scanning system includes a scanner supported on a carrier movable relative to an operating room table. The carrier engages a guide that is collinear with the long axis of an operating room table. The relative movement between an operating room table and a scanner along a guide decreases the likelihood of collision therebetween. The ability to collect a scan of a patient while on an operating room table increases the likelihood of a successful surgical outcome.

Abstract: A transport carriage for a patient bed has a first arm for placement of the patient bed thereon and a second arm for coupling the patient bed thereto. A medical treatment of examination system employing such a transport carriage has a number of medical devices for treatment of examination of a subject, each of these medical devices having a patient support mechanism associated therewith, with a differently configured patient bed. The patient beds are removable from the respective support mechanisms, and the transport carriage is configured to receive and transport any of these differently configured patient beds.

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: 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: 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: A medical examination device (1) comprising an examination space (3), a combination of a frame (5) and a patient table (4), and displacing means (8) which can be driven by driving means (9, 10) to displace a patient on the patient table into and out of the examination space. The displacement means comprise an elongated push-pull member (8) which is connected to the patient table and which has a length that exceeds the length of the patient table. As a result, the patient table can be displaced from the frame into the examination space over a distance that is larger than the length of the patient table.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for accurately positioning a breast tumor of a patient in the decubitus position on examination table and preventing patient movement once the tumor is positioned and for preventing pain and loss of sensation in the patient's downwardly positioned arm and shoulder while the patient is in the decubitus position.

Abstract: A patient handling system (10) for use with a medical imaging or radiation therapy device, and an associated pallet mounting apparatus (12) for releasably mounting a pallet (18) on the pallet support assembly (16) of a patient handling system. The patient handling system (10) includes a pallet (18) for supporting a patient, and a pallet support assembly (16) for supporting the pallet (18) and for positioning the pallet (18) to facilitate the scanning of a patient positioned on the pallet (18) using the medical imaging device, or to facilitate the application of radiation therapy to a patient using a radiation therapy device.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus including a first patient support configured to be rotated about a longitudinal axis. The patient support apparatus is configured to receive an x-ray cassette. The first patient support illustratively includes an inflatable bladder.

Abstract: A surgical table extension has a radiolucent inner support member removably attachable to an end of a surgical table and extending outward therefrom in cantilever fashion. A radiolucent outer support member is mounted to the inner support member, and the outer support member is adjustable with respect to the inner support member to change the length of the table extension.

Abstract: A multi-part carrying structure apparatus for supporting a body part of a patient, includes a main carrying structure having a narrow support surface and a first additional part having a support surface. The first additional part is detachably connected to the main carrying structure. When the first additional part is connected to the main carrying structure, a first combined support surface including the narrow support surface of the main carrying structure and the support surface of the first additional part is wider than the narrow support surface of the main carrying structure. The main part and the first additional part are produced from a material having a high degree of transparency for X-rays.

Abstract: A medical table top is formed with a connecting portion formed about the periphery of the table top. An extension accessory is provided that includes a receiving portion that snap fits over the connecting portion of the medical table top. The material from which the medical table top and accessory extension is constructed does not absorb energy rays, such as X-rays and does not interfere with the examining procedure involving X-rays.

Abstract: A tabletop for use in a laser imaging apparatus to support a patient comprises a first support surface including an opening in which the patient's breast is to be disposed for scanning, the first support surface contacting the patient around the breast; and a second support surface at a different height for support of the patient's head and other breast.

Abstract: A patient support comprising a frame 22 supporting a translucent support surface 24 elevated above the frame 22 by frame members 23. The members 26 support an x-ray cassette tray 36 for sliding movement along the length of the frame 22. The x-ray cassette trays 36 can be loaded onto the members 26 from either or both the head 30 and foot 32 ends of the frame 22. All of the patient support surface can be covered by the x-ray cassettes. In use, the x-ray cassette tray 36 is pulled out from the members 26 and loaded with an x-ray cassette 53. The handle 39 is pulled out from within the tray 36 and locked into position against latch 38. The tray 36 is then slid back onto the members 26 and the position of the cassette 53 within the tray 36 is indicated by the position of the indicator 65 visible along the side of the frame 22.

