Abstract: A spine and neck support device adapted to support the anatomical structures in the cervical and upper thoracic spine when the user's neck is in flexion. A cushion conforms about the user's anatomical neck structures and rests on the upper chest of the user. The cushion has a chin support area that avoids contacting the user's chin when the user's head is in a neutral position and contacts the user's chin when the user's neck is in flexion. When the user's neck is flexed and the user's chin contacts the chin support area, the cushion unloads and supports the user's neck. At least one and preferably two straps are attached to the cushion and secure it to the user. The top is sloped downwards from back to front to maximize the user's downward field of vision. A groove in the posterior surface of the cushion accommodates the user's trachea/esophagus.

Abstract: A patient support device for use in patients undergoing spinal or epidural procedures while seated on a standard labor and delivery, operating room or other table or bed is described. An exemplary embodiment of the device includes an upper body support tray and a foot support tray which are independently adjustable along the length of an extendable pole assembly. The pole also connects to a base which provides a stable support and slides under the bulky support bases which are a part of modern hospital beds used in labor and delivery and operating rooms.

Abstract: The invention features devices for positioning and supporting the limb (e.g., an arm or leg) of a patient. The devices provide adjustable support for, e.g., the upper and lower leg. In addition, the device provides unfettered access to the patient's extremities and joints (e.g., the knee and portions of the leg above and below the knee). The invention further features methods of using the devices during diagnostic review, surgery, and rehabilitation. In addition, the invention features methods of treating a patient having a bone or tissue defect by using a device described herein.

Abstract: A device to hold one's foot in a neutral position while sitting in order to aid in healing includes a large plastic panel with a set of parallel plastic strips extending upward. These strips are adjustable upon the surface of the board using a series of small holes and corresponding pins. The strips are thus aligned to match the width of one's foot being held in a shoe. When aligned upon the floor, the foot, in a normal shoe without the use of a brace, is held in a neutral position which helps prevent contracture of the leg and foot muscles thus promoting faster healing after surgery. Additionally, the current device does not provide for pinching or twisting as commonly occurs with conventional prosthetic braces.

Abstract: A medical examination device is provided with a pair of foot support assemblies, a patient support mat, and a pair of legs. Wheel assemblies are attached to the legs facilitate the transportation of the device to and from a bed whereby the support assemblies, patient support mat, and legs are extended and adjusted to support a patient on the bed to facilitate a medical examination. The foot support assemblies, patient support mat, and legs are collapsible so that the device is transported and stored in a small, compact size.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for customization of flow characteristics of a support using permanent and controlled evacuation of interstitial gas during the manufacturing process. The flow characteristics can be customized to provide a stiffer or less stiff support by a comparative degree. The flow characteristics can be permanently changed. The support includes a bladder filled with a fluidized particulate material. The medium of the fluidized particulate material includes interstitial spaces. A predetermined amount of gas can be removed to provide a support having a desired specific support characteristic.

Abstract: A patient-support apparatus includes receivers for supporting a patient-support deck. The patient-support deck is configured to engage the receivers to support the deck in a cantilevered configuration. The patient-support deck may be secured to the patient-support apparatus by a locking mechanism.

Abstract: A lower extremity exerciser and positioning device includes a generally wedge-shaped inferior and a generally wedge-shaped superior support. Each support has a top surface and curved trailing edge. A limb-cradling furrow extends across the top surfaces and trailing edges. The inferior support may be used alone, or with the superior support stacked on top. Spacers may be added to extend and elevate the device. Releasable attachments are provided to secure together adjacent components. The device may be configured to accommodate various patient physiques; used to relieve heel, sacral and buttock pressure for purposes of avoiding pressure ulcers; and used to allow patients to independently perform various knee and hip exercises.

