Abstract: A medical inspection apparatus includes a main body and an inspection module. The main body has at least two guide rails and at least two sliding blocks which are slidably coupled to the guide rails respectively, and the inspection module further includes at least one pivot, and each of the sliding blocks is pivotally connected to the inspection module with a pivot, so that the inspection module is capable of sliding on the sliding rail to regulate the height and rotating with respect to the pivot to regulate the inclination. Moreover, the main body has a first supporting component and a second supporting component, so that the combination of the first supporting component and the second supporting component can provide three-ended support for an inspected person.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a patient in radiation therapy and other applications. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a support structure and a panel carried by the support structure. The support structure can have first and second support members, such as rigid girders or other structures comprising substantially dielectric materials. The panel is also a rigid structure comprising substantially dielectric materials. The panel can further include a pass-through zone or other type of zone that is compatible with an ionizing radiation beam. For example, the panel can have a grid or solid low-density structure that mitigates beam contamination. The support structure and the panel together are configured to position a magnetic marker implanted in the patient in a navigational zone in which a magnetic field transmitted from the marker is not affected by conductive components or loops of conductive material in the pedestals or cantilevered support structures of conventional patient support systems.

Abstract: A robotized system (1) for positioning a patient with respect to at least one source of a particle beam, includes the at least one source, two robotized arms (3, 4), a treatment couch (5) for the patient and a logic unit which controls and coordinates the movements of the two robotized arms, wherein the at least one source is fixed, each end of the treatment couch (5) for the patient is connected to the end of one of the robotized arms (3, 4), the at least one particle beam emitted by the at least one fixed source is always included within the space between the ends of the two robotized arms (3, 4).

Abstract: A platform configured to be mounted onto a body support. The platform includes a body portion having an underside and an opposite top side. The underside is configured to face the body support, and the top side is configured to support a patient. The body portion also has a coil-receiving recess along the underside. The coil-receiving recess is configured to form a coil-receiving gap when the platform is mounted onto the body support. The coil-receiving gap is sized and shaped to permit a radio-frequency (RF) coil to be positioned therein.

Abstract: A patient table for diagnostic equipment includes at least one self-reinforced plastic.

Abstract: A patient table is capable of performing a patient examination using an imaging method in a rapid manner by reducing the time to prepare for the imaging and having a reduced manufacturing cost, and an X-ray imaging system has the patient table, in which the patient table includes a table top including material that allows radiated rays to pass therethrough, a support portion to support the table top, a mount portion to have a part of a body of a patient disposed thereon, and a stand assembly coupled to the mount portion.

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: An elevating and rotating patient ultrasound stand facilitates accurate ultrasound evaluation. A base provides both elevation changes and rotation. An electric motor lifts and lowers the stand, and rotates on a “lazy susan” style base. One embodiment of a lifting mechanism is a scissors style mechanism and another embodiment is a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder mechanism. The stand resides above the elevating and rotating mechanism and includes arm rests on each side. In one embodiment a seat is attachable to the stand to provide a patient with a rest from standing for a long period of time.

Abstract: A stabilization device includes a base, a column, and a table support structure, wherein the column is disposed within the base and is movable within the base along a vertical axis. The table support structure is connected to the column and comprises a substantially planar top surface. The stabilization device may be positioned under an extension of a patient support table and adjusted along the vertical axis so that a substantially planar top surface of the table support structure is disposed flush against a substantially planar bottom surface of the extension.

Abstract: An imaging device for a joint of a human is made of an HF transparent material. The imaging device has a base element that may be fastened to a patient bed of a magnetic resonance system. The imaging device includes a bearing element, in which a joint region of an extremity of the human may be supported when the base element is fastened to the patient bed. The bearing element and the base element are connected movably to each other by a guiding structure such that when the base element is fastened to the patient bed, the bearing element may be positioned in a plurality of defined positions relative to the base element.

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 channels 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 radiation treatment system (100) for accurately delivering radiation to a targeted site within a cancer patient (108) that includes a modular patient support system and a patient positioner (114). The modular patient support system includes a modularly expandable patient pod (200) and at least one immobilization device, such as, for example, a rigid moldable foam cradle (350). The patient pod (200) includes a generally hemi-cylindrical support shell (212) that extends longitudinally between proximal edge (214) and distal edge (216), and transversely between two lateral edges (222, 224). In one embodiment, the lateral edges (222, 224) are tapered to minimize edge effects that result when radiation beams traverse the lateral edges (222, 224).

