Vacuum assisted patient positioning device with internal bead and bead adhesive

Abstract

The invention relates to a vacuum assisted patient positioning device. The device has a closure membrane enclosing a plurality of beads and a predetermined fluid that acts as a binder for the beads. When a patient is positioned on the device, the adhesive combines with the shape of the beads, exhibiting a slow volumetric flow, enabling a doctor to accurately position the patient on the device, even overcoming the natural tension of gravity to a certain extent. When a vacuum is applied to the inside of the device, the beads are pressed against each other, so that the shape of the device is maintained as long as the vacuum is maintained.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to patient positioning devices, particularly those having internal beads and using vacuum assistance to maintain their position. Background Art

[0002] Vacuum-assisted patient positioning devices are well known in the art. These devices typically consist of a flexible bag that is partially filled with small (usually soft) beads that are free to move within the bag. When a vacuum is applied to the interior of the bag, the spaces between the beads are compressed and the beads are pressed against each other. Thus, the flexible bag conforms to an outer shape that generally matches the patient's body and tends to maintain the patient's position when the air is removed. Returning air to the bag causes the beads to loosen and the shape to disappear. Since the beads never assume a final, irreversible fixed shape, such bags can be reused multiple times.

[0003] One problem with these devices is that, prior to applying the vacuum, the free-flowing nature of the beads makes it difficult to initially position the bag in any direction other than horizontal. If the bag is placed completely or even partially vertically, the beads tend to sink to the bottom of the bag in response to gravity due to their weight, leaving little, if any, at the top. In various embodiments, the present invention addresses this problem by adding a sticky adhesive to the beads, just enough to slow but not stop the gravitational flow. This allows the beads to still move slightly but gives the user time to position the patient vertically, or slightly vertically, before gravity pulls the beads to the bottom of the bag. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The following description presents a vacuum-assisted patient positioning device and a method of using the same in various embodiments. The device has an enclosed membrane that encapsulates a plurality of beads and a predetermined fluid that serves as an adhesive for the beads. When a patient is positioned on the device, the adhesive combines with the shape of the beads, exhibiting a slow volumetric flow such that a doctor can accurately position the patient on the device, even to some extent overcoming the natural pull of gravity. When a vacuum is applied to the interior of the device, the beads are pressed against each other, and thus the shape of the device is maintained as long as the vacuum is maintained.

[0005] When the vacuum is released, the beads are functionally released and the device gradually returns to its original shape and can be reused in multiple different uses and positions. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006] Figure 1 An embodiment (10) of the present invention is shown placed on a seat (S) prior to partial evacuation of gas from the device (10); Figure 2 shows a human patient (P) located on a device (10) as Figure 1 shown; Figure 3 shows the device after a partial gas extraction from the device (10) according to Figure 1 ; Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional schematic view of an embodiment of the device (10) according to claim 1; Figure 5 shows another embodiment (10) of the present invention in cross-sectional schematic, which has a plurality of independent enclosed volumes (205) and a plurality of valves (300); and Figure 6 shows yet another embodiment (10) of the present invention in cross-sectional schematic, which has at least one internal baffle (210) that partially but not completely separates an independent second volume (205).

[0007] These diagrams are for helping to understand exemplary embodiments of a method of forming a vacuum-assisted patient positioning device having beads and bead adhesives and their related materials, which will be described in more detail below, and these diagrams should not be construed as unduly limiting the specification. In particular, the relative spacing, positioning, size, and dimensions of the various elements shown in the diagrams may not be drawn to scale and may be exaggerated, reduced, or otherwise modified for clarity. Those of ordinary skill in the art will also understand that a series of alternative configurations are omitted for clarity and to reduce the number of diagrams. Detailed Description

[0008] In a specific embodiment, the enclosure film 100 of the present device 10 is a laminated fabric of nylon / thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Again, in some embodiments, the enclosure film 100 may be formed by two layers: an inner layer and an outer layer. The outer ethylene-based layer serves a protective function while the inner TPU layer makes the device 10 airtight. The inner TPU layers may be radio frequency (RF) welded together to form a seal. Alternatively, the enclosure film may comprise only a single layer, or may be formed by multiple layers, as known to those skilled in the art. In some embodiments, the enclosure film 100 may be formed by laminating TPU on both sides of a nylon fabric. Additionally, those skilled in the art will be aware that many other materials may form the enclosure film 100. The valve 300 for inhaling and exhaling gases can be welded to the inner side of the device 10 by a polyurethane rod. Before the device 10 is permanently sealed, beads 400 with a diameter of 0.5 - 3 mm (preferably about 1 mm) and a density of about 5 lbs. / cf are added to the device 10. Those skilled in the art will realize that the total volume of the required beads 400 depends to a large extent on the size of the device. When the device 10 is at normal atmospheric pressure (or positive pressure), the internal beads 400 can move freely and slightly. When the inside of the device is in a vacuum (by way of example only, about -0.8 bar), the device 10 will lock its shape. There is a very small window (about -0.1 bar) in which the device 10 can be shaped without the beads 400 falling due to gravity.

