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Methods and apparatus to enhance communication in the operating room

a technology of communication and operating room, applied in the field of methods and, can solve problems such as significant difficulty in comprehending the patient's speech while in the operating room

Inactive Publication Date: 2013-03-28
BOSTON SCI NEUROMODULATION CORP
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a cushion-mounted patient communication system that allows patients to communicate with medical professionals during medical procedures without needing a separate microphone or speaker. The system includes a cushion with an opening for the patient's face, a microphone in the cushion for receiving audible signals, and at least one speaker in the cushion for delivering audible signals to the patient. The system also includes a communication port for receiving the patient's audible signals and delivering them to the speaker. Additionally, the system includes a display device integrated with the cushion that can display selected parts of the patient's body. The technical effects of this invention include improved communication between patients and medical professionals, reduced risk of a patient's face being obstructed during a medical procedure, and improved visibility of the patient's body during medical procedures.

Problems solved by technology

However, there is significant difficulty in comprehending the patient's speech while in this state.
Regarding communication in the operating room, the application of wireless technology has long been a topic of contention within the medical and communications fields, due to concerns about electromagnetic interference with medical equipment.

Method used

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  • Methods and apparatus to enhance communication in the operating room
  • Methods and apparatus to enhance communication in the operating room
  • Methods and apparatus to enhance communication in the operating room

Examples

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Embodiment Construction

[0014]Turning first to FIG. 1, an exemplary communication system 10 constructed in accordance with one embodiment of the present inventions for facilitating communication during a medical procedure between a patient and medical or other personnel (e.g., physician, anesthesiologist, field clinical engineer (FCE), sales representative, nurse, radiologist, and supporting staff) is shown. Generally, the communication system 10 includes a cushion 12 with an opening 14 for receiving the patient's head. The cushion 12 may be integrated with, or somewhere be associated, with an operating table (not shown) on which the patient lies down. The cushion 12 also features a microphone 16 for receiving audible signals from the patient and one or more speakers 18 for delivering audible signals to the patient. A communication port 20 is configured to receive the patient's audible signals from the microphone 16 and to deliver audible signals from medical personnel or a device used in the procedure to ...

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Abstract

A communication system is provided for a patient featuring a cushion with an opening for receiving the face of the patient. The cushion includes a microphone for receiving audible signals from the patient and one or more speakers for delivering audible signals to the patient. The microphone and speaker(s) are integrated with the cushion to avoid interfering with the comfort of the patient. In one embodiment, the audible signals are delivered to and from the patient via a communication port. In another embodiment, the system includes a display device, so the patient may view parts of the patient's body on the device and then communicate with system operators through the microphone and speaker(s).

Description

RELATED APPLICATION DATA[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 506,938, filed Jul. 21, 2009, now U.S. patent Ser. No. ______. The foregoing application is hereby incorporated by reference in the present application in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates methods and apparatus to facilitate communication between a patient and medical personnel in an operating room.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]During numerous medical procedures, verbal feedback from the patient is often critical to the success of the operation. The patient's own nervous feedback system is often preferred over even the most complex monitoring technology. For example, in a procedure involving the treatment of migraine headaches, a lead electrode is inserted into the back of a patient's head to stimulate the occipital nerves. The patient, lying face down, is then required to give verbal feedback regarding the location of the paresthesia experi...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): H04R1/02
CPCH04R1/028H04R2201/023H04R1/14G16H40/63G16H80/00
Inventor WHITEHURST, TODD K.CARBUNARU, RAFAELJAAX, KRISTENMAKOUS, JAMESLANE, COURTNEYPIERRE, MARKBRAINARD, CLIFFHAGAN, IV, CHARLES TILDEN
Owner BOSTON SCI NEUROMODULATION CORP
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