Abstract: A patient support device of a radiation therapy treatment system includes an electromechanical motor and control system for raising and lowering the support device in the Z direction. The control system utilizes regenerative braking concepts, converting the motor into a generator as the support device is lowered such that no matter the load, the support device will be lowered at a constant speed. The control system also allows for lowering of the support device in the powered off situation (i.e., when there is no power to the support device).

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

Abstract: A fixing system and method for fixing a navigational reference array for image-assisted medical treatment with respect to a patient, wherein the reference array is arranged the patient's body with the assistance of an immobilizing device, and wherein the immobilizing device is a vacuum mattress or a vacuum mattress patient jacket, and at least one anchoring for the reference array is provided on or in the vacuum mattress or a vacuum mattress patient jacket.

Abstract: A patient positioning table for a tomography device has a table board movably mounted on a table stand. At one end of the table board, a module is attached that has a receptacle compartment therein, serving as a storage space and/or a receptacle for medical equipment. Attachments can be attached to the module for holding or mounting other items that are used in connection with a tomography procedure.

Abstract: A method and device for accurately and reproducibly positioning a woman's breast to receive radiation while the woman is positioned in a prone, face-down position upon a radiation treatment table are disclosed. The treatment table is useable with radiation accelerator tables of existing linear accelerator machines. The treatment table includes a generally flat patient support surface having an opening that allows the patient's breast to fall dependently below the support surface through the opening yet remain above the radiation accelerator table such that the breast can be irradiated for therapy or treatment. The platform further includes a head positioning device connected to the support surface such that a woman's head can be placed in the positioning device while she lies in the prone position and such that one or both of her breasts can be accurately and reproducibly positioned for treatment through the opening.

Abstract: The invention relates to a patient-positioning device for positioning a patient in an irradiation position in a radiation therapy arrangement, in particular in a particle radiation therapy arrangement comprising a patient supporting module, which is provided with a patient supporting device for holding the patient in a body holder where the irradiation is to be carried out, wherein, said patient supporting device is mounted on a base unit in such a way that it is rotatable about an axis by means of a bearing, said base unit is provided with a coupling element, the inventive device is also provided with a positioning arm, which comprises several joints and a coupling point for coupling the coupling element and for freely positioning the patient in any predefined irradiation position by adjusting the angle of rotation of the patient supporting module.

Abstract: A treatment couch having a tabletop that has a radiolucent region, and a lower-torso assembly that has a first slide member coupled to a slot of the tabletop, a second slide member coupled to a slot of the first slide member, and a link member coupled to the first and second slide members. The lower-torso assembly may be configured to adjust a patient along a longitudinal direction relative to a shoulder line of the tabletop while the lower-torso assembly remains outside the radio lucent region of the tabletop.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an ankle and foot immobilizer has a base, a spine perpendicular to the base, and a shoulder perpendicular to both the base and spine. A foot cover is rotatably attached to the shoulder and engageable to the foot so that the sole is either resting upon the base to obtain a top view of the foot or so that the sole is resting against the spine to obtain a side-view of the foot. A vertical leg support that is releasably attached to the spine is provided to secure the leg in a vertical fashion. A horizontal leg support that is releasably attached to the spine is provided to secure the leg in a horizontal fashion. The base can have a cassette holder to so that a separate cassette holder is not required. The immobilizer has an anchor that can be releasably secured to a standard x-ray table such as a suction cup.

Abstract: A transport unit with a support system for transporting a patient from a first room in at least one second room is provided. The transport unit includes a positioning device which interacts with the support system such that the transportation of the patient from the first into the second room is able to be undertaken in a tilted and/or rolled position. Accordingly, internal organs of the patient remain in their previously assumed position during transportation of a patient.

Abstract: A patient bed is provided for transporting and/or positioning a patient. The patient bed has a bed area provided for receiving a patient. The patient bed is flexible at least in the bed area in such a way that the patient bed can be rolled up around a part of the patient bed. The patient bed has at least one transport mount for acting on by a transporter, and the patient bed is designed to be transported via the at least one transport mount when loaded with a patient. The patient bed has a plurality of reinforcing fibers, which are flexible and tension-proof, wherein each of the reinforcing fibers passes through the bed area and is operatively connected to at least one of the at least one transport mount in such a way that a force acting on the bed area can be transmitted at least partially to the at least one transport mount.

