Abstract: According to one embodiment, a compression plate compresses a breast of a subject with the breast between the compression plate and an imaging plane of an imaging table. The compression plate including a compression face and a chest wall face. The compression face is configured to compress the breast to the imaging table. The chest wall face is configured continuously from the compression face to be in contact with a chest wall of the subject during X-ray imaging. The chest wall face includes a second region which is in contact with the chest wall of the subject, and the second region has surface roughness which is greater than that of a first region of the compression face, which is opposed to the imaging table.

Abstract: Systems and methods of measuring feet and designing and creating orthopedic inserts are described. A leg length discrepancy of a user is measured and this data, along with foot size are input into a computer. The computer then creates a computer model of a custom shoe insert based on this information. The computer model is then sent to a 3D printer to print the insert. The insert consists of a base insert with partial correction, and several additional layers that are added successively over time until a full correction is obtained. This eliminates any pain associated with a fully corrective insert, and allows the body to adjust gradually to the correction.

Abstract: A patient positioner (100) includes a central portion (102) and a pair of shoulder restraints (105,106) extending distally away from a first side (107) of the central portion. Each shoulder restraint can terminate at an attachment area (108,109). Each attachment area can comprise fastener (114,115). Complementary fasteners (214,215) can be disposed on the central portion (102). The shoulder restraints can then be folded (116) about a patient's shoulders, with the fasteners attaching to the complementary fasteners. A plurality of securement straps (121,122,123,124,125,126) configured to attach the patient positioner to a procedure table (701) can extend distally from the second side (110) and the third side (111) of the central portion, respectively.

Abstract: An operating table includes a patient placement table for placing and securing a patient in a required posture; a main body for supporting the patient placement table; engaging pieces for removably coupling the patient placement table to the main body; and a motor for rotating the patient placement table with a head-feet direction of the patient as a rotation axis to hold the patient placement table at any given rotation angle.

Abstract: A thermotherapy device (10), for new-born and premature babies, has a bed substructure (30) and an incubator chamber (20) with a positioning aid (50) in the incubator chamber (20). The positioning aid (50) is a flexible sheet fixed to a holding structure (60). The positioning aid (50) can be stretched out by the holding structure (60). The width to which the positioning aid (50) can be stretched out is adjustable by adjusting a width of the holding structure (60). The positioning aid (50) can be pulled and/or pivoted out of the incubator chamber (20) with the aid of the holding structure (60). The holding structure (60) is movably mounted in the bed substructure. The holding structure (60) has at least two pivotable holding arms (61). The two holding arms (61) form a holding arm pair.

Abstract: An inflatable mattress includes a top panel, a bottom panel, and a side panel coupled between a perimeter of the top panel and a perimeter of the bottom panel. The side panel defines a cutout sized and configured to receive a headrest therein. The top panel defines a fabric section extending over the cutout.

Abstract: A patient support structure includes a pair of independently height-adjustable supports, each connected to a patient support. The supports may be independently raised, lowered, rolled or tilted about a longitudinal axis, laterally shifted and angled upwardly or downwardly. Position sensors are provided to sense all of the foregoing movements. The sensors communicate data to a computer for coordinated adjustment and maintenance of the inboard ends of the patient supports in an approximated position during such movements. A longitudinal translator provides for compensation in the length of the structure when the supports are angled upwardly or downwardly. A patient trunk translator provides coordinated translational movement of the patient's upper body along the respective patient support in a caudad or cephalad direction as the patient supports are angled upwardly or downwardly for maintaining proper spinal biomechanics and avoiding undue spinal traction or compression.

Abstract: A system for supporting a patient while scanning a volume of tissue protruding from a patient includes a base having a planar portion configured to support the patient in a prone configuration. A frustoconical portion extends from the planar portion and defines a base aperture configured to receive the volume of tissue. A support assembly couples to the base. A membrane is retained in tension within a frame at a peripheral portion of the membrane. The membrane defines a membrane aperture configured to align with the base aperture, and the membrane is configured to deflect into the frustoconical portion of the base in response to the patient's weight. The system can further include an electrical subsystem including a pressure sensor array configured to generate signals in response to a pressure distribution resulting from the patient's weight at the patient interface system.

