Patient positioning device for an X-ray imaging facility

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a patient support device for an X-ray imaging device, comprising an X-ray transparent patient support plate for supporting a patient in a longitudinal direction and at least one support device at least partially supporting the patient support plate.

[0002] Variable, adjustable patient support systems are an important tool in surgical procedures. The possibility of intraoperative imaging during such surgical procedures is also becoming increasingly important, which is why patient support systems have already been proposed in which at least the patient support plate is radiolucent, meaning that it attenuates X-rays to such an extent that diagnostically relevant X-ray imaging is also possible through the patient support plate.

[0003] A problem in this context, however, is that many surgical procedures require the patient to be positioned in a specific position on the patient support table. For example, in spinal surgery, the patient is typically operated on in a prone position. Operating tables, such as the so-called Jackson table, are used as patient support devices. With such a patient support device, the patient support table can be "set up" in the middle to accommodate various patient positions, particularly bending in the middle of the body. Such an operating table has a rod system beneath the patient support table, which makes X-ray imaging extremely difficult. Furthermore, the stiffening elements are made of metal, which further hinders X-ray imaging, even to the point of being impossible.This is because metals in the beam path cause strong artifacts, even making the image unrecognizable.

[0004] Beyond the aforementioned example of bending in the midline of the body, other surgical tasks exist for which operating tables have been proposed as patient support devices, in which more than one central pivoting of sub-plates relative to each other is provided. For example, it is known to provide individual sub-plates for each leg to achieve the so-called "lithotomy position." While radiolucent joints for operating tables have already been proposed in the prior art, current multiply foldable or adjustable operating tables are not sufficiently or fully radiolucent for the intended applications.

[0005] From US 2013 / 133137 A1 and US 2006 / 185090 A1, a patient support device is known with an X-ray transparent support plate consisting of two partial plates that can be pivoted relative to one another and a support device assigned to each partial plate, wherein the two support devices are connected to one another.

[0006] From CN 106 361 527 A a patient support device with several partial plates that can be pivoted relative to one another is known.

[0007] From US 2016 / 000621 A1, a patient support device is known comprising several partial plates which can be pivoted relative to one another and which can be controlled by means of an operating unit in the form of, for example, a smartphone or tablet.

[0008] The invention is therefore based on the object of specifying a patient support device as an operating table for surgical procedures, which offers excellent transparency properties for X-ray imaging at least in one operating area.

[0009] To achieve this object, the invention provides a patient support device having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments emerge from the subclaims.

[0010] In a patient support device, in particular an operating table, of the type mentioned above, it is therefore provided that the patient support plate is divided into at least two partial plates, each partial plate being mounted on a support device associated with the partial plate, and each support device having at least one pivot joint for pivoting the partial plates about a transverse axis running horizontally and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0011] The support devices can in particular be support columns. Since it is common practice for modern patient support devices, in particular operating tables, to use a single support device, in particular a single support column, the present invention therefore proposes not only subdividing the patient support plate into sub-plates, but also assigning each of these sub-plates its own support device, on which the corresponding sub-plate is mounted at least pivotably along a transverse axis extending in the transverse direction. According to the invention, it is also provided that each support device has at least one height adjustment device for adjusting the height of the respective sub-plate and one longitudinal adjustment device for longitudinally displacing the respective sub-plate relative to the support device.Of course, more degrees of freedom / adjustment devices are also conceivable, and possibly even additional pivot joints. To simplify the description of the patient support device according to the invention, the height adjustment devices and / or longitudinal adjustment devices are referred to collectively as "adjustment devices" below.

[0012] In addition, the carrier devices are designed to be mobile according to the invention.

[0013] Ultimately, within the scope of the present invention, support devices with their respective sub-plates can be regarded as a type of module of the patient support device, in particular the operating table. The combination of at least two, in some cases expediently at least three, modules then forms the desired function of a fully-fledged operating table, whereby each module can preferably be used flexibly. By positioning and adjusting the individual modules using the pivot joint and, if necessary, the adjustment devices, various common operating positions can be realized. In this case, it was recognized that the operating area or area of the surgical procedure is usually located in the area where sub-plates, which can be adjusted relative to one another, meet.This area in particular is kept free of any obstructions except for the partial plates (and optionally connecting means or the like) by the design according to the invention, specifically of swivel joints, adjustment devices and support devices, so that high-quality X-ray imaging is possible there due to the X-ray transparent design of the patient support plate.