Abstract: An apparatus for MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) includes a scanner, a support for a patient, and a supporting bench for the scanner and for the patient support, wherein the scanner and said patient support are mounted on the supporting bench such that a position of at least one of the scanner and the patient support can be changed with respect to the other of the scanner and the patient support.

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

Abstract: Apparatus, system and method for immobilizing a patient's head during imaging. The apparatus includes two substantially C-shaped members that are pivotably mounted to each other. One C-shaped member includes at least one adjustable positioning rod for securing the patient's head during imaging. The apparatus is attached to a magnet resonance imaging apparatus to form a system. The system is used for imaging a patient whose head and neck is immobilized by the apparatus.

Abstract: A pillow, for supporting and fixing the shoulders of an examination subject in the respective housings of different shoulder coils in a magnetic resonance apparatus, snugly fills the inner area of the shoulder coil with at least three, and preferably four lobes with the lobes not laterally overlapping one another.

Abstract: A positioning system for an MRI system. One aspect includes a support member for moving a patient in a non-horizontal direction within a scanning area of the MRI system, a drive member for driving the support member, and a controller for controlling the drive member to position the patient at a desired location within the scanning area. One aspect includes a guide member attached to a floor beneath the scanning area for guiding a platform member along a first linear axis generally parallel to the floor and perpendicular to a magnetic field axis of a magnet of the MRI system. A controller controls a drive member to position the patient at a desired horizontal location within the scanning area. One aspect includes a frame, a platform member rotatably coupled to the frame. A controller controls a drive member to rotate the platform member and position the patient at a desired angle within the scanning area.

Abstract: A fixture such as a local receiver coil is secured to the patient support of a magnetic resonance imaging system so that the fixture remains in position relative to the support even when the support is in a vertical orientation. The positioning apparatus is arranged to allow adjustment of the fixture position, but to limit such adjustment so that the fixture cannot interfere with the poles or other elements defining the patient-receiving gap of the magnet during movement of the patient support.

Abstract: A patient carrier is hereby proposed for use in a radiation imaging suite, the patient carrier comprising at least one sensor configured to detect one or more parameters in a group of environmental parameters in the radiation imaging suite and physiological parameters of a patient positioned on the patient carrier, and an event initiator arranged to initiate an event in the radiation imaging suite based on the one or more detected parameters.

Abstract: A medical image diagnosis apparatus mat for laying a subject when imaging a medical image is configured so that a face on which the subject is laid can be switched between a state of a flat plate having a predetermined thickness and a state of a plate having the predetermined thickness and having a recessed part.

Abstract: A patient positioning apparatus to support a patient in a prone position on a patient table during a diagnostic imaging scan comprises a head support and an arm support. The head support is configured to extend beyond an end of a patient table and to support a patient's head relative to a table top of the patient table while the patient lies on the patient table in a prone position. The arm support is joined to the head support and is configured to extend below the patient table to support a patient's forearms below the patient table.

Abstract: A medical imaging system having a patient support apparatus is provided. The medical imaging system includes a framework portion and a kit of rigid modular patient support panels, constructed of material having a radiation attenuation coefficient less than that of metals. The panels in sub-combination are removably mounted to and supported by the framework portion. The panels are selectively assembled to define varying surface profiles, including selective gaps there between, that are capable of conforming a patient in contact with the surface profile in a range of supported body positions from supine to seated.

