Abstract: A medical system for examination of a patient, comprising an examination device (1), a patient support device (13,15), and docking means for connecting both said devices to each other. The docking means comprises a first part (21) provided with a guiding member (57) and a second part (19) provided with guiding elements (61,63) for contacting the guiding surface (59). Each of said parts (19,21) is attached to one of said devices. The guiding member (57) comprises two substantially vertical guiding surfaces (59), positioned symmetrically with respect to a vertical plane through the device (1) to which the first part (21) of the docking means is attached. The distance between said two guiding surfaces (59) decreases further away from the device (1) to which said first part (21) is attached.

Abstract: A patient table including an elongated table assembly extending between opposing ends, an elongated pallet mounted on the table assembly for linear motion between the opposing ends of the table assembly, and an elongated horizontal drive apparatus including a rotary motor, and an elongated rotary-to-linear motion converting mechanism extending between the opposing ends of the table assembly and substantially positioned at a midpoint between opposing sides of the table assembly. The rotary-to-linear motion converting mechanism connects the rotary motor to the pallet such that operation of the motor causes linear motion of the pallet on the table assembly. Among other feature and advantages, the centrally located rotary-to-linear motion converting mechanism has been found to provide smooth movement of the pallet on the table assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a structurally rigid, X-ray translucent backboard for transporting an injured person from the scene of an injury to a treatment center. The backboard comprises a planar top side which contacts the patient and a bottom side forming a single curvilinear shape that provides structural support to the planar top side. A hollow, foam filled core formed between the planer top side and the curved bottom side helps provide sufficient X-ray translucence and structural support to the backboard.

Abstract: There is described method and apparatus for supporting a patient's body in a MR scanner, including supporting it to rotate about its longitudinal axis and cant about a point on the longitudinal axis. Also provided are method and apparatus for supporting a patient's head and neck and using a surgical head-holder. Yet another embodiment of the invention provides method and apparatus for attaching first and second stirrups to a member supporting the patient.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for supporting accessories on a patent resting surface of an operation or examination table (10) comprising an accessory adapter (24) that can be slipped on the profile of the patient resting surface (14). Support elements (32) for accessories are fastened to said accessory adapter. The adapter (14) comprises two claws (26) adapted to encompass the longitudinal edges of the patient resting surface. Said claws are interlinked via a bracket (28) that extends across a width of the patient resting surface.

Abstract: An improved patient support table including a first or fixed table section and a second or removable table section to allow the second table section to be exchanged with other second table sections of different structure. Each of the table sections includes a mating connector end portion where two pairs of horizontally disposed pads on the fixed table section engage two pairs of horizontally disposed pads on the removable table section, where a curved edge of the removable table section engages a vertical edge on the fixed table section, and where vertical side walls of the fixed table section are engaged by beveled pegs on the removable table section. The pads, edges, walls and pegs align and support the removable table section relative to the fixed table section in the x, y, z directions, the traditional, three dimensional, mutually perpendicular coordinate system.

Abstract: A medical apparatus has a support mechanism for a treatment and/or examination subject having a support plate for the treatment and/or examination subject that is adjustable at a base and is radiation-transparent in at least one region. The support plate is seated so as to be height-adjustable at the base and adjustable around three spatial axes and is seated so as to be optionally displaceable in the longitudinal direction and/or the transverse direction in floating fashion, or displaceable by means of a connectable drive device.

Abstract: A radiographic apparatus includes a bed having a top board on which an object is to be placed, a radiation image detector for detecting intensity distribution of radiation transmitted through the object, and a supporting part arranged on the top board for supporting the radiation image detector at least at a position beneath the top board.

Abstract: A patient table including a table assembly and a pallet assembly supported on the table assembly. The pallet assembly includes a longitudinally extending lower portion that is longitudinally moveable with respect to the table assembly and has opposing ends that are laterally fixed with respect to the table assembly. The pallet assembly also includes a longitudinally extending upper portion that is longitudinally fixed with respect to the lower portion of the pallet assembly and has opposing ends that are each laterally moveable with respect to the ends of the lower portion. Among other features and advantages, a pallet assembly constructed in accordance with the present invention has opposing ends that are each laterally adjustable so that a patient lying on the pallet can be correctly positioned within medical diagnostic and therapy systems in a comfortable manner, and without being moved on the pallet.

Abstract: An articulated x-ray table comprises a planar, rigid radiolucent top support and a base spaced therefrom to form a gap whereby radiographic plates can be inserted and withdrawn. The gap is maintained by the use of one or more trolleys that are moveable along the length of the table to be moved into proximity to the location where the plate is to be inserted. Generally, two of the trolleys are used along either side of the table for placement near the x-ray plate. The trolleys move in grooves or tracks on the edges of the base along the length of the table. Each trolley includes wheels that engage the grooves, and a separate roller that engages the top support. This permits the trolleys to be easily moved along the guide notwithstanding the weight of a patient on the table. The table can be used for animals and humans.

