Patient support device for positioning during surgery and for lateral patient transfer

Abstract

A patient support device for positioning a patient on an operating table during a surgical procedure and for lateral patient transfer includes a viscoelastic foam body having a substantially flat first surface configured to contact the patient, an opposing, substantially flat second surface, and a peripheral edge extending therebetween. The patient support device further includes an inflatable envelope connected to the second surface of the body, which defines an inflatable cavity configured to receive a pressurized gas. The envelope also includes a plurality of perforations extending through a portion of the envelope and positioned to allow the pressurized gas to flow from the cavity through the plurality of perforations toward the operating table.

Description

STATE OF THE ARTField of the invention

[0001] The invention relates generally to pads, cushions and supports for cushioning and positioning a patient's body, and more particularly to a viscoelastic foam pad configured to support a patient during a surgical procedure and to provide support for lateral patient transport. Description of relevant technology

[0002] Patient positioning devices such as mats, pads, mattresses, pillows, and headrests of various designs are used to maintain a patient in a desired position during a surgical procedure. For example, elongated foam pads, such as those molded from egg-crate foam, can be placed between a patient's torso and an operating table to increase comfort. Additionally, foam cushions of various shapes can be used to maintain arms, shoulders, legs, and other body parts in the desired position during a surgical procedure. In some cases, patient positioning devices may include integrated straps, ropes, or bands to secure the devices in the desired positions on the operating table.In other examples, medical tape, cable ties, or temporary adhesives may be used to attach or otherwise secure the positioning devices.

[0003] Patient transport devices and systems, such as inflatable bellows, positive pressure movement devices, and similar systems, are also known in the art. These devices and systems can be used to move patients, including obese patients and / or patients with high body mass index (BMI) values. Such transport aid devices and systems can be particularly important in medical facilities that have implemented "no-lift" policies to reduce occupational accidents. In such facilities, nursing staff and other caregivers may only be permitted to move or reposition patients with the assistance of a transport aid device or system.

[0004] However, there is a need for integrated devices, assemblies, and systems that contribute to both patient positioning and transport. The patient positioning devices, systems, and methods disclosed herein are configured to address these problems. SUMMARY

[0005] According to one aspect of the disclosure, a patient support device for positioning a patient on an operating table during a surgical procedure and for lateral transfer of the patient includes a viscoelastic foam body having a substantially flat first surface configured to contact the patient, an opposing substantially flat second surface, and a peripheral edge extending therebetween. The device further includes an inflatable sleeve connected to the second surface of the body and defining an inflatable cavity configured to receive a pressurized gas. The sleeve also includes a plurality of perforations extending through a portion of the sleeve and positioned to allow pressurized gas to flow from the cavity through the perforations toward the operating table.The device further includes at least one lower cushion comprising viscoelastic foam connected to the inflatable envelope. The at least one lower cushion includes an outwardly facing surface configured to contact the operating table to hold the patient support device in place against the operating table.

[0006] According to another aspect of the disclosure, a patient support and lateral transport system includes the previously described patient support device including an inlet tube in fluid communication with the lumen of the envelope. The system also includes a blower connected to the inlet tube for providing pressurized gas to the inflatable lumen of the envelope via the inlet tube.

[0007] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a patient support device for positioning a patient on an operating table during a surgical procedure and for lateral transfer of the patient includes a viscoelastic foam body having a substantially flat first surface configured to contact the patient, an opposing substantially flat second surface, and a peripheral edge extending therebetween. The positioning device further includes an inflatable sleeve connected to the second surface of the body and defining an inflatable cavity configured to receive a pressurized gas. The sleeve also includes a plurality of perforations extending through a portion of the sleeve and positioned to allow pressurized gas to flow from the cavity through the perforations toward the operating table.

[0008] In the following numbered sentences, non-limiting illustrative examples of embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described.

[0009] Set 1: A patient support device for positioning a patient on an operating table during a surgical procedure and for lateral transfer of the patient, the support device comprising: a viscoelastic foam body comprising a substantially flat first surface configured to contact the patient, an opposing substantially flat second surface, and a peripheral edge extending therebetween; an inflatable envelope connected to the second surface of the body and defining an inflatable cavity configured to receive a pressurized gas, the envelope comprising a plurality of perforations extending through a portion of the envelope positioned to allow the pressurized gas to flow from the cavity through the perforations toward the operating table;and at least one lower cushion comprising viscoelastic foam connected to the inflatable envelope, the at least one lower cushion comprising an outwardly facing surface configured to contact the operating table to hold the patient support device in place against the operating table.;

[0010] Sentence 2: The patient support device according to sentence 1, wherein the pressurized gas flowing through the perforations reduces friction between the patient support device and a surface of the operating table, thereby allowing the patient support device to slide more easily over the surface of the operating table than if the pressurized gas is not provided into the inflatable cavity.

[0011] Sentence 3: Patient support device according to sentence 1 or sentence 2, which further comprises at least one strap for carrying the patient support device, which strap is connected to the body and / or the shell of the support device.

[0012] Set 4: The patient support device of any one of sets 1 to 3, further comprising a plurality of loop straps, each loop strap having opposite ends connected to the body and / or the sheath to form loops for supporting the patient support device.

[0013] Sentence 5: The patient support device of sentence 4, further comprising at least one elongated strap having a first end portion, a second end portion, and an intermediate portion therebetween, wherein the intermediate portion of the at least one elongated strap is attached to the sheath, while the end portions of the at least one elongated strap are not connected to the sheath.

[0014] Sentence 6: The patient support device according to sentence 5, wherein the central portion of the at least one extended strap is connected to the sheath by an adhesive and / or sewn to the sheath.

[0015] Sentence 7: The patient support device according to any one of Sentences 1 to 6, wherein the body has a length sufficient to extend from at least the thighs of the patient to at least the shoulders of the patient to support an upper torso of the patient placed upon the body.

[0016] Clause 8: The patient support device of any one of clauses 1 to 7, wherein the body and the at least one lower cushion comprise the viscoelastic foam comprising at least one polyurethane foam (e.g., a foam made by blending polyhydroxypolyol with toluene diisocyanate, polyester polyols, and / or polyether).