Abstract: A radiation system includes a radiation source, and a patient support for supporting a patient, the patient support located adjacent to the radiation source such that the radiation source can deliver radiation towards the patient while the patient is supported on the patient support, wherein the patient support and the radiation source are positionable at least partially around a same spatial region. A system for use to determine a treatment plan includes a user interface for allowing a user to define a plurality of control points, a first parameter, and a second parameter, wherein the user interface also allows the user to prescribe which of the first and second parameters is to be optimized, and which of the first and second parameters is to be interpolated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided to maintain motion control during manual positioning of a patient table. The method and apparatus of the present application control the amount of resistance to manual motion of the patient table without using switches to control the amount of assistance provided during manual positioning. The amount of resistance to manual motion may vary as a function of the velocity and position of the patient table. Further, the resistance to initial manual movement of the patient table may be reduced.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for supporting and/or stabilizing a patient can help to position a patient relative to a therapeutic laser beam, for example, inhibiting motion or deflection during a refractive procedure on the eyes, and the like. A stabilizing structural member can support a chair or other patient support near shoulders of the patient, and the member may remain stationary while the chair is driven in a horizontal plane by a linkage. Often, a nominal patient center of gravity is located between the support member and a portion of the patient support which is supported by the linkage to reduce cantilever effects. The member may be rigidly attached to a vertical motion stage which moves the chair at an angle, for example at an angle normal to the horizontal plane.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a single modality imaging system configured to generate uncorrected imaging data of a patient, the single modality imaging system includes two gamma cameras and a patient stretcher disposed between the two gamma cameras, the apparatus for compensating for downward stretcher deflection at the extended end of the patient stretcher that occurs during stretcher extension. The apparatus includes a single sag sensor for sensing the downward deflection of the patient stretcher, a subtracting device configured to generate a sag correction factors based on a baseline stretcher height and an input received from the sag sensor, and a compensator configured to modify at least a portion of the uncorrected imaging data to compensate for sag using the using the sag correction factor to generate a unified image.

Abstract: A patient transport apparatus having a table configured to support a patient, a base attached to the table, a docking system attached to the base, the docking system configured to couple to a mating docking system of an MR imaging system, and a plurality of bays formed in the base, with each bay configured to receive a patient care module therein. The patient transport apparatus further includes a control system configured to be electrically coupled to each patient care module received within the plurality of bays and configured to centrally control each patient care module.

Abstract: The invention relates to a support mat (1) for a trauma patient (16) with a seamlessly welded cover (22), the sides of which are provided with skirt-like overhangs (2 to 5). In this manner the support mat (1) and modality protection are combined in a single component. In the folded over state, the mat protects the patient visually on the one hand and against heat loss on the other hand. Furthermore the extremities are thus secured during transportation and also during CT examinations. In the folded open state, the mat protects the modalities from fluids.

Abstract: Anti-pinch point device for imaging platforms are disclosed. The stationary imaging platform includes a slidable cradle and fixed shroud adjacent both sides of the slidable cradle. An inventive overlay is configured for mounting on a slidable cradle. The inventive overlay moves with the slidable cradle. Elongated perimeter regions of the inventive overlay have elongated ridges formed on the underside thereof adjacent the outer edges of the elongated perimeter regions. The elongated ridges serve to prevent objects from becoming pinched between the inventive overlay and the fixed shroud.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical apparatus. The medical apparatus includes a patient support table with a patient support plate, a medical imaging device, a location and navigation facility integrated at least partially in the patient support table and/or the medical imaging device and a system controller, which is used to operate and/or control both the medical imaging device and also the location and navigation facility.

Abstract: A patient support system includes a patient support, and a positioning system for positioning the patient support, wherein the positioning system is capable of placing the patient support such that a point on the patient support is at a location, and rotating the patient support about a vertical axis that intersects the point, wherein the positioning system includes a first arm and a second arm rotatably coupled to the first arm, and the patient support is rotatably coupled to the second arm. A patient support system includes a first base portion rotatable about a first vertical axis, a second base portion rotatably coupled to the first base portion such that the second base portion is rotatable relative to the first base portion about a second vertical axis, a first arm coupled to the second base portion, a second arm rotatably coupled to the first arm, and a patient support rotatably coupled to the second arm.

Abstract: A module of a support apparatus (5) of a medical examination and treatment device, in particular of a magnetic resonance device (3), comprises the following features: a base unit (52) and a support unit (54) to support an examination object (1), which can travel in the horizontal direction in respect of the base unit (52), and a bracket unit (70) acting between the base unit (52) and the support unit (54), it being possible to move said bracket unit (70) against the base unit (52) and the support unit (54) and with which the support unit (54) can travel beyond the base unit (52).