Abstract: There is disclosed a radiographic apparatus comprising a top plate for supporting a subject, an image receiver for receiving a radiographic image of the subject, a vertical moving mechanism for vertically moving the top plate and the image receiver, and means for limiting the action of the vertical moving mechanism according to the position relative to the top plate and/or posture of the image receiver. There is also disclosed a radiographic apparatus comprising a top plate for supporting a subject, an image receiver for receiving a radiographic image of the subject, a moving mechanism for varying the position relative to the top plate and/or posture of the image receiver, and means for limiting movement of the top plate in the predetermined direction in case the posture of the image receiver is not horizontal or limiting change in posture of the image receiver according to the position of the top plate.

Abstract: There is provided a table for positioning a patient for a medical procedure on a breast, the table comprising: a solid frame surrounding a perimeter of the table; and a membrane-like contour surface for a surrounding breast area, wherein the surface comprises an aperture for the breast to be pendantly suspended therethrough, and the surface is adjusted to a shape of the patient's body. Preferably, the membrane-like contour surface covers the entire surface area of the table. Alternatively, it can be limited to a section that will cover an area from approximately the bottom of the rib cage to the collar bone when the patient is lying face down on the table.

Abstract: A tabletop useful for accurate positioning of a patient for imaging and diagnosis, so that patient positioning in subsequent medical treatments, such as radiation therapy, accurately and precisely correlates with the imaging data. The tabletop of the present invention is a solid flat tabletop adapted to fit over or as an insert in a conventional CT imaging or scan table and provides a flexible support section in which the flexible support material is tensioned to provide a vertical deflection corresponding to the vertical deflection of a flexible patient support of a treatment simulator or linear accelerator. In a preferred embodiment, the flexible support section may be removed and inserted into the treatment table to provide an exact correlation in vertical deflection during treatment.

Abstract: A tabletop device for use in supporting and positioning a patient in a medical therapy or diagnostic system having a support base and operable to project a beam over at least a portion of the tabletop. The tabletop is rotatably mounted on the support base. The tabletop includes a central section configured for attachment to the support base. The central section is positioned such that it is outside of a beam projection area when the tabletop is mounted in the medical therapy or diagnostic system. A frame is fixedly attached to the central section and extends longitudinally outward from opposite sides thereof. The tabletop further includes a support system connected to the frame for supporting a patient thereon. At least a portion of the frame and support system is located within the beam projection area when the tabletop is mounted in the medical therapy or diagnostic system and the portion of the frame located within the beam projection area is formed from substantially non-metal components.

Abstract: A patient table including a generally C-shaped lower base having opposing laterally extending end portions connected by a longitudinally extending central portion, and wherein the longitudinally extending portion is offset laterally from a longitudinally extending center line of the table. The table also includes an upper base, front and rear lift arms extending upwardly from the lower base and holding the upper base vertically above the lower base, and an elongated patient support pallet secured on one longitudinally extending side to the upper base and having an opposite longitudinally extending side substantially overhanging the laterally extending end portions of the lower base, and wherein the pallet is made of radiolucent material.

Abstract: A patient table including a table assembly and a bucky presentation assembly including at least one rail secured to the assembly, a runner slidably received on the rail, a bucky, and a hinge pivotally connecting the bucky to the runner.

Abstract: A patient support system for medical treatments is disclosed having an attached table section, an exchangeable table section and a fastener for the sections, the fastener including a sleeve, a rod and a cam-lock mechanism. The system also includes an easily operated and precisely located clamp for mounting accessory devices to the top of the table sections. The sections include peripheral channels and ridges which are used by the clamp to make a tight engagement. The channels also are used to form a coordinate number scale so that the patient, clamp and accessory devices may be consistently located time after time for multiple periodic treatments.

Abstract: A table is provided for positioning a patient for a medical procedure on a breast, the table comprising: a supporting platform having a back end for supporting the patient's legs and a front end for supporting the patient's torso while the patient is in a prone position, and a cavity at the front end for allowing the breast and a surrounding axilla region to be pendantly suspended therethrough; and an armrest for positioning and supporting a forearm such that a shoulder adjacent to the axilla region is at a desired height, wherein the armrest is lower than the platform.