[0017] Sentence 9: The patient support device of any one of Sentences 1 to 8, wherein the viscoelastic foam has a coefficient of friction of about 0.2 to about 2.5 and a glass transition temperature between about -5°C and about 5°C.

[0018] Clause 10: The patient support device of any one of clauses 1 to 9, wherein the viscoelastic foam has a density of about 2 pcf to about 8 pcf (about 35 kilograms per cubic meter to about 128 kilograms per cubic meter).

[0019] Sentence 11: The patient support device according to any one of Sentences 1 to 10, wherein the body and the at least one lower cushion are formed from a same viscoelastic foam material.

[0020] Sentence 12: The patient support device according to any one of Sentences 1 to 11, wherein the body and the at least one lower cushion are formed from different types of viscoelastic foam.

[0021] Sentence 13: The patient support device according to sentence 12, wherein the viscoelastic foam material of the body is more absorbent (e.g., moisture-wicking) than the viscoelastic foam material of the at least one lower cushion.

[0022] Clause 14: The patient support device of clause 13, wherein a material of the body is less dense than a material of the at least one lower pad.

[0023] Sentence 15: The patient support device of any one of Sentences 1 to 14, wherein the body comprises an elongated pad having a length greater than its width, and wherein the body is about 0.5 inches to 3.0 inches, or preferably about 1.5 inches, thick.

[0024] Sentence 16: The patient support device of sentence 15, wherein an area of ​​the first surface or the second surface of the body is smaller than an area of ​​a first surface or a second surface of the sheath.

[0025] Clause 17: The patient support device of clause 16, wherein the body is substantially rectangular and has a length of about 25 inches to 80 inches and a width of about 10 inches to 40 inches.

[0026] Clause 18: The patient support device of any one of clauses 1-17, wherein the inflatable envelope comprises a first layer connected to the second surface of the body and a second layer connected to the first layer and defining the inflatable cavity, and wherein the plurality of perforations extend through the second layer.

[0027] Sentence 19: The patient support device of sentence 18, wherein the first layer and / or the second layer comprise a synthetic polymer comprising nylon, polyethylene, or polypropylene.

[0028] Sentence 20: The patient support device of any one of Sentences 1 to 19, wherein the plurality of perforations are provided on a central longitudinal strip extending across a lower surface of the sheath and on at least one separate additional longitudinal strip extending across the lower surface of the sheath, wherein a width of the central longitudinal strip is greater than a width of the at least one additional longitudinal strip that is narrower than the central strip.

[0029] Clause 21: The patient support device of any one of clauses 1 to 20, wherein the plurality of perforations are provided as a first longitudinal strip, a second longitudinal strip separate from the first strip and extending along a central longitudinal axis of the sheath, and a third longitudinal strip separate from the first strip and the second strip.

[0030] Sentence 22: The patient support device of any one of Sentences 1 to 21, further comprising at least one inlet tube in fluid communication with the inflatable cavity for providing the pressurized gas to the inflatable cavity.

[0031] Clause 23: The patient support device of any one of clauses 1 to 22, wherein the at least one lower bolster comprises a thoracic bolster positioned proximate a thoracic region (e.g., upper back and / or shoulders) of the patient and a coccyx bolster positioned proximate a coccyx region (e.g., tailbone or buttocks) of the patient.

[0032] Sentence 24: The patient support device according to sentence 23, wherein the thoracic pad and / or the coccyx pad has an elongated shape having a longitudinal axis that is substantially transverse to a longitudinal axis of the body and the sheath.

[0033] Clause 25: The patient support device according to clause 23 or clause 24, wherein the coccyx pad has a trapezoidal shape with its long side positioned near the thoracic pad and its short side positioned near the peripheral edge of the body.

[0034] Sentence 26: The patient support device of any one of Sentences 1 to 25, wherein the at least one lower pad has a thickness of about 0.25 inches to about 1.0 inches.

[0035] Clause 27: The patient support device according to any one of clauses 1 to 26, wherein the at least one lower pad is thinner than the body.

[0036] Clause 28: The patient support device according to any one of clauses 1 to 27, wherein the surgical procedure is a procedure performed on the patient in a Trendelenburg or reverse Trendelenburg position.

[0037] Clause 29: A patient support and lateral transport system comprising: the patient support device of any one of clauses 1 to 28, further comprising an inlet tube in fluid communication with the envelope lumen; and a blower connected to the inlet tube for providing the pressurized gas through the inlet tube to the inflatable envelope lumen.

[0038] Set 30: A patient support device for positioning a patient on an operating table during a surgical procedure and for lateral transfer of the patient, the support device comprising: a viscoelastic foam body comprising a substantially flat first surface configured to contact the patient, an opposing substantially flat second surface, and a peripheral edge extending therebetween; an inflatable envelope connected to the second surface of the body and defining an inflatable cavity configured to receive a pressurized gas, the envelope including a plurality of perforations extending through a portion of the envelope positioned to allow the pressurized gas from the cavity to flow through the perforations toward the operating table.

[0039] Sentence 31: The patient support device according to sentence 30, wherein the pressurized gas flowing through the perforations reduces friction between the patient support device and a surface of the operating table, thereby allowing the patient support device to slide more easily over the surface of the operating table than if the pressurized gas is not provided into the inflatable cavity.

[0040] Clause 32: The patient support device of clause 30 or 31, wherein the inflatable envelope comprises a first layer connected to the second surface of the body and a second layer connected to the first layer and defining the inflatable cavity, and wherein the plurality of perforations extend through the second layer.

[0041] Clause 33: The patient support device of clause 32, wherein the second layer comprises an outwardly facing surface configured to contact the operating table.

[0042] Clause 34: The patient support device of clause 32 or clause 33, wherein the first layer and / or the second layer comprise a synthetic polymer comprising nylon, polyethylene, or polypropylene.

[0043] Clause 35: The patient support device of any one of clauses 30 to 34, wherein the plurality of perforations are provided on a central longitudinal strip extending across a lower surface of the sheath and on at least one separate additional longitudinal strip extending across the lower surface of the sheath, wherein a width of the central longitudinal strip is greater than a width of the at least one additional longitudinal strip that is narrower than the central strip.

