Abstract: A joint assembly for forming a two part radiation therapy treatment table is disclosed. The treatment table includes a patient support panel to which one portion of the joint assembly is secured, and a table extension panel to which another portion of the joint assembly is secured. The joint assembly self-aligns, self levels, is immediately stable, and locks automatically by its weight and downward pressure. The joint assembly also includes an automatic failsafe secondary lock that resists joint release if upward forces are applied. Disengaging the secondary lock requires and results in no displacement of the two panels. Upon separation of the two panels the lock resets automatically.

Abstract: A wireless device communicates with a medical image capturing apparatus to adjust a position of a table supporting an object to be imaged. An operator adjusts a position of the wireless device, the apparatus measures the wireless device's position, and adjusts the table based on the measured position. A method may include measuring distances between the wireless device and each of a plurality of respective detection units arranged along an axis. An axial distance may be measured between a reference point and the wireless device using measured distances and locations of the detection units relative to the reference point. The table is moved with respect to a gantry aperture of the apparatus based on the calculated axial distance. Controlled table movement may be movement into the gantry aperture and/or table height adjustment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a surgical tables and table tops with reduced thickness and improved radiolucency of X-ray radiation. The invention also relates to surgical table arrangement adapted for the improved table tops.

Abstract: A cradle drive mechanism is provided. The cradle drive mechanism includes a drive motor, an intermediate frame and a screw and nut transmission device driven by the drive motor so as to drive linear reciprocating motion of the intermediate frame. The cradle drive mechanism also includes a rotating, shaft having a first driving wheel and a gear, a transmission belt, and a rack meshed with the gear so that, during linear reciprocating motion of the intermediate frame, the rack forces the gear to rotate and drive rotation of the first driving wheel, wherein rotation of the first driving wheel drives rotation of the transmission belt. The cradle drive mechanism also includes a cradle connector fixed on the transmission belt and configured to connect a cradle and to drive linear reciprocating motion of the cradle.

Abstract: A transfer station is provided that is suitable for use in association with an incubator and an MR scanner for neonatal infants. The transfer station may include a transfer station platform attached atop a transfer station base. The transfer station may be placed between and an incubator and an MR scanner and may include mechanisms for engaging the incubator and the MR scanner. The transfer station may include a movable bed for a patient that may be placed in the MR scanner.

Abstract: A medical treatment and surgical operation table capable of functioning as a medical treatment table and a surgical operation table is provided. The medical treatment and surgical operation table 2 is provided with a table 40 which is formed of a material through which an X-ray transmits and on which a patient lays, an operation unit 10 that supports a lower side of one end portion of the table 40 and operates the table 40 so as to elevate, incline and move in all direction in a horizontal plane, and a base 5 that supports the operation unit 10. The medical treatment and surgical operation table is further provided with fixing/releasing means 65 that fixes movement of the table 40 or moves the fixed table by magnetic force.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a bed configured to support a subject and having an insertion hole through which a subject portion that is part of the subject is inserted; a pair of compression plates configured to hold and compress the subject portion when the subject portion is inserted through the insertion hole; and a unit including therein the pair of compression plates and having an opening through which an operator inserts a hand when the subject portion is inserted through the insertion hole. The unit includes a receiving plate at a position opposite to the opening in an insertion direction of the hand within a range of the insertion hole when viewed from the insertion hole.

Abstract: A system includes a patient support and an outer gantry on which an accelerator is mounted to enable the accelerator to move through a range of positions around a patient on the patient support. The accelerator is configured to produce a proton or ion beam having an energy level sufficient to reach a target in the patient. An inner gantry includes an aperture for directing the proton or ion beam towards the target.

Abstract: A support for supporting anatomy of a patient during scanning, comprising: a holder for supporting anatomy of a patient during scanning, wherein at least a portion of the holder is X-ray transparent; and a support for supporting the holder adjacent to a scanner.

Abstract: The disclosure describes cable management systems that provide adjustable lengths of cables that connect to various electronic medical or surgical tools. The systems can reduce the lengths of loose or hanging cables and define routes that preventing cross-over, looping and/or bunching of loose lengths of long cables.

Abstract: A patient support system includes a floor cavity in the floor of a treatment room; a patient support device comprising a treatment table; a base; a first movement mechanism on which the treatment table is mounted; a second movement mechanism mounted on the base and attached to the first movement mechanism, wherein the first and second movement mechanisms are moveable independently of each other; the first movement mechanism is configured to raise and lower the treatment table and the second movement mechanism is configured to raise and lower the first movement mechanism such that in a lowered position the second movement mechanism is contained within the floor cavity.