Abstract: The present inventive subject matter is the method of use as well as a device or fixture for positioning and manipulating a patient's lower extremity for surgical and diagnostic procedures where alignment is critical and minute adjustments may be required. Once firmly attached to the operating table, the device prevents the patient's extremity from moving after the physician has selected the precise position for the elected procedure. This is achieved by a combination of a fracture reduction plate, posts, shimming blocks and an articulating and rotating frame or cradle with an adjustable and lockable rack and gear configuration and pivot joints attached to a foot assembly which acts as a leg and foot splint. The cradle is attached to the patient via a series of adjustable straps preventing the extremity from moving independently of the cradle.

Abstract: A prayer cushion for use during Islamic ritual prayers to reduce pain and black marks on an individual's knees and ankles comprises a generally rectangular pad of hollow polyester fibers with a soft cotton layer on top of the hollow polyester fibers. The pad has a width of about 50 cm, a length of 25 to about 50 cm and an thickness of about 14 cm. The pad also defines two relatively short longitudinally extending floor engaging channels extending from a rear edge of the cushion and is adapted to receive a portion of an individual's foot therein. The channels also have a height of about 8 cm and width of about 12 cm and extend for a length that will accommodate a portion of an individual's foot.

Abstract: A system and method for securing a patient's leg during a medical or diagnostic procedure having a rail assembly including a first rail pivotally coupled to a second rail, a slider block, a pivot arm, and a sole assembly with a boot to restrain and support the patient's foot.

Abstract: A surgical table extension features a patient support structure, a large area base, and a support leg. A first joint having at least two degrees of freedom is located between the patient support structure and the support leg. A second joint also having at least two degrees of freedom is located between the base and the support leg. There is a stop limiting the range of motion of the support leg such that a portion of the base area is constrained to be below the first joint irrespective of the position of the base.

Abstract: In an X-rayable patient positioning plate with an outer shell, enclosing a hollow space filled with filler material, the shell consists of a tub-like upper part (36) and a tub-like lower part (38), each having a tub floor (40, 42) forming the plate top side and the plate bottom side, respectively, which forms with the tub margin (44, 46) an inner angle of more than 90°, while the top part (36) and the bottom part (38) are dimensioned and fitted into each other such that the tub margins (44, 46) of the two parts (36, 38) lie flat against each other and their tub floors (40, 42) bound the hollow space of the shell between them.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes devices, methods, and systems for leg elevation. The leg elevating device includes a leg support platform, a base platform positioned adjacent the leg support platform, and a first and second lift positioned between and coupled to the leg support platform and the base platform. The leg support platform can have a first horizontal position relative the base platform when the first and second lift are in a first position, an angled position relative the base platform when the first lift is in a second position and the second lift is in the first position, and a second horizontal position relative the base platform when the first and second lift are in a second position. Also, the leg support platform can be a predetermined height above a floor surface when in the first horizontal position, such that the leg elevating device is locatable under furniture.

Abstract: The present invention provides a neutral spine support system that includes a lower body bolster, an upper body supporter and an optional coverall. The lower body bolster includes a raised leg supporter, a leg spacer and a pelvic supporter, while the upper body supporter includes a back support, a neck rest, a head cradle, a right head support and a left head support. The raised leg supporter supports the legs in a raised-knee position, and includes cutouts to reduce direct knee pressure. The pelvic supporter supports the user's pelvic region and rotates the sacrum base upwards while avoiding direct sacrum pressure. The back support keeps the user's upper and middle spine in an open and neutral position.

Abstract: A hip abduction pillow is used to prevent to post operative hip dislocation of a patient that received a hip prosthesis. The hip abduction pillow in may be integrally formed rigid foam or other suitable material and enables a single person to rotate the patient from side to side with virtually no risk of post operative hip dislocation while minimizing pressure on a patient's heels to virtually eliminate heel pressure sores. The hip abduction pillow includes a base portion; a support portion; and a spacer portion. The hip abduction pillow is self-supporting and can support the patient in two stable alternative rotated positions without the need for a pillow or other support material to maintain a patient in a rotated position.