[0044] Set 36: The patient support device of any one of sets 30 to 35, wherein the plurality of perforations are provided as a first longitudinal strip, a second longitudinal strip separate from the first strip and extending along a central longitudinal axis of the sheath, and a third longitudinal strip separate from the first strip and the second strip.

[0045] Clause 37: The patient support device of any one of clauses 30 to 36, further comprising at least one inlet tube in fluid communication with the inflatable cavity for providing the pressurized gas to the inflatable cavity.

[0046] Clause 38: The patient support device of any one of clauses 30 to 37, wherein the surgical procedure is a procedure performed on the patient in a Trendelenburg or reverse Trendelenburg position. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] These and other features and characteristics of the present disclosure, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the related elements of structures, and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent from the following description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, in which like reference numerals designate like parts throughout the several figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for purposes of illustration and description only and are not to be considered as defining the limits of the invention. Fig. 1A is a perspective view of a patient support device in a deflated state according to one aspect of the disclosure; Fig. 1B is another perspective view of the patient support device of Fig. 1A in an inflated state according to one aspect of the disclosure; Fig. 1C is a plan view of the patient support device of Fig. 1A; Fig. 1D is a bottom view of the patient support device of Fig. 1A; Fig. 2A is a plan view of an inflatable envelope of a patient support device according to one aspect of the disclosure; Fig. Figure 2B is a bottom view of the inflatable shell of Fig. 2A; Fig. 2C is a system for inflating the patient support device of Fig. 2A according to one aspect of the revelation; Fig. 3 is a bottom view of another example of a patient support device according to an aspect of the present disclosure; Fig. 4A is a schematic drawing of a top view of another example of a patient support device according to an aspect of the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 4B is a schematic drawing of a bottom view of the patient support device of Fig. 4A; Fig. Figure 4C is a schematic drawing of a top view of the patient support device of Fig. 4A, with the top pad removed and showing portions of the device to which adhesive is applied; Fig. Figure 4D is a schematic drawing of a bottom view of the patient support device of Fig. 4A, with the lower pad removed and an area on the bottom of the device to which adhesive is applied is shown; Fig. 5A is a schematic drawing of a top view of another example of a patient support device with the upper cushion removed according to an aspect of the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 5B is another schematic drawing of a top view of the patient support device of Fig. 5A, wherein the upper pad is attached to a top surface of the device; Fig. 5C is a schematic drawing of another example of a patient support device including an elongated axial slot according to one aspect of the disclosure; Fig. Figure 5D is another schematic drawing of the patient support device from Fig. 5C; Fig. 6A is a perspective view of the patient support device of Fig. 4A in an inflated state according to one aspect of the present disclosure; Fig. 6B is another perspective view of the patient support device of Fig. 4A, showing the support device in a deflated state and with a patient lying on the patient support device; Fig. Figure 6C is a side view of the patient support device and the patient from Fig. 6B, showing the patient in the Trendelenburg position; Fig. Figure 6D is a perspective view of the patient and the patient support device of Fig. 6B, wherein the patient support device is in an inflated state and caregivers are shown transferring the patient from one surface to another surface; Fig. Figure 7A is a perspective view of the bottom of the patient support device of Fig. 4A in a deflated state; and Fig. 7B is a perspective view of the bottom view of the patient support device of Fig. 4A in an inflated state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" encompass multiple references unless the context clearly requires otherwise. For the purposes of this specification, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers denoting quantities of ingredients, reaction conditions, dimensions, physical properties, etc., in the specification and claims are to be understood as modified by the term "about."

[0049] As used herein, the terms "right," "left," "top," and derivatives thereof refer to the invention as it is oriented in the drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is capable of taking various alternative orientations and such terms are not to be considered limiting. It is also to be understood that the invention is capable of taking various alternative variations and sequences of stages unless expressly stated otherwise. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and methods illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the following description are examples. Therefore, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered limiting. Patient support device and system

[0050] The Fig. 1A-2B illustrate a patient support device 10 for positioning a patient on an operating table during a surgical procedure and for lateral transfer of the patient. For example, the patient support device 10 may be configured to support the patient during surgical procedures, including, for example, gynecological procedures, colorectal procedures, urological procedures, laparoscopic procedures, or robot-assisted procedures. In some examples, the patient support device 10 may be used to support a patient in the Trendelenburg or reverse Trendelenburg position, with the operating table positioned at an angle of about 10 degrees to about 45 degrees, or preferably from about 15 degrees to about 30 degrees.

[0051] The patient support device 10 is configured to switch between a deflated state (in Fig. 1A) and an inflated state (in Fig. 1B) to facilitate lateral patient transfer. In particular, the patient support device 10 can be inflated and used to assist caregivers in moving and repositioning obese patients and patients with a high BMI. The patient support device 10 can also be used for lateral patient transfer in medical facilities that have implemented a no-lift policy.

[0052] As used herein, a "lateral patient transfer" may refer to efforts to move the patient laterally, for example, from the operating table to another bed, stretcher, couch, or other member that is approximately the same height as the operating table. More specifically, the patient support device 10, as described herein, includes an air assist or positive pressure system in which pressurized gas, such as compressed gas or compressed air, is provided by a blower 52 (in Fig. 2C) (e.g., a Shop-Vac® vacuum, other vacuum pump, or positive pressure displacement device) is used to reduce friction between the patient support 10 and the operating table so that the patient support 10 can more easily slide laterally from the operating table onto the bed, stretcher, couch, or similar support. In other examples, pressurized gas may be provided from a sealed canister or container containing a sufficient volume of pressurized gas (e.g., nitrogen, oxygen, or air) to inflate the patient support 10.