Abstract: A system includes a patient support and an outer gantry on which an accelerator is mounted to enable the accelerator to move through a range of positions around a patient on the patient support. The accelerator is configured to produce a proton or ion beam having an energy level sufficient to reach a target in the patient. An inner gantry includes a robotic arm capable of directing an aperture for directing the proton or ion beam towards the target.

Abstract: A patient table adapted for use in association with an MR scanner for neonatal infants is provided. The patient table has an extendable patient bed attached to and extendable from the patient table. The patient bed may be at least partially inserted into an MR scanner without requiring the patient table to enter the MR scanner. A transport mechanism is on the underside of the patient table so that it may be readily moved over the floor on which it rests. The patient table includes a latching mechanism that may operate to releasably attach the patient table to a patient table docking assembly. The docking assembly is operative to selectively move the patient table towards, into and away from the MR scanner.

Abstract: In order to provide a medical image diagnostic apparatus in which a mechanism for drawing a top plate into a gantry can be connected to the top plate without the collision, a pin 17 is provided in an end portion of a top plate 70, and a hook 12 that is connected to the pin 17 is provided in the connecting mechanism 82 that is moved on a top plate receiving portion. According to a position of the connecting mechanism 82 on the top plate receiving portion, the position of the hook 12 varies to connect to the pin 17.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus for supporting a patient on an examination table includes at least one chamber, a connection unit and a regulating unit. The at least one chamber has at least one opening for supplying a filler. The connection unit connects the at least one chamber to the regulating unit. The regulating unit regulates a quantity of the filler within the at least one chamber.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus for supporting a patient on an examination table is provided. The patient support apparatus includes at least one chamber having at least one opening for supplying a filler, a connection unit for connecting the at least one chamber to a regulating unit, and the regulating unit for regulating a quantity of the filler within the at least one chamber. In an embodiment, the patient support apparatus has a pressure sensor for capturing a sensor value of a pressure, and a processing unit which is so designed as to compare the sensor value with a threshold value.

Abstract: The presence or absence of objects (e.g., medical implements, medical supplies) tagged with transponders may be determined in an environment in which medical procedures (e.g., surgery) are performed via an interrogation and detection system which includes a controller and a plurality of antennas positioned along a patient support structure. The antennas may, for example, be positioned along an operating table, bed, a mattress or pad or a sheet and may be radiolucent. Respective antennas may successively be activated to transmit interrogation signals. Multiple antennas may be monitored for responses from transponders to the interrogation signals. For example, all antennas other than the antenna that transmitted the most recent interrogation signal may be monitored.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus is provided. The patient support apparatus has a patient table, a movable support plate for supporting a patient, a guide unit, which is designed to guide the support plate along at least one movement direction of the support plate, and a fastening unit for fastening an auxiliary unit to the support plate. The fastening unit has at least one setting unit for setting the position of the auxiliary unit in relation to the support plate in a flexible manner.

Abstract: A support tray is equipped with a recess for receiving a medical backboard which has a plurality of medical grade gel pads secured thereto to reduce/eliminate the creation of bed sores. Extender wings can be hooked on the lateral edges of the tray to provide additional surface area for larger patients. Undergirding straps are provided to facilitate transport of the assembly when the wings are being utilized.

Abstract: A patient support table has a patient support plate adjustable along at least one axis to support a patient thereon, and at least one touch-sensitive input device, wherein sweeping over or marking a segment of the at least one touch-sensitive input device by a user is translated into an adjustment of the patient support plate along the at least one axis. A medical apparatus includes such a patient support table, and in a method to adjust the patient support plate of the patient support table, appropriate interaction of a user with the touch-sensitive input device effects the adjustment of the support plate along the at least one axis.

Abstract: A medical imaging table assembly includes a table portion, a cradle slidably coupled to the table portion, the cradle having a length that defines a patient scanning area and a workflow management area, and a patient support pad disposed only on the patient scanning area. A medical imaging system including the medical imaging table and a method of manufacturing the medical imaging table are also described herein.