Abstract: A kit of parts for supporting a subject on an operating table comprises head, arm, leg, foot and trunk support devices (5 to 9). The head support device (5) comprises a central support element (12) and a neck support element (17) for supporting the back of the head and neck, respectively, of the subject, and primary and secondary side members (22,23) for engaging and supporting the sides of the head and neck, respectively, of a subject. First and second platform engaging elements (20,21) extend downwardly from the central support element (12) for supporting the central support element (12) spaced apart above the operating table.

Abstract: A heel offloading leg abductor pillow which is adapted to relieve pressure from a post-surgical hip patient's heels while supporting the patient's legs in an abducted position includes a generally resilient, wedge-shaped pillow body and a pair of leg support portions carried by the pillow body for supporting a patient's legs, respectively.

Abstract: A flat table extension is removably attached to one end of an operating table via a support mechanism that is connected with one of the operating table support legs. The support mechanism includes a pair of support posts, one of which is rotated from a first position parallel with the operating table to a second position lower than the operating table to lower the table extension as required.

Abstract: The present invention is a heel and elbow cushioning device, having a sleeve with a flat top surface and a bottom surface and with the inner cavity of said sleeve being filled with a dry, visco-elastic polymer cushioning material having a 50% compression force deflection in a range of 2.5 to 4 psi and a 25% compression force deflection in a range of 0.25 psi to 1 psi. The sleeve may have a dimension of between 3 inches to 12 inches and may be between ¼ inch and 2 inches thick. The sleeve may have a specialized cover to protect it from dirt and damage. Such a cover would further contain an opening and closing mechanism for the sleeve.

Abstract: A patient-support apparatus includes a patient-support deck movable from a use position to a stowed position. The patient-support deck is configured to engage receivers of the patient-support apparatus to support the deck in a cantilevered configuration. The patient-support deck may be secured to the patient-support apparatus by a locking mechanism. A storage structure is configured to support the patient-support deck in a stowed position. The storage structure is configured to deflect under load to prevent damage to the storage structure or patient-support deck.

Abstract: A patient lateral positioning device for pelvic treatments suitable to support a patient in a defined lateral position includes a vacuum mattress. The vacuum mattress includes an upper body support attachable to an upper body portion of the patient, and a lower body support attachable to a lower body portion of the patient. A region between said upper and lower body support is formed such that when the vacuum mattress is attached to the patient, both a front pelvic side and an upper pelvic side of the patient are exposed.

Abstract: A leg support instrument (1; 101) is designed to be fastened, in a table fastening condition, to a longitudinal side (4) of an operating table (2). The instrument comprises a first frame part (11) provided with fastening means having a table engaging portion (7). The instrument also comprises a second frame part (12) with adjustable support means (51) fastened thereto for supporting a lower leg of a person. A first hinge (21) having a first axis of rotation (31) connects the first frame part to the second frame part. In the table fastening condition, different distances can be set between the table engaging portion and the first axis of rotation. The instrument comprises aligning means (6, 8) for aligning a position of the first axis of rotation depending on a position of a person lying on the operating table. The aligning means are designed for projecting a light beam (9) extending in line with the first axis of rotation on the lying person.

Abstract: A foot/leg cradle cushion prevents crossing of ankles or legs for long periods of time, which has been associated with circulatory problems related to cardiac or stroke episodes. The cradle cushion is a soft yet sufficiently supportive device whereby the feet and/or lower legs are held separated from each other and prevented from being crossed. The cradle cushion has a pair of outer flange walls extending upward from a base with a taller middle wall that separates the feet or lower legs of the user. Thus is formed a U-shaped recess on either side of the central wall which would receive each foot and/or leg separated by the width of the central wall. This effectively prevents leg crossing which causes compression of the user's circulatory system in both lower legs and ankle regions.

Abstract: Generally described the invention relates to methods and apparatuses for aligning the lower extremities of a patient with a mechanical axis. More specifically, the present invention provides an exoskeleton or external framework that positions a patient's leg into a desired mechanical axis in preparation for surgery or other medical treatment.

