Abstract: An adjustable limb restraint mechanism (11) easily attachable to human medical transporting devices to rigidly support a limb (15) of a patient. The limb restraint mechanism has a pad surface (13) for support of the limb, and an adjustable mechanism (14) which allows the restraint mechanism structure to be attached to side rails of the transporting structure so that medical technicians may immobilize a patient's limb to the restraint mechanism for purposes such as performing interveneous injections.

Abstract: Wheelchairs can be provided with special seats having hinged connections with leg supports locatable in proximity to the seat front edge to provide resting surfaces for amputated legs of disabled persons while sitting in the wheelchair. Each leg support is attached to the seat front edge so as to be swingable between a raised position aligned with the seat, a lowered vertical position extending downwardly from the seat front edge, and an intermediate position extending angularly downwardly from the general plane of the seat. An adjustment mechanism is provided for varying the angle of the leg support in the intermediate position, to achieve a condition most comfortable for a range of users.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for kinematic studies of the movable joints of the body using magnetic resonance imaging. The apparatus controls the position of movable joints at a multiplicity of predetermined positions, enabling the controlled movement of the joints to each of the predetermined positions. It also includes a device which automatically sequences the movement of a movable joint to each position among the multiplicity of predetermined positions, and the acquisition of magnetic resonance imaging data at each of these positions. These features enhance the clinical utility of kinematic studies of movable joint functionality by magnetic resonance imaging.

Abstract: A dump valve apparatus is configured to inflate and deflate an air cushion on a bed having an articulating deck movable from a first generally horizontal position to a second angled position. The dump valve apparatus is coupled to the deck and includes an elongated housing having an interior region. The housing has first and second open ends and a central opening located between the first and second open ends. The central opening is coupled to the air cushion. The first end of the housing is coupled to an air supply. A piston is slidable within the interior region of the housing of the housing as the deck moves to its angled position to permit air to pass from the air bladder, through the central opening, and through the open second end of the housing to deflate the air bladder.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for kinematic studies of the movable joints of the body using magnetic resonance imaging. The apparatus controls the position of movable joints at a multiplicity of predetermined positions, enabling the controlled movement of the joints to each of the predetermined positions. It also includes a device which automatically sequences the movement of a movable joint to each position among the multiplicity of predetermined positions, and the acquisition of magnetic resonance imaging data at each of these positions. These features enhance the clinical utility of kinematic studies of movable joint functionality by magnetic resonance imaging.

Abstract: A limb support is attached to an operating table for the purpose of supporting the upper portion of a lower extremity during operation of a fracture. It includes an oblong, slightly concave body of a material transparent to X-Ray photographs and can be placed in any position in regard to the operation table by being mounted on top of a hand-operated jack. The jack is attached to one end of a horizontal bar which can be moved both in angular and longitudinal directions about its connection to the table by means of a clamp connector, permitting its remaining in position during any required movement of the table.

Abstract: A leg holder system for simultaneously positioning in the abduction and lithotomy dimensions including a support device for supporting a leg cradle; a clamping device for mounting the proximate end of the support device to a mounting device having a first axis and selectively clamping and releasing motion of the support device about the first axis and about a second axis transverse to the first axis. An actuator device for actuating the clamp to selectively clamp and release simultaneously the support device and the mounting device; and an operator device remote from the clamping device and actuator device for operating the actuator device to enable the support device to move simultaneously about the first and second axis in both the lithotomy and abduction dimensions.

Abstract: A knee holder includes a base plate having two parallel rows of slots designed to hold the ends of a cylinder to which is attached a foot cradle. Each slot has the appearance of an inverted symmetric "T" allowing reversability of the orientation of the foot cradle. The base plate has an "L"-shaped arm extending along its upper surface and then having a right angle bend to extend downwardly. The arm is sized to be received within an opening of a clamping bracket attached to a rail of a surgical table or other horizontal support surface on which the base plate has been placed, with the clamping bracket including structure allowing locking of the arm in fixed position to fix the position of the knee holder. The base plate is sized to allow two knee holders to be mounted on a surgical table side by side to facilitate performance of a bilateral procedure.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for kinematic studies of the movable joints of the body using magnetic resonance imaging. The apparatus controls the position of movable joints at a multiplicity of predetermined positions, enabling the controlled movement of the joints to each of the predetermined positions. It also includes a device which automatically sequences the movement of a movable joint to each position among the multiplicity of predetermined positions, and the acquisition of magnetic resonance imaging data at each of these positions. These features enhance the clinical utility of kinematic studies of movable joint functionality by magnetic resonance imaging.