Abstract: A table drive system for driving a support table is disclosed herein. The table drive system comprises at least one of a first drive assembly or a second drive assembly or a combination thereof. The first drive assembly is configured for moving the support table in a first direction for example, a longitudinal direction and the second drive assembly is configured for moving the support table in a second direction for example, a vertical direction. The table drive system further includes a safety block in combination with at least one of the first drive assembly or the second drive assembly, the safety block configured to arrest the motion of the first drive assembly or the second drive assembly upon experiencing a predetermined condition such as the failure of at least one of the first drive assembly or the second drive assembly.

Abstract: A patient table for a common imaging system including Magnetic Resonance and X-ray retains the patient stationary in position prior to, during and subsequent to the imaging and includes a base, a patient support portion cantilevered from the base and a mattress. The RF posterior coil portions for the head and for the chest can be inserted into and removed from an operating position underneath the head and chest of the patient while patient remains supported. The chest coil is inserted from one edge in a cavity in the mattress which is reinforced by a sleeve. The signal communication cable from the chest coil is routed in front of the mattress and over the mattress so as to not to be exposed at the sides. The head coil is carried on a base plate of the patient support alongside the head support which remains in place.

Abstract: A postural change device used to allow imaging a plurality of postures while changing the posture of a portion to be examined of an object by means of a medical image diagnostic apparatus. The postural change device comprises a head-use balloon and a trunk-use balloon dispersedly arranged in a bag-form mat, and a compressor and a valve body carrying out parallel actions on the two balloons, that is, maximum expansion?medium expansion?complete contraction on the head-use balloon, and complete contraction?medium expansion?maximum expansion on the trunk-use balloon, whereby it is possible to sequentially change the cervical spine of the object from an anteversion posture to a neutral posture to a retroflexed posture.

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.

Abstract: A bed apparatus includes a bed, a bed lifting unit that lifts the bed, and a bed stop position control unit that controls the bed lifting unit such that the bed stops at a position out of the maximum stroke according to a predetermined stop condition.

Abstract: A method of examining a patient is provided. The method includes aligning a patient table with a first examination axis, and rotating the patient table around a substantially fixed pivot axis from the first examination axis to a second examination axis using a predetermined angular velocity profile.

Abstract: A device for supporting a patient is used with a computer-tomography (CT) device. The patient to be examined is to be introduced into an opening in a gantry of the CT device. The patient supporting device has a height-adjustable device disposed laterally with respect to the gantry opening and permits the height of a support for a patient to be adjusted. A support arm extends from the height-adjustable device to a fixture for supporting a stretcher and is rotatable with respect to the height adjustable device.

Abstract: Devices and methods of the present invention are directed to positioning a patient in a prone position that exposes the posterior thoracic lumbar spine during a surgical procedure, such as a laminectomy procedure. The device has at least three support members, with a first support member configured and adapted to support at least a portion of a patient's torso and the patient's hips; a second support member, generally contiguous with the first, configured and adapted to contact a patient's thighs and to position the patient's thighs in a desired angular position relative to the patient's hips and torso; and a third support member, generally contiguous with the second support member, adapted to support a patient's knees and lower legs and to position the patient's lower legs in a desired angular position relative to the patient's torso and thighs.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a braking system for a positioner unit in a medical imaging apparatus includes a first brake coupled to a drive unit that is configured to drive the positioner unit along an axis susceptible to influence of gravity. A second brake is coupled to the positioner unit, and configured for operating independently of the first brake. Examples of positioner unit include a patient cradle in a patient support table, and a C-arm and a pivot in a vascular gantry.

Abstract: A medical device comprising a medical procedure patient platform having a peripheral edge, a length of the peripheral edge having a substantially rigid male connecting member; and, an extension having a substantially and permanently rigid female connecting member, the female connecting member configured for rotational mating attachment with male connecting member. In a particular embodiment, the device further provides that the female connecting member is configured to maintain the extension in a horizontal arrangement upon attachment to the male connecting member. In another embodiment, the female connecting member is configured to attach to the patient platform at any location along the length of the peripheral edge.

Abstract: A patient positioning apparatus to support a patient in a prone position on a patient table during a diagnostic imaging scan comprises a head support and an arm support. The head support is configured to extend above the patient table and supports a patient's head above a table top of the patient table while the patient lies on the patient table in a prone position. The arm support is joined to the head support and is configured to extend below the patient table to support a patient's forearms below the patient table.