Abstract: A bedsheet, a system, and a method for use thereof for elevating at least one leg or heel of the patient lying on a mattress is disclosed. The bedsheet has a plurality of overlapping longitudinally spaced pockets into which a pillow is insertable. The orientation and configuration of the pockets of the bedsheet allows for insertion of the pillow into the bedsheet at a desired location with minimal interruption to or movement of the patient, and holds the inserted pillow in a relatively fixed position relative to the bedsheet. The system includes the bedsheet and the pillow. The method includes placing the bedsheet on the mattress, inserting the pillow into one of the pockets of the bedsheet to create an elevated portion of the bedsheet, and positioning the leg or heel of the patient on top of the elevated portion of the bedsheet.

Abstract: A hip abduction pillow is used to prevent to post operative hip dislocation of a patient that received a hip prosthesis. The hip abduction pillow may be integrally formed rigid foam or other suitable material and enables a single person to rotate the patient from side to side with virtually no risk of post operative hip dislocation while minimizing pressure on a patient's heels to virtually eliminate heel pressure sores. The hip abduction pillow includes a base portion; a support portion; and a spacer portion. The hip abduction pillow is self-supporting and can support the patient in two stable alternative rotated positions without the need for a pillow or other support material to maintain a patient in a rotated position.

Abstract: A wheelchair leg support includes a pad having an inclined upper portion for supporting an upper leg and a lower portion extending angularly downward from the upper portion for supporting a user's leg and preventing a user's lower legs or feet from passing beneath a moving wheelchair avoiding injury. The lower portion includes a relief or cut-out to cradle the lower leg to resist the leg from slipping off the leg support and for comfort of the user.

Abstract: A hip distractor includes a pair of distractor members and a support configured to be fastened to a surgical table. The support includes at least two mounts for coupling to a pair of joints that couple the distractor members to the support. Another hip distractor includes a pair of distractor assemblies that are configured to apply a distraction load to a patient. Each of the assemblies includes a joint for coupling the corresponding assembly to a surgical table. The joint permits vertical and horizontal angular adjustment of the corresponding assembly. A method of distracting a hip includes coupling a patient's legs to a pair of distractor assemblies and simultaneously adjusting a vertical angle and a horizontal angle of at least one of the distractor assemblies.

Abstract: An appendage elevation support structure is disclosed. The appendage elevation support structure includes a platform defining a central axis. A plurality of legs is secured to the platform in a substantially radial configuration about the central axis to support the platform above a surface. A frame having a plurality of support members is carried by the platform. A plurality of slings is carried and supported by the frame. The slings are adapted to cooperate to cradle and support a human appendage.

Abstract: A method and device for reducing tendencies for occurrence of cardiovascular/pulmonary risk factors for a human body as part of a preventative health regimen comprising the steps of (a) positioning the body between opposing first and second pillows attached together by an intermediate member such that the body has concurrent opposing contact at forward and rearward orientations with respect to the two opposing pillows in tension, including contact of one pillow at a back portion of the body and contact of the second pillow with an extended arm or leg during natural sleep on a bed; (b) repeating a sequence of habitual side-sleeping positions of the body based on the forward and rearward contacts with the opposing pillows to establish a memory of the sequence and feelings associated with the contacts; and (c) applying this sequence during normal sleep to condition the body and mind to favor a side rather than supine sleeping orientation.

Abstract: A seating pad assembly is provided for use by travelers to increase the comfort for a seat on a public transportation vehicle or at a public transit terminal. A system and method for ordering the seating pad assembly for a transportation seat includes at least one terminal configured for entering an identifier indicative of a type of transportation seat purchased, e.g., a class of service; a server configured for receiving the identifier, determining dimensions of the seating pad assembly based on the identifier, and generating an order to acquire the determined seating pad assembly; and a communications network for coupling the at least one terminal and the server. The terminal may be configured in the form of a computer, a kiosk or a mobile terminal. The system will allow a purchaser of a transportation seat to either purchase or rent the seating pad assembly.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a seat cushion assembly is provided that includes a base cushion and a plurality of inserts. A recess is defined within the base cushion which is adapted to house the inserts. Each of the inserts can be selectively removed from the recess to provide for obliquity adjustment of the cushion assembly. In addition, the inserts may be selectively located on one side of the base cushion or the other to further adjust the inclined orientation of the base cushion. According to another embodiment, a seat cushion assembly is provided that includes a base cushion and a pair of inserts. A recess is defined within the base cushion which is adapted to house the inserts that includes a projection that has a plurality of surfaces that abut a surface of each of the inserts when the inserts are housed within the recess.