Abstract: Apparatus associated with improved magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guided needle biopsy procedures (e.g., breast needle biopsy) are described. One example apparatus includes a support structure configured to support a patient in a face-down prone position where a breast of the patient is positioned in a first free hanging pre-imaging position. The example apparatus includes an immobilization structure configured to reposition the breast into an immobilized position suitable for MRI and for medical instrument access. The immobilization structure may include a removable biopsy plate, a removable side coil, a pressure plate, and MRI coils. The MRI coils are configured to be repositioned from a first position associated with the free hanging pre-imaging position to a second position associated with the immobilized position to facilitate improving the signal to noise ratio associated with signal received from the breast through the MRI coils.

Abstract: A novel scanning table for use with a scanning machine, the novel scanning table being movable along the X-axis and/or movable along the Y-axis and the Z-axis.

Abstract: A medical apparatus for extending the neck of a patient without manually lifting the patient. This apparatus has a gel pad assembly encapsulating an inflatable bag connected to two hoses for inflation and deflation purposes. The inflatable bag is positioned beneath the shoulders, thereby lifting the shoulders and hence extending the neck when the inflatable bag is inflated.

Abstract: A lesion detecting method and a lesion detecting apparatus for breast image in a rotating manner are provided. In the method, a set of breast image in the rotating manner is obtained. The set of breast image in the rotating manner contains sub breast images. The sub breast image is reconstructed, to generate a reconstructed breast image. The reconstructed breast image is compared with the set of breast image in the rotating manner without being reconstructed. Accordingly, at least one lesion position would be confirmed according to the comparing result. Therefore, viewing a three-dimensional breast image would be convenient for medical staff, and false positive of detecting lesion would be reduced.

Abstract: An articulating patient support table comprises first and second patient support sections hingedly connected together along respective hinge ends. A longitudinal translation subassembly connected to a base by a position adjustable pedestal supports the first patient support section in cantilevered relationship. The position adjustment assembly includes a lift mechanism operable to raise and lower the longitudinal translation subassembly relative to the base and a pivot assembly operable to pivot the longitudinal translation subassembly fore and aft and side to side relative to the base.

Abstract: A positioning apparatus configured to actively assist the support, positioning, or support and positioning of a patient on a patient support apparatus is provided. The positioning apparatus includes a sliding bearing unit to allow the positioning apparatus to be supported in a movable manner on the patient support apparatus, and a bearing unit with at least two bearing regions. At least a first of the at least two bearing regions is configured to support and/or provide support on the patient support apparatus, and at least a second of the at least two bearing regions is configured to assist the positioning of the patient.

Abstract: A method for correlating a 2D ultrasonagraphic image of a patient's spine with a relative location along the spine may include storing a generic 3D model of a spine in a database of an ultrasonagraphic system, recording a patient-specific spine contour line via an ultrasound probe, resizing the length of the generic 3D model according to the patient-specific contour line, distorting the shape of the generic 3D model according to the patient-specific spine contour line to create a patient-specific 3D model of the patient's spine, capturing a first ultrasound image of the patient's spine via the ultrasound probe and concurrently determining a 3D location of the ultrasound probe. The method may include correlating the 3D location of the ultrasound probe with a corresponding location on the patient-specific 3D model. A rendering of the patient-specific 3D model may be displayed, including an indication of the relative location of the ultrasound probe.

Abstract: A patient transfer sled has a support structure including at least one air cushion adjacent a major surface thereof. The air cushion includes a flexible material at least partially surrounding a rigid material, and a portion of the flexible material has a plurality of holes extending therethrough. Systems for patient transfer may include a support surface, such as a table, a patient transfer sled having at least one air cushion, and a source of pressurized air. Methods for moving a patient relative to a support surface include positioning a patient on a patient transfer sled having at least one air cushion, and inflating the air cushion with air to form a sheet of flowing air between the patient transfer sled and the support surface. The methods may be used, for example, to move a patient on an air film over a surface within a system.

Abstract: Methods for assessing spinal health and treatment effectiveness for spinal conditions in a patient via use of an ultrasonagraphic system are shown and described. The ultrasonagraphic system includes optical targets, a transducer probe, an optical tracker unit, an image processing system, a 3D ultrasound processor, and a display. The methods include attaching optical targets to the patient's body; detecting locations of the optical targets on the patient; detecting a location of the transducer probe; moving the transducer probe over at least a portion of the patient's body to collect spinal image data; generating 3D image data; sending 3D image data to the image processing system; processing 3D image data; displaying a real-time 3D image of the one or more vertebrae on the display to allow a healthcare provider to assess spinal health and treatment effectiveness based on the displayed real-time 3D image.