Abstract: A bed includes a base frame, a deck coupled to the base frame for supporting a body, a peer-to-peer communication network having a plurality of connection points, and a plurality of modules. Each module is electrically coupled to a selected connection point of the peer-to-peer communication network. Each module is configured to perform a dedicated function during operation of the bed, and each module is configured to communicate over the peer-to-peer communication network with selected other modules.

Abstract: A surface foot section is provided for a bed which includes a base frame and an articulating deck coupled to the base frame. The articulating deck includes a generally planar foot deck section and is movable from a bed configuration to a chair configuration. A foot section control module is provided to deflate the surface foot section when the articulating deck is in the chair configuration and to inflate the surface foot section when the articulating deck is in the bed configuration. The surface foot section includes a first air bladder configured to collapse in a first direction generally parallel to the foot deck section when the first air bladder is deflated, and a second air bladder located adjacent the first air bladder.

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 armrest of the present invention includes a first horizontal plate provided horizontally with a tabletop, a second horizontal plate jointed to the first horizontal plate by way of a hinge, this second horizontal plate forming a continuous horizontal surface along with the first horizontal plate when the hinge is opened, and the second horizontal plate being folded on the first horizontal plate so that a surface of the second horizontal plate meets a surface of the first horizontal plate when the hinge is closed, and a vertical plate provided vertically to the rear surface of the second horizontal plate. When the person sets a position in which he/she holds both arms down on the sides of the body, the hinge is opened, thus forming one horizontal plane, on which both arms can be laid down. When the person sets a position in which he/she folds both arms across the head, the hinge is closed, and the surface of the second horizontal plate is folded on the surface of the first horizontal plate.

Abstract: A bed having a support apparatus for supporting the feet of an individual residing in the bed having a frame and a mattress carried thereon, the support apparatus including a padded foot support member coupled to the frame above the mattress proximate the feet of an individual residing in the bed, the support apparatus operative for allowing the individual to bear his or her feet against the padded foot support member to aid the patient in repositioning his or her body, of for allowing the patient to exercise his or her feet for inhibiting the shortening of the Achilles tendon as a result of prolonged confinement to the bed, and for further inhibiting physiologically adverse effects resulting from such prolonged confinement.

Abstract: An operating table has two leg sections each of which has a rotatable shaft extending along its length. Each shaft carries a gear that engages another gear fixed with the table such that raising or lowering the leg section causes the shaft to rotate. A helical spring extends helically around each shaft and is arranged to coil up when the leg section is lowered, so that the weight of the section is counterbalanced.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for kinematic studies of the movable joints of the body using magnetic resonance imaging. The apparatus controls the position of movable joints at a multiplicity of predetermined positions, enabling the controlled movement of the joints to each of the predetermined positions. It also includes a device which automatically sequences the movement of a movable joint to each position among the multiplicity of predetermined positions, and the acquisition of magnetic resonance imaging data at each of these positions. These features enhance the clinical utility of kinematic studies of movable joint functionality by magnetic resonance imaging.

Abstract: A bed including a frame, an articulating deck on the frame having head, seat, and foot deck sections, and a mattress on the deck. The deck foot section and mattress foot portion have a first length when the foot section is in the up position and a second length shorter than said first length when the foot section is in the down position. A first driver varies the length of the deck foot section, and a second driver moves the foot section relative to said seat section between the generally horizontal up position and the generally vertically downwardly extending down position.

Abstract: A hospital bed has a base with casters, a main frame mounted above the base, a patient support platform movably mounted on the main frame including a leg panel, and a toilet module disposed beneath the patient support platform and normally concealed by the leg panel. The platform moves toward a head end of the bed retracting the leg panel from over the toilet module exposing the toilet module for use. The leg panel pivots downwardly after exposing the toilet module, and a head panel pivots upwardly to configure the hospital bed into a chair position. Bolsters are located outboard of each lateral edge of the leg panel and provide side support to a patient moving from the platform to the toilet module and back. A pair of pivoting footboard halves or foot gates are operably mounted to the platform and retract with the platform to between the foot and head end casters. Downward forces applied to the foot gates when utilized as hand rails are applied intermediate the foot and head end casters.