Abstract: A surgical tool holder that includes a holding member with a clamping jaw, which is movable between open and clamping positions. A gripping member is configured to supportingly grip a surgical tool and is selectively placed in a rotatable or fixed association with the holding member. Engagement portions of the holding member and gripping member are engagable to block rotation therebetween to obtain the fixed association.

Abstract: A surgical arm rest or leg rest for supporting a patient's limb has concave tray or trough supported on a post member that extends downward. An elongated rod member situated below the tray with clamp member adjustably supports the post of the tray. A clamp member permits the rotation angle and tilt angle of the support post to be adjusted. An L-shaped support arm has a vertical arm portion adapted to be received into a support clamp mounted on the surgical table, and a horizontal arm that holds a sleeve member which supports the rod member. A locking lever on the sleeve member locks the rod member in place in the sleeve member.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a distractor assembly adapted to couple to a leg and capable of providing a distraction load on the leg in both supine and lateral positions of the leg. The assembly is coupled to a surgical table by a ball joint or a universal joint. A method includes coupling a leg to a distractor assembly, positioning the leg in one of a distraction mode and a femoral acetabular impingement mode, and repositioning the leg in the other of the modes without the need for accessing a draped pelvis/thigh region.

Abstract: The present inventive subject matter is the method of use as well as a device or fixture for positioning and manipulating a patient's lower extremity for surgical and diagnostic procedures where alignment is critical and minute adjustments may be required. Once firmly attached to the operating table, the device prevents the patient's extremity from moving after the physician has selected the precise position for the elected procedure. This is achieved by a combination of a fracture reduction plate, posts, shimming blocks and an articulating and rotating frame or cradle with an adjustable and lockable rack and gear configuration and pivot joints attached to a foot assembly which acts as a leg and foot splint. The cradle is attached to the patient via a series of adjustable straps preventing the extremity from moving independently of the cradle.

Abstract: A device to enable a bedridden patient to adjust their position in a bed without additional aid is herein disclosed. The device comprises two (2) “L”-shaped parts connected along a long axis. A first section is placed in between a mattress and footboard, while a second section is laid upon a top of the bed. The overall length would vary to suit individual users of all sizes. A locking handle permits quick adjustments to the length. A baseplate has a non-slip surface for safety. A foot support is contoured for comfort. In use, the device is placed upon the bed and the user pushes with their foot against the foot support which transfers the force down the shaft of the device to the foot board, permitting a patient to adjust their position in the bed. The device can be permanently mounted or be removable therefrom the bed frame.

Abstract: A medical examination device is provided with a pair of foot support assemblies, a patient support mat, and a pair of legs. Wheel assemblies are attached to the legs facilitate the transportation of the device to and from a bed whereby the support assemblies, patient support mat, and legs are extended and adjusted to support a patient on the bed to facilitate a medical examination. The foot support assemblies, patient support mat, and legs are collapsible so that the device is transported and stored in a small, compact size.

Abstract: A wheelchair leg support includes a pad having an inclined upper portion for supporting an upper leg and a lower portion extending angularly downward from the upper portion for supporting a user's leg and preventing a user's lower legs or feet from passing beneath a moving wheelchair avoiding injury. The lower portion includes a relief or cut-out to cradle the lower leg to resist the leg from slipping off the leg support and for comfort of the user.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning an image measuring platform, the apparatus includes a horizontal base (11); a measuring platform (21) movable on the horizontal base; a support arm (12) extending in the Z-axis direction secured to the horizontal base; two parallel sliders (435) extending in the Z-axis direction fixed on the upper ends of the support arm; a first bar (411) for controlling the measuring platform to move in X-axis direction; a second bar (421) for controlling the measuring platform to move in Y-axis direction; a first cantilever (314) and a second cantilever (315) vertically attached on the two parallel sliders; a charge coupled device lens (31) fixed on the first cantilever and the second cantilever through a lens clamp (312) and a locking cap (313); a first screw handle (414) engaged with the holes of both sides of a first bracket (413) secured on the horizontal base, a first male screw thread (415) formed outside the first screw handle, and a first female screw thread (416) corresponding to the f

