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: The repositioning apparatus of the invention includes a supporting bed for supporting at least a lower body of a patient, who needs repositioning therapy on his/her leg, a lower leg supporting bed for supporting a lower leg of the patient, a first movable table for allowing the lower leg supporting bed to move about a substantially horizontal axis, a first drive unit for driving the first movable table, a second movable table for moving the lower leg supporting bed in the substantially horizontal direction, and a second drive unit for driving the second movable table. Accordingly, the repositioning apparatus can make the lower leg of the patient perform a twisting action and a bending and stretching action, which are inevitable action for repositioning the patient's lower leg.

Abstract: A prone positioning therapeutic bed comprises a base frame, a patient support platform rotatably mounted on the base frame for rotational movement about a longitudinal rotational axis, a drive system for rotating the patient support platform on the base frame, and an upright end ring at the head of the bed with a central opening for routing patient care lines and a removable upper section for improved access to a patient's head. The patient support platform preferably has pivotally mounted side rails that fold underneath the patient support platform and straps with strap connectors that indicate whether the straps are sufficiently tensioned. A direct, wired electrical connection between the patient support platform and the base frame allows full rotation of the patient support platform in either direction. A manually operable lever disengages the patient support platform from the drive system to allow manual rotation of the patient support platform.

Abstract: An epidural patient support includes an upper body support and a foot support. The upper body support extends outwardly to support a patient's upper body with the patient's back arched forwardly. The foot support extends outwardly to support the patient's feet. According to another illustrative embodiment, an epidural patient support is provided for placing a patient in a prone position for an epidural procedure with the patient's back arched upwardly.

Abstract: A patient support including a frame, a head portion, a foot portion and a seat portion. The foot portion includes a removable foot section and laterally spaced foot supports configured to define a central opening therebetween. The foot supports are configured to move about a substantially vertical axis and about a substantially horizontal axis. A position adjustment mechanism is provided for locking the foot supports in desired positions relative to the frame. A light assembly is supported by the foot portion. Likewise, calf supports are coupled to the foot supports and are adjustable between storage and use positions. An actuator is provided to move the head portion relative to the seat and foot portions. A release system is coupled to the actuator to facilitate rapid lowering of the head portion of the patient support.

Abstract: A medical table having a head end column and a pair of foot end columns, all of which are automatically and simultaneously extendable and retractable between upper and lower positions. A patient support system, which may include a body support and separate leg supports, is supported by the head and foot end columns.

Abstract: A limb-positioning device is adapted for use in an operating room and is attachable to an operating room table. The limb-positioning device includes a full motion arm, a patient-receiving surgical device and a tension controller. The full motion arm has a plurality of pivotally connected arms with a plurality of joints therebetween. One end of the full motion arm is adapted to be attached to an operating room table. The patient-receiving surgical device is attached to a block joint at the distal end of the full motion arm. There is a tension controller for each joint. Preferably the tension controller concurrently controls the tension in each joint. The patient-receiving surgical device may be a forearm tray, a lower leg tray, a distraction harness or a Chinese finger trap assembly. There is provided a method of using the limb-positioning device. In addition, a patient-receiving surgical device includes a patient-receiving portion and a bar attached thereto.

Abstract: A medical stirrup device includes a base adapted for fixed securement to an associated support member. The device further includes a gooseneck shaft member having a proximal end connected to the base and a distal end spaced from the base. The gooseneck shaft member is selectively manually bendable by an end-user into a curvilinear operative shape between an unbent linear position and a bendable limit of the gooseneck shaft member. A fastener is located at the distal end of the gooseneck shaft member. The fastener is adapted to engage a mating fastener of an associated limb support member to connect the associated limb support member to the shaft. In one version of the development, the shaft member includes first and second co-axial spiral-wound tubular members. In another version, the shaft has adjustable rigidity and is defined from a series of articulated links. A method of positioning a human limb for a medical procedure is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for restraining a patient in a Trendelenburg position include positioning a patient on a patient support surface which is tiltable and includes a head end, a foot end and opposed sides which extend between the head end and the foot end, and engaging a top portion of the patient's hips on either side with padded hip braces configured to engage the top portion of the patient's hips and prevent the patient from sliding toward the head end of the tiltable patient support surface when tilted in the Trendelenburg position.

Abstract: A bed for a person is provided. The bed includes a frame, a deck, a mattress, a pair of head end siderails, and a pair of foot end siderails. The deck includes a retractable foot section. The mattress includes a foot portion positioned over the retractable foot section. The foot portion includes a calf support portion and a heel-pressure relief portion.