Abstract: A composite system for radiation therapy includes a CT scanner for checking the position of an affected portion of a patient to be irradiated, an irradiation apparatus for disposing, on the basis of positional information of the affected portion checked by the CT scanner, the patient at a specific position at which the affected portion is aligned to an irradiation position, and performing irradiation to the affected portion, a common bed used for the CT scanner and the irradiation apparatus, in a state that the patient lies on the common bed and moving means for moving the patient from the CT scanner to the specific position of the irradiation apparatus.

Abstract: A system and method for immobilization of the human breast in a prone position during imaging and radiotherapy. The system includes a vacuum-assisted breast immobilization cup comprising two layers joined together with an air space between. The inner layer has densely perforated holes while the outer layer is airtight. When a negative vacuum is applied to the intermediate airspace the breast tissue is sucked against the mesh wall of the inner layer to preventing sliding. In addition, the cup assembly is locked into a fixed position against the patient torso via a body fixture, as well as against the patient support structure. The established geometric relationship among the cup, chest wall, imaging/treatment table or couch may be accurately repeated. The system further includes a three-dimensional localization system to uniquely place the breast in a coordinate system having fixed geometric relationship with the breast immobilization cup.

Abstract: An examination bed for use in a magnetic resonance imaging system, has a bed board, a bottom antenna for an RF coil and a main body antenna for an RF coil. The bottom antenna is integrated in the inside or surface of the bed board, and forms a loop with the main body antenna, to form an RF coil. The thickness of the base plate is thereby reduced by integrating the bottom antenna into the bed board, thus increasing the available space to make the most of the limited space of the magnetic field for examination so that the examination bed can be used for those patients or other tested objects that would otherwise be oversized for the bed.

Abstract: A patient transport system includes a patient table, a self-propelled support vehicle having means for loading the patient table and means for unloading the patient table, a patient diagnosis and/or therapy station, and a control means for controlling an operation of the at least one self-propelled support vehicle. A patient disposed on the patient table is presentable at the patient diagnosis and/or therapy station by controllably moving the support vehicle. The means for unloading the patient table are provided to unload the patient table from the support vehicle into a determined position within the patient diagnosis and/or therapy station. The means for loading the patient table are provided to load the patient table from the determined position within the patient diagnosis and/or therapy station into a determined position on the support vehicle.

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 systems.

Abstract: A hybrid imaging system and a patient bed for same are disclosed. The hybrid imaging system includes a magnetic resonance scanner and a second modality imaging system spaced apart from the magnetic resonance scanner by a gap. In some embodiments, the gap is less than seven meters. The patient bed is disposed at least partially in the gap between the magnetic resonance scanner and the second modality imaging system, and includes a linearly translatable patient support pallet aligned to be selectively moved into an examination region of the magnetic resonance scanner for magnetic resonance imaging and into an examination region of the second modality imaging system for second modality imaging. In some embodiments, a linear translation range of the linearly translatable pallet is less than five times a length of the patient support pallet along the direction of linear translation.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes an operating device for an operator to input an instruction, an image display device for displaying an ultrasonic image, a processing device which controls producing the ultrasonic image based on an echo signal obtained by sending and receiving a ultrasonic wave and displaying it, and a table on which a patient lies. Said operating device is provided separately from said image display device, said processing device, and said table. Said table, said image display device, and said processing device are integrally provided on the side where said operating device is not placed with respect to the table.

Abstract: The invention relates to a positioning device for positioning a patient in a medical device comprising a patient receiving device for placing a patient and a robot arm having a plurality of movement axes for positioning the patient receiving device in a room. The positioning device can be placed into a manual operating mode in which a position of the patient receiving device in the room can be changed manually. The invention also relates to a method for operating the positioning device, comprising: providing a normal operating mode for positioning the patient receiving device automatically at a position predefined by a control device; providing a manual operating mode for manually changing a position of the patient receiving device; and switching from the normal operating mode into the manual operating mode if a switchover condition is present. The invention further relates to an irradiation device having the positioning device.