[0009] For example, if a therapist wishes to shape the device on a patient and wants to use a prior art vacuum bag to support the arms, the therapist will need to hold the outside of the bag at the designated position until full vacuum is achieved. Otherwise, the internal beads will fall, and the patient's arms will not be supported during the shaping process.

[0010] For the development of the vacuum bag, various embodiments of the present invention add an adhesive 500 to the beads 400. The adhesive 500 slows down the action of gravity on the beads 400. The beads 400 can still move freely, albeit more slowly within the closed membrane 100, but will stay in the designated position during the shaping process without applying a vacuum to the inside of the device 10. Thus, the therapist will be able to support the patient's arms and will not need to continuously hold the device 10 in the designated position until full vacuum is applied.

[0011] It is particularly advantageous when a positioning device (especially the vacuum device 10) is required for an upright (e.g., sitting or standing) posture. Due to the gravitational force exerted on the beads 400, prior art bags perform poorly in this regard. The therapist has to use the current vacuum bag to hold the bag in the designated position until the vacuum is applied and stabilized.

[0012] Possible adhesives 500 include but are not limited to: silicone oil, rubber, polybutene, polyisobutene, acrylic glue, polydimethylsiloxane, polysiloxane, or polyalkylene oxide. The most commonly used polyalkylene oxide can be polyethylene oxide. The polysiloxane can be methyl silicone oil, ethyl silicone oil, phenyl silicone oil, etc. In addition, a wide range of even more common lubricants can be used, such as glycerol and mineral oil or other lubricants known to those skilled in the art. The viscosity of the adhesive 500 at 18°C to 30°C (expressed in centipoise (CPS)) can be 500 CPS to 100,000 CPS.

[0013] These adhesives are of the same type or similar to those used in moldable pads, kinetic sand, and play foam. In one set of embodiments, the adhesive 500 is mixed at a ratio of approximately 1:280 (adhesive 500 to beads 400) for the working prototype. In another set of embodiments, the volume ratio of beads 400 to adhesive 500 can be approximately (5 - 10 ml) adhesive 500 : (20 - 30 ml) beads 400. It can be manually mixed by kneading. Then, using a partially closed sealing film 100, the beads 400 and adhesive 500 can be poured into the device 10 before final sealing. Finally, when shaping is performed without a vacuum, the internal beads 400 will maintain a shape. The adhesive 500 covering each bead 400 generates just enough resistance against gravity so that the device 10 can sit at least slightly upright for at least a period of clinical use without all the beads 400 sinking to the bottom of the device 10.

[0014] A series of embodiments using different materials were carried out. It should be emphasized that these embodiments are merely exemplary and are not intended to limit the claims or scope of the present invention in any way.

[0015] Example 1 In one embodiment, a vacuum-assisted patient positioning device 10 is formed according to the above description. In this embodiment, the adhesive 500 is methyl silicone oil, and the ratio of methyl silicone oil to beads 400 is 5 mL : 80 g. In this embodiment, the viscosity of the methyl silicone oil is 500 CPS. The filling rate of the beads in the positioning device is 70%.

[0016] Example 2 In another embodiment, a vacuum-assisted patient positioning device 10 is formed according to the above description. The adhesive 500 is methyl silicone oil, and the ratio of methyl silicone oil to beads 400 is 5 mL : 80 g. In this embodiment, the viscosity of the methyl silicone oil is 5000 CPS. The filling rate of the beads in the positioning device is 70%.

[0017] Example 3 In another embodiment, a vacuum-assisted patient positioning device 10 is formed according to the above description. The adhesive 500 is methyl silicone oil, and the ratio of methyl silicone oil to beads 400 is 5 mL : 80 g. In this embodiment, the viscosity of the methyl silicone oil is 800 CPS. The filling rate of the beads in the positioning device is 70%.

