Abstract: A preferred patient examination table (10) includes a selectively engageable, pivot mechanism (14) allowing the table (10) to be pivoted about an upright pivot axis (98) in order to position the table (10) as needed for ready access to examination equipment (88) by performing a procedure with either a left or right hand.

Abstract: Patient examination methods, by an examiner using an examination instrument having a base unit and a probe soupled with the base unit by a flexible tether are disclosrd. An examination table will support a patient lying thereon, with the probe adapted to be held by the examiner's right or left hand. The method may be used to produce an echocardiogram. A preferred patient examination table (10) includes a selectively engageable, pivot mechanism (14) allowing the table (10) to be pivoted about an upright pivot axis (98) in order to position the table (10) as needed for ready access to examination equipment (88) by performing a procedure with either a left or right hand. In another embodiment, the base unit (90) is shiftable as needed to accommodate left-handed or right-handed holding of a probe (92) for performing a medical examination.

Abstract: A patient-supporting bed especially adapted for cardiac sonography includes a horizontal uppermost bed surface, an exercise apparatus coupled to one end of the bed, a tilting mechanism for tilting the bed surface, and a novel support structure for supporting the patient on the tilted bed. The support structure includes a flexible patient support sling adapted to circumferentially surround the patient's midsection and an adjustable shoulder support apparatus adapted to engage one side of the patient's body while the bed is tilted. The bed surface includes an access opening and a corresponding shiftable bed filler sections disposed within the opening. The bed filler section is shiftable between upper and lower positions and include a latching assembly serving to normally maintain the filler section in an upper, generally horizontal position so that the bed presents a generally horizontal and uninterrupted patient-supporting top surface.

Abstract: A patient-supporting bed (20) especially adapted for cardiac sonography is provided which includes a frame assembly (22) and mattress (24) which are configured to present a pair of marginal, axially offset access openings (49, 54) and a corresponding pair of shiftable bed filler sections (26, 28) disposed within the openings (49, 54). Each of the sections (26, 28) includes a latching assembly (86) serving to normally maintain each of the sections (26, 28) in an upper, generally horizontal position so that the bed (20) presents a generally horizontal and uninterrupted patient-supporting top surface. A patient is positioned on the bed with the patient's heart region located generally above the first filler section (26). The sonographer then manipulates the associated latching assembly (86), allowing the section (26) to pivot downwardly and thus expose an access opening (49). The second filler section (28) is similarly manipulated to expose the opening (54).