[0053] As in the Fig. 1A-2B, the patient support device 10 includes a foam body 12, such as a viscoelastic foam body, having a substantially flat first or upper surface 14 configured to contact the patient, an opposing, substantially flat second or lower surface 16, and a peripheral edge 18 extending therebetween. In some embodiments, the body 12 may include a foam cushion (e.g., an open-cell or closed-cell foam) having a length sufficient to extend from at least the patient's thighs to at least the patient's shoulders to support the patient's torso. For example, the body 12 may be about 25 inches to about 80 inches long, about 10 inches to 40 inches wide, and about 0.5 inches to about 3.0 inches thick, or about 1.5 inches thick.Alternatively, in some examples, the body 12 may be a full-length cushion (e.g., about 60 inches to about 80 inches long) that extends the entire length of the operating table and / or is long enough to support the entire body of the patient.

[0054] The patient support device 10 further includes an inflatable lifting element or envelope 20 connected to the underside 16 of the body 12 and defining an inflatable cavity configured to contain a pressurized gas. The envelope 20 may further include perforations 22 (shown in Fig. 1D and Fig. 2B), such as holes, openings, slots, gaps, or other spaces or gaps extending through a portion of the envelope 20 and positioned to allow pressurized gas to flow from the cavity through the perforations 22 to the operating table. In particular, the pressurized gas flowing through the perforations 22 can exert sufficient force on the operating table to reduce friction between the patient support device 10 and the surface of the operating table, thereby allowing the patient support device 10 to slide more easily across the surface of the operating table than if the pressurized gas were not provided into the inflatable cavity of the envelope 20. The inflatable envelope 20 provides a hovercraft or air hockey-like action and facilitates lateral patient transport.

[0055] With continued reference to the Fig. 1A-2B, in some examples, the inflatable envelope 20 includes a first or upper layer 24 connected to the lower surface 16 of the body 12, and a second or lower layer 26 attached to the upper layer 24. The layers 24, 26 may be made of various substantially airtight materials as known in the art, such as fabrics including nylon, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, and other synthetic polymers. The edge portions of the layers 24, 26 may be joined together by sewing, gluing, laminating, or other bonding to form the inflatable cavity configured to contain the pressurized gas.

[0056] As shown in the figures, the perforations 22 extend through the lower layer 26. The perforations 22 can be provided on the bottom of the inflatable envelope 20 in a variety of configurations and arrangements to facilitate the movement of the patient support device 10 and the patient. Fig. 1D and Fig. 2B, some of the perforations 22 are provided in a central longitudinal strip 28 that extends across a lower surface of the sleeve 20. Additional perforations 22 are provided on separate additional longitudinal strips 30 that extend across the lower surface of the sleeve 20. In some examples, the central longitudinal strip 28 may be wider than each of the additional longitudinal strips 30. For example, the central longitudinal strip 28 may be about 8 to 10 inches or about 9 inches wide. In contrast, the additional longitudinal strips 30 may be about 1 inch to 3 inches or about 1.5 inches wide. The additional longitudinal strips 30 may be spaced from the central longitudinal strip 28 by a distance of about 2 inches to 5 inches or about 4 inches.

[0057] The patient support device 10 also includes one or more lower pads 32, 34 made of foam, such as a viscoelastic foam, and connected to the inflatable envelope 20. The lower pads 32, 34 may be connected to the lower layer 26, for example, by a suitable adhesive, staples, or other conventional fasteners. The lower pads 32, 34 are configured to contact a surface of the operating table to hold the patient support device 10 against the operating table. In particular, the lower pads 32, 34 may include an outwardly facing surface configured to contact the operating table when the envelope 20 is partially or fully deflated, thereby securing the patient support device 10 to the operating table. Thus, the lower pads 32, 34 may be made of a sticky material (e.g.,a material with a high coefficient of friction) that prevents sliding on the surface of the operating table. As shown in the figures, the lower pad(s) 32, 34 do not cover the entire surface of the bottom layer 26 of the inflatable overall envelope 20. Instead, the total area and / or volume of the lower pad(s) 32, 34 can be substantially smaller (e.g., 50%, 25%, or 10% less) than the total area and / or volume of the viscoelastic foam body 12. In some examples, the lower pads 32, 34 are positioned at portions of the patient support device 10 that are expected to support a substantial portion of the patient's weight and / or be compressed against the operating table due to the patient's weight.

[0058] As in Fig. 1D, in some examples, one of the lower bolsters 32, 34 is a thorax bolster 32 positioned to be proximal to a thorax, upper back, and / or shoulder region of the patient when the patient rests on the foam body 12 of the patient support device 10. The patient support device 10 also includes a coccyx bolster 34 positioned to be proximal to a coccyx region (e.g., tailbone or buttocks) of the patient. The thorax bolster 32 may have an elongated shape, such as a rectangle or oval, with a longitudinal axis substantially transverse to a longitudinal axis of the body 12 and the sleeve 20. The coccyx bolster 34 may also have an elongated shape, such as a rectangle or oval, as well as any other suitable shape, such as a circle, square, polygon, diamond, or parallelogram.In other examples, the rump pad 34 may be trapezoidal in shape, having a long side positioned near the thorax pad and a short side near the peripheral edge 18 of the body 12. In some examples, the lower pads 32, 34 may be formed from similar materials as the body 12, such as materials having the same composition, density, or porosity. However, the lower pad(s) 32, 34 may be thinner than the body 12. For example, the lower pad(s) 32, 34 may be about 0.25 inch to about 1.0 inch thick. In contrast, the body 12 may be between 0.5 inch and 1.5 inches thick to provide additional comfort to the patient resting on the foam body 12.

[0059] The patient support device 10 may further include straps 36, 38 for manipulating, moving, sliding, adjusting, and / or supporting the patient support device 10. The patient support device 10 may include, for example, short straps or loop straps 36. The loop straps 36 include ends connected to the body 12 and / or to surfaces of the inflatable envelope 20 to form loops for supporting the patient support device 10. The patient support device 10 may also include one or more extended straps 38 having a first end portion, a second end portion, and an intermediate portion therebetween. The intermediate portion of the extended straps 38 may be attached to a surface of the envelope 20, while the end portions of the extended straps 38 may be free (i.e., not attached to the envelope 20 or the foam body 12).For example, the intermediate portion of the extended straps 38 may be bonded to the sleeve 20 by an adhesive (e.g., glue) and / or sewn to the sleeve 20. The extended straps 38 may be configured to be attached to portions of a surgical table or bed, such as rails, sides, edges, or posts of the surgical table or bed, to help secure the patient support device 10 in a desired position on the table or in the bed. In some examples, the extended straps 38 may include a hook-and-loop fastener (e.g., Velcro®) to attach the extended straps 38 to the table or bed. Alternatively or additionally, the extended straps 38 may include ribbons, buckles, fasteners, or other fasteners known in the art to attach the extended straps 38 to portions of the surgical table or bed.