[0018] Example 4 In another embodiment, the vacuum-assisted patient positioning device 10 is formed according to the above description. The adhesive 500 is methyl silicone oil, and the ratio of methyl silicone oil to the beads 400 is 5 mL: 80 g. In this embodiment, the viscosity of the methyl silicone oil is 2500 CPS. The filling rate of the beads in the positioning device is 70%.

[0019] Example 5 In another embodiment, the vacuum-assisted patient positioning device 10 is formed according to the above description. The adhesive 500 is methyl silicone oil, and the ratio of methyl silicone oil to the beads 400 is 5 mL: 80 g. In this embodiment, the viscosity of the methyl silicone oil is 1200 CPS. The filling rate of the beads in the positioning device is 70%.

[0020] Example 6 In another embodiment, the vacuum-assisted patient positioning device 10 is formed according to the above description. The adhesive 500 is methyl silicone oil, and the ratio of methyl silicone oil to the beads 400 is 5 mL: 80 g. In this embodiment, the viscosity of the methyl silicone oil is 1000 CPS. The filling rate of the beads in the positioning device is 70%.

[0021] Example 7 In another embodiment, the vacuum-assisted patient positioning device 10 is formed according to the above description. The adhesive 500 is methyl silicone oil, and the ratio of methyl silicone oil to the beads 400 is 10 mL: 80 g. In this embodiment, the viscosity of the methyl silicone oil is 2500 CPS. The filling rate of the beads in the positioning device is 70%.

[0022] Example 8 In another embodiment, the vacuum-assisted patient positioning device 10 is formed according to the above description. The beads are treated with methyl silicone oil, and the ratio of methyl silicone oil to the beads 400 is 20 mL: 80 g. In this embodiment, the viscosity of the methyl silicone oil is 2500 CPS. The filling rate of the beads in the positioning device is 70%.

[0023] Example 9 In another embodiment, the vacuum-assisted patient positioning device 10 is formed according to the above description. The adhesive 500 is methyl silicone oil, and the ratio of methyl silicone oil to the beads 400 is 25 mL: 80 g. In this embodiment, the viscosity of the methyl silicone oil is 2500 CPS. The filling rate of the beads in the positioning device is 70%.

[0024] Example 10 In another embodiment, the vacuum-assisted patient positioning device 10 is formed according to the above description. The adhesive 500 is methyl silicone oil, and the ratio of methyl silicone oil to the beads 400 is 20 mL:80 g. In this embodiment, the viscosity of the methyl silicone oil is 2500 CPS. The filling rate of the beads in the positioning device is 55%.

[0025] Example 11 In another embodiment, the vacuum-assisted patient positioning device 10 is formed according to the above description. The adhesive 500 is methyl silicone oil, and the ratio of methyl silicone oil to the beads 400 is 20 mL:80 g. In this embodiment, the viscosity of the methyl silicone oil is 2500 CPS. The filling rate of the beads in the positioning device is 44%.

[0026] Example 12 In another embodiment, the vacuum-assisted patient positioning device 10 is formed according to the above description. The beads are treated with methyl silicone oil, and the ratio of methyl silicone oil to the beads 400 is 5 mL:80 g. In this embodiment, the viscosity of the methyl silicone oil is 10000 CPS. The filling rate of the beads in the positioning device is 70%.

[0027] Example 13 In another embodiment, the vacuum-assisted patient positioning device 10 is formed according to the above description. The beads are treated with methyl silicone oil, and the ratio of methyl silicone oil to the beads 400 is 5 mL:80 g. In this embodiment, the viscosity of the methyl silicone oil is 100000 CPS. The filling rate of the beads in the positioning device is 70%.

[0028] Example 14 In another embodiment, the vacuum-assisted patient positioning device 10 is formed according to the above description. The beads are treated with methyl silicone oil, and the ratio of methyl silicone oil to the beads 400 is 30 mL:80 g. In this embodiment, the viscosity of the methyl silicone oil is 500 CPS. The filling rate of the beads in the positioning device is 70%.

[0029] Example 15 In another embodiment, the vacuum-assisted patient positioning device 10 is formed according to the above description. The beads are treated with polyethylene oxide, and the ratio of polyethylene oxide to the beads 400 is 5 mL:80 g. In this embodiment, the viscosity of the polyethylene oxide is 500 CPS. The filling rate of the beads in the positioning device is 70%.

[0030] In addition, all of the foregoing embodiments are detected in a sitting posture shaping test for evaluating the descent speed of the beads 400, thereby demonstrating the ability of the device 10 to maintain its relative shape when air is evacuated from the device 10.

