Abstract: A tibial implant may include a plurality of implant subunits. The implant subunits may be configured for individual insertion within a wedge-shaped-void of the tibia. The implant subunits may further be configured for assembly in order to provide an implant substantially covering an exposed portion of cortical bone formed when performing a surgical osteotomy. Methods and kits for insertion and assembly of implants are further described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biomaterial comprising a cartilage graft scaffold substantially free of viable cells, wherein the cartilage graft scaffold exhibits a plural of notches in form of lamellae or grids.

Abstract: A posterior cruciate ligament retaining knee implant prosthesis comprising a femoral component including a medial condyle and a lateral condyle separated from one another by an intercondylar channel adapted to accommodate throughput of a native cruciate ligament, both the medial condyle and the lateral condyle posteriorly terminate individually, the medial condyle including a medial condyle bearing surface and the lateral condyle including a lateral condyle bearing surface, the femoral component including an anterior cam, and a tibial component including a medial condyle receiver having a medial condyle receiver bearing surface, the tibial component also including a lateral condyle receiver having a lateral condyle receiver bearing surface, the tibial component also including an anterior post.

Abstract: An implant having a joint facing surface and a bone facing surface forming a body member and a dorsal member therebetween. The implant further having a ring member extending out from the bone facing surface to a free end disposed for insertion into a bone recess. The body member and the dorsal member include a concave curvature on the bone facing surface and a convex curvature on the joint facing surface.

Abstract: A spacer for separating bones of a joint, the spacer includes a first endplate configured to engage a first bone of the joint; a second endplate configured to engage a second bone of the joint; tissue engaging projections, wherein the tissue engaging projections are moveable from a retracted position to a deployed position; and an actuation subassembly that extends between the first endplate and the second endplate, wherein the actuation subassembly comprise a drive nut, a drive screw coupled to the drive nut, and a cam frame coupled to the drive screw, wherein the cam frame is disposed between the first endplate and the second endplate to engage the tissue engaging projections.

Abstract: A prosthesis system comprises plates that can be positioned against vertebrae and a selected resilient core that can be positioned between the plates to allow the plates to articulate. The selected resilient core can be chosen from a plurality of cores in response to patient characteristics, such as age and/or intervertebral mobility, such that the prosthesis implanted in the patient is tailored to the needs of the patient. The plurality of cores may comprise cores with different resiliencies, and one of the cores can be selected such that the upper and lower plates articulate with the desired shock absorbing resiliency and/or maximum angle of inclination when the one selected core is positioned between the plates.

Abstract: A system and method for altering bone growth on and within an orthopedic implant that includes an implant body; a plurality of electrodes, wherein each electrode is at least partially embedded in the implant body, and comprises: a set of primary electrodes comprising at least one electrode, wherein a non-embedded segment of each primary electrode is proximal to a bone growth region, a set of secondary electrodes comprising at least one electrode, wherein a non-embedded segment of each secondary electrode is distal to the bone growth region, and wherein the plurality of electrodes are configured to function in a stimulation operating mode, such that a subset of primary electrodes function as cathodes and a subset of secondary electrodes function as anodes; a control system comprising a processor, and circuitry that connects to the plurality of electrodes; and a power system.

Abstract: An orientation guide (400, 450, 452, 470, 472, 480, 482, 484, 486, 488, 490, 492, 494) and method for visually assessing the orientation of an acetabular cup implanted in a patient are described. The orientation guide comprises a body (402) adapted to be mounted on a femoral neck, a support (404) extending from the body and an alignment member (406, 483, 491) mounted on the support. The alignment member is tilted relative to the body and configured to extend along an alignment axis parallel to a target anteversion angle of the acetabular cup when the orientation guide in use is attached to the femoral neck and the femoral neck includes a femoral head which is received in the acetabular cup to form a hip joint.

Abstract: A two-piece total knee rotation guide and femoral sizer system including a guide that assesses the rotation needed based on the posterior condyles of the femur, and a guide for sizing the femur in the anteroposterior (“AP”) dimension.

Abstract: A system is disclosed herein for providing a kinetic assessment and preparation of a prosthetic joint comprising one or more prosthetic components. The system comprises a prosthetic component including sensors and circuitry configured to measure load, position of load on a curved surface, joint stability, range of motion, and impingement. In one embodiment, the system is for a cup and ball joint of a musculoskeletal system. The system further includes a computer having a display configured to graphical display quantitative measurement data to support rapid assimilation of the information. The kinetic assessment measures joint alignment under loading that will be similar to that of a final joint installation. The kinetic assessment can use trial or permanent prosthetic components. Furthermore, adjustments can be made to the applied load magnitude, position of load, and joint alignment by various means to fine-tune an installation.