[0014] As already mentioned, and as will be discussed in more detail below, the patient support system according to the invention can be used to create operating tables with various adjustable adjustments by combining different support devices with partial plates. Special patient positions are possible for urology, orthopedics, and gynecology, for example, the so-called lithotomy position. In the specific case of the lithotomy position, two modules can function as leg supports. The advantage of this is that an X-ray-transmissible area of the patient support system from the knee joint to the chest area would be conceivable, especially intraoperatively, without requiring a change in the patient's position.It should already be noted at this point that when at least one longitudinal adjustment device is provided, a uniform, joint movement of the partial plates and thus of the entire patient support plate is also conceivable, thus maintaining the positioning of the patient and, at the same time, repositioning of an area to be imaged can take place in such a way that interfering support devices are no longer located in the area of the X-ray exposure with the X-ray imaging device.

[0015] In other words, it can generally also be formulated that the previous central support device, in particular the support column, of a conventional operating table is divided into at least two support devices, in particular support columns, so that the support devices can be cleverly positioned such that X-ray imaging in relevant areas is not obstructed by the support device. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the support devices are arranged outward in the longitudinal direction, so that a larger space free of support devices exists, particularly in the center of the patient support device.

[0016] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, each support device, in particular at least one foot of the support device, is designed to be so solid that the center of gravity remains above the standing area of the support device up to both end positions of the longitudinal adjustment. Solid here means that the shape, dimensions and mass are selected accordingly. For example, with a larger contact area of the foot on the ground or with contact points that are further apart, a lower mass is sufficient for the center of gravity to remain above the standing area of the support device. Thus, the support devices, in particular their modules, can also be designed to be so stable that their function of supporting the partial plate is guaranteed in every permissible horizontal displacement position, in particular the longitudinal displacement position.In particular, it can be exploited that the support devices, especially their feet, do not have to be made of X-ray-transparent material, and can therefore be constructed accordingly solidly to ensure sufficient stability, and thus stability, for all desired horizontal displacements of the partial plate. Different support devices can also be provided for different locations, for example, less solid support devices for supporting extremities, or more solid support devices for supporting a torso or body. By using less solid support devices in areas of the patient support device where they are sufficient, freedom of movement can be gained in these areas.

[0017] Preferably, the height adjustment device of each support device, in particular designed as a support column, can be designed as a telescopic device and / or the longitudinal adjustment device can have at least one guide rail. A telescopic device is understood here to mean that an inner support part is displaceably mounted in an outer support part such that the height of the support device can be changed by displacing the inner support part out of the outer support part.

[0018] When the support devices are configured as support columns, a particularly cylindrical base can be provided in which a vertically adjustable telescopic column (as the second support part) is displaceably mounted. The preferably rotatably mounted pivot joint, i.e., a particularly rotatably mounted joint device, can be attached to an upper end of the displaceable telescopic column. In a specific embodiment, a longitudinally displaceable rail, to which the partial plate is attached, can be attached to the pivot joint. The guide rail can, for example, be designed in the form of a trapezoidal guide, although other designs are of course also conceivable.

[0019] Particularly advantageously, each swivel joint and / or each adjustment device is assigned a controllable actuator for the respective adjustment, wherein the patient support device further comprises a control device for controlling all actuators. Thus, a controllable actuator system is provided, preferably for all adjustment options, by means of which specific adjustments of the swivel joints and / or adjustment devices and thus of the partial plates can be carried out by means of a control device, for example based on operator inputs and / or stored presets, in order to be able to establish, in particular, predetermined patient positions suitable for surgical interventions. Preferably, therefore, not only the swivel joint is actively controllable, but also the longitudinal displacement of the partial plate, for example on the guide rail, and the height adjustment, for example using a telescopic device.The control device can in particular control a plurality of support devices and / or modules in such a way that all of the controlled support devices or modules coordinate with one another to form a patient support device in a height, shape and position predetermined by the control device.

[0020] The actuators can be implemented in various ways, for example, by a cable pull and / or a pinion in combination with a rack and / or a chain and / or a motor or the like. Corresponding technologies are also already known for the actuators of the swivel joints.

[0021] Advantageous further developments of the present invention may also provide for the adjustment devices and / or pivot joints and / or actuators to be at least partially X-ray transparent, particularly with regard to components that may extend into a potential X-ray imaging area. For example, guide rails, pinions, and / or racks can be easily manufactured from X-ray transparent materials, such as carbon fiber materials and / or carbon fiber composites.

[0022] A practical embodiment of the present invention provides that the control device is designed to at least partially compensate for a distance between the partial plates resulting from pivoting the partial plates by longitudinal displacement and / or height adjustment of the partial plates. For this purpose, the control device can have intelligence implemented via hardware and / or software means, which ultimately ensures, particularly after appropriate selection by the operator, that the partial plates continue to form a substantially continuous patient support plate. It should also be noted at this point that, for reasons of stability and material, it is expedient in this context to design the partial plates sufficiently long and to dispense with any extendability or the like.