Abstract: A medical imaging facility has a transport device which is able to be moved at least partly in at least one direction. A position detection device has at least one transmit element which detects the position of the transport device and sends out a position measurement beam. The position detection device has at least one detector element and at least one reflector element.

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: 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 method and apparatus of a positioning system are described to position an upper-half of a body relative to a head-end of a couch. The positioning system may be a patient positioning system and may include a treatment couch, a leg rest coupled to the treatment couch, and a drive mechanism coupled to the leg rest. The patient positioning system may also include a treatment couch, having a base portion of a treatment couch and plurality of detachable portions of the treatment couch. The plurality of detachable portions to adjust a height of the treatment couch to accommodate differing heights of patients.

Abstract: A medical warming system includes a plurality of heating elements respectively adapted to be disposed closed to various parts of a plurality of patients' bodies, a first group of sensors disposed at the proximity of the heating elements and configured for measuring the temperatures of the heating elements, a second group of sensors adapted to be disposed at the various parts of the patients' bodies and configured for measuring the temperatures of the various parts of the patients' bodies, and a controller being in communication with the first group and the second group of sensors. The controller is configured for receiving temperature data from the sensors and controlling the temperature of each heating element accordingly. Each heating element includes a conductive layer made from a nano-thickness material.

Abstract: A support 56, 256, 356 for use with a surgical table 40, 140, 240, 340, 400 includes a first radiolucent beam 58, 258, 464 having a longitudinal axis and a second radiolucent beam 59, 259, 466 having a longitudinal axis. The first beam 58, 258, 464 and second beam 59, 259, 466 are each coupled to the deck 52, 252, 352 and extend outwardly therefrom in a cantilevered configuration.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a frame, a plurality of casters coupled to the frame, and a wheel supported with respect to the frame and movable between a lowered position engaging a floor and a raised position spaced from the floor. The patient support apparatus also has a drive assembly with a first mode of operation coupled to the wheel and operable to drive the wheel to propel the patient support apparatus along the floor and a second mode of operation decoupled from the wheel so that the wheel is free to rotate when the wheel is in the lowered position and the patient support apparatus is moved along the floor. A first user input is provided to move the wheel between the raised and lowered positions and a second user input is provided to signal the drive assembly to drive the wheel.

Abstract: A method for detecting Chiari malformations. The method generally comprises positioning a patient in an upright orientation in a patient-receiving space of a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and acquiring images of the patient's cerebellum and brainstem in the upright orientation. The method further comprises positioning the patient in a recumbent orientation in the patient-receiving space of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and acquiring images of the patient's cerebellum and brainstem in the recumbent orientation.

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention is a system for magnetic resonance imaging that includes a fixture for housing an antenna such that the position of a portion of a patient's anatomy remains fixed relative to the antenna as the patient moves between a first and a second position for imaging.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a clamping device for locking two elements, e.g. rotatable shafts, having a substantially circular cross-section. The clamping device comprises a central holding part having two partly curved sections being adapted to at least partly encircle and hold the elements, which curved sections are inversely curved. Further, the clamping device comprises an upper holding part having a partly curved section arranged being adapted to at least partly encircle and hold a first element and a lower holding part having a partly curved section being adapted to at least partly encircle and hold a second element. The central, upper and lower holding parts are adapted to co-operate to lock the elements when pressed together by means of a tightening element. The curved sections are inversely curved in relation to each other and form together with the substantially rectangular section a substantially S-shaped central part.

Abstract: A method and system for mitigations brake failure in a medical device. The method and system includes a motion system for at least one movable load. Each movable load has a drive, a controller for the drive, and a brake. The controller is adapted to monitor positional parameters of the drive or electrical parameters of the brake or a combination of both. The method involves the step of monitoring the parameters and evaluating the parameters to detect a brake failure of the brake.

Abstract: A medical device includes a moving gantry, on which a radiation source is arranged, and a collision-protection apparatus for preventing a patient from colliding with the moving gantry. The gantry is operable to be moved around a patient-positioning apparatus. The collision-protection apparatus can be configured as a mechanical collision-protection apparatus that is operable to be positioned between the patient and the moving gantry. The collision-protection apparatus can also be configured as a collision-monitoring apparatus that detects the crossing of a predefined volume by an object, the collision-monitoring apparatus having a control apparatus that controls the motion of the gantry as a function of whether a crossing of the volume has or has not been detected.