Abstract: The patient support apparatus includes a base frame and a patient support assembly. The patient support assembly is pivotably mounted the base frame and is moved by a first actuator to rotate between a horizontal position and an upright position. The patient support assembly includes an upper body portion, a lower body portion and a leg portion. The upper body portion, the lower body portion and the leg portion are pivotably interconnected with a linkage frame so that they can be moved in unison by a second actuator between a supine configuration and an upright, chair shaped configuration. Thus, the patient support apparatus is adjustable between a flat, bed shaped configuration and a seat shaped configuration and is also movable between a horizontal position and an upright position.

Abstract: A surgical scanning system includes a scanner supported on a carrier movable relative to an operating room table. The carrier engages a guide that is collinear with the long axis of an operating room table. The relative movement between an operating room table and a scanner along a guide decreases the likelihood of collision therebetween. The ability to collect a scan of a patient while on an operating room table increases the likelihood of a successful surgical outcome.

Abstract: A transport carriage for a patient bed has a first arm for placement of the patient bed thereon and a second arm for coupling the patient bed thereto. A medical treatment of examination system employing such a transport carriage has a number of medical devices for treatment of examination of a subject, each of these medical devices having a patient support mechanism associated therewith, with a differently configured patient bed. The patient beds are removable from the respective support mechanisms, and the transport carriage is configured to receive and transport any of these differently configured patient beds.

Abstract: A patient table for radiation image exposure has a top surface forming a patient positioning surface that has an integrated solid-state radiation detector with a size substantially corresponding to the size of the patient positioning surface.

Abstract: A patient handling system (10) for use with a medical imaging or radiation therapy device, and an associated pallet mounting apparatus (12) for releasably mounting a pallet (18) on the pallet support assembly (16) of a patient handling system. The patient handling system (10) includes a pallet (18) for supporting a patient, and a pallet support assembly (16) for supporting the pallet (18) and for positioning the pallet (18) to facilitate the scanning of a patient positioned on the pallet (18) using the medical imaging device, or to facilitate the application of radiation therapy to a patient using a radiation therapy device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for accurately positioning a breast tumor of a patient in the decubitus position on examination table and preventing patient movement once the tumor is positioned and for preventing pain and loss of sensation in the patient's downwardly positioned arm and shoulder while the patient is in the decubitus position.

Abstract: A multi-use examination table provides x-ray imaging thereby conserving examination room space and to speed patient examination while retaining standard examination table features such as table extensions, foot end drawers, trays and stirrups, and a step for access to the high examination table surface. A repositionable imaging boom allows the table to remain unobstructed when x-ray imaging is not required.

Abstract: A medical table top is formed with a connecting portion formed about the periphery of the table top. An extension accessory is provided that includes a receiving portion that snap fits over the connecting portion of the medical table top. The material from which the medical table top and accessory extension is constructed does not absorb energy rays, such as X-rays and does not interfere with the examining procedure involving X-rays.

Abstract: A patient support comprising a frame 22 supporting a translucent support surface 24 elevated above the frame 22 by frame members 23. The members 26 support an x-ray cassette tray 36 for sliding movement along the length of the frame 22. The x-ray cassette trays 36 can be loaded onto the members 26 from either or both the head 30 and foot 32 ends of the frame 22. All of the patient support surface can be covered by the x-ray cassettes. In use, the x-ray cassette tray 36 is pulled out from the members 26 and loaded with an x-ray cassette 53. The handle 39 is pulled out from within the tray 36 and locked into position against latch 38. The tray 36 is then slid back onto the members 26 and the position of the cassette 53 within the tray 36 is indicated by the position of the indicator 65 visible along the side of the frame 22.

Abstract: An articulated x-ray table comprises a planar, rigid radiolucent top support and a base spaced therefrom to form a gap whereby radiographic plates can be inserted and withdrawn. The gap is maintained by the use of one or more trolleys that are moveable along the length of the table to be moved into proximity to the location where the plate is to be inserted. Generally, two of the trolleys are used along either side of the table for placement near the x-ray plate. The trolleys move in grooves or tracks on the edges of the base along the length of the table. Each trolley includes wheels that engage the grooves, and a separate roller that engages the top support. This permits the trolleys to be easily moved along the guide notwithstanding the weight of a patient on the table. The table can be used for animals and humans.

Abstract: A dual energy x-ray densitometer is incorporated into a standard patient examination table to provide improved access to this screening tool during regular examinations. A repositionable scanning head allows the table to remain unobstructed when scanning is not occurring and a limited scanning area allows the examination table to retain standard examination table features such as table extensions, foot end drawers, trays and stirrups, and a step for access to the high examination table surface.

Abstract: The invention is intended to always ensure a sufficient level of patient positioning accuracy regardless of the skills of individual operators.