[0023] If the patient support plate is divided into two sub-plates in the middle and attached to the two support structures with a corresponding pivot joint, and the patient needs to be angled in the middle of the body, the two sub-plates can be rotated, possibly synchronously, via the pivot joints. This creates a gap between the sub-plates in the middle, which can be compensated for by simultaneously sliding the two sub-plates toward each other.

[0024] Other coordinated movements are also conceivable through the control device or its corresponding intelligence.

[0025] The control device can expediently be designed to receive signals from an operating device that is at least temporarily assigned to the patient support device. The operating device can also be part of the patient support device. In addition to the use of "classic" operating devices, for example, an operating device with mechanical operating elements, for example, comprising switches, buttons, and the like, a particularly advantageous embodiment of the present invention provides that the operating device is a mobile device, in particular a tablet, with a touch display for displaying a manipulable representation of the patient support device.The manipulable display comprises at least a display of the current positions and attitudes of the partial plates, wherein, for example, the position and attitude (orientation) of the displayed partial plates can initially be changed within the manipulable display by certain gestures performed with regard to the displayed partial plates. While this can, on the one hand, directly control the actuators to track the actual position and attitude, it is also conceivable to first define a desired overall setting by manipulating all partial plates or other displayed components of the patient support device, which can then be selected via a specific control element, in particular one belonging to the touchscreen. After selection via the corresponding control element, the actuators are then controlled by the control device to implement the overall setting.It is also conceivable to provide multiple operating modes on the operating device, for example, a direct operating mode and an overall setting operating mode, or even coordination operating modes for the coordinated movement of the sub-plates, as described. Further configurations provided by modern touchscreens are of course also possible within the scope of the present invention, for example, the selection of individual modules from the support device and sub-plate for separate operation and the like. Furthermore, configurations are also conceivable in which the touchscreen is assigned to an operating device permanently associated with the patient support device. If the operating device is configured as a mobile device, the operating functionality can be implemented via the touchscreen, in particular via a software application ("app").

[0026] It should also be noted that the connection between the control device and the operating device can preferably be established wirelessly, whereby basically known communication technologies, for example Bluetooth and / or WLAN, can be used.

[0027] It may also be expedient within the scope of the present invention if basic positions assigned to different types of operation, i.e. types of surgical intervention, are stored in the control device, which are then moved to when the user selects the corresponding basic position. Basic positions are therefore overall settings assigned to specific types of surgical intervention. Once such a basic position has been selected and moved to, it is of course possible to make fine adjustments to a current patient, in particular via the operating device, which can expediently also be used to select the basic position. It should be noted that an automatic selection of a basic position ora suggestion for a basic position can be issued by the control device, for example if the control device is connected to an information system, for example a hospital information system (HIS) and / or a radiology information system (RIS), from which it can be automatically determined which type of surgical procedure should be carried out on which patient.

[0028] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the present invention, it can be provided that the control device is designed for the coordinated control of the adjustment devices for the joint movement of the entire patient support plate in the case of partial plates adjoining one another in a, in particular horizontal, plane. Therefore, if, for example, a patient is to be examined without any special bends, for example in a horizontal position, the procedure can be as usual with such a configuration of the patient support device. For example, overall movements of the patient support plate in the horizontal and / or vertical planes can be enabled. This merely requires the synchronization of the two partial plates or the corresponding adjustment devices via the control device.It should be noted at this point that in this context it is also conceivable to additionally mechanically couple the partial plates if necessary, which can also cover any narrow gap that may exist between partial plates.

[0029] It should also be noted that the patient support device, even if it is preferably designed as an operating table, can of course also be used expediently for examinations of a patient without surgical intervention, in particular when certain positions are already desired for the examination or when examination areas are to be recorded where a support device may be located in conventional patient tables.

[0030] Within the scope of the present invention, it may also be expedient if the pivot joints, which in particular comprise X-ray-opaque material, are arranged longitudinally on the outside in or on the support device. In particular, if the pivot joints comprise X-ray-opaque material and are not intended to be "in the way" of X-ray imaging, it is expedient to position them as far outward as possible on or in the support device in order to keep the central X-ray imaging area as large as possible, preferably free of X-ray-opaque material.