Abstract: A surgical table comprising a base and a patient support supported between opposed ends of the base, each opposed end including a pitch/roll assembly. The base is configured such that the patient support can be rolled and pitched relative to the opposed ends via the pitch/roll assemblies such that the roll axis of each pitch/roll assembly remains coaxial regardless of how the patient support is pitched or rolled relative to the base. The patient support includes an outer frame and an inner frame supported on, and displaceable relative to, the outer frame. The inner frame is further articulating about, and relative to, itself. The outer frame is rigid in that it does not change configurations.

Abstract: A patient support assembly for use in a magnetic resonance image (MRI) scanner includes a first and a second patient support structure and a first and a second imaging coil. The patient support assembly provides support for multiple anatomical regions being imaged, improving patient comfort during the procedure. Access to the patient is improved by: providing a flexible coil that wraps around at least one of the anatomical regions being imaged, providing a support structure open to the anterior region of the anatomical region being imaged, and providing a support structure that may be opened and closed about the anatomical region being imaged. The patient support assembly also aligns the two imaging coils to minimize interference between coils during imaging.

Abstract: A joint of a patient is scanned using MRI apparatus, and images of the joint area are produced as a body part of the patient is moved into a particular position known to cause a problem in the joint. The patient may walk or run on a treadmill during the process, or the body part may be supported on a surface causing or allowing such movement.

Abstract: A differential phase contrast X-ray imaging system includes an X-ray illumination system, a beam splitter arranged in an optical path of the X-ray illumination system, and a detection system arranged in an optical path to detect X-rays after passing through the beam splitter.

Abstract: A panel includes a plurality of integrated strain gauges for measuring deformation information relating to the panel. The strain gauges are arranged parallel to one another in the longitudinal direction of the panel and have at least two different lengths.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an MRI apparatus (20) obtains a nuclear magnetic resonance signal from an RF coil device (100) which detects the nuclear magnetic resonance signal emitted from an object (P), and this MRI apparatus (20) includes a first radio communication unit (200), a second radio communication unit (300) and an image reconstruction unit (56). The first radio communication unit (200) obtains the nuclear magnetic resonance signal detected by the RF coil device (100), and wirelessly transmits the nuclear magnetic resonance signal in a digitized state via an induced electric field. The second radio communication unit (300) receives the nuclear magnetic resonance signal wirelessly transmitted from the first radio communication unit (200) via the induced electric field. The image reconstruction unit (56) reconstructs image data of the object (P) based on the nuclear magnetic resonance signal received by the second radio communication unit (300).

Abstract: A patient support structure includes a pair of independently height-adjustable supports, each connected to a patient support. The supports may be independently raised, lowered, rolled or tilted about a longitudinal axis, laterally shifted and angled upwardly or downwardly. Position sensors are provided to sense all of the foregoing movements. The sensors communicate data to a computer for coordinated adjustment and maintenance of the inboard ends of the patient supports in an approximated position during such movements. A longitudinal translator provides for compensation in the length of the structure when the supports are angled upwardly or downwardly. A patient trunk translator provides coordinated translational movement of the patient's upper body along the respective patient support in a caudad or cephalad direction as the patient supports are angled upwardly or downwardly for maintaining proper spinal biomechanics and avoiding undue spinal traction or compression.

Abstract: A patient support structure includes a pair of independently height-adjustable supports, each connected to a patient support. The supports may be independently raised, lowered, rolled or tilted about a longitudinal axis, laterally shifted and angled upwardly or downwardly. Position sensors are provided to sense all of the foregoing movements. The sensors communicate data to a computer for coordinated adjustment and maintenance of the inboard ends of the patient supports in an approximated position during such movements. A longitudinal translator provides for compensation in the length of the structure when the supports are angled upwardly or downwardly. A patient trunk translator provides coordinated translational movement of the patient's upper body along the respective patient support in a caudad or cephalad direction as the patient supports are angled upwardly or downwardly for maintaining proper spinal biomechanics and avoiding undue spinal traction or compression.