Abstract: The patient positioning device of this invention relates to an apparatus used to assist a patient into a supine position and additionally through which traction is applied to the spine, such as physical therapy and chiropractic treatment. The patient positioning device is preferably a stand alone portable device that can be readily transported and adapted to almost any horizontal surface, such as a treatment table. A primary application of the leg support of this invention is in raising and supporting a patient's lower legs during before, during, and after traction is applied to a patient. The device includes a lower support frame, vertical supports, and a leg support coupled to a top frame. The patient positioning device may also have a motor which powers the leg support to rotate from a lowered position, in which a patient's lower legs rest on the leg support, to an elevated position in which a patient's lower legs are elevated.

Abstract: A portable back support device for providing vertebrae decompression support and therapeutic heating and/or cooling while preventing pressure against an incision or injured portion of the back. The support device can be made adjustable to fit different size persons.

Abstract: A patient support is disclosed having an adjustable length deck and a mattress positionable on the deck.

Abstract: A patient support including a frame, a head portion, a foot portion, a seat portion, and a light assembly supported by the foot portion.

Abstract: In accordance with at least one preferred embodiment of the present invention, a patient table comprising a patient support surface for supporting a patient during a medical procedure, a base supporting said patient support surface, a monitor displaying medical information relating to a medical procedure, and a support member mounted to said patient table for supporting said monitor, wherein said support member includes an adjustment linkage interconnecting said monitor and support member and providing movement of said monitor of the monitor relative to said support member in at least three degrees of freedom.

Abstract: A retractable and self-supporting step for a medical examination table and a method for use. The step having a large top with a safety mat for ease of use and patient maneuverability can be selectively extended from a cavity located on a medical examination and returned when not in use. The step is self-supporting, thus providing enhanced stability and safety during use.

Abstract: A bariatric treatment system providing a comprehensive array of therapeutic services for the morbidly obese patient is disclosed. The treatment system generally comprises a stable bed frame upon which is mounted a low air loss therapeutic mattress system. Integrated hardware and software controls provide such therapies as pulsation, percussion, rotation, cardiac chair and Trendelenburg. Means are disclosed whereby the bariatric patient may safely and comfortably enter and exit the bed with relative ease. The bed is adaptable for transport within a hospital, including such features as a TRANSPORT MODE wherein the bed's lateral axis is minimized and battery backup to maintain necessary therapies during patient transport. A plurality of control means are disclosed for simplification of caregiver workload and ease of patient utilization.

Abstract: A physiotherapy bench includes a frame supported by legs in an elevated, use position, and an arcuate body supporting panel on the frame. The supporting panel includes a substantially horizontal front end for supporting the chest of a patient, and an inclined rear end for supporting the hips and the upper portion of the legs of a patient, whereby the spine is subjected to gentle traction. A headrest is resiliently connected to the front end of the frame for floating support of the head of a patient.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to the field of rigid shell extricators for immobilizing and transporting traumatized persons. An extricator (1) bears one or more niches (6) and (6a) obtained in the thickness of the extricator itself in correspondence with the occipital area and of the torso of the traumatized person. Each of said niches is provided with a lid, respectively (8) and (8a). Inside the niches (6) and (6a) are stowed the holding belts which can be extracted through openings (12) present peripherally in the thickness of said extricator.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus including a patient support and a removable section. A locking mechanism includes interactive members supported by the patient support and the removable section for releasably securing the removable section to the patient support.

Abstract: A bed having a foot prop on an adjustable length deck foot section and a mattress with a length and thickness adjustable foot section and a thickness adjustable heel section. The adjustability of the deck and the mattress allows sizing of the bed to the occupant as well as heel management. The foot prop is also adjustable.

Abstract: A patient transfer system is provided for quick, easy and comfortable movement of a patient between horizontal and vertical positions and between lateral locations for medical procedures. The system includes a gurney with a patient positioning board pivotally mounted thereon for movement between horizontal and upright positions. The board is adapted to receive a patient mold. A footrest is provided at the lower end of the board such that a patient can step onto the footrest when the board is in the upright position and lean against the board. The board is then lowered to a horizontal position on the gurney. The gurney can be wheeled into position adjacent a treatment table in a treatment room, such as for radiation therapy, and docked to the table.