Abstract: A patient supporting table that includes a supporting device having a table column with a vertical axis, and a table top for supporting a patient, the table top supported by the table column and arranged to move back and forth in the longitudinal direction of the table top between a retracted and an extended position, and further arranged to rotate back and forth about the vertical axis between a first and a second pivot position. The table top can be detached from the supporting device in at least one pivot position.

Abstract: A patient positioning device used to position a patient during a navigated medical procedure includes a contoured patient support and a portion of a navigation system. The contoured patient support positions the patient in a desired manner. The portion of the navigation system is integrated within the patient support, such that the navigated medical procedure may be performed in a substantially unobstructed manner.

Abstract: Certain embodiments include a system and method for braking in a patient positioning system. The system includes a patient positioning surface for supporting a patient, a first brake for affecting motion of the patient positioning surface, and a second brake for affecting motion of the patient positioning surface. In an embodiment, the first brake is a power-off brake that is active when power is removed from the brake. The second brake is a power-on brake that is active when power is applied to the brake. Power may be applied and/or removed from the first and second brakes o affect the motion of the patient positioning surface.

Abstract: Certain embodiments include a system and method for synchronized telescopic guidance along a longitudinal axis in a patient positioning system. The system includes a top channel driven by a motor, a bottom channel synchronized with the top channel, and a rack and pinion for transmitting drive from the top channel to the bottom channel. The bottom channel is driven by the top channel. The system may also include a gear for transmitting drive from the top channel to the bottom channel using the rack and pinion. The system may also include a plurality of racks and pinions for transmitting drive from the top channel to the bottom channel. Additionally, the size of the pinion meshing with the top channel may be half the size of the pinion meshing with the bottom channel. The bottom channel may move along the top channel.

Abstract: A patient transport system for transporting a patient from a magnetic resonance imaging system to a second imaging system includes an elongated member and first and second coupling mechanisms. The elongated member has an upper surface configured to support a patient. The first coupling mechanism is coupled to the elongated member and is configured to removably couple the elongated member to the magnetic resonance imaging system. The second coupling mechanism is coupled to the elongated member and is configured to removably couple the elongated member to a second imaging system.

Abstract: A combination Magnetic Resonance imaging apparatus and patient table, which apparatus has a magnet structure, defining a cavity for accommodating a part of the body under examination, which is supported by a base block, the patient table and the apparatus having a base block and a supporting structure respectively, that are slidable in at least one, or more directions. The patient table and the Magnetic Resonance imaging apparatus have a mechanism for removable connection therebetween and guide thereof along predetermined relative displacement paths.

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 urological patient positioning table has a patient positioning plate with a head end and a foot end, and has a lifting column connected to the patient positioning plate. The lifting column is arranged at the head end of the patient positioning plate laterally next to the patient positioning plate.

Abstract: A system for supporting a patient on a removable patient support unit, such as a backboard, includes a platform having spaced elements for supporting the removable patient support unit. The patient support unit is elevated above the platform and there is an unimpeded region between the platform and the patient support unit to facilitate placing x-ray film cassettes under the patient. The x-ray film cassettes can be placed and adjusted without disturbing the patient. The platform has features to hold x-ray film cassettes in a vertical position, catch and hold blood, support the backboard at an angle, and provide containers for sharp instruments. The system also includes arm boards for constraining the patient. A mattress covered bed can also be used with the platform.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bearing surface for a medical examining-table for carrying out roentgenolic examinations and surgical interventions during which radiological devices are used, comprising a table-top (16) and a guide unit (18) which can be coupled to a supporting column (14) of the examining table. Said guide unit has a first guide housing (20), in which the table-top (16) is guided to that it can be displaced in the longitudinal direction. The table-top consists entirely of X-ray permeable material and has guide surfaces (42,44), which lie against guide elements (38,40) in the guide housing (22).