Abstract: A mattress is provided for use with a step deck having an upper deck, and a lower deck coupled to the upper deck by a deck side wall so that the lower deck is spaced apart from the upper deck to define a recess of the step deck. The mattress includes a lower mattress section having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a side wall. The lower mattress section is configured to be located within the recess of the step deck with the bottom surface of the lower mattress section engaging the lower deck, the side wall of the lower mattress section being located adjacent the deck side wall, and the top surface of the lower mattress section being aligned generally in a plane of the upper deck. The mattress also includes an upper mattress section having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a side wall. The top surface of the upper mattress section provides a body support surface, and the bottom surface of the upper mattress section engages the top surface of the lower mattress section and the upper deck.

Abstract: A table with a top panel 10 attached to a frame 14 mounted on runners and slidable along a supporting underframe 16 on a base. The top panel consists of a back rest 11 and a seat 12 mutually pivotable about a hinge 13 fastened to the frame. The back rest and the seat are connected to devices 17, 18 attached to the underframe for adjusting the tilt of the back rest and the seat. The ends of the underframe are mounted on two posts so that it is tiltable thereon about a longitudinal pivot axis, and a pedal assembly 20 is attached to said underframe.

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: A surgery table including a table top attachment providing for extreme angular positioning of a patient. The surgery table includes a base supporting a support column, and an articulated patient support portion pivotally attached to an upper end of the column. The table top attachment is attached to an articulated section of the table for movement with the articulated section whereby the attachment may be positioned at an extreme reverse Trendelenburg position. When the attachment is detached from the surgery table, the surgery table may be used in a conventional manner to position a patient in a plurality of articulated positions.

Abstract: Portable apparatus to be carried and set up at selected locations and taken down by a masseur or physical therapist, comprising a basic frame having downwardly extendable legs and formed by parallel co-extensive side members held together by a first rigid transverse bar secured at corresponding ends of the side members, and a second such bar secured at a preselected distance from each of the other ends of side members to leave trailing free end portions from which extend a plurality of upwardly projecting elements. A pendant knee support may extend below the trailing free ends of the side members and the intermediate transverse bar, and/or a lower body support may be attached to the ends of the trailing members. A face support desirably is provided to extend from the first transverse bar and the inner areas defined by the frame, and the lower body support may be provided with sheet or mesh material supported around its edges. Cushions may be provided for the face support and frame defined areas.

Abstract: A bed includes a base frame, a deck coupled to the base frame, an electrical communication network, an air handling unit mounted on the base frame, a plurality of air therapy devices located on the bed, and a plurality of control modules. Each control module includes a connector for coupling a corresponding air therapy device to the air handling unit and to the electrical communication network. Each control module also includes a controller for operating the corresponding air therapy device with the air handling unit based on command signals received from the electrical communication network.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for positioning a leg during surgery has a support for holding a substantial portion of one of the patient's legs on the side facing the other leg and a pivot located in the proximity of the patient's pelvis. After patient's pelvis is secured relative to the operating table, the distal end of the support can be moved for adjustment of the outer extremity of the patient's leg relative to the operating table to selectively position the leg relative to the patient's pelvis.

Abstract: A hospital bed has a base with casters, a main frame mounted above the base, a patient support platform movably mounted on the main frame including a leg panel, and a toilet module disposed beneath the patient support platform and normally concealed by the leg panel. The platform moves toward a head end of the bed retracting the leg panel from over the toilet module exposing the toilet module for use. The leg panel pivots downwardly after exposing the toilet module, and a head panel pivots upwardly to configure the hospital bed into a chair position. Bolsters are located outboard of each lateral edge of the leg panel and provide side support to a patient moving from the platform to the toilet module and back. A pair of pivoting footboard halves or foot gates are operably mounted to the platform and retract with the platform to between the foot and head end casters. Downward forces applied to the foot gates when utilized as hand rails are applied intermediate the foot and head end casters.

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 hospital bed comprises a base, a patient support platform mounted above the base, and a selectively manipulable support integral with the platform. The support is movable to a position above the platform to raise the bed mattress and corresponding body part such as head, lumbar region of the back and/or the feet.

Abstract: For use in medical imaging, an indexing assembly provides repeatable indexing movement of a joint in predetermined angular increments between sequential index positions. Means are provided for limiting movement of the joint to the next selected index position without skipping any index positions. The apparatus is contained entirely within, for example, a primary imaging coil of an MRI apparatus, and is patient directed.