[0031] The beads after being mixed with the adhesive 500 are put into a transparent bag, flattened. The transparent bag is lifted and placed vertically beside a steel ruler, and the time for the beads 400 to settle from the topmost part to the bottom of the device 10 is observed and recorded with a stopwatch. The sinking speed is calculated according to the formula sinking speed (mm / s) = distance (mm) / time (s). When the sinking speed ≤ 5 mm / s, it is judged to pass the sitting posture shaping test. Because a faster sinking speed indicates (for test purposes only) that the device (10) cannot maintain its shape in a sitting posture.

[0032] In addition, the radiation penetrability of each of the above-provided embodiments was tested. Radiation penetrability is an important feature of a patient positioning device because they are often used to position patients for radiation tests or treatments, and thus it is desirable that the device absorb as little radiation as possible.

[0033] The above embodiments were exposed to a linear accelerator beam, and the radiation penetration rate was calculated as the percentage of the beam attenuation due to absorption by the device. The most ideal relative radiation penetration rate is close to 100%.

[0034] Table 1

[0035] As can be seen from Table 1, the addition of the adhesive 500 does not have a negative impact on the fluidity of the beads 400, and after adding the adhesive 500, the sinking speed of the beads 400 can be significantly reduced, thus achieving the purpose of sitting posture shaping. Considering the shaping property and the radiation penetration rate, specimens with a sinking speed of 1.0 - 1.5 mm / s are more suitable as products of the vacuum negative pressure device 10.

[0036] In each of the embodiments, and as Figures 1 to 6 shown, the vacuum-assisted patient positioning device 10 (see Figure 4 ) has an enclosure membrane 100 which has at least one layer of wall (with an inner surface and an outer surface) and encloses at least one volume 200. The enclosure membrane 100 can completely enclose at least one fluid-containing volume 200, 205, and the volume 200 can be in fluid communication with the ambient atmosphere through a valve 300.

[0037] The valve 300 can pass through the enclosure membrane 100 and can have a first operating position that allows fluid to pass through the valve 300 and a second operating position that blocks fluid from passing through the valve 300.

[0038] The containment volume 200 may include a plurality of beads 400 and a predetermined volume of gas (usually air) contained within the volume 200, as well as at least one predetermined fluid adhesive 500; the adhesive has a predetermined viscosity and volume, is mixed with the beads 400, and is completely contained within the sealed membrane 100.

[0039] In some embodiments, the sealed membrane 100 may include multiple layers of walls (see Figure 4 ), which are either bonded together or merely adjacent. In one particular embodiment, the sealed membrane 100 may have at least a first layer 101 on the outer side of the sealed membrane 100 and a second layer 102 on the inner side of the sealed membrane 100. In common but not exclusive embodiments, the sealed membrane 100 is at least partially formed of thermoplastic polyurethane.

[0040] In other embodiments, as Figure 6 shown, the outer surface of the sealed membrane 100 may have an external reading rod 110 detachably attached to an anchor point outside the device 10; in other embodiments, the outer surface of the sealed membrane 100 further includes at least one metal ring 120 detachably attached to an anchor point outside the device 10.

[0041] In different series of embodiments, at least one volume 200 may also be at least two independent volumes 205, each fluidly isolated from any other volume 200, 205, and each fluidly communicating with the ambient atmosphere through an independent valve 300 (as Figure 5 shown). This allows for slightly different positioning of certain parts of the device compared to other parts of the device.

[0042] In related series of embodiments, the device 10 further includes at least one internal baffle 210 that partially but not completely subdivides the volume 200 into partially independent enclosed volumes 205. This configuration can reduce the sinking speed of the beads 400 due to gravity or pressure. In all embodiments where the volume is partitioned, at least one baffle 210 may be integrally formed with the sealed membrane 100. As is known to those skilled in the art, the baffle 210 may also be non-integrally connected, i.e., mechanically fixed or bonded to the surface of the sealed membrane 100.

[0043] A fairly wide variety of fluids may be suitable for use as the adhesive 500. These include but are not limited to lubricating fluids such as silicone oil, rubber, polybutene, polyisobutene, acrylic glue, polydimethylsiloxane, polysiloxane, polyalkylene oxide, polyethylene oxide, methyl silicone oil, ethyl silicone oil, phenyl silicone oil, glycerol, and mineral oil. In general embodiments, the viscosity of the adhesive 500 may be approximately 500 CPS to 100,000 CPS. In other embodiments, the surface tension of the adhesive 500 at 25 °C is approximately 0.019 N / m to 0.023 N / m.