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: 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: A patient-supporting apparatus (1) for a piece of medical equipment (15), in particular for an MRI tomograph, has a panel (5) for supporting a patient (3) or for bearing a separate supporting panel. Also provided is a guide element (7) on which the panel (5) is arranged in a displaceable manner such that it can be introduced into an accommodating region (13) of the piece of medical equipment (15). The patient-supporting apparatus (1) is distinguished in that a handle (21) provided for displacing the panel (5) is of pivotable configuration. Preferably integrated in the handle (21) is an actuating element (31) which can bring about an operation for braking the panel (5) in relation to the guide element (7).

Abstract: A patient support device for accurately and repeatably positioning a patient for treatment. The device comprises a top surface, a bottom surface, two sides and at least two sidewalls. The device can include an integral indexing means and an accessory device adaptor for receiving various accessories. The device can incorporate chamfered edge technology and can include indexing grooves on at least one surface of the device.

Abstract: A patient handling system (10) for use with a medical imaging or radiation therapy device, and an associated pallet mounting apparatus (12) for releasably mounting a pallet (18) on the pallet support assembly (16) of a patient handling system. The patient handling system (10) includes a pallet (18) for supporting a patient, and a pallet support assembly (16) for supporting the pallet (18) and for positioning the pallet (18) to facilitate the scanning of a patient positioned on the pallet (18) using the medical imaging device, or to facilitate the application of radiation therapy to a patient using a radiation therapy device.

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 positioning aid (1) for tomographic functional examinations with a base plate (3) which is connected to a moveable patient trolley and with a shoulder plate at the same height as the thorax, which permits a continuously diagonal positioning of the thorax, at the head-end of the shoulder plate, a swivelling reclining plate (23) is linked to an articulated axle (22a) which runs horizontally in a direction transverse to the z-direction, it being possible to lower the said plate in the direction of the base plate, this being characterised in that the shoulder plate is in the form of a first raising plate (4) which is linked to the base plate facing away from the head, this being swivelled via a horizontal articulated axle (5) and in that a first raising pouch (6) of an elastic material is situated between the base plate and the first raising plate, which when filled with a fluid raises the first raising plate from the base plate from one side, in that when the raising plate raises or lowers, the reclining plate

Abstract: A transport carriage for a patient bed has a first arm for placement of the patient bed thereon and a second arm for coupling the patient bed thereto. A medical treatment of examination system employing such a transport carriage has a number of medical devices for treatment of examination of a subject, each of these medical devices having a patient support mechanism associated therewith, with a differently configured patient bed. The patient beds are removable from the respective support mechanisms, and the transport carriage is configured to receive and transport any of these differently configured patient beds.

Abstract: A device for positioning at least one extremity of a patient during medical imaging is disclosed. The device comprises a radiotranslucent platform, at least one radiotranslucent support object, and at least one attachment to releasably secure the support object to 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: A radio frequency coil for a magnetic resonance image apparatus includes a first support frame provided with a first coil, a second support frame opposing the first support frame and provided with a second coil, a gap adjuster for adjusting a gap between the first and second support frames according to the size of a specimen, and a frequency sustainer for sustaining a resonance frequency set according to change of the gap. The magnetic resonance image apparatus adopting the radio frequency coil alleviates impatience of a patient, to thereby enable rejection of patients with respect to the magnetic resonance image apparatus to be solved. Also, the magnetic resonance image apparatus enables a patient to be imaged and during operation. In addition, the second support frame can be moved to reduce a gap between the first and second support frames to thereby greatly improve quality of an image.

Abstract: A patient support mechanism has a patient gurney for the delivery and removal of a patient, the patient gurney having a removable bed board, and having a stationary patient bed provided for the acceptance of the bed board or having a stationary supporting part provided therefor at an imaging medical system such as, for example, a CT installation, an angiography device or a NMR installation. The patient gurney has carriages that are transversely displaceable toward both sides for accepting the bed board and for shifting the bed board from the patient gurney onto the patient bed or onto the supporting part and vice versa. A patient gurney having two double T-shaped supports that are centrally connected to one another by a longitudinal support.

Abstract: A device for positioning a patient in a fixed location comprising:

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for providing a foam-filled thermoplastic spine board. An upper surface of the spine board has a cradle configuration to assist in more comfortably positioning a patient. The spine board includes hand holds for transporting the patient. Being free from metallic parts, the spine board is X-ray translucent and/or radio translucent.