Abstract: A table docking system including a table having a base supported by at least two wheels, and at least one docking station having a plate, and a guide wall positioned and oriented with respect to the plate such that a pathway for the wheels of the patient table is defined between the guide wall and the plate. Another docking system constructed in accordance with the present inventions includes a table having a base defining a groove, and at least one docking station having a plate and at least one vertical projection extending from the plate and sized for receipt within the groove of the base of the patient table. Systems of the present inventions can be used, for example, to quickly and easily move a patient table between multiple tomography scanners.

Abstract: A urological patient positioning table has a patient positioning plate with a head end and a foot end, and has a lifting column connected to the patient positioning plate. The lifting column is arranged at the head end of the patient positioning plate laterally next to the patient positioning plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bearing surface for a medical examining-table for carrying out roentgenolic examinations and surgical interventions during which radiological devices are used, comprising a table-top (16) and a guide unit (18) which can be coupled to a supporting column (14) of the examining table. Said guide unit has a first guide housing (20), in which the table-top (16) is guided to that it can be displaced in the longitudinal direction. The table-top consists entirely of X-ray permeable material and has guide surfaces (42,44), which lie against guide elements (38,40) in the guide housing (22).

Abstract: For the purpose of providing a parallel-link table that is moved up/down without moving the position of a subject in the longitudinal direction, an upper structure 320 is placed over a base plate 310 connected with a platform 300 via parallel links 340 and 341, and a first bracket 350 on the upper structure 320 and a middle point of one parallel link 341 are connected by a first position correcting link 342 of a length half that of the parallel link 341 using pivotal joint portions 366 and 367; and therefore, when the base plate 310 is moved tip/down with respect to the platform 300, the upper structure 320 moves only in the vertical direction without moving in the horizontal direction, and the top plate 330 over the upper structure 320, hence, the subject placed on the top plate 330 can be moved up/down in the vertical direction without moving in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A patient table including a generally C-shaped lower base having opposing laterally extending end portions connected by a longitudinally extending central portion, and wherein the longitudinally extending portion is offset laterally from a longitudinally extending center line of the table. The table also includes an upper base, front and rear lift arms extending upwardly from the lower base and holding the upper base vertically above the lower base, and an elongated patient support pallet secured on one longitudinally extending side to the upper base and having an opposite longitudinally extending side substantially overhanging the laterally extending end portions of the lower base, and wherein the pallet is made of radiolucent material.

Abstract: A portable, padded chair made from X-ray transparent materials is used to comfortably support a patient while taking X-rays for medical diagnostic purposes. The use of X-ray transparent materials reduces the medical assistant's and patient's risk of repeated exposure to unnecessary X-ray levels. Also, the chair allows a patient to remain in a sitting or reclining position while X-rays are taken. A foot pedal and locking wheels allow for easy adjustment of the chair so that the patient is positioned comfortably and securely. A bucky tray, adjustable along the length and width of the chair, and a piano stand fixture, that attaches to the arms of the chair, are used to hold X-ray film cassettes. Additionally, the arm supports are adjustable and capable of being dropped to the side of the chair so a patient is easily transferred to and from a hospital bed.

Abstract: A device for positioning a patient in a fixed location comprising:

Abstract: A body-supporting couch and a radiation system incorporating such a couch are disclosed. The couch comprises a first and second couch unit, respectively. The first couch unit comprises a first table top support and a first elongated table top portion extending horizontally from the first support. The first table top portion is provided with a first docking element arranged in an end. Element for moving the first table top portion relative the first table top support along its longitudinal axis is arranged in the first couch unit. The second couch unit comprises a second table top support, which supports a second table top portion, provided with a second docking element in an end facing the first couch unit. Upon contact, the first docking element engages with the second docking element and the first table top portion connects with the second table top portion forming a stable continuous table top.

Abstract: A patient support device for a radiation therapy system has a load-bearing element, which is set up so as to be supported rotatably on a stationary structure about a vertical iso-axis extending through a treatment iso-center. The load-bearing element, with a patient tabletop mounted on it, can be leveled by a continuously adjustable leveling device. The leveling device is embodied in particular as a leveling shoe, which includes a bottom plate, a top plate, and an adjustable wedge disposed between them.

Abstract: A hospital bed adapted for use with an open geometry imaging system, such as a C-arm imager, is provided. The hospital bed includes a mobile base, a frame, a bed top, and a patient support. At least one portion of the bed top and patient support are substantially radiotransparent. The radiotransparent portions are capable of axial displacement along the lengthwise axis of the bed, thereby allowing the use of an imager on a patient in the bed without interference from the base. The axial displacement is preferably indexed to at least one predetermined stop position. One or more independent lateral sections can be selectively moved away from the radiotransparent portion, allowing for a reduction in the overall width of the bed. A patient transport system is also provided, in which the bed top and attached patient support can be used as a portable support, such as a stretcher, and may be secured to the base for subsequent transport and/or imaging when appropriate.