Abstract: An adjustable limb support system is provided for an operating room table to adjustably orient and position a stirrup or boot. The support system provides an adjustable support in combination with a vertically adjustable support. The vertically adjustable support includes a support tube, a ratchet wheel, a lock pin, and a ratchet release. The tube is connected to a housing and together rotate about the ratchet wheel. The lock pin is provided to engage the ratchet wheel which is adapted to allow the tube to be rotated upwardly but not downwardly. The ratchet release has a cam which when rotated pulls a traction rod, connected to the lock pin, to disengage the lock pin and allow the tube to be rotated downwardly. The tube can thus ratchet upwardly to fixed vertical positions and be lowered only by rotating the cam to disengage the lock pin. The adjustable support includes a retaining block, a compression block, and a compression head.

Abstract: A sleeping device for stabilizing the legs of an individual during sleep to maintain the individual's back in a desired position. The inventive device includes a first engaging member pivotally coupled to a second engaging member. The engaging members cooperate to receive adjacent portions of the individual's legs to maintain the legs in a spaced and parallel orientation.

Abstract: The present invention provides for perineal and sacral padding of a patient undergoing surgical procedures using manipulation or traction of the patient's lower extremities.

Abstract: An examination table which can be used for handicapped or injured patients can be lowered enough to permit sliding a wheelchair bound patient directly onto the table without having to lift the patient. The head of the table can be raised or lowered, and the patient's head and upper body can be strapped down to the table where appropriate. Side bars keep the patient on the table when there is a danger that the patient may slide or roll off of the table. Two types of stirrups are provided: conventional stirrups can be moved into any direction to accommodate patients whose legs may move or be locked in different directions from the attitude of conventionally attached stirrups. For patients who require additional leg or foot support or who require support distributed over a large area, stirrups fitted with boots can be used to provide this support. The boots are sufficiently long to provide support at least up to the knee, and preferably up part of the thigh.

Abstract: A hospital bed that is convertible to a chair for patient egress from the foot end of the bed. A patient support platform has serially hinged, normally horizontal head, seat, thigh and foot panels. To convert the horizontal bed to the chair configuration, the patient support platform in the lowermost vertical position is translated longitudinally toward the foot end of the bed. The head panel is pivoted upwardly and the foot panel pivots downwardly to a generally vertical attitude. The foot panel includes a collapsing portion which telescopes into a pivoting portion to thereby avoid interference with the floor as the foot panel is pivoted to a vertical attitude. When converted to the chair configuration, an area is vacated at the foot end of the bed to provide a space for docking a wheelchair or other ambulatory assisting device.

Abstract: A hospital bed that is convertible to a chair for patient egress from the foot end of the bed. A patient support platform has serially hinged, normally horizontal head, seat, thigh and foot panels. To convert the horizontal bed to the chair configuration, the patient support platform in the lowermost vertical position is translated longitudinally toward the foot end of the bed. The head panel is pivoted upwardly and the foot panel pivots downwardly to a generally vertical attitude. The foot panel includes a collapsing portion which telescopes into a pivoting portion to thereby avoid interference with the floor as the foot panel is pivoted to a vertical attitude. When converted to the chair configuration, an area is vacated at the foot end of the bed to provide a space for docking a wheelchair or other ambulatory assisting device.

Abstract: A kinematic device for producing precise incremental movement in the knee of a human patient for the purposes of producing a cinematic type display of MRI images with the knee at different angles of articulation includes a platform on which the patient lies on his side within the imaging volume of an RI apparatus. The one leg/knee being examined is restrained on a sagittal plane parallel to the horizontal platform and the other leg is elevated to allow movement of the calf of the leg being examined to move thereunder for full articulation. Examination of the other knee is provided by allowing for reversibility of a leg rest and other essential components. Also a remote drive is provided for the angle of articulation as well as a digital readout of such articulation.

Abstract: A surgery table utilizing a frame member which is supported on a ground surface, A platform is connected to the frame member and includes a laterally movable portion which supports a patient. The table also includes a torso support which is connected to and moves with the laterally movable portion of the platform. A leg support rotates relative to the platform and connects to a hip support which holds the patient's hip during such rotation.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating sexual intercourse between a female partner lying in an inclined supine position and a male partner in a standing position includes a platform mounted on a frame, such that the platform is inclined at an angle and situated at an elevation which places the vaginal passage of the female in alignment with the distended genitalia of a male partner standing adjacent to the lower end of the platform. The apparatus includes stirrups and handles which allow the female excellent freedom of movement to permit repositioning of her body as desired.

Abstract: A bed bumper pad comprising a pad having a hollow interior bounded by a pair of spaced and opposed inner and outer side walls with an integral and peripheral edge extended between and around the side walls; a valve mechanism coupled to the pad for allowing the interior thereof to be inflated; and a coupling mechanism for coupling the pad to the rails of a bed.