Abstract: A system is disclosed herein for providing a kinetic assessment and preparation of a prosthetic joint comprising one or more prosthetic components. The system comprises a prosthetic component including sensors and circuitry configured to measure load, position of load on a curved surface, joint stability, range of motion, and impingement. In one embodiment, the system is for a ball and socket joint of a musculoskeletal system. The system further includes a computer having a display configured to graphical display quantitative measurement data to support rapid assimilation of the information. The kinetic assessment measures joint alignment under loading that will be similar to that of a final joint installation. The kinetic assessment can use trial or permanent prosthetic components. Furthermore, adjustments can be made to the applied load magnitude, position of load, and joint alignment by various means to fine-tune an installation.

Abstract: A system is disclosed herein for providing a kinetic assessment and preparation of a prosthetic joint comprising one or more prosthetic components. The system comprises a prosthetic component including sensors and circuitry configured to measure load, position of load on a curved surface, joint stability, range of motion, and impingement. In one embodiment, the system is for a ball and socket joint of a musculoskeletal system. The system further includes a computer having a display configured to graphical display quantitative measurement data to support rapid assimilation of the information. The kinetic assessment measures joint alignment under loading that will be similar to that of a final joint installation. The kinetic assessment can use trial or permanent prosthetic components. Furthermore, adjustments can be made to the applied load magnitude, position of load, and joint alignment by various means to fine-tune an installation.

Abstract: Guidewires and thin-film catheter-sheaths, fabricated using vacuum deposition techniques, which are monolayer or plural-layer members having ultra-thin wall thicknesses to provide very-low profile delivery assemblies for introduction and delivery of endoluminal devices.

Abstract: Delivery systems for expandable elements, such as stents or scaffolds having spikes, flails, or other protruding features for penetrating target tissue and/or delivering drugs within a human patient are described along with associated methods for using such systems. The delivery systems can be provided with a stent that is positioned over an inflatable balloon for expansion and delivery of the stent to a target delivery location. By positioning the stent over and about the inflatable balloon, the stent is ready to be expanded by the balloon immediately upon unsheathing with respect to the outer shaft. Additionally or alternatively, a stent can be positioned in an axially offset arrangement with respect to a balloon to reduce the need for space required by overlapping components.

Abstract: An implant delivery system comprises a delivery catheter and a delivery mechanism slidably disposed in a lumen of the delivery catheter. The delivery mechanism comprises an annular channel and a compressible annular bushing disposed within the annular channel. The annular bushing is configured for being placed between a compressive profile and an expanded profile. The implant delivery system further comprises an implant coaxially disposed between the delivery catheter and the delivery mechanism. The delivery catheter lumen is sized to maintain an engagement element of the implant within the annular channel and to urge the annular bushing into the compressive profile. The implant constrains a distal tip of the delivery mechanism to assume a straight geometry. The distal tip is configured for assuming a curved geometry when the implant is deployed from the delivery catheter.

Abstract: An implant delivery system comprises a delivery catheter and a delivery mechanism slidably disposed in a lumen of the delivery catheter. The delivery mechanism comprises an annular channel and a compressible annular bushing disposed within the annular channel. The annular bushing is configured for being placed between a compressive profile and an expanded profile. The implant delivery system further comprises an implant coaxially disposed between the delivery catheter and the delivery mechanism. The delivery catheter lumen is sized to maintain an engagement element of the implant within the annular channel and to urge the annular bushing into the compressive profile. The implant constrains a distal tip of the delivery mechanism to assume a straight geometry. The distal tip is configured for assuming a curved geometry when the implant is deployed from the delivery catheter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a handle (10) for delivering a stent (2) by retracting a sheath (4) for protecting the stent (2), and is characterized in that it includes a tackle system (20) used to pull the protective sheath (4) over a predetermined retraction distance (D) to uncover the stent and enable the stent to be delivered and expanded. The tackle system greatly reduces the tractive force required to release the stent.