Abstract: A fluoroscopy chair convertible between a chair configuration for use during fluoroscopic procedures to a support table configuration. The fluoroscopy chair has a seat, a support column supporting the seat, a radiotranslucent chest support retained to an anterior side of the seat, and a back support retained to the posterior side of the seat. The back support is reconfigurable between a first configuration that forms an upstanding surface and a second configuration cooperating with the seat to form a support table. The chest support, which can have multiple, differently contoured support surfaces, can be adjusted vertically and rotated relative to the patient.

Abstract: A radiotherapy couch top includes a cantilevered section adapted to support at least a portion of a prone patient's upper body. The cantilevered section may be provided with an opening configured to allow at least a portion of the body portion to extend into from above and to allow a radiation beam to pass through from below.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide a movable examination bed that includes a movable platform for supporting an object to be examined, a supporting body connected to the movable platform from below and used for supporting the movable platform, and a guide rail arranged underneath the movable platform. The examination bed also includes a transport mechanism that drives the supporting body such that the supporting body moves on the guide rail. The examination bed includes a connection mechanism securely connected to the transport mechanism, an electromagnet fixed to the connection mechanism and operable to magnetically attract the supporting body, and a controller operable to control the magnetic attraction between the electromagnet and the supporting body. The examination bed is operable to rapidly separate the movable platform from the transport mechanism in case of an emergency and return the movable platform to an original position after the emergency situation is over.

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 is a substantially planar member having a support surface on which the patient's arm can be stabilized during a catheterization procedure. Desirably, the arm board has both a radiolucent portion and a radiopaque portion, 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: 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: 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.

Abstract: An isolation system with imaging or radiation therapy capability is disclosed. At least one containment barrier (14, 15, 16, 17) defines an isolation region (10). An imaging or therapy system (20) is disposed outside of the isolation region. The containment barrier includes a substantially hollow tubular extension (24, 42, 44, 124, 224, 324) protruding away from the isolation region (10). The substantially hollow tubular extension surrounds an interior volume (26) that is in fluid communication with the isolation region and is in fluid isolation from the imaging or therapy system. The substantially hollow tubular extension is made at least partially of a material providing operative communication between the imaging or therapy system and the interior volume of the substantially hollow tubular extension.

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: An apparatus for imaging an animal includes a first mounting surface, a bed sized to support the animal and releasably secured to or integral with the first mounting surface. The apparatus also includes a plurality of straps, each having a first end in a fixed position relative to the bed and a second end for tightening around a limb of the animal. A method for in-vivo imaging of an animal includes providing an animal that has limbs, providing a first mounting surface, and providing a bed removably secured to or integral with the mounting surface and sized to support the animal as well as being coupled to a plurality of straps. The method also includes placing the animal on the bed between the plurality of straps and tightening at least two of the plurality of straps around at least two of the limbs such that the animal is substantially secured in place relative to the bed.

Abstract: There are provided a gantry with an opening having a central axis inclined so that the opening is directed obliquely downward, a chair disposed obliquely below the gantry, and having an inclined surface for supporting a patient M so that the central axis of the opening and a body axis A of the patient M become parallel, and a chair moving mechanism for driving at least one of the gantry and the chair to insert the patient M into the opening parallel to the central axis of the opening of the gantry. Thus, images can be picked up of the patient M in a comfortable position safely and efficiently.

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: An imaging device for imaging an anaesthetized animal such as a rodent (rats or mice or other), with the device having a split array coil providing at least two channels for use in a restraining assembly and animal bed for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) the animal in real-time in a non-destructive manner.

Abstract: A patient support structure for positioning a selected anatomy of interest for imaging in a magnetic resonance imaging scanner is disclosed. The structure includes a receptacle for receiving a removable tray that includes connectors for connecting local RF coils housed in the array to the MRI scanner, and connectors for positioning the local RF coils adjacent an area of interest to be imaged. A structure for elevating the patient support is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention comprises a patient positioning method and apparatus used in conjunction with multi-axis charged particle or proton beam radiation therapy of cancerous tumors. The patient positioning system is used to translate the patient and/or rotate the patient into a zone where the proton beam can scan the tumor using a targeting system. The patient positioning system is optionally used in conjunction with systems used to constrain movement of the patient, such as semi-vertical, sitting, or laying positioning systems.