[0060] The patient support device 10 may also include an inlet tube 40 (in Fig. 2B and Fig. 2C) in fluid communication with the inflatable cavity to provide pressurized gas to the inflatable cavity. The inlet tube 40 may, for example, include a nozzle and / or a check valve for introducing the pressurized gas into the cavity and / or for retaining the pressurized gas within the cavity.

[0061] As previously described, the body 12 and the lower pad(s) 32, 34 are constructed of a viscoelastic foam, often referred to as "memory foam." The viscoelastic foam may be a high-viscosity foam that restricts patient movement or slippage. In some examples, the surface of the foam may have a high coefficient of static friction, adhesiveness, or slip resistance to provide good contact with the patient and the surface of the operating table. Due to these surface properties, the patient may effectively adhere to the patient support device 10, thereby restricting the patient's freedom of movement.

[0062] In some examples, the body 12 and / or the lower cushion(s) 32, 34 may be formed from multiple foam blocks or layers that are glued or laminated together to form the body 12 and / or the cushions 32, 34. The various blocks or layers may be made from the same viscoelastic foam. In other examples, different blocks or layers may be formed from different foams (e.g., viscoelastic or non-viscoelastic foams). For example, the body 12 and / or the cushions 32, 34 may be made from alternating blocks or layers of viscoelastic and non-viscoelastic foam. In other examples, the body 12 and / or the cushions 32, 34 may be made from alternating blocks or layers of closed-cell and open-cell foams.In other examples, the body 12 and / or the cushions 32, 34 may comprise blocks or layers of viscoelastic foam with different properties (e.g., density, absorbency, porosity, softness, stickiness, etc.). In some examples, viscoelastic foams that may be included in the body 12 and the cushions 32, 34 may include the following components and / or exhibit some or all of the following mechanical properties.

[0063] In some examples, the viscoelastic foam comprises a viscoelastic polyurethane foam having a glass transition temperature that is significantly lower than the glass transition temperature for a conventional (non-viscoelastic) foam. For example, the viscoelastic polyurethane foam may have a glass transition temperature of about or above 0°C, or, for example, between about -10°C and about 10°C, or between about -5°C and about 5°C. In contrast, the glass transition temperature for a conventional (non-viscoelastic) foam is about -50°C.

[0064] In some examples, the viscoelastic foam material of the body 12 and the lower pad(s) 32, 34 may have one or more of the following mechanical properties: a ball rebound (ASTM D-3574) of less than 40%, or less than about 20%, or about 0.1% to about 20%, or about 1% to about 10%; a density (ASTM D-3574) of about 1 pcf to about 10 pcf, or about 2 pcf to about 8 pcf, or about 5 pcf to about 6.5 pcf (about 15 kilograms per cubic meter to about 150 kilograms per cubic meter, or about 35 kilograms per cubic meter to about 128 kilograms per cubic meter, or about 83 kilograms per cubic meter to about 103 kilograms per cubic meter); and / or an indentation force deflection (ASTM D-3574) of about 5 lbf (2.25 kg) to about 20 lbf (9 kg), or about 7 lbf (3.1 kg) to about 15 lbf (6.8 kg).The viscoelastic foam of the body 12 and the lower bolster(s) 32, 34 may also have one or more of the following mechanical properties: a compression set (22 hours at 70°C) at a 25 percent compression of less than 0.5 percent (ASTM D-3574); an air flow in the range of 0.3 to 1.0 cubic feet per minute (ASTM D-3574); a tensile strength of about 8 pounds per square inch to about 12 pounds per square inch; and / or a coefficient of static friction of about 0.2 to about 2.5. Examples of viscoelastic foams that may be used with the patient support device 10 of the present disclosure are described, for example, in: U.S. Patent No. 8,464,720; U.S. Patent No. 9,161,876; U.S. Patent No. 9,782,287; and U.S. Patent No. 11,266,525, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0065] In some examples, the viscoelastic foam may be configured so that the patient cannot slip off the foam body 12, even when the operating table and patient support 10 are tilted. Similarly, the viscoelastic foam of the lower pads 32, 34 may also be selected so that the lower pads 32, 34 frictionally engage and / or remain in place with the operating table, preventing the patient support 10 from slipping relative to the operating table, even when the operating table is moved a significant amount (e.g., an angle of approximately 45 degrees).

[0066] In some examples, the viscoelastic foam of the body 12 and / or the lower cushion(s) 32, 34 may be a polyurethane foam (e.g., a foam made by blending polyhydroxypolyol with toluene diisocyanate, polyester polyols, and / or polyether polyols). As previously described, the selected viscoelastic foam may have a coefficient of friction of about 0.2 to about 2.5 to ensure sufficient frictional engagement with the patient and / or the surface of the surgical table. In some examples, the body 12 and the lower cushion(s) 32, 34 may be made of the same viscoelastic foam (e.g., a viscoelastic foam with the same glass transition temperature, density, porosity, coefficient of friction, chemical composition, or other characteristics).In other examples, the lower pad(s) 32, 34 and the body 12 may be made of different viscoelastic foams, such as materials with different glass transition temperatures, porosity, absorption, or density. For example, the viscoelastic foam material of the body 12 may be more absorbent (e.g., moisture-wicking) than the viscoelastic foam material of the lower pads 32, 34 to quickly and easily absorb liquids that accumulate on an outer surface of the foam body 12 and / or on other portions of the patient support device 10. The material of the body 12 may also be less dense than the material of the lower pads 32, 34 to provide good patient comfort. In particular, the body 12 may be made of a less dense (e.g.,The lower pad(s) 32, 34 may be made of a (soft or plush) material that deforms under the patient's weight to form a depression for receiving a portion of the patient's upper body. The lower pad(s) 32, 34, on the other hand, may be made of a denser material that substantially retains its shape when the patient's weight is applied against the patient support 10. The lower pad(s) 32, 34 must not deform in order to maintain good contact with the surface of the operating table so that the patient support 10 can be held on the table. In some examples, the foam body 12 may be formed of an open-cell, viscoelastic foam that is absorbent and easily deformed.In contrast, the lower pad(s) 32, 34 may be formed from a closed-cell foam that is non-absorbent and / or does not significantly deform under the weight of the patient.