Abstract: A surgical table apparatus is provided for supporting a patient before, during, or after a surgical procedure. The surgical table apparatus includes a base and a table top. The table top includes a body support section adapted to support the body of a patient and a leg support section adapted to support the legs of a patient.

Abstract: A birthing bed includes a patient support having a central opening into which a removable foot section is inserted. A foot section attachment mechanism is provided for attaching the foot section to the patient support.

Abstract: A surgical table apparatus includes a base and an upper support frame coupled to the base to support a person. The surgical table apparatus also includes a pair of foot support portions coupled to the upper support frame to support the person's feet.

Abstract: A backboard having mounting members disposed along the board side edges. The invention provides a number of adjustable straps adapted to being releasably attached to the mounting members. One strap is extended over a patient's lower extremities and attached to the mounting members on each side of the patient. Another strap is positioned over the forehead of a patient and attached to mounting members on each side of the patient's head. Another strap is positioned over the chin area of a patient and attached to mounting members on each side of the patient's head. The chin strap mounting members are positioned closer to the board top than the forehead strap mounting members.

Abstract: A therapeutic table system for supporting a body of a user above a surface and for applying traction to a spine of a user lying on the therapeutic table system. The therapeutic table system includes a table assembly that includes a tabletop and a plurality of leg members. A support assembly is mounted on an upper surface of the tabletop for supporting a body of a user lying on the tabletop. The support assembly includes a hip support assembly for supporting hips of a user lying on the tabletop. The hip support assembly is positionable between an extended position and a contracted position. A traction assembly is mounted on a lower surface of the tabletop for moving the hip support assembly from the contracted position toward the extended position such that a user lying on the tabletop is placed in traction.

Abstract: A pocket pillow shape comprises a shape having a plurality of pockets on a reverse side thereof for the insertion of particular pillows. The pillows comprise a head pillow and side pillows spaced from one another and base pillows spaced from the head pillow defining a sleeping space therebetween. The side pillows comprise one or more contoured pillows while the base pillows comprise crescent shaped pillows which may be added or subtracted depending upon the elevation desired or the size of an individual located within the sleeping area. The contoured pillows may comprise a plurality of shaped strips having Velcro® or hook and loop fasteners to attach to one another to achieve a predetermined shape.

Abstract: A birthing bed includes a patient support having a central opening into which a removable foot section is inserted. A foot section attachment mechanism is provided for attaching the foot section to the patient support such that the foot section is not aligned with the patient support until the foot section is fully inserted into the patient support and latched to the patient support, and such that the foot section is aligned with the patient support only when the foot section is fully inserted into the patient support and latched to the patient support.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pivotal operating room table having a main surface and an elongated support member. The main surface preferably lies generally in a first plane and is pivotal end to end such that the first plane can pass through a second generally vertical plane as the main surface pivots to end to end. A second plane is generally perpendicular to the first plane. The elongated support member is adjustably interconnected with the operating room table, and provides a support surface lying generally in a third plane which is generally perpendicular to the second plane when the elongated support member is interconnected with the table. In preferred embodiments the elongated support member is adjustably interconnectable with the table at any of a plurality of heights above the main surface and it further includes an elongated support bar and an inflatable bladder resting above the elongated support bar.

Abstract: An accessory (26,28) for selectively coupling with an orthopedic table (A) supports a patient's leg during surgery. The accessory includes a unitary support member (42) formed from a radiolucent material, such as carbon fiber. A joint assembly (40) pivotably and removably mounts the accessory to a side rail (24) of the table.

Abstract: A hospital bed is provided for support of a patient. The hospital bed includes a base, a patient support coupled to the base, and a walker dockable to the patient support.

Abstract: A method of imaging a part of a body with a nuclear magnetic resonance image forming machine designed for forming imaging of only parts of a body, in combination with an examination table, wherein there is a guide for moving the examination table to and from the machine in a line, and wherein the examination table is able to rotate along a vertical rotational axis. The method includes the steps of arranging a patient on the table so that the part of the body to be imaged extends off table, orienting the table about the vertical rotational axis so that the part of the body to imaged extends along the line, moving the table toward the machine until the part of the body to be imaged is in a detection cavity of the machine and while all of the table is outside of the detection cavity, and forming an image of the part of the body with the machine.