Abstract: A surgical table extension has a radiolucent inner support member removably attachable to an end of a surgical table and extending outward therefrom in cantilever fashion. A radiolucent outer support member is mounted to the inner support member, and the outer support member is adjustable with respect to the inner support member to change the length of the table extension.

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 for supporting the head and neck of a supine patient during medical imaging, wherein the pad produces 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 surgical table (1) comprises a longitudinal, at least partly radiolucent table top (2), a support structure (3) for the table top, said support structure including a lateral tilting mechanism (4) for providing lateral tilting movement to the table top (2), a base (B) for supporting the support structure and the table top, and lateral floating means (6) for allowing the table top a floating horizontal movement in lateral directions relative to the base (5). According to the invention said lateral floating means (6) are positioned below the lateral tilting mechanism (4) for permitting undisturbed lateral floating movement in horizontal as well as tilted positions of the table top (2).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for use in medical imaging simulate within an imaging coil normal movements of body parts such as joints, and improve imaging of soft tissue and bony parts as compared to a static system in which images are taken of a joint in only one position. A joint or body parts is moved into various positions in multiple planes within its range of motion while a series of images are taken of the joint in the different positions. The images are collated into a cine format to effectively show the joint in motion. A surface or volume coil may be coupled for movement with the joint or body part and maintained in the proper spatial relationship with the primary coil's electromagnetic field. The systems may be provided as mechanisms usable with existing imaging tables to reduce cost, or may be built into a new imaging table. It is possible to use a larger primary coil, allowing increased range of movement. Traction may be applied to a joint being imaged, in order to load the joint.

Abstract: A hospital bed adapted for use with an open geometry imaging system, such as a C-arm imager, is provided. The hospital bed includes a mobile base, a frame, a bed top, and a patient support. At least one portion of the bed top and patient support are substantially radiotransparent. The radiotransparent portions are capable of axial displacement along the lengthwise axis of the bed, thereby allowing the use of an imager on a patient in the bed without interference from the base. The axial displacement is preferably indexed to at least one predetermined stop position. One or more independent lateral sections can be selectively moved away from the radiotransparent portion, allowing for a reduction in the overall width of the bed. A patient transport system is also provided, in which the bed top and attached patient support can be used as a portable support, such as a stretcher, and may be secured to the base for subsequent transport and/or imaging when appropriate.

Abstract: In interventional MRI, for example, in neurosurgical applications, the head of a patient must be positioned on a head support while allowing reproducible manipulation of the head. The head support must be made of a material that is compatible with MR. Furthermore, spatial restrictions imposed by the bore of the magnetic resonance apparatus have to be dealt with. The head support in accordance with the invention includes a support whereon the patient head or a stereotactic frame can be rested. The head support is suppored by a mounting device. Both the support and mounting device are fixed on the table top. The mounting device provides a sliding surface that enables rotation of the support relative to the mounting device. The support can be curved towards the table top thus providing a concave surface so as to lower the supporting surface for a stereotactic frame and hence to minimize the total volume of the construction.

Abstract: A medical accessory clamping system includes a table and an accessory clamp. The table has an upper surface and a lower surface, a first ridge positioned on the upper surface and a second ridge positioned on the lower surface of the table. The accessory clamp has a first clamping member and a second clamping member coupled to but separate from the first clamping member wherein the clamping members define a cavity for receiving a portion of the table. The first and second clamping members have recesses for receiving said first and second ridges of the table, respectively. A uniquely styled clamp and a table are also disclosed.

Abstract: A bearing mechanism or support structure for an imaging medical examination apparatus, particularly a magnetic resonance apparatus or a computer tomography apparatus, has a bearing plate for the patient and an endless conveyor band or belt for transporting the bearing plate through an opening in the examination apparatus. The conveyor band can move through the opening that serves for the acceptance of the patient and is moved therethrough by means of two end rollers arranged on mutually opposite sides of the examination apparatus.

Abstract: A bed is provided for supporting a patient thereon. The bed includes a first bed component that is movable relative to a second bed component. The bed further includes a position detector configured to detect the position of the second bed component relative to the first bed component.