Abstract: A powered device augments a joint function of a human during a gait cycle using a powered actuator that supplies an augmentation torque, an impedance, or both to a joint. A controller estimates terrain slope and modulates the augmentation torque and the impedance according to a phase of the gait cycle and the estimated terrain slope to provide at least a biomimetic response. The controller may also modulate a joint equilibrium. Accordingly, the device is capable of normalizing or augmenting human biomechanical function, responsive to a wearer's activity, regardless of speed and terrain, and can be used, for example, as a knee orthosis, prosthesis, or exoskeleton.

Abstract: A wrist-securing device is provided. The wrist-securing device has two coextensive straps joined together along a midportion so that the resulting four end portions may pivot about the midportion. The joined midportion defines two opposing ends, a first end and a second end, each end having upper and lower straps movable relative to each other. The upper and lower straps of each end can wrap about the upper and lower surfaces, respectively, of the wrist of human wearer. Each upper and lower strap provides upper and lower fasteners to removably connect so as to secure the upper and lower straps wrapped about the wrist. Thus, each end of the wrist-securing device may secure each of the wrists of an unresponsive patient receiving emergency medical services in such a manner as to not harm the patient or occlude their distal circulation.

Abstract: A system for treating an eye includes a light source configured to provide photoactivating light that photoactivates a cross-linking agent applied to a cornea. The system includes one or more optical elements configured to receive the photoactivating light and produce a beam that defines a spot of the photoactivating light. The system includes a scanning system configured to receive the beam of the photoactivating light and to scan the spot of the photoactivating light along a first axis and a second axis to form a scan pattern on the cornea to generate cross-linking activity.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods, and uses of apparatus, for preventing prolapse of iris tissue, through a surgical opening in the eye during eye surgery. Early in the surgery, one or more surgical openings are made in the eye, and a flexible biocompatible iris shield is inserted, through a such opening, into the anterior chamber and placed in a position whereby the iris shield overlies the iris anteriorly, adjacent each surgical opening and is positioned between the iris and any surgical openings. If/when the pressure inside the anterior chamber increases during surgery, any anterior movement of the iris toward the cornea or sclera in response to such pressure, moves the iris shield in an anterior direction, such that the iris shield remains between the iris and the surgical opening. Thus, the iris shield blocks the surgical opening and prevents movement of eye material, e.g. iris tissue, to and through the surgical opening.

Abstract: Described are implantable therapeutic devices, systems and methods to treat a patient. The device includes a hollow refillable housing for implantation within the posterior segment of an eye through a penetration in the sclera including a proximal retention structure protruding outward from a proximal end region of the housing, an access portion opening, and a penetrable barrier positioned at least in part within the access portion opening, the penetrable barrier configured to be repeatedly penetrated. A rigid porous structure is positioned within a region of the housing away from the access portion opening into a reservoir chamber extends along an axis between the penetrable barrier and the porous structure includes a volume sized to deliver therapeutic amounts of a therapeutic agent to the eye for an extended period of time. A cover is coupled to at least an upper surface of the proximal retention structure.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices used to treat eyelids, meibomian glands, ducts, and surrounding tissue are described herein. In some embodiments, an eye treatment device is disclosed, which includes a scleral shield positionable proximate an inner surface of an eyelid, the scleral shield being made of, or coated with, an energy-absorbing material activated by a light energy, and an energy transducer positionable outside of the eyelid, the energy transducer configured to provide light energy at one or more wavelengths, including a first wavelength selected to heat the energy-absorbing material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and a method for managing occlusions and reducing eye tissue damage during phacoemulsification surgery. More specifically, the present invention provides automated control of the application of ultrasonic energy to a partial or full occlusion of a surgical tool. The present invention measures the vacuum pressure and automatically adjusts the application of ultrasonic energy when the vacuum pressure indicates an occlusion or an occlusion break.

Abstract: A system for learning actual phacoemulsification energy setpoints at the time of occlusion breaks during ophthalmic surgery. Phacoemulsification energy setpoints may be recorded over different periods of time, such as during current cases and over a lifetime of cases. The recorded data would then be used to determine future phacoemulsification energy setting amounts.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of cataract surgery and more particularly to methods and apparatus for performing a capsulorhexis. This invention is in the field of medical devices. The present invention relates to a device constructed from metals, polymers or other materials that are amenable to precise surface modifications and methods for its use, wherein (1) the device assists in capsulorhexis and (2) a patterned surface having milli-, micron-, and/or nano-sized micropatterning characteristics that imparts surface stabilizing and self-adhesive properties.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a system for sensing occlusions in an optical system includes a first laser source configured to generate optical signals and a set of optical elements arranged to receive the optical signals from the first laser source and to direct the optical signals along a beam path. The system also includes a detector arranged to receive reflections of the optical signals travelling along at least a portion of the beam path and a control system communicably coupled to the detector. The control system is configured to detect, based on signals generated by the detector, reflection signals associated with the reflections of the optical signals, and disable a second laser source based on detection of the reflection signals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ophthalmic knife and methods of its use for treatment of various conditions including eye diseases, such as glaucoma, using minimally invasive surgical techniques. The invention relates to a multi-blade device for cutting the tissues within the eye, for example, a trabecular meshwork (TM).