[0044] In a common but non-exclusive embodiment, the plurality of beads 400 can be formed of expanded polystyrene (EPS) and can have different sizes and compositions. In some embodiments, the plurality of beads 400 can further include beads 400 having an individual diameter of about 1 mm to about 2 mm, and in at least one embodiment, the individual diameter of the beads 400 is about 1.7 mm.

[0045] Prior to use, the device 10 can have an enclosed volume 200 that houses the plurality of beads 400, at least one adhesive 500, and re-quantified air. During operation, a portion of the air is withdrawn, thereby producing the functions described above. In some embodiments, the volume ratio of the beads 400 to the adhesive 500 is about 280:1. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, with respect to the proportions of the fluids, Figure 4 、 5 the relative proportions between the beads 400 and the adhesive 500 shown in FIG. 6 are highly exaggerated. This is to emphasize that the beads 400 and the adhesive 500 are composed of separate elements. In reality, the mixed beads 400 and adhesive 500 will behave as a thick slurry that lubricates the beads 400, rather than as beads 400 floating in the adhesive 500.

[0046] Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the device 10 described in the present disclosure is readily adaptable to methods of using the device 10. One such method will include: Step 1, providing the device 10, including a sealed membrane 100 having at least one layer of wall and enclosing at least one enclosed volume 200, wherein the sealed membrane 100 completely encloses at least one fluid-containing volume 200, 205, and the volume 200 is in fluid communication with the ambient atmosphere through a valve 300.

[0047] The valve can pass through the sealed membrane 100 and has a first operating position that allows fluid to pass through the valve 300 and a second operating position that blocks fluid from passing through the valve 300, allowing partial evacuation of the volume 200. The volume 200 has a plurality of beads 400 and a predetermined volume of gas (most commonly air, but can be any other fluid) and at least one predetermined fluid adhesive 500 contained within the volume 200; the adhesive 500 has a predetermined viscosity and volume, is mixed with the beads 400, and is completely contained within the sealed membrane 100.

[0048] Place the patient P on the device 10 for examination and conform the device 10 to the body of the patient P in the desired posture; then partially evacuate the fluid-containing volume 200 within the sealed membrane 100 (usually just the contained air), thereby reducing the volume 200 and thus allowing the pressure of the ambient air outside the sealed membrane 100 to compress the volume 200.

[0049] This causes multiple beads 400 to be compacted within the volume 200; thereby causing the multiple beads 400 to maintain a temporary shape. Then, this shape maintains the patient P in the desired posture during the examination.

[0050] Since the multiple beads 400 are squeezed, the device 10 will maintain a shape resistant to flow caused by gravity, and further steps may include placing the patient P on the device 10 for examination in a posture with at least a part perpendicular to the earth's surface. Figure 1 In, before use, the device 10 can be seen draped over the seat S. Figure 2 It shows that, before partial evacuation of the volume 200, the patient P is sitting upright on the device 10 on the seat S. Finally, the device 10 can be seen maintaining its shape while the patient P is absent, and then the volume 200 is partially evacuated.

[0051] Many changes, modifications, and variations of the preferred embodiments disclosed herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and they are all expected and contemplated within the spirit and scope of the disclosed specification. For example, although specific embodiments have been described in detail, those skilled in the art will understand that the foregoing embodiments and variations can be modified to incorporate various types of alternative and / or additional or alternative materials, relative arrangements of elements, sequences of steps and additional steps, and dimensional configurations. Therefore, although only a few variations of the methods and products are described herein, it should be understood that such additional modifications and variations and their equivalent practices are within the spirit and scope of the methods and products defined in the appended claims. All corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of the means or steps plus function elements in the following claims are intended to include any structure, material, or act that performs the function in combination with other specifically claimed elements.

Claims

1. A vacuum-assisted patient positioning device (10), comprising: A sealing membrane (100) having at least one layer of wall and enclosing at least one volume (200), wherein the sealing membrane (100) completely encloses at least one fluid-containing volume (200), and the volume (200) is in fluid communication with the ambient atmosphere through a valve (300); A valve (300) passing through the sealing membrane (100) and having a first operating position allowing fluid to pass through the valve (300) and a second operating position preventing fluid from passing through the valve (300); A plurality of beads (400) contained within the volume (200) and a predetermined volume of gas; And At least one predetermined fluid adhesive (500) having a predetermined viscosity and volume, mixed with the beads (400) and completely contained within the sealing membrane (100).

