Abstract: A surgical table for animals has a basic flat top which can serve for the smaller species. To accommodate large animals, extensions are fitted in the form of rigid panels having tongue and groove engagement with selected edge parts of the basic top. They can be clamped in position. The top is carried by folding legs enabling it to be lowered virtually to floor level and raised to operating height. The legs are in variable X-form with a scissor action, the top of one leg being hinged to the underside of the top and the top of the other leg having a sliding or rolling engagement. The adjustment is by hydraulic actuators, the main one, which aligns with the legs when fully folded, being assisted by a starter actuator which acts vertically between the legs and the table top at the beginning of each lift.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a brace for a scoliosis patient includes a casting board for receiving a patient in a laying-down position and a plurality of pressure pads which are releaseably securable on the casting board for applying lateral pressure to the torso portion of the patient. The apparatus is operative in a method for forming a brace by first positioning the patient in a treatment position on the casting board in which the pressure pads are assembled with the patient to apply predetermined amounts of lateral pressure to precisely defined areas of the torso portion of the patient. The patient is then removed from the casting board, an uncured cast is assembled on the torso portion of the patient and the patient is repositioned in the same treatment position on the casting board while the cast is allowed to cure. The cast can then be used to form a scoliosis brace for the patient by conventional techniques.

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

Abstract: An improved anterior pelvic support device is provided for use in securely and safely positioning a patient during a surgical procedure, such as hip or pelvis surgery. The support device comprises a double-ended bracket arm having a pair of padded support members at opposite ends thereof and adjustably carried on a bracket post adapted for secure mounting as by clamping onto an operating table. The bracket arm is adjustably positioned to support the patient lying on one side in a lateral decubitis position, with the padded support members applied to bony prominences particularly such as the symphysis pubis and the lower side anterior superior iliac spine. The support device is used in combination with a posterior pelvic support plate, and a pair of anterior-posterior chest support plates to retain the patient in a secure and stable manner during surgery.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a surgical table capable of supporting a litary litter. The table, comprising a base and at least one cross member, is made of lightweight, durable material, is portable, and is relatively easy to assemble, disassemble, and package for transport. The cross member may be positioned such that the patient's head or feet are elevated or lowered relative to the table's base. The fabric of the litter is used as the direct support for the patient while the patient receives medical attention.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a brace for a scoliosis patient includes a casting board for receiving a patient in a laying-down position and a plurality of pressure pads which are releaseably securable on the casting board for applying lateral pressure to the torso portion of the patient. The apparatus is operative in a method for forming a brace by first positioning the patient in a treatment position on the casting board in which the pressure pads are assembled with the patient to apply predetermined amounts of lateral pressure to precisely defined areas of the torso portion of the patient. The patient is then removed from the casting board, an uncured cast is assembled on the torso portion of the patient and the patient is repositioned in the same treatment position on the casting board while the cast is allowed to cure. The cast can then be used to form a scoliosis brace for the patient by conventional techniques.

Abstract: A patient restraint, especially suited for pediatric patients, for securing and supporting the child during lumbar puncture procedures. A platform base supports the child on its side, acting as a lateral restraint. A padded mid-back support board, fixed to a bottom edge of the platform base, provides support for the lumbar region; an opening in the board provides access to the L4-L5 interspace region of the back. The child is clamped against this support board by a moveable padded abdominal stabilizer which is mounted on the platform base. A cervical support board is hinged to the mid-back support, and is fastened into an angled position to the mid-back support. A padded, triangular knee support is mounted to the base, at a position along a positioning groove which is inwardly angled from the bottom edge of the base, so that as the knee support moves inwardly, it moves upwardly.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for use in medical imaging simulate within an imaging coil normal movements of body parts such as joints, and improve imaging of soft tissue and bony parts as compared to a static system in which images are taken of a joint in only one position. A joint or body parts is moved into various positions in multiple planes within its range of motion while a series of images are taken of the joint in the different positions. The images are collated into a cine format to effectively show the joint in motion. A surface or volume coil may be coupled for movement with the joint or body part and maintained in the proper spatial relationship with the primary coil's electromagnetic field. The systems may be provided as mechanisms usable with existing imaging tables to reduce cost, or may be built into a new imaging table. It is possible to use a larger primary coil, allowing increased range of movement. Traction may be applied to a joint being imaged, in order to load the joint.