[0067] Fig. 2C is a schematic drawing of a patient support and lateral transport system 50 including the patient support device 10 for positioning a patient on an operating table. As previously described, the patient support device 10 includes the inflatable envelope 20. The patient support device 10 may also include the hose 40 connected to an internal cavity of the inflatable envelope 20 for inflating the envelope 20.

[0068] The system 50 further includes the blower 52, which can be connected to the hose 40 to inflate the cavity of the inflatable envelope 20. As previously described, the blower 52 can be, for example, a Shop-Vac® vacuum, another vacuum pump, or a positive pressure displacement device. The blower 52 can be configured to provide pressurized gas to the cavity of the inflatable envelope 20 through the hose 40. The blower 52 can be manually operated by a nurse or physician. For example, the nurse or physician can activate the blower 52 when they are ready to transport a patient. Activating the blower 52 inflates the envelope 20, causing the lower cushions 32, 34 (in Fig. 1D) from the surface (e.g. the operating table). In addition, the air blows through the perforations 22 (in Fig. 1D and Fig. 2B) against the table and creates an air hockey effect, which further reduces the friction between the patient support device 10 and the operating table.

[0069] Fig. 3 shows another example of a patient support device 110 for positioning a patient on an operating table during a surgical procedure and for lateral patient transfer. As in the previous examples, the patient support device 110 includes a viscoelastic foam body 112 that is similar or identical to the foam body 12 of the previous examples. As in previous examples, the foam body 112 includes a substantially flat first or upper surface configured to contact the patient, an opposing, substantially flat second or lower surface 116, and a peripheral edge 118 extending therebetween. The patient support device 110 also includes an inflatable envelope 120, which may be similar or identical to the inflatable envelope 20, as previously described.As in previous examples, the inflatable sleeve 120 is connected to the second or lower surface 116 of the foam body 112. The inflatable sleeve 120 defines an inflatable cavity configured to receive a pressurized gas. The sleeve 120 includes a plurality of perforations 122 extending through a portion of the sleeve and positioned to allow the pressurized gas to flow from the cavity through the perforations 122 to the operating table.

[0070] Unlike the previous examples, the patient support device 110 does not include a bottom cushion, pad, pillow, foam body, or support attached to a floor surface or bottom layer 126 of the inflatable envelope 120. As shown in Fig. 3, the bottom layer or floor layer 126 of the inflatable envelope 120 instead includes an outwardly facing surface 142 configured to directly contact a surface (e.g., the operating table). As previously described, when pressurized air flows through the perforations 122 of the inflatable envelope 120, the outwardly facing surface 142 of the envelope 120 can be slightly lifted from the operating table to assist in moving the patient away from the operating table.

[0071] Fig. 4A-4D show another example of a patient support device 210 that includes many features of the previously described patient support devices 10, 110. In particular, as in the previous examples, the patient support device 210 includes a viscoelastic foam body 212 that is similar or identical to the foam body 12, 112 of the previous examples. As in previous examples, the foam body 212 includes a substantially flat first or upper surface 214 configured to contact the patient, an opposing, substantially flat second or lower surface 216, and a peripheral edge 218 extending therebetween. The patient support device 210 also includes an inflatable envelope 220, which may be similar or identical to the inflatable envelopes 20, 120, as previously described.As in previous examples, the inflatable envelope 220 is connected to the second or bottom surface 216 of the foam body 212. The inflatable envelope 220 defines an inflatable cavity configured to contain a pressurized gas. The envelope 220 includes a plurality of perforations 222 (shown, for example, in FIG. Fig. 4B) extending through a portion of the enclosure 220 and positioned so that the pressurized gas can flow from the cavity through the perforations to the operating table. The patient support device 210 also includes a lower cushion 232, similar to the lower cushions 32, 34 of the previous examples, which is connected to a bottom surface 242 of the enclosure 220.

[0072] The patient support device 210 differs from previous examples by the positioning of the lower cushion 232 and the perforations 222 on the bottom surface 242 of the inflatable envelope 220. For example, as shown in Fig. 4B, the lower cushion 232 is a generally rectangular foam cushion that may also include curved corners. The lower cushion 232 is positioned on a central longitudinal axis X1 of the shell 220 such that a central longitudinal axis of the lower cushion 232 coincides with the axis X1 of the shell 220. As shown in Fig. 4B, the area of ​​the bottom surface 242 of the sleeve 220 including the perforations 222 forms a rectangle or box that encloses or surrounds the lower cushion 232.

[0073] In some examples, the foam body 212 and the lower cushion 232 may be attached to the shell by applying an adhesive to portions of the top surface and bottom surface 242 of the shell 220. Areas 202 (in Fig. 4C and Fig. 4D), in which adhesive can be applied to the shell 220 to attach the body 212 and the lower pad 232 to the shell 220 are shown in Fig. 4C and Fig. 4D shown by gray shapes.