Abstract: A medical device comprising a device that covers at least a portion of a patient's skin and has an inner surface designed to be in contact with the patient's skin. It contains a multi-ply knit fabric that contains a first knit ply and a second knit ply. The first knit ply contains a plurality of first yarns and forms the upper surface of the fabric. The second knit ply contains a plurality of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) yarns which forms the lower surface of the fabric. The first and second ply are integrated through combined portions formed by interlacing first yarns among the PTFE yarns, interlacing PTFE yarns among the first yarns, and interlacing a plurality of third yarns among the first and the PTFE yarns. The multi-ply knit fabric also contains a composition comprising at least one silver ion-containing compound on at least the upper surface of the multi-ply knit fabric.

Abstract: A wound dressing comprising a multi-ply knit fabric, where the fabric contains a first and a second knit ply. The first knit ply contains a plurality of first yarns and forms the upper surface of the fabric. The second knit ply contains a plurality of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) yarns, where the PTFE yarns have a transmission in the IR region of 8-10 ?m at least about 40%, and a thermal conductivity of at least about 0.2 W/(m·K) forms the lower surface of the fabric. The first ply and the second ply are integrated through combined portions formed by interlacing first yarns among the PTFE yarns of the second knit ply, interlacing PTFE yarns among the first yarns of the first knit ply, or interlacing a plurality of third yarns among the first yarns and the PTFE. The multi-ply knit fabric also contains a composition comprising at least one silver ion-containing compound.

Abstract: A system for providing negative-pressure therapy to breast tissue is disclosed. In some embodiments, the system may include a dressing assembly shaped for placement on a breast, an absorbent pouch, and a negative-pressure source. The system may further include an additional dressing assembly for placement on a second breast. Various shapes and configurations of the breast dressing assemblies may be included in the system.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments relate to apparatuses and methods for wound treatment. In certain embodiments, a negative pressure wound therapy apparatus can include a wound dressing with a spacer layer separated from the absorbent layer by intermediate layers or drapes. The wound dressing can include a first portion comprising a wound contact or tissue contact layer, a first spacer layer, and a first backing layer comprising a first aperture. The spacer layer can be positioned between the contact layer and the first backing layer. The dressing can have a second portion comprising an intermediate drape with a second aperture, an absorbent layer, and a second backing layer. The absorbent layer is positioned between the intermediate drape and the second backing layer. The first aperture and the second aperture are configured to be sealed and allow fluid communication between the first portion and the second portion of the wound dressing.

Abstract: An adhesive wound dressing is disclosed herein. The adhesive wound dressing comprises a first layer that is an outer layer. A second layer is a resilient layer and affixed to an inner surface of the first layer. A third layer is an inner gauze dressing and affixed to an inner surface of the second layer, wherein the first layer, the second layer, and the third layer define a generally tubular configuration having an open end and a closed end. An adhesive layer may be applied adjacent to the open end for configured securing the adhesive wound dressing to a wounded body part subsequent to the wounded body part being inserted within the open end.

Abstract: A wound dressing is disclosed that has a moisture-transmissible backing layer, an absorbent adhesive gel, and a porous layer. The moisture-transmissible backing layer has a first major surface, a second major surface, a backing layer perimeter, and a first opening. The second major surface has a first adhesive disposed thereon proximate the backing layer perimeter. The absorbent adhesive gel is adhered to at least a portion of the second major surface of the backing layer. The absorbent adhesive gel comprises an adhesive gel perimeter and a second opening. The first opening overlaps at least a portion of the second opening. The porous layer has a first side, a second side, a porous layer perimeter. The first side of the porous layer is adhered to the absorbent adhesive gel. The backing layer overlaps at least a portion of the adhesive gel perimeter. The absorbent adhesive gel overlaps at least a portion of the porous layer perimeter.