Abstract: Surgical table and system for positioning, or lifting, a patient for purposes of generally performing a medical procedure on a posterior-portion of the patent (such as spinal surgery). The surgical table and system comprise a patient support system, a patient-positioning system and a base. In one embodiment, the patient-positioning system is configured to lift the head or foot end of the patient independently from each other, such as in Trendelenburg or reverse-Trendelenburg positions, and is also configured to angle the patient laterally. In another embodiment, the patient support is configured with an electrically-powered track and/or rail system that extends the patient support assembly away from the base, whereby the extension of the patient support forms a cantilevered support.

Abstract: A constraint having a main body and at least one coupler. The main body can be substantially arcuate in shape and can be configured to constrain a patient. The at least one coupler can couple the main body to a bed or treatment pallet. The constraint can be sized to restrict a patient within a computerized tomography (CT) scan field of view.

Abstract: A surgery table utilizing first and second sections which are hingedly attached to one another. First and second sections are also connected to supports apart from the hinged portion. An elevator moves one of the sections upwardly and downwardly at the support. The resultant position of the frame formed by the first and second sections may take the configuration of a flat surface or an upwardly or downwardly oriented “vee”.

Abstract: A patient positioning system employs an arm having a first portion and a second portion which is telescopic relative to the first portion. A first positioning device may be coupled to the first portion of the arm providing support for the arm. The first positioning device is rotatable on a first axis, allowing the arm to rotate with the first positioning device. The second positioning device is coupled to the second portion of the arm and movable with the second portion of the arm relative to the first portion of the arm. The second positioning device is operable to rotate a patient support at least on a second axis.

Abstract: A patient support system includes independently adjustable end columns supporting a centrally hinged, jointed or breaking patient support structure. At least one column includes a powered rotation assembly. The patient support includes at least two sections. A coordinated drive system provides for both upwardly and downwardly breaking or jointed orientations of the two sections in various inclined and tilted positions. Cable, cantilevered and pull-rod systems are included. Primary and secondary elevators and a failsafe locking system are provided.

Abstract: In MR imaging in a suite of rooms including a diagnostic room and a second surgical room, the magnet includes a diagnostic table separable from a docking station of the magnet and the second room includes a second surgical table. An imaging control computer controls operation of the imaging system and a movement control computer controls operation of the magnet moving system and the patient support table. During imaging in the surgical room, the diagnostic table is separated and docked at a secondary docking station while an emulating computer system cooperate with the imaging control computer system by emulating outputs from the disconnected diagnostic table for controlling operation of the imaging system.

Abstract: A patient support structure includes a pair of independently height-adjustable supports, each connected to a patient support. The supports may be independently raised, lowered, rolled or tilted about a longitudinal axis, laterally shifted and angled upwardly or downwardly. Position sensors are provided to sense all of the foregoing movements. The sensors communicate data to a computer for coordinated adjustment and maintenance of the inboard ends of the patient supports in an approximated position during such movements. A longitudinal translator provides for compensation in the length of the structure when the supports are angled upwardly or downwardly. A patient trunk translator provides coordinated translational movement of the patient's upper body along the respective patient support in a caudad or cephalad direction as the patient supports are angled upwardly or downwardly for maintaining proper spinal biomechanics and avoiding undue spinal traction or compression.

Abstract: A radiolucent patient table top including a first face sheet, a second face sheet, and a honeycomb core is provided. The first face sheet includes carbon fibers in a first radiolucent plastic matrix. The second face sheet includes carbon fibers in a second radiolucent plastic matrix. The honeycomb core is disposed between the first face sheet and the second face sheet, where the first face sheet and the second face sheet sandwich the honeycomb core. The honeycomb core includes carbon fibers embedded in a third radiolucent plastic matrix.

Abstract: A surgical table including a central bottom portion is provided. The surgical table includes at least one first wheel adjacent a first end of the table, at least one second wheel adjacent a second end of the table, and a first stabilizing bar connected to the first wheel and the second wheel. The stabilizing bar is movably connected to the central bottom portion. The stabilizing bar is configured for coordinated movement of the wheels.

Abstract: An anatomical support is provided for facilitating the medical imaging of a patient's hip, leg or knee. The anatomical support has an operatively horizontal pelvis support panel to one edge of which is attached an edge of a thigh locating panel by a hinged attachment and that has attached to an opposite edge thereof by another hinged attachment, a calf or foot support panel. The pelvis support panel has anchorage attachments for a pelvis restraint, and the thigh locating panel has anchorage attachments for a thigh restraint. Locking means are provided for locking the calf or foot support panel in adjustable positions in which it is generally parallel to the pelvis support panel but horizontally displaced therefrom. At least appropriate areas of the calf or foot support panel, the thigh locating panel and the pelvis support panel are made of radiolucent material.