Abstract: An apparatus wherein a framework is arranged to pivotally mount a bed structure including a mattress to permit an individual to elevate the feet portion of the individual relative to the head. The feet of the individual are secured within a strap structure, with the strap structure rotatably mounted relative to a rotary support. The tilting bed apparatus allows a person to sleep in a tilted position, whereby beneficial effects of gravity, such as increased blood flow to the brain and reduced spinal column compression, may be obtained.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for lifting an abdominal wall during laparoscopic diagnostic and surgical procedures. The surgical lift device includes a gripping portion for contacting and holding an external skin surface adjacent the abdominal wall. The gripping portion is selectively detachable from the skin surface. The device further includes a lifting portion that extends outwardly from the gripping portion. In accordance with alternative embodiments, the gripping portion may comprise an adhesive sheet or a suction member and the lifting portion may comprise a wire member or a portion of a hook and loop-type fastener.

Abstract: A lifting device locatable proximal to a chair for raising and lowering a person's legs by an inflatable bag providing a pneumatically resilient leg supporting cushion, which bag is supported by a mounting interposed between the bag and the chair, the mounting being in engagement with the chair to determine the position of the mounting. The mounting is preferably held in position by legs of the chair resting on abutments provided on the mounting; and the mounting is preferably geometrically adjustable.

Abstract: A hospital bed which is convertible to a chair configuration has a serially hinged normally horizontal head panel, seat panel, thigh panel and foot panel. The foot panel has a central section and a wing section longitudinally pivoted on each lateral side of the central section. To convert the horizontal bed to the chair configuration the head panel is pivoted upwardly and the foot panel pivots downwardly between parallel rail members of the bed frame. The hinged intersection of the foot panel and the thigh panel pivots upwardly to support the patient's knees. Through sliding contact with rail members of the bed frame each wing section pivots upwardly in response to the downward movement of the central section of the foot panel.

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 adjustable lateral support for a wheelchair includes a slotted block body housing member fastened to the solid back of a wheelchair. The slotted block body cooperates with a spring loaded locking pin that engages a sliding multiaxis, multiholed hinged bracket. The slotted block body also provides a track for adjustments of the bracket in medial and lateral directions along with placement in specific vertical positions on the solid back. Release of the spring loaded locking pin permits engagement into the multiholed bracket and locks it into place in the slotted block body. Pulling the spring loaded locking pin out of the multiholed angle bracket permits it to slide into a new position into the slotted block housing member or enables the angle bracket to be completely removed. The multiholed angle bracket is sectioned into two parts and connected together by a locking hinge joint. A support pad attached to a most distal end of the bracket can thus rotate away from a midline orientation.

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: For use in medical imaging, an indexing assembly provides repeatable indexing movement of a joint in predetermined angular increments between sequential index positions. Means are provided for limiting movement of the joint to the next selected index position without skipping any index positions. The apparatus is contained entirely within, for example, a primary imaging coil of an MRI apparatus, and is patient directed.

Abstract: A bed for maintaining a patient body with the head in any desired angular position relative to the feet, and for continuously rotating the patient so that one side of the patient is lower than the other, comprises a floor engaging base on which is mounted a cantilever frame elevatable to any desired angular position relative to the base. A bed table subframe is pivotally mounted to the free end of the cantilever frame and adjustable in a vertical plane to accomplish either Trendelenburg and Reverse Trendelenburg therapy on the patient. Pivot connections are provided between the patient support table and the table subframe for effecting the selective movement of the support table about one or the other of two horizontally spaced, longitudinally extending axes. Patient restraining elements are mounted to the sides of the patient supporting table to prevent movement of the patient in any of the various positions to which the support table may be shifted.

Abstract: An abduction pillow used to immobilize a patient's legs after hip surgery has a wedge-shaped body constructed of a resilient deformable material which positions the legs in a forgiving, fixed divergent position. The body is wedge-shaped and preferably air filled, and has a pair of opposing sides which taper outwardly in a divergent manner from a narrow anterior end adapted to be located adjacent the groin area of a patient, toward a wider distal end. The body has an upper surface which inclines downwardly from the distal end toward the anterior end. A longitudinal arcuate recess is formed in the upper inclined surface and has a depth sufficient to support one of the patient's legs. The vertical distance between a plane in which the other of the patient's legs lies and the bottom of the longitudinal arcuate recess, is equal to the width of the wedge-shaped body at any transverse plane taken through the pillow.

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.