Abstract: Provided is a narrow docking mechanism chat enables a bed and an apparatus main body to be coupled together with sufficient holding force during docking and that does not hinder access by an examiner to an object. A coupling mechanism on a bed 3 side includes a coupling plate 7 having one end fixed to the bed 3, and a coupling mechanism 50 on the main apparatus side includes a plurality of rollers 12 arranged side by side along the shape of both sides of the coupling plate 7. As the plurality of rollers 12 sandwiches and holds the coupling plate 7 from both sides, the coupling plate 7 can attach to and detach from the bed 3 by coupling the bed to the apparatus main body so as to be inserted between the arranged rollers 12.

Abstract: A urology drainage bag system has disposable clamps and/or bands that are disposed of along with the disposable urology drape. The drape, clamps, and band may comprise an integrated system for disposal as a unit. In some embodiments, the drape, clamps, and band are assembled together at the time of manufacture and sold as an integrated unit such that assembly of the drape onto the band by the end users at the point of use is not needed. Several plastic molded clamp embodiments are disclosed. Alternative methods and devices for supporting a flexible band and drainage bag relative to an OR table are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and device for accurately positioning patients for imaging and radiotherapy is disclosed. The device includes a support platform (such as a bed, a table, a couch, a chair, etc.) connected to a fixed base by at least two and preferably four offset supporting arms. The support arms are journaled into the support platform at passive-rotatable pivot joints and are journaled into the base at active-rotatable pivot points. The base contains actuators (manual or powered by motors, pneumatics or hydraulics) for articulating the support arms. The relative lengths of the support arms may be varied to create a pre-defined trajectory of the support platform, between a starting spatial position and orientation to an ending spatial position and orientation, and through a continuous range there between. This makes it possible to position a patient within a range from a low, standing up position to a high, forwarding, prone or supine position, or vice versa.

Abstract: A medical imaging device is provided. The medical imaging device has a detector unit, a receiving area for receiving a patient for the purposes of a medical imaging examination, and a patient table. The receiving area is cylindrically surrounded by the detector unit. The medical imaging device has at least one deposit unit which can be attached to the patient table.

Abstract: A system including a support panel and a fixation device for use in radiation therapy is disclosed. The support panel comprises a generally planar member that is arranged to be disposed adjacent an apparatus for producing a radiation beam to support a portion of the patient to which the radiation beam will be directed. The fixation device is arranged to be releasably secured to the support panel to hold the portion of the patient's body at a desired position. The fixation device includes attachment components which enable the releasable securement of the fixation device to the support panel without creating any attenuation discontinuities of a radiation beam passing therethrough.

Abstract: A patient support and/or transport device is proposed. The patient support and/or transport device comprises a receptacle in particular for a push-in patient support plate. At least one metal detection device is provided on the receptacle adjacent to the patient support plate when the patient support plate is pushed in.

Abstract: In order to provide a medical image diagnostic apparatus in which a mechanism for drawing a top plate into a gantry can be connected to the top plate without the collision, a pin 17 is provided in an end portion of a top plate 70, and a hook 12 that is connected to the pin 17 is provided in the connecting mechanism 82 that is moved on a top plate receiving portion. According to a position of the connecting mechanism 82 on the top plate receiving portion, the position of the hook 12 varies to connect to the pin 17.

Abstract: A cradle drive mechanism, a table and a patient imaging and carrying apparatus are provided. The cradle drive mechanism includes: a first portion, which is arranged on a main base and has a belt drive structure, wherein the belt drive structure is used to connect a cradle and drive the cradle to make a reciprocating motion; a second portion, which is arranged on a secondary base and has a secondary supporting and rotating member, wherein the second portion and the first portion form a gap therebetween, and the secondary supporting and rotating member is used to support the cradle; and two guiding and rotating members, which are arranged on the second portion and/or the first portion for guiding the cradle to move linearly. The present application can simplify the structure by adoption of the belt drive structure. Further, the gap between the second portion and the first portion does not attenuate the X-ray additionally, so the dose of the X-ray emitted can be decreased.

Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for conducting minimally-invasive procedures involving heart valves at least one multi-access articulated x-ray imaging robot is employed that allows a radiation detector carried by the robot to be moved in arbitrary paths, such as in circle, an ellipse, or along a spiral, around a patient in order to generate multiple projection exposures of the relevant region of the patient during the procedure. An image processor reconstructs a 3D image from the projection exposures substantially in real time during the procedure, and the 3D image is displayed to operating personnel during the procedure.