Abstract: A system for medical emergency care and monitoring of a patient includes as its first component a patient holding apparatus with a fixed base and a table mounted on it, and the table protrudes past the base on the head end with a radio transparent first region and on the foot end with a radio transparent second region. There is also a CT scanner which is movable on the floor along a guide element in such a way that the second region of the table can be brought, by moving the CT scanner, into the patient opening of the CT scanner. For taking x-ray images in the first region of the table, there is an x-ray unit. Another component pertains to a guided patient board that is ridable on the table in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A bearing mechanism or support structure for an imaging medical examination apparatus, particularly a magnetic resonance apparatus or a computer tomography apparatus, has a bearing plate for the patient and an endless conveyor band or belt for transporting the bearing plate through an opening in the examination apparatus. The conveyor band can move through the opening that serves for the acceptance of the patient and is moved therethrough by means of two end rollers arranged on mutually opposite sides of the examination apparatus.

Abstract: A compressible footplate for a device for complementary examination of the lumbar region at computer tomography and magnetic resonance tomography, whereby it comprises a resting plane being part of a patient table, a footsupport being arranged to the resting plane comprising at least one compressible footplate. The compressible footplate comprises a footplate, a compressible means, an indication means and a holder-on, preferable in the form of an outer house.

Abstract: An apparatus to couple rigid items to a patient support including a patient support coupler and a holder.

Abstract: A pedestal for use with a patient transport system for multiple imaging systems can include a support member configured to support a patient or object of interest, an elongated planar member coupled to the support member and configured to removably couple and slidably engage an elongated cradle member, and a docking assembly coupled to the elongated planar member configured to engage the receipt of and the removal of the elongated cradle member supportable by the elongated planar member.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus for supporting a table assembly of a patient table. The lifting apparatus includes a lower base, an upper base securable to the table assembly, and at least one pair of non-intersecting front and rear lift arms holding the upper base above the lower base. Each lift arm includes a lower end pivotally connected to the lower base, an upper end pivotally connected to the upper base, an elbow located between the lower and the upper ends, an elongated lower portion extending between the lower end and the elbow, and an elongated upper portion extending between the elbow to the upper end. The lower and the upper portions connect at an angle at the elbow. The lifting apparatus provides a combination of both vertical and horizontal movement of the table assembly and also nests in its lowered position in order to minimize the table's overall height when lowered.

Abstract: An integrated positioning device for a tomotherapy treatment couch is disclosed. The integrated positioning device has a central frame, two positioning tables, and an attachment arm. The central frame is mounted on the base of the tomotherapy treatment couch. The positioning tables position the moveable tabletop of the treatment couch in the lateral and longitudinal directions. Each table is able to position and lock the tabletop in one of the directions to a high degree of accuracy. The attachment arm connects the positioning tables to the tabletop and holds the tabletop in position for tomotherapy treatments.

Abstract: In pediatric diagnostic imaging, a patient is seated upright on a patient couch (10) of a large bore CT scanner. The patient is seated such that coronal or near coronal slices are taken as opposed to axial slices as in typical CT scanners. The patient is stationarily supported in this position during imaging. A back support member (14) supports the back and side restraint panels (18) limit lateral movement. Restraint straps (30) further secure selected parts of the patient. The angle of the support member (14) is adjusted to conform with a selected imaging region by angle adjustment grooves (20). A removable telescopic head rest (40) positions the patient leaning forward. The back support (14), the side restraint panels (18), and the headrest (40) are all constructed of radiolucent materials.

Abstract: A system and method for positioning a medical imaging table in an imaging apparatus is presented. The imaging table includes a fixed plate, a second stage, a first stage and a gearing system. The first stage includes an imaging tabletop. The gearing system includes a pinion gear and gear racks mounted on the first and second stages. The stages of the system are geared together to move simultaneously. The imaging table is able to extend and or retract smoothly because the stages are geared together. Further, because the imaging table extends through a first stage, a second stage, and a fixed plate, the tabletop of the imaging table is more compact with a larger imaging area.

Abstract: A patient-support apparatus includes a base, a patient-support deck, a deck-positioning assembly coupling the patient-support deck to the base, and a locking mechanism, the locking mechanism having a first state to prevent longitudinal movement of the patient-support deck relative to the base, and a second state to allow longitudinal movement of the patient-support deck relative to the base.