Abstract: A low-elastic wrapped compression garment includes a main body including a central portion and a plurality of straps that extend from the central portion; the central portion including a lateral edge, the lateral edge having first regions from which the straps extend from the central portion, and second regions from which the straps do not extend; and a connecting portion that is fixed to the main body, the connecting portion being fixed to at least a portion of the second regions. The straps are moveable relative to the connecting portion to reverse the compression garment between a first state and a second state. The straps may be moveable around the connecting portion, or may be feedable through the connecting portion, to reverse the compression garment between the first state and the second state. The connecting portion and the main body may define a plurality of slits through which the straps are insertable to reverse the compression garment between the first state and the second state.

Abstract: A hemostatic device for treatment of a gunshot wound includes a barrel, which has a first end that is open, and a plunger. The barrel is arcuate adjacent to a second end to define a tip section. A clotting medium and a gauze are positioned in the barrel proximate to the tip section and between the clotting medium and the first end, respectively. A plurality of slits that is positioned in the tip section defines a plurality of petals, which comprise plastic and are resiliently deformable. The plunger, which has a head that is sealably positioned in the barrel adjacent to the first end, is configured to be pushed into the barrel to apply pressure to the gauze and the clotting medium so that the petals separate. The clotting medium and the gauze are sequentially expelled from the barrel into a wound to induce clotting and to pack the wound.

Abstract: A sensor for monitoring wetness in a diaper or other absorbent article includes a housing that attaches to the absorbent article. The sensor may include inner and outer housing portions that capture an edge of the absorbent article between the housings. The sensor may include contacts that electrically connect with a pair of contact strips embedded in the absorbent article. The distance between the embedded strips may vary depending on the size of the absorbent article. The sensor may include multiple pairs of contacts that are spaced apart to match the distance between the contact strips for the variously sized absorbent articles. In this way, depending on the pair of contacts connected to the contact strips, the sensor may indicate the size of the absorbent article.

Abstract: A pants-type disposable diaper (1) having a front body part (P), a back body part (Q) and a crotch part (R) positioned therebetween and formed in a pants shape, comprising an absorbent body (7) situated at least at the crotch part (R) and comprising a top sheet, a back sheet and an absorbent core (10) disposed therebetween, and an exterior member (2) provided on an outer side of the absorbent body (7) and situated at least at the front body part (P) and the back body part (Q), wherein the exterior member (2) comprises an outer sheet (5) and an inner sheet (6) provided on a skin-facing side of the outer sheet (5), and the outer sheet (5) is made of a nonwoven fabric having a meltblown nonwoven layer and a printed part is provided to the skin-facing side of the outer sheet (5).

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article may include a chassis that includes a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet; and a leg gasketing system. The leg gasketing system may include an inner cuff and an outer cuff; the inner cuff may include an inner cuff folded edge and an inner cuff material edge and the outer cuff may include an outer cuff folded edge and an outer cuff material edge such that the web of material is folded laterally inward to form the outer cuff folded edge and folded laterally outward to form the inner cuff folded edge, and the leg gasketing system further including a leg gasketing system pocket with an opening on an inboard longitudinal edge of the leg gasketing system pocket. The disposable absorbent article also includes at least one channel in the absorbent core.

Abstract: An absorbent article (10, 110, 210, 310, 410) can include a waist containment member (54) and an absorbent body (34, 134, 234, 334, 434). The waist containment member (54) can include a proximal portion (76) and a distal portion (78) configured to freely move with respect to the chassis (11) when the absorbent article (10, 110, 210, 310, 410) is in a relaxed configuration to provide a containment pocket (82). The absorbent body (34, 134, 234, 334, 434) can be configured to provide improved access for exudates into the containment pocket (82) of the waist containment member (54).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an absorbent article comprising a liquid permeable topsheet, a liquid-impermeable backsheet and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent article comprises pressure sensitive adhesive on a garment facing surface of the backsheet, and the backsheet is a breathable polyolefin-based film and has a Water Vapour Transmission Rate measured according to NWSP 070.4.RO (15) of at least 1000 g/m2/24 h, preferably at least 3000 g/m2/24 h, and a tear resistance measured according to Elmendorf Tear ASTM D1922 (15) of at least 300 mN.