Abstract: A patient positioning system for radiotherapy, comprising a device for positioning a patient within the framework of treatment planning, using image detection and/or carrying out radiation treatment, comprising a patient bed on which a patient is positioned, wherein means are provided by which the same bed may be arranged both on a planning couch for image detection within the framework of treatment planning as well as on a radiotherapy table, and by providing a reference means on the patient bed by which the position of the immobilized patient or of a marked radiation target is determined with respect to the patient bed. Within this framework, a corresponding method is also provided, as well as an adjusting means for the transport and the bed.

Abstract: A number of C-FRP molded material sections that are elongated and made from a carbon fiber reinforced plastic are placed parallel to each other. The C-FRP molded material sections are insulated from each other by honeycomb material sections that are made from an insulating and nonmagnetic material. The C-FRP molded material sections and the honeycomb material sections are maintained by a glass fiber layer into a sheet plate shape.

Abstract: An approach is provided for patient positioning. A patient is arranged on a table having a positioning assembly coupled thereto, the positioning assembly including a plurality of spatially configurable members. A spatial configuration of at least one of the plurality of spatially configurable members is arranged to support the patient in a multipoint bending position during a medical procedure.

Abstract: A swaddling blanket comprises a continuous sheet of fabric material having a generally “T”-shaped configuration and being substantially light-transmissive for light having a wavelength in the range of 350 nm to 500 nm. An infant undergoing a course of phototherapy is swaddled in the sheet of fabric material so that the infant is snugly wrapped in the sheet of fabric material, the sheet of fabric material limiting arm and leg movement of the infant, with only a single layer of the sheet of fabric material between a phototherapy lamp and the infant.

Abstract: A robotic patient positioning assembly including a patient treatment couch, and a robotic arm coupled to the patient treatment couch. The robotic arm is configured to move the patient treatment couch along five rotational degrees of freedom and one substantially vertical, linear degree of freedom.

Abstract: A property information acquiring apparatus according to the present invention includes a supporting unit that supports an object person, a holding unit that holds an object area, and a receiving unit that receives information about properties of the object area by being positioned near the supporting unit, wherein the holding unit includes a restricting unit that restricts deformation generated in the supporting unit by the object person being supported by the supporting unit.

Abstract: An assembly for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of a patient and a method of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of a patient using different MRI scanners is disclosed. In one example, the assembly includes a plurality of RF coils, wherein the RF coils are configured to be positioned adjacent to an anatomy of interest, a patient support structure configured to support of the patient, a base removably coupled to the patient support structure, the base and the patient support being configured for receipt in the bore of an MRI scanner, and an interface coupled to the plurality of RF coils and to the MRI scanner and configured to connect the plurality of RF coils and the MRI scanner and to selectively control a first RF coil and a second RF coil included in the plurality of RF coils.

Abstract: An improved medical procedure table has motorized elevation, Trendelenburg tilt, floating tabletop with both longitudinal and lateral travel, multi-caster control, and an iso-roll device for the tabletop. The iso-roll device is connected between a roll plate and a cross plate. The iso-roll device includes a pair of iso-roll guide plates, which are mounted laterally to a bottom of the roll plate. Each iso-roll guide plate has an arcuate guide channel therein having an upwards concave shape. A set of cam followers are positioned in both guide channel and travel therein and also fixedly mounted to a base on the cross plate. A center of radius of the arcuate guide channel is approximately 5 inches above the tabletop. Further, mounted between the iso-roll guide plates and to the roll plate is a support guide plate having an arcuate bottom surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for a method for securing a patient for a medical procedure and specifically for an innovative headrest system for securing a patient for an ocular imaging procedure. The approach avoids the need for linkages and sliding rods and such. Instead, it relies on three independently movable face rests (two for the forehead or temples and one for the chin) each with a deformable cushion that is urged into conformity with the patient's head and chin during an adjustment phase of operation. Once a comfortable position and suitable conforming shape is achieved, the positions of the face rests are rigidly fixed and the shape of the cushions are rendered rigid and non-deformable, by application of a light vacuum, for the procedural or imaging phase of operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system (100) for automating adjustment or adaptation of devices (141-143) such as light, computer programs and positioning of devices used during patient examination. The patient examination is performed by use of a scanner system where the patient is lying on a bed (102) which can be moved into a scanner zone of the scanner where the scanning can be performed and away from the scanner zone. The automated control is achieved by detecting the position of the bed and using the detected position for adjusting or adapting the state, i.e. the function or working of one or more devices (141-143).