Abstract: The present invention is a wound elevation device for alleviating or diminishing pressure on a wound, blemish, decubitus ulcer (also known as pressure ulcer or pressure sore) or surgical site by elevating the affected area above a surface and surrounding the wound without directly contacting or covering the wound, for allowing increased air and blood flow to the wound. An interior filling of the present invention is composed of a Visco/Memory foam, natural buckwheat hulls, whole buckwheat seeds, millet hulls, or a combination thereof, or other suitable material known in the art. The interior filling is enclosed in a unitary, elongated, flexible hollow member, and an additional removable and/or reusable cover composed of anti-bacterial/anti-microbial fabric encloses the hollow member for additional protection. Fastening means allow the user to reconfigure the shape of the device to provide the required support for each use.

Abstract: A patient-support apparatus includes receivers for supporting a patient-support deck. The patient-support deck is configured to engage the receivers to support the deck in a cantilevered configuration. The patient-support deck may be secured to the patient-support apparatus by a locking mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for relieving back pain, the apparatus having a top and a leg assembly for supporting the top when the apparatus is placed on a surface. A method of relieving back pain is also provided, wherein a user adjusts the height of an apparatus according to the user's buttock popliteus length, and lay on the surface and place his/her lower legs or feet on the top of an apparatus such that the knees are bent at substantially 90 degrees and his/her back is flat on the surface.

Abstract: A clamp for securing a surgical appliance post to a rail mounted on the side of a surgical table which clamp may be placed over and on the rail at any desired location by providing the clamp body with a passageway transverse the body of the clamp and parallel to the rail, the passageway having a lip on one edge of a width about the dimension of the rail for engaging the backside of the rail, and the passageway having a width greater than the rail on the opposite edge. A clamping device such as a screw or cam is mounted on the outermost portion of the clamp and is arranged to engage and secure the post as well as bind the clamp body to the rail. Additionally, the clamping arrangement of one of the preferred embodiments provides a means by which an appliance post may be gripped at any chosen angle rather than limited to a fixed orientation.

Abstract: An apparatus has segments connected end-to-end so as to form a flexible tube, a base connected to a first segment of the segments, a clamp connected to the base for mounting the base, and a tensioning mechanism for tensioning the segments. A scope adapter can be connected to a last segment of the plurality of segments. An extremity adapter can be connected to a last segment of the plurality of segments. The clamp can mount the base to a mayo stand of a multi-purpose gurney. The clamp can also mount the base to a rail of a multi-purpose gurney.

Abstract: A device (10) for facilitating a medical examination includes a movable body (12) having a storage compartment (24) therein and a door member (42, 44) movably mounted to the body (12) for at least partially covering the storage compartment (24). A supporting unit (72, 74) is mounted to the body (12) for supporting a foot of a patient during the performance of a medical examination.

Abstract: A patient-support apparatus includes a patient-support deck movable from a use position to a stowed position. The patient-support deck is configured to engage receivers of the patient-support apparatus to support the deck in a cantilevered configuration. The patient-support deck may be secured to the patient-support apparatus by a locking mechanism. A storage structure is configured to support the patient-support deck in a stowed position. The storage structure is configured to deflect under load to prevent damage to the storage structure or patient-support deck.

Abstract: Generally described the invention relates to methods and apparatuses for aligning the lower extremities of a patient with a mechanical axis. More specifically, the present invention provides an exoskeleton or external framework that positions a patient's leg into a desired mechanical axis in preparation for surgery or other medical treatment.

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.