[0031] At least two of the at least two adjacent partial panels can be connected to one another on their mutually facing sides by a connecting means, in particular a detachable and / or flexible and / or expandable, preferably X-ray-transparent connecting means. Within the scope of the present invention, a wide variety of configurations are conceivable, which can be used depending on the primary applications of the patient support device. For example, it is possible to provide detachable connecting means between adjacent partial panels. For example, such detachable connecting means can bring about a firm mechanical coupling, for example in a desired, fixed position of the partial panels relative to one another, in particular in the case of partial panels that are horizontally aligned like a conventional patient support panel and adjoin one another in a plane, as already discussed above.If the partial panels are to be pivoted relative to one another, the detachable connecting means can then be removed and the corresponding pivot adjustment can be carried out. A flexible and / or expandable coupling of the partial panels to one another can also bring advantages if a corresponding flexible and / or expandable connecting means is provided. Such a flexible and / or expandable connecting means between the partial panels can be left on the respective partial panels even if the partial panels are pivoted relative to one another and / or if the partial panels are otherwise at least slightly spaced apart from one another. This generally covers any resulting slot, thus preventing the patient from becoming trapped.

[0032] Furthermore, a design is also conceivable in which a fixed and / or flexible / extensible coupling is established by the connecting means as needed, in particular when the partial plates approach one another to below a threshold value for the distance. For example, in such a case, the connecting means can comprise magnetic connectors which preferably connect in a defined manner, for example through a corresponding surface profiling / guide structure, and establish the coupling. The magnetic connectors can be fastened to the sides of the partial plates, for example by elastic fastening means, for example by springs or the like. A joint body, which is to be arranged in particular centrally and, for example, is cylindrical and / or spherical, can be provided for a defined mobility of the magnetic connectors relative to the sides of the partial plates.

[0033] In an expedient further development, it can also be provided that for at least two of the at least two adjacent partial panels, at least one of the facing surfaces of the partial panels and / or connecting means has at least one guide projection engaging in a corresponding guide recess in the other surface and allowing an angular position of the partial panels relative to one another upon engagement. In such a case, it can therefore be provided that partial panels of a module are designed in the longitudinal direction such that a first partial panel can be leaned against a partial panel of an adjacent module in order to achieve greater static certainty and thus also greater stability. The connection of the partial panels can be realized in particular by a counter-identical design of elevations and recesses.In this context, it is particularly preferred if the at least one guide projection is partially spherical or partially cylindrical. The spherical or circular geometry allows the partial plates to be brought together at any angle of engagement while simultaneously preventing slipping against each other. It should be noted in this context that it may also be expedient for at least one of the surfaces adjacent to the guide projection and / or the guide recess to be recessed perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction and / or to provide space for the partial plates to tilt relative to each other.

[0034] As already explained in the introduction, it is particularly expedient within the scope of the present invention if the patient support plate is divided centrally into two sub-plates. This ultimately makes it possible to create a functionally equivalent replacement for the aforementioned patient support devices, in particular operating tables, based on the Jackson principle.

[0035] Alternative configurations to the use of two modules and a central division of the patient support plate can, for example, provide for the patient support device to have at least three sub-plates and / or for at least two sub-plates, each assigned to a leg, to follow one another in the transverse direction. The latter configuration makes it possible, for example, to achieve the so-called lithotomy position. It should be noted that, particularly in this context, it can be advantageous to provide a pivot joint for at least the sub-plates assigned to each leg, allowing pivoting about a vertical axis.

[0036] It is particularly advantageous within the scope of the present invention if all or groups of support devices are of identical construction. For example, identical support devices can be provided for higher load-bearing capacity and mechanical stress on the one hand, and for lower load-bearing capacity and mechanical stress on the other. In this way, a kind of modular principle is realized in which sub-panels of different designs, for example, different lengths and / or widths, can be attached to support devices, allowing different configurations of modules and thus different patient support devices to be constructed by the same collective. This brings advantages in the production and variability of the patient support devices.

[0037] Furthermore, within the scope of the present invention, it is also conceivable for the mobile support devices to have wheels. This not only facilitates the positioning of the patient support device in the room, but also allows for the flexible combination of different modules to create different specific patient support devices. Actuators, such as motors, can also be assigned to such wheels, which can be controlled by the control device.

[0038] The patient support device, in particular the patient table, according to the present invention can be assigned to a specific X-ray imaging device or form part of an X-ray imaging device. The X-ray imaging device is particularly advantageously an X-ray device with a C-arm, on which an X-ray emitter and an X-ray detector are arranged opposite each other. X-ray devices with such C-arms have the advantage that a wide variety of suitable imaging geometries can be selected. Furthermore, it is possible to at least partially traverse a gap existing between support devices with the C-arm, for example, and to ideally utilize the X-ray imaging area provided by the special design of the patient support device according to the invention.The control device of the X-ray device can, in particular, also be designed to control actuators of the patient support device, thus serving as a control device for the patient support device. Furthermore, an operating device of the X-ray imaging device can also be provided in addition to operating the patient support device, as described.

[0039] Further advantages and details of the present invention will become apparent from the exemplary embodiments described below