Abstract: A spinal immobilization board (1) comprising a support body (2) adapted to support the torso and the head of a person; at least one apical anchoring strap (5) configured to secure the head of the person; and an anchoring belt (9) configured to secure a portion of the torso of the person. The board (1) further comprises a gripping means (11) comprising a first and a second lifting handle (12, 13) that are arranged in a respective perimeter portion of the board (1) and extend outwardly from the board. The first and second lifting handles (12, 13) are active on a portion of the board (1) adapted to be arranged near the armpits of the person in a handling condition of the board (1).

Abstract: A safety system for an aerial vehicle, preferably including: a ballistic subsystem, preferably including one or more rockets operable to adjust motion of the aerial vehicle and a mounting unit that couples the ballistic subsystem to the aerial vehicle; and/or a deployable parachute subsystem. An aerial vehicle, preferably including a safety system. A method for aerial vehicle operation, preferably including activating a safety system.

Abstract: The disclosure provides an assist wheel including a wheel, a handrim, an elastic component, two contact components, a driving assembly, two film sensors. The wheel is configured to be rotatably disposed on a wheelchair frame. The handrim is disposed on the wheel and rotatable with respect to the wheel. Two opposite ends of the elastic component are respectively connected to the wheel and the handrim. The two contact components are respectively disposed on the wheel and the handrim. The driving assembly is configured to be fixed to the wheelchair frame. The two film sensors are disposed on the driving assembly and respectively pressed by the two film sensors. Each of the two film sensors is configured to generate a sensor value. The controller is configured to receive the sensor values from the two film sensors and signal the driving assembly.

Abstract: A patient support device for positioning the patient including a support frame and a chair connected to each other, wherein the chair includes a seat portion and a back portion connected to each other. The back portion is extending upward from the seat portion The back portion further includes two opposite ends, a first end and a second end and the back portion is connected at the second end to the seat portion The first end of the back portion determines horizontal axis A. The first end of the back portion is pivotally connected to the frame by a rotating mechanism so that the chair is arranged to rotate around axis A.

Abstract: An embodiment can include a suspension system for a powered wheelchair, the suspension system comprising an arm and an air suspension subsystem. The air suspension subsystem in this embodiment can comprise a coil spring and an air bag surrounded by the coil spring. The arm in this embodiment can be configured to (a) couple a drive axle to a frame of the powered wheelchair and (b) move the drive axle relative to the frame. In this embodiment, a first end of the drive axle can be coupled to a wheel of the powered wheelchair, while the frame is closer to a second end of the drive axle than the first end, and the first end of the drive axle is opposite the second end of the drive axle. A first end of the air suspension subsystem in this embodiment can be coupled to the frame when a second end of the air suspension subsystem is coupled to the arm and the second end of the air suspension subsystem is opposite the first end of the air suspension subsystem. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a support frame and a patient support deck operatively attached to the support frame. The patient support deck includes an adjacent pair of deck sections with a first one of the deck sections moveable between an initial configuration and a raised configuration. A gap covering deck section is slidingly engaged to a top surface of the first or second one of the adjacent deck sections and is pivotably coupled to either the other one of the deck sections or to the support frame, with the gap covering deck section configured to slide along the top surface in response to the movement of the first one of the deck sections so as to be at least partially disposed over a gap between the adjacent deck sections when the first one of the deck sections is in the raised configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring a supine patient to a prone position on a patient support structure, and for rotating such a prone patient between prone and supine positions without removing the patient from the patient support structure.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus comprises a support frame and a patient support deck carried by the support frame. The patient support deck has a foot section configured to articulate relative to the support frame. A deck extension assembly comprises an extension frame and a deck extension section configured to extend and retract relative to the support frame. One more bearings are arranged between the deck extension section and the support frame. The deck extension section is movably coupled to the extension frame so that the deck extension section is able to move relative to the extension frame and relative to the foot section when the deck extension section extends and retracts relative to the support frame such that the deck extension section maintains contact with the bearing when extending and retracting relative to the support frame.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a support frame and a patient support deck operatively attached to the support frame. The patient support deck includes an adjacent pair of deck sections. An actuator is coupled to a first one of the adjacent deck sections, and the actuator, in combination with a deck articulating assembly, moves the first one of the adjacent deck sections relative to the support frame and second one of the adjacent pair of deck sections between an initial configuration and a raised configuration. In the raised configuration, the inner adjacent end of the first deck section is spaced further from the corresponding inner adjacent end of the second deck section, and the outer end opposite the inner adjacent end of the first one of the adjacent deck sections is spaced further away from the support frame, than in the initial configuration.