[0074] As previously described, the envelopes 20, 120, 220 of the patient support devices 10, 110, 210 are configured to inflate when transporting a patient. The patient support device 210 is in Fig. 6A and Fig. 7A shown in an empty state. Fig. 6C, Fig. 6D and Fig. 7B are perspective views of the upper portions of the patient support device 210 with the sheath 220 in an inflated state for elevating the patient from the surface (e.g., the operating table). In particular, as shown in Fig. 7A, the lower cushion 232 of the patient support device 210 is positioned above and / or protrudes from the bottom surface 242 of the sheath 220 in the deflated state. As shown in Fig. 7B, when the envelope 220 is inflated, portions of the envelope 220 inflate around the lower cushion 232 such that the lower cushion 232 is recessed relative to other portions of the outer surface 242 of the envelope 220. Due to the positioning of the lower cushion 232, inflation of the envelope 220 causes the lower cushion 232 to lift off and / or break contact with the table surface. Once the lower cushion 232 is lifted off the table surface, the patient support device 210 and patient can slide across the table surface to transfer the patient from one surface to another. Extended patient support devices

[0075] Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B show another example of a patient support device 310, which is an extended length device configured to support the entire body of a patient. As in the previous example, the device 310 includes Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B a foam body 312 (in Fig. 5B) or an upper part for contact with the patient, the inflatable cover 320 and optionally one or more lower cushions (in Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B not shown) for contact with the operating table. The extended patient support device 310 may, for example, have a length L1 of 76 inches (shown in Fig. 5B) to be used on patients up to 76 inches tall. As shown in Fig. 5A and Fig. As shown in Figure 5B, the sleeve 320 may include angled or cutout sections near the front end (i.e., near the position of the patient's head), reducing the overall surface area of ​​the sleeve 320. Reducing the surface area of ​​the sleeve 320 may reduce the overall weight of the patient support device 310 and / or reduce manufacturing costs because less material is required to manufacture the sleeve 320.

[0076] Fig. 5C and Fig. 5D are schematic drawings showing another example of an extended patient support device 310. As in the previous example, the patient support device 310 of the Fig. 5C and Fig. 5D a foam body 312 or a top part for contact with the patient, the inflatable cover 320 and optionally one or more lower cushions (in Fig. 5C and Fig. 5D not shown) for contact with the operating table. As in the previous examples, the extended patient support device 310 is configured to support the entire body of a patient and may, for example, have a length of about 60 to 80 inches or about 76 inches, wherein the patient support device 310 may be configured for use with patients up to about 76 inches tall.

[0077] In contrast to the previous examples, the foam body 312 in Fig. 5C and Fig. 5D includes an axially extending slot 344 extending from an edge of the foam body 312 toward approximately the center of the foam body 312. For example, the slot 344 may be about 20 inches to about 60 inches long, or about 30 inches to 40 inches long, or about 38 inches long. The slot 344 forms or defines a right leg portion 354 of the foam body 312 for supporting the patient's right leg and a left leg portion 356 of the foam body 312 for supporting the patient's left leg. Unlike previous examples, the inflatable envelope 320 may also include multiple separate inflatable cavities or inflatable chambers. For example, the inflatable envelope 320 may include a first or right-side chamber 346 for supporting the patient's right side and a second or left-side chamber 348 for supporting the patient's left side.

[0078] In use, the patient support device 310 may initially be positioned on a surface, such as an operating table, in a deflated state and with the right leg portion 354 proximate the left leg portion 356, as shown in Fig. 5C. The patient can be positioned on the patient support device 310 with his right leg attached to the right leg section 354 and his left leg attached to the left leg section 356. To prepare for a surgical procedure, the physician can position the patient's legs either horizontally (see arrow A1 in Fig. 5C) or vertically (i.e., spreading the patient's legs to access the hips and perineal area). By moving the patient's legs, the right leg section 354 and the first chamber 346 move away from the left leg section 356 and the second chamber 348, allowing better access for surgical procedures. In particular, the inclusion of slots 344 in the patented support device 310 allows the patient's legs to be moved apart during the surgical procedure, significantly increasing the range of motion for joint manipulation, which can allow for a more complete dynamic examination without changing surgical techniques or repositioning the patient.

[0079] When a patient is to be transported from the operating table to another surface, the chambers 346, 347 of the inflatable envelope 320 can be inflated, causing the right leg section 354 to move toward the left leg section 356, as indicated by arrow A2 (in Fig. 5D). Once the inflatable envelope 320 is fully or partially inflated and the patient has been returned to the starting position (with the right leg near the left leg), the physician may slide the patient and patient support device 310 from the operating table to another surface, as described in more detail in connection with the following procedures. Procedures for positioning and transferring patients

[0080] The patient support devices 10, 110, 210, 310 described herein are used to support the patient during the surgical procedure and for lateral patient transfer after the surgical procedure. The following procedures are used for the Fig. 4A-4C. However, it should be understood that similar techniques may be used with any other examples of patient support devices 10, 110, 310 described in the present disclosure.

[0081] When used during a surgical procedure, the patient support device 210 is placed on an operating table 410 in a deflated state (shown in the Fig. 6A and Fig. 7A) and placed with the operating table 410 in a horizontal position such that the outer surface 242 of the cover 220 and the lower or base pad(s) 232 contact the surface of the table 410. A patient 412 and, in some cases, a cover or a lever (in Fig. 6A not shown) are lowered onto the patient support device 210 so that the deflated patient support device 210 is located between the patient 412 and the operating table 410, as in Fig. 6A. The foam body 212 of the patient support device 210 may or may not contact the skin of the patient 412. In some examples, the foam body 212 of the support device 210 may be configured to at least partially conform to the patient's body shape, and in particular, to form indentations under the patient's body weight to maintain the patient's body position on the foam body 212 of the patient support device 210. Furthermore, the foam body 212 may be configured to provide comfort and prevent injuries such as pressure sores, tissue damage, skin breakdown, and muscle damage that can occur when the patient's skin comes into contact with hard, rigid surfaces for extended periods.Once the patient support device 210 and the patient 412 are positioned on the operating table 410, the table 410 can be moved to an angled position in which the patient 412 is in the Trendelenburg position, as shown in FIG. Fig. 6B shown.