Abstract: The invention provides inexpensive and disposable strapping devices for fixedly binding a supine subject to a rigid board, such as a body board. The invention strapping devices are adaptable to the girth and length of a subject in the range from about 40 pounds to 350 pounds, having straps of adjustable length and adjustable position along the length of the subject and are suitable for use with a subject whose head and/or neck is immobilized in a head block to prevent a potential shearing point at the neck of the subject. In another embodiment, the invention provides heavy duty reusable strapping devices for securely strapping a patient into a litter, such as a Stokes basket, for transport. The heavy duty litter strapping devices are adjustable to the size of the subject and are quick and easy to apply, but are of sufficient strength to be utilized in emergency rescue situations.

Abstract: A device and method for positioning a patient at various angles of incline and decline is provided which permits patient positioning at accurate, reproducible angles of incline and decline and which allows variable speed raising and lowering of the patient and emergency lowering of the patient while permitting repositioning of the device while accounting for variations in the table mounting surface in achieving accurate and reproducible angles of incline and decline.

Abstract: A sleep support surface includes a mattress having at least two bladders located adjacent a foot end. The bladders each have a predetermined, adjustable internal pressure. The pressure in at least one of the bladders is selectively and independently reduced to provide pressure relief on the heels of the patient lying on the mattress. The pressure in a bladder located toward the head end of the mattress and adjacent the at least one bladder is increased. This pressure increase advantageously provides the lifting force under the calves of the patient to reduce further pressure on the patient's heels. A visual indication of the location each of the at least two bladders in the mattress is provided to facilitate selection of the at least one bladder in which to reduce pressure during the pressure reducing step, thereby providing pressure relief on the heels of the patient lying on the mattress.

Abstract: An examination table, particularly in Nuclear Magnetic Resonance image detecting machines of the so-called dedicated type, i.e. designed for detecting images of specific body parts, has an at least one-degree-of-freedom constraint (5, 6) to the machine (1), and has supports (6, 7, 12, 402, 302) which allow the examination table (2) to be moved in at least one, preferably two or more degrees of freedom. Advantageously, the examination table (2) is mounted in such a way as to be able to slide (7, 6) on a stationary guide (5) which is fixed with a predetermined orientation with respect to the detection cavity (101) of the machine (1) and it may be further translated in both senses (6, 7) along said guide (5) and rotated (11, 12) about an axis (402) perpendicular to the direction it follows while sliding on the guide (5).

Abstract: A patient support apparatus is provided having a base and a patient support platform having a head portion and a seat portion. The patient support apparatus further includes a plurality of links configured to coordinate movement of the head portion of the patient support platform relative to the seat portion of the patient support platform.

Abstract: A bed includes a base, a support surface coupled to the base, and a controller configured to control at least one function. A control panel is coupled to the controller. At least one lockout switch is coupled to the controller.

Abstract: A pelvic positioning device for stabilizing a patient while lying on their side in a lateral decubitus position. The device includes an anterior pelvic support mechanism including anterior support pads for contacting both pubic tubercles and the ASIS on one or both sides of the patient's body. In a preferred embodiment, the anterior pelvic support mechanism includes two ASIS pads. To provide additional stabilization an upper torso pad may be included proximate the sternum of the patient's rib cage. In addition, the device includes a posterior pelvic support mechanism including a telescopic vertical member and a crescent shaped posterior support pad. The posterior support pad is mounted by a collar to a free end of the telescopic vertical member so as to be freely rotatable in a horizontal plane parallel with the operating table.

Abstract: A sterile immobilizing apparatus for restraining the movement of a patient includes a base platform on which is mounted a series of restraining members with a disposable sterile insert member engaging the restraining members and base platform to provide a sanitary surface for performing the desired procedure. The restraining members include a lower back support, an upper back support, an abdominal stabilizer, a cervical stabilizer, and a knee stabilizer. The lower and upper back supports are rigidly mounted to the base platform, while the abdominal stabilizer, cervical stabilizer and knee stabilizer are each movably positioned on the base platform. Between the lower and upper back supports is a lumbar opening in which the sterile insert member is positioned such that the area surrounding the medical procedure performed on the patient is sterile.

Abstract: An improved urological or gynecological examination- and treatment bench of the kind which comprises a frame having a lowermost portion and an uppermost portion, preferably designed as a pivotal arm and raisable and lowerable carrying a back cushion (11) that is individually adjustable at least to its angular position with respect to the horizontal plane, and at least one seat cushion (12) which is similarly individually adjustable to its angular position with respect to the horizontal plane. At least one of the pivatal axis for the angular adjustment of the back cushion (11) or the seat cushion (12) may be released and is arranged in such a manner that it is adjustable in dependence of a change of position of the pivotal axis of the other cushion, so that the two cushions are jointly movable under operation of only one of them and while retaining their mutual angular position.