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the sealing membrane (100) further comprises at least one first layer (101) on the outer side of the sealing membrane (100) and a second layer (102) on the inner side of the sealing membrane (100).

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the outer surface of the sealing membrane (100) further comprises an external reading rod (110) detachably attached to an anchor point outside the device (10).

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the outer surface of the sealing membrane (100) further comprises at least one metal ring (120) detachably attached to an anchor point outside the device (10).

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one volume (200) further comprises at least two independent volumes (205), each being fluidly isolated from any other volume (200, 205), and each being in fluid communication with the ambient atmosphere through an independent valve (300).

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device (10) further comprises at least one internal baffle (210) that locally but not completely subdivides the volume (200).

7. The device according to claim 6, wherein at least one of the baffles (210) is integrally formed with the sealing membrane (100).

8. The device according to claim 1, wherein the adhesive (500) is a lubricating fluid.

9. The device according to claim 1, wherein the adhesive (500) is a fluid selected from silicone oil, rubber, polybutene, polyisobutene, acrylic glue, polydimethylsiloxane, polysiloxane, polyalkylene oxide, polyethylene oxide, methyl silicone oil, ethyl silicone oil, phenyl silicone oil, glycerol, and mineral oil.

10. The device according to claim 1, wherein the viscosity of the adhesive (500) is from about 500 CPS to about 100,000 CPS.

11. The device according to claim 1, wherein the surface tension of the adhesive (500) at about 25 °C is from about 0.019 to about 0.023 N / m.

12. The device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of beads (400) further comprises beads (400) having an individual diameter of about 1 mm to about 2 mm.

13. The device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of beads (400) further includes beads (400) having an individual diameter of approximately 1.7 mm.

14. The device according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the volume (200) further includes air.

15. The device according to claim 1, wherein the volume ratio of the beads (400) to the adhesive (500) is approximately 280:

1.

16. A method of using a vacuum-assisted patient positioning device (10), comprising the steps of: Step 1, providing the device (10), including: a. A closed membrane (100) having at least one layer of wall and enclosing at least one closed volume (200), wherein the closed membrane (100) completely encloses at least one fluid-containing volume (200, 205), and the volume (200) is in fluid communication with the ambient atmosphere through a valve (300); b. A valve (300) passing through the closed membrane (100) and having a first operating position allowing fluid to pass through the valve (300) and a second operating position preventing fluid from passing through the valve (300); c. A plurality of beads (400) contained within the volume and a predetermined volume of gas; and d. At least one predetermined fluid adhesive (500) having a predetermined viscosity and volume, mixed with the beads (400) and completely contained within the closed membrane (100); Step 2, placing the patient (P) on the device (10) for examination and conforming the device (10) to the patient's body in the desired posture; Step 3, partially exhausting the fluid-containing volume (200) through the valve (300) within the closed membrane (100), thereby reducing the volume (200) and thus allowing the pressure of the ambient air outside the closed membrane (100) to compress the volume (200); Step 4, pressing the plurality of beads (400) within the volume (200); Step 5, maintaining the plurality of beads (400) in a temporary shape.

17. The method according to claim 15, wherein the step of placing the patient (P) on the device (10) for examination and conforming the device (10) to the patient's body in the desired posture further includes arranging at least a portion of the body in a posture at least partially perpendicular to the Earth's surface.

18. A vacuum-assisted patient positioning device (10), comprising: A closed membrane (100) having at least one layer of wall and enclosing at least one volume (200), wherein the closed membrane (100) completely encloses at least one fluid-containing volume (200), and the volume (200) is in fluid communication with the ambient atmosphere through a valve (300); A valve (300) passing through the closed membrane (100) and having a first operating position allowing fluid to pass through the valve (300) and a second operating position preventing fluid from passing through the valve (300); A plurality of beads (400) contained within the volume (200) and a predetermined volume of gas, the plurality of beads (400) having an individual diameter of approximately 1.7 mm; and At least one predetermined fluid adhesive (500) having a predetermined viscosity of 50 CPS to 100,000 CPS and a surface tension of about 0.019 to about 0.023 N / m at about 25 °C, the predetermined fluid adhesive (500) being mixed with the beads (400) and being completely contained within the encapsulating film (100).

19. The apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the enclosed volume (200) further comprises at least two separate enclosed volumes (205), each being fluidly isolated from any other separate enclosed volume (205), and each being in fluid communication with the ambient atmosphere through a separate valve (300).

20. The apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the volume ratio of the beads (400) to the adhesive (500) is about 280:1.

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