[0082] After completion of a surgical procedure and after the operating table 410 has been returned to the horizontal position, the patient support device 210 can be used to move the patient 412 laterally from the operating table 410 to another surface, such as a surface of a bed, stretcher, couch, or other transport device 414. To assist in patient transport, a physician 416 can connect a blower 52, such as a vacuum pump or a positive pressure displacement device, to one end of the inlet hose 40 (shown in the Fig. 2B and Fig. 2C) of the patient support device 210. The physician 416 can actuate the blower 52, which provides pressurized gas through the inlet tube 40 into the cavity of the inflatable envelope 220. The pressurized gas flows through the (in Fig. 4B) perforations 222 of the inflatable envelope 220 and blows against the surface of the operating table 410. The blowing force of the pressurized gas breaks the connection between the lower cushion 232 and the surface of the table 410, thereby lifting the lower cushion 232 from the table surface, thereby reducing the frictional forces between the patient support device 210 and the table 410. The patient support device 210 is in Fig. 6C, Fig. 6D and Fig. 7B in an inflated state. Once the patient support device 210 is inflated, as shown in Fig.6D, the physician 416 and / or other caregivers may slide the patient support device 210 and the patient 412 from the operating table 410 onto the surface of the bed or transport device 414. Once the patient support device 210 and the patient 412 have been safely moved to the new location, the physician may turn off the blower 52 and / or disconnect it from the inlet hose 40 to allow the enclosure 220 to deflate.

[0083] While examples of the patient support device 10, 110, 210, 310 and methods of use of the present disclosure are shown in the accompanying figures and described in detail herein, other examples will be apparent to and can be readily made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description is to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive. The above-described invention is defined by the appended claims, and all modifications of the invention which come within the meaning and range of equivalence of the claims are intended to be embraced within their scope. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 8,464,720

[0064] US 9,161,876

[0064] US 9,782,287

[0064] US 11,266,525

[0064]

Claims

[1] Patient support device for positioning a patient on an operating table during a surgical procedure and for lateral patient transfer, the patient support device comprising: a viscoelastic foam body comprising a substantially flat first surface configured to contact the patient, an opposing substantially flat second surface, and a peripheral edge extending therebetween; an inflatable sleeve connected to the second surface of the body and defining an inflatable cavity configured to receive a pressurized gas, the sleeve including a plurality of perforations extending through a portion of the sleeve positioned to allow the pressurized gas to flow from the cavity through the plurality of perforations toward the operating table; and at least one lower cushion made of viscoelastic foam and connected to the inflatable envelope, the at least one lower cushion including an outwardly facing surface configured to contact the operating table to hold the patient support device to the operating table. [2] The patient support device of claim 1, wherein the pressurized gas flowing through the plurality of perforations reduces friction between the patient support device and a surface of the operating table, thereby allowing the patient support device to slide more easily across the surface of the operating table than if the pressurized gas is not provided into the inflatable cavity. [3] The patient support device of claim 1, further comprising at least one strap for supporting the patient support device, which strap is connected to the body and / or the sheath of the patient support device. [4] Patient support device according to claim 1 further comprising: a plurality of loop straps, each loop strap having opposite ends connected to the body and / or the sheath to form loops for supporting the patient support device; and at least one elongated belt comprising a first end portion, a second end portion and an intermediate portion therebetween, wherein the intermediate portion of the at least one extended strap is attached to the sheath, while the end portions of the at least one extended strap are not connected to the sheath. [5] The patient support device of claim 1, wherein the body has a length sufficient to extend from at least the thighs of the patient to at least the shoulders of the patient to support an upper body of the patient placed on the body. [6] The patient support device of claim 1, wherein the body and the at least one lower cushion comprise the viscoelastic foam comprising at least one polyurethane foam of a polyhydroxy polyol, polyester polyols and / or polyether blended with toluene diisocyanate. [7] The patient support device of claim 1, wherein the viscoelastic foam has a coefficient of friction of about 0.2 to about 2.5 and a glass transition temperature between about -5°C and about 5°C. [8] The patient support device of claim 1, wherein the viscoelastic foam has a density of about 2 pcf to about 8 pcf (about 35 kilograms per cubic meter to about 128 kilograms per cubic meter). [9] The patient support device of claim 1, wherein the body and the at least one lower cushion comprise different types of viscoelastic foams. [10] The patient support device of claim 9, wherein the viscoelastic foam material of the body is more absorbent than the viscoelastic foam material of the at least one lower cushion. [11] The patient support device of claim 10, wherein the viscoelastic foam material of the body is less dense than the material of the at least one lower cushion. [12] The patient support device of claim 1, wherein the body comprises an elongated pad having a length greater than its width, and wherein the body is about 0.5 inches to 3.0 inches, or preferably about 1.5 inches thick. [13] The patient support device of claim 1, wherein the inflatable envelope comprises a first layer connected to the second surface of the body and a second layer connected to the first layer and defining the inflatable cavity, and wherein the plurality of perforations extend through the second layer. [14] The patient support device of claim 13, wherein the first layer and / or the second layer comprise a synthetic polymer comprising nylon, polyethylene or polypropylene. [15] The patient support device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of perforations are provided as a first longitudinal strip, a second longitudinal strip separate from the first strip and extending along a central longitudinal axis of the sheath, and a third longitudinal strip separate from the first strip and the second strip. [16] The patient support device of claim 1, wherein the at least one lower pad is about 0.25 inches to about 1.0 inches thick. [17] The patient support device of claim 1, wherein the at least one lower pad is thinner than the body. [18] The patient support device of claim 1, wherein the surgical procedure is a procedure performed with the patient in a Trendelenburg or reverse Trendelenburg position. [19] Patient system for supporting and lateral transport of patients, comprising: The patient support device of claim 1, further comprising an inlet tube in fluid communication with the lumen of the sheath; and a blower connected to the inlet hose for supplying pressurized gas to the inflatable cavity of the envelope through the inlet hose. [20] A patient support device for positioning a patient on an operating table during a surgical procedure and for lateral patient transfer, the support device comprising: a viscoelastic foam body comprising a substantially flat first surface configured to contact the patient, an opposing substantially flat second surface, and a peripheral edge extending therebetween; and an inflatable sleeve connected to the second surface of the body and defining an inflatable cavity configured to receive a pressurized gas, the sleeve including a plurality of perforations extending through a portion of the sleeve positioned to allow the pressurized gas to flow from the cavity through the plurality of perforations toward the operating table.

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