Abstract: A hip grip table attachment apparatus for positioning and retaining a patient in a position lying on one side during hip or pelvic surgery is disclosed. The hip grip table attachment apparatus attaches to an operating table and has a removable top platform attachment for supporting surgical instruments that extends over and also protects the upper body of a patient lying on one side, an arm support attachment that supports an arm of the patient to prevent rolling, and pelvic positioner attachments that position and retain and the patient's lower pelvic region.

Abstract: A removable foot support provides vertical stability for trauma victims carried on spine boards. The foot support is a unitary L-shaped structure having a vertical section, and a horizontal section at right angles to the vertical section. The vertical section is provided with two or more pins, which mate with sleeves inserted into the spine board. The mating sleeves and pins are provided with locking means comprised of detent means or cotter pins. In use the trauma victim is first placed on the board, and the foot rest is then attached. A tether chain or cable may be used to loosely affix the foot rest to the board.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling incapacitated patients is disclosed in one presently preferred embodiment of the present invention as including a bed (1) having a base frame (2) which supports a central panel (5) for supporting the patient's bottom, a second panel (8) and a third panel (9) for supporting the upper and lower parts, respectively, of the patient's legs and a fourth panel (6) for supporting the patient's back, there being drive means for displacing the panels such that in one configuration their upper surfaces lie in a single horizontal plane and in another configuration adjacent panels are inclined with respect to each other, characterized in that the apparatus further includes a leg support (12) which is displaceable into and out of a position in which it forms a local widening of the bed (1), in which position it can support the lower parts of the patient's legs when the patient is in an attitude in which the legs are straight or are bent and the patient is lying on his side, and

Abstract: A patient support having a frame supporting a patient supporting surface as well as supporting a pair of foot rest mechanisms thereon. The pair of foot rest mechanisms are each selectively movable from stowed positions beneath the patient supporting surface to deployed positions thereof which straddle a drop leaf foot section forming a part of the patient supporting surface. As the drop-leaf foot section is moved to a vertically upright position, a space between the two foot rest mechanisms is available for physician use. Further, as the drop leaf foot section is moved in the vertically upright position toward the floor, a mechanism is provided for preventing contact of the foot end of the drop leaf foot section with the floor.

Abstract: A medical table having a head end column and a pair of foot end columns, all of which are automatically and simultaneously extendable and retractable between upper and lower positions. A patient support system, which may include a body support and separate leg supports, is supported by the head and foot end columns.

Abstract: A surgical boot assembly for an operating room table includes a surgical boot, an adjustable support arm securable to the table, and an adjustable clamping assembly attaching the surgical boot to the adjustable support arm. The adjustable support arm includes an attachment, a support rod having an end pivotally attached to the attachment such that the support rod is pivotable about the end relative to the attachment, and a locking cylinder having a first end pivotally attached to the attachment and a second end pivotally attached to the support rod. The locking cylinder is infinitely adjustable over a range and can provide an assisting lift force. The locking cylinder preferably includes a cylinder, a piston within the cylinder and having an integral valve, and a separating piston within the cylinder. The piston and the separating piston divide the cylinder into first, second, and third portions.

Abstract: A new and useful OB/GYN examination chair is provided, which is lightweight and collapsible for convenient transport or storage, and which is readily erected to an examination position in which it supports an OB/GYN patient in a convenient position for an OB/GYN examination or procedure. The chair comprises a collapsible structure having a seat, a back rest, a pair of armrests and a pair of substantially planar leg rests. The leg rests are spaced apart from each other to enable a patient's legs to be supported thereon in an abducted position suitable for an OB/GYN examination, and define therebetween an examination/demonstration space in which an OB/GYN caregiver can conduct an OB/GYN examination or procedure. Additionally, the seat has support structure which enables a slidable basin to be integrally connected with the seat. The chair has a seat which is relatively short in comparison to typical chairs designed as furniture pieces.

Abstract: An examination table, particularly in Nuclear Magnetic Resonance image detecting machines of the so-called dedicated type, i.e. designed for detecting images of specific body parts, has an at least one-degree-of-freedom constraint (5, 6) to the machine (1), and has support means (6, 7, 12, 402, 302) which allow the examination table (2) to be moved in at least one, preferably two or more degrees of freedom.