Abstract: The invention relates to a support apparatus on which a patient can be supported in a comfortable and secure manner for the preparation for an examination and for the examination, in particular an endorectal biopsy. The support apparatus comprises a sliding apparatus connected to a bearing substructure and is supported in a displaceable manner on the sliding apparatus so that it can be moved partially beyond the substructure connected to the sliding apparatus. The support apparatus also comprises a cutout. The invention also relates to a patient support table comprising a connecting apparatus to connect the patient support table to the support apparatus and serving as a bearing substructure for the support apparatus. A medical device, in particular an MR device, is also disclosed comprising a patient tunnel and the patient support table that can be introduced into the patient tunnel.

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 patient support apparatus, in particular for a medical imaging apparatus, has a table for supporting a patient, and a support unit, wherein the table is arranged at the support unit such that the table may be displaced along a longitudinal extension of the support unit. Further, the patient support apparatus has a protective wall element which closes off a region for receiving fluids on the table and/or on the support unit in a fluid-tight manner.

Abstract: Methods, apparati, and computer-readable media for automatically moving a patient (1) to an initial setup position. A method embodiment of the present invention entails the steps of pointing to at least one spot (8) on the body of the patient (1) when the patient (1) is located at the initial setup position at a first time point; recording spatial coordinate information for the at least one spot (8); and automatically moving the patient (1) to the initial setup position at a subsequent time point.

Abstract: An operator positioning apparatus for a proton treatment system includes: a proton beam nozzle to emit a proton beam to a targeted region of a patient; a gantry wheel having a front face to support the proton beam nozzle to direct the proton beam to an isocenter of the gantry wheel corresponding to a center of the targeted region, wherein the gantry wheel rotates the proton beam nozzle around the isocenter; an active floor that horizontally translates across the front face of the gantry wheel, the active floor having an opening having a width through which the proton beam nozzle protrudes when the proton beam nozzle is located below the targeted region.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus for supporting a patient in a prone position during a surgical procedure includes a patient support structure incorporating an open fixed frame suspended above a floor and a pair of spaced opposed radially sliding joints cooperating with the frame, each joint including a virtual pivot point and an arc of motion spaced from the pivot point, the joints being movable along the arc providing a pivot-shift mechanism for a pair of pelvic pads attached to the joints. A base supports and suspends the patient support structure above the floor, for supporting a patient during a surgical procedure, the base including a pair of spaced opposed vertical translation subassemblies reversibly attachable to the support structure, a cross-bar, and a rotation subassembly having two degrees of rotational freedom; wherein a location of each vertical translation subassembly is substantially constant during operation of the patient support structure.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present description provide a medical apparatus for use in supporting a patient lying in a supine position during a radial cardiac catheterization procedure. More particularly, embodiments of the present description provide an arm board a patient's arm during a radial cardiac catheterization procedure. The arm board has a base member having a substantially planar support surface on which the patient's arm can be stabilized during a catheterization procedure and at least one shield member affixed to the base member and extending away from the support surface. Desirably, the base member has both a radiolucent portion and a radiopaque portion and the shield member is a radiopaque material, thereby reducing and/or eliminating a doctor's exposure to radiation during radial cardiac catheterization procedures without impairing the ability to obtain the necessary medical images. Also provided is a medical apparatus and a method for its use.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a system and a method for attaching peripheral devices (such as collimators and electron applicators) to a system such as a radiotherapy system or radiography system. By re-using the lifting mechanism of the patient support to lift the peripheral device vertically, the invention reduces the need for heavy manual lifting.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a support mechanism movably supports the table top. A bed driver generates driving power to be supplied to the support mechanism to move the table top. An imaging mechanism includes a mechanism for acquiring medical image data associated with a subject placed on the table top. An ascending switch receives an ascending instruction for the table top. A descending switch receives a descending instruction for the table top. A storage unit stores the height of the table top at the time of the issuance of an ascending instruction as a target return position. When a descending instruction is issued, a bed controller controls the bed driver to descend the table top to the target return position stored in the storage unit.

Abstract: A medical imaging equipment has a conveying device that can be moved at least partially in at least one direction. A position-detecting device has at least one transmitting element which detects a position of the conveying device and emits position-measuring radiation. The position-detecting device has at least one detector element. The position-detecting device has at least one semi-transparent reflector element.