Abstract: A patient gurney with adjustable hand holds for easy carrying. The hand holds are spaced from the plane of the bed of the gurney and are arranged so that one set may above that plane and one set below so that the device may be readily carried down stairways. A locking device contained within a tubular collar on a rail of the gurney is used to hold the hand holds in position.

Abstract: A thigh support or ischeal ring is removably attached to a leg splint such as a Thomas or other similar type of splint. The ring is formed of a rigid material having fastening means integrally formed therewith and is substantially covered by at least one layer of padding to prevent irritating contact with the patient's thigh region.

Abstract: A table top is arranged to include a mammary plate, having opposed first and second arcuate recesses to each individually accommodate a mammary during an examination procedure. A modification of the invention includes the mammary plate formed of expandable and contractible relative L-shaped components to accommodate variation in sizing of the first and second arcuate recesses.

Abstract: Disclosed is a medical bed comprising: a bed plate on which a patient is laid in a desired posture; and a device for retaining the patient in the desired posture in such a manner that the patient is prevented from moving along the bed plate. The retaining device comprises: a plurality of elongated members for blocking motion of the patient along the bed plate; and a plurality of recessed of the bed plate or suction pad equipped to each elongated member for adjustably fitting the elongated members to the bed plate to adapt the elongated members for the desired posture of the patient.The medical bed with the retaining device is suitable for medical treatment of patients, and in particular, for treatment of infant patients.

Abstract: A spinal positioning frame mounted atop an operating table for lateral, longitudinal and pivotal adjustment allows optimal patient positioning. A yoke mounted in a rectangular frame for reciprocal sliding movement is driven by a pneumatically controlled electric linear actuator which may be driven in an emergency by blowing into pneumatic control lines. A pair of spaced parallel flexible steel flex strips connect juxtaposed anterior and posterior fulcrum plates pivotally mounted adjacent opposite ends of the frame. A pair of patient support pads are adjustably secured by cooperating hook and loop pile fasteners to respective pad mounting plates. Slots in the pad mounting plates receive cam lock fasteners which adjustably secure the pad mounting plates to the flex strips. The actuator causes the flex strips and pads to bow convexly upwardly, while a meter indicates the degree of flex, allowing precise regulation of spinal curvature to afford maximum lumbar access.

Abstract: A surgery table is provided in which a patient support portion may be tilted about a longitudinal and a lateral axis and in which torso and leg supporting portions of the table may be pivoted relative to a trunk supporting portion. A new headrest locking mechanism is disclosed whereby supporting ball and socket connections for the headrest may be locked in position with a minimum of applied torque force. In addition, a lift mechanism incorporating telescoping members is provided whereby a large variation in table height may be obtained.

Abstract: A surgical hand restrainer including a plate for supporting the hand, a clamping member for restraining the fingers in a fixed position on the support plate, and a restraining device for retaining the thumb on the support plate.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a patient in a prone position during surgery which allows the surgeon to adjust the relative positioning of the patient during surgery. The apparatus generally comprises a patient support structure rotatably mounted on an expandable framework which is connected to an elongate base by a pair of hydraulic lifts. The patient may initially be positioned on the table in a supine position and then rotated so as to be supported in a prone position by the patient support structure with the patient's abdomen pendulous and free. The hydraulic lifts are positioned at the ends of the base and allow one end of the expandable framework and the patient support structure to be raised or lowered with respect to the other end. The patient support structure may be rotated so as to angle the patient's back toward or away from the surgeon. A plurality of pairs of support pads are attached to opposite opposed legs of the patient support structure and are longitudinally adjustable relative thereto.

Abstract: An air support bed having a plurality of air support sacks forming a support for a patient, with pressure selection means for adjusting and maintaining pressures in the sacks to a desired pressure profile. A movement overlay is placed on the sacks for producing movement of the patient at selected times by introduction and removal of air from selected compartments in the overlay, for producing flexing of the legs, rolling the patient from side-to-side and/or flexing of the patient's feet.