Abstract: A patient platform for making the position and posture of a diseased site coincide with those established by a treatment plan. Translation units translate a top board in the X, Y and Z directions respectively, in a fixed coordinate system. Rotation units rotate the top board in the ?, ?, and ? directions respectively. A controller controls the translation units and rotation units, based on desired rotation center point and desired rotation angle. The controller has a rotation drive signal generation unit that generates a signal for moving the top board in a rotating manner from the reference state “a” of the translation units and the rotation units to a desired rotation angle; and a translation drive signal generation unit that generates a signal for translating the translation units so the amount of translation movement, of the desired rotation center point, caused by the rotation movement is a predetermined value.

Abstract: Methods and systems for patient positioning in an imaging system are provided. A palette for an imaging system is provided that includes a base portion movably connected to the imaging system and an extender portion removably connected to the base portion. The extender portion together with the base portion supports an object to be imaged by the imaging system.

Abstract: In a method for operation of a magnetic resonance apparatus having a patient positioning table with a tabletop as well as a control device by which the displacement of the tabletop relative to a homogeneous magnetic field (generated by a magnetic field generation device) and the acquisition of images of an anatomical subject of the patient in a field of view within the homogeneous magnetic field are controlled, the control device determines a suitable stepped displacement of the tabletop using information about the patient size, information about the subject to be acquired and information about the size of the homogeneous magnetic field and/or field of view present relative to the table displacement direction, and the control device controls the tabletop displacement as needed according to the determination result.

Abstract: A patient support system to be used in conjunction with a standard linear accelerator, and other sources, is described that allows access of the treatment beam to the breast from up to 360 degrees. This support system places the patient in a prone position with the breast going through an aperture. The prone position increases the separation of the breast from the chest wall and other critical organs and reduces motion of the target tissue due to breathing. This invention offers up to 360 degree radiation beam access to the breast. This helps in skin sparing, better dose conformity, and allows one to use modern treatment techniques such as IMRT and IGRT. It also includes a provision for an imaging system. This invention can also be used with CT and MR imaging modalities.

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 structural support component such as a head clamp for use in imaging of a part of a patient using Magnetic Resonance and X-ray imaging is formed of different materials each of which has an Aluminum equivalence factor of less than 10 mm and generally less than 6 mm and is arranged such that the presence of the structural support component in an imaging zone of a magnetic resonance imaging system when generating the image does not generate any visually determinable distortion in the image. The materials can be epoxy resin combined with a glass fiber substrate for easily machined parts, polyphenylene sulphide with random fiber reinforcement using glass fibers for high wear parts and polyurethane foam or Polymethacrylimide foam shaped to form a required member and covered on its outer surface with a layer formed from aramid fibers for elongate parts.

Abstract: The objective is to obtain a driving type patient platform that can efficiently perform positioning work for making the position and the posture of a diseased site coincide with those established when a treatment plan is generated. There are provided translation units that translate a top board in the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction, respectively, in a fixed coordinate system; rotation units that rotate the top board in the ? direction around the X axis, the ? direction around the Y axis, and the ? direction around the Z axis, respectively; and a control device that controls the translation units and the rotation units, based on an inputted desired rotation center point and an inputted desired rotation angle.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus has a first frame and a second frame supported above the first frame and movable relative to the first frame. A plurality of casters are coupled to the first frame. A wheel is movable relative to the first frame between a lowered position engaging the floor and a raised position spaced from the floor. A drive assembly is coupled to the wheel and is operable to drive the wheel to propel the patient support apparatus along the floor. A foot pedal is coupled to the first frame and is movable to raise and lower the wheel relative to the floor.

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 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: 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 patient support surface, patient support system in combination with a CT scanner, and method of installing a patient support system for a surgical procedure is provided. The patient support surface includes a radiolucent elongate first member having laterally spaced first side members extending between opposite ends with a plurality of cross members extending between the first side members. The support surface further includes an elongate second member having laterally spaced second side members extending between opposite ends with a plurality of cross members extending between the second side members. One of the opposite ends of the first member is configured for attachment to one of the ends of the second member. The other of the opposite ends of the first member is configured for attachment to a first support, and the other of the opposite ends of the second member is configured for attachment to a second support.