Abstract: A radiation therapy patient couch top which provides optimal fields of treatment in a high-energy radiation therapy environment. In addition, the patient couch top provides superior imaging qualities when used in a diagnostic imaging x-ray environment. All metal is eliminated from the treatment/imaging area. This ensures that no metal will be in the way of the radiation treatment beam and that no artifacting will occur when used with diagnostic imaging techniques such as Computed Tomography. By employing moveable fiber reinforced support beams, the main patient support structure can be positioned so that a minimum of electron generation will occur through Compton scattering. By allowing for a removable insert, the top patient surface can be optimized for treatment, diagnostic imaging or the addition of other useful features.

Abstract: A headrest assembly includes a frame, a first head support configured and dimensioned to support a forehead of a patient, and a second head support configured and dimensioned to support a chin of the patient. An adjustment mechanism is mounted to the frame and is operable to adjust the position of at least one of the first and second head supports relative to the frame. The first and second head supports having at least two degrees of freedom relative to a longitudinal plane and at least one degree of freedom relative to an axial plane that is orthogonal to the longitudinal plane. The longitudinal plane extends parallel to an X axis and also extends parallel to a Y axis that is orthogonal to the X axis. The axial plane extends parallel to one of the X axis and the Y axis. The axial plane also extends parallel to a Z-axis that is orthogonal to both the X axis and the Y axis.

Abstract: A couch device including sliders axially supported by lower ends of both of link members, and including nut members. Guide rails substantially horizontally guide each slider. A screw member is arranged along the guide rail and is configured to apply a driving force to each slider when it is relatively rotated for each nut member and, due to the driving force, substantially horizontally transfer each slider. A clutch unit selectively carries out the operations of rotating one nut member integrated with the screw member such that the driving force is prevented from being applied to one slider, or relatively rotating one nut member for the screw member such that the driving force is applied to one slider. A binding unit binds one slider to the guide rail when the driving force is not applied to the one slider.

Abstract: In a device for controlling an operation of an anti-collision switch, the anti-collision switch is provided in a support close to a guide frame that is provided at at least one of both lateral sides of a table frame, to prevent collision of the table frame that is supported on the table support to be capable of moving in a lengthwise direction. The device includes a first lever coupled to the table support so that at least a portion of the first lever moves in a vertical direction according to deformation of the guide frame, and a second lever pressing the anti-collision switch in a normal state and, when a vertical movement of the first lever deviates from a preset height, being moved up by the first lever to remove pressing of the anti-collision switch and operate the anti-collision switch.

Abstract: A solar panel deployment system includes a main support frame and a solar panel array providing at least one solar panel, wherein the solar panel array is coupled to the main support frame, and each of the solar panels are mounted in a solar panel frame. The system also includes a lift mechanism coupled to the main support frame and solar panel array, and an array extender/retractor coupled to the solar panel array, wherein the array extender/retractor is actuated to deploy the solar panel array or to retract the solar panel array.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus configured to position and/or support a patient on a patient couch is provided. The patient support apparatus includes a first support unit that has a support surface to support the patient directly. The patient support apparatus also includes a second support unit. The second support unit includes at least one filler and a receiving chamber for receiving the at least one filler. The at least one filler includes a flexibly adjustable filler.

Abstract: A subject support (114) of an imaging system (100) includes a tabletop (124) that supports a subject or object in an examination region of the imaging system, a base (116), including a mechanical linear actuator (118), and a coupling (128) that mechanically couples the tabletop and the linear mechanical actuator such that the linear mechanical actuator translates the tabletop with respect to the examination region. The coupling rotates in two directions and translates in two directions, thereby providing four degrees of freedom, compensating for at least one of machining inaccuracies or misalignment of the linear mechanical actuator.

Abstract: A method for compensating the sagging of a pallet of the patient table includes: detecting a degree of sagging of a position on the pallet where a scanning cross section is located; determining whether the degree of sagging is smaller than a predetermined degree, and ending the procedure if the degree of sagging is smaller than the predetermined degree; otherwise, determining an adjustment amount of the pallet according to the degree of sagging, and lifting the pallet according to the adjustment amount. An apparatus includes a detecting device; a lifting device; and a controller. If a detected value of the degree of sagging is smaller than a predetermined value, the controller ends the procedure; otherwise, the controller is configured to determine an adjustment amount of the pallet according to the degree of sagging, and control the lifting device to lift the pallet according to the adjustment amount.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a functional table for patient transportation, including: a patient supporter which supports a patient laid thereon and allows the patient to be horizontally slidably transported, with its both sides being changed in their angle with respect to a vertical axis of the patient; a support frame which is located in the central bottom of the patient supporter and allows the patient supporter to be vertically moved; a base frame which is connected to the bottom of the support frame and supports the whole of functional table; and at least three transporting wheels which are connected to the base frame and allow the functional table to be freely moved.

Abstract: The present invention provides a patient positioning device, which enables the latest advances in Stereotactic Radiation Therapy. The geometry, which incorporates at least one window or lateral cut-out, is designed to allow clear treatment access to the patient during non-coplanar treatment regimes through the use of windows or lateral cut-outs. A laterally positionable diaphragm compression device allows the full use of the geometry. The development of a stand-alone device and a couch top insert device allows for a maximum number of protocol methods while minimizing the skin surface radiation dose to the patient.

Abstract: Apparatus associated with improved magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guided needle biopsy procedures (e.g., breast needle biopsy) are described. One example apparatus includes a support structure configured to support a patient in a face-down prone position where a breast of the patient is positioned in a first free hanging pre-imaging position. The example apparatus includes an immobilization structure configured to reposition the breast into an immobilized position suitable for MRI and for medical instrument access. The immobilization structure may include a biopsy plate, a pressure plate, and MRI coils. The MRI coils are configured to be repositioned from a first position associated with the free hanging pre-imaging position to a second position associated with the immobilized position to facilitate improving the signal to noise ratio associated with signal received from the breast through the MRI coils. The biopsy plate is removable without removing either of the MRI coils.

Abstract: An adapter (10) is described for connecting at least one accessory device (12) to an operating table (14), comprising a first fixing device for attaching a base body of the adapter (10) to the operating table (14) and a second fixing device for attaching the accessory device (12) to the adapter (10). The base body is formed from an X-ray transparent plate (16), said X-ray transparent plate (16) including a part lying on a support surface (15) of the operating table (14) and another part extending beyond the support surface (15) and forming a support surface extension for supporting a patient, when said X-ray transparent plate (16) is attached to the operating table (14).

Abstract: The magnetic resonance imaging device of the present invention includes a gantry and a bed part comprising a top panel, the gantry comprises a circumferential panel covering outer circumference of a tunnel-shaped static magnetic field space, and a front panel having an opening serving as entrance of a bore for the static magnetic field space, this front panel comprises an arc-shaped outer panel extending from an upper part of the opening serving as entrance of the bore to the ground plane via both sides of the opening, and an inner panel disposed inside the outer panel, a portion connecting the outer panel and the inner panel constitutes a top surface protruding forwardly, and the inner panel is formed in a recessed shape with a concave curved surface extending from the top surface to the opening serving as entrance of the bore.

Abstract: A positioning apparatus configured to actively assist the support, positioning, or support and positioning of a patient on a patient support apparatus is provided. The positioning apparatus includes a sliding bearing unit to allow the positioning apparatus to be supported in a movable manner on the patient support apparatus, and a bearing unit with at least two bearing regions. At least a first of the at least two bearing regions is configured to support and/or provide support on the patient support apparatus, and at least a second of the at least two bearing regions is configured to assist the positioning of the patient.

Abstract: Apparatuses for assisting patient movement to/from a gurney to/from a patient handling system are provided. In one embodiment, a bariatric overlay is provided that includes a flexible top pallet and a rigid bottom pallet. A bladder resides between the flexible top pallet and the rigid bottom pallet. When actuated, the bladder expands and props up the flexible top pallet. The flexible top pallet, rigid bottom pallet, and bladder are made of a material translucent to an imaging modality. In various embodiments, the shape of the rigid bottom pallet is similar to the shape of a scanning bed of the patient handling system. For example, when the shape of the scanning bed is concave the rigid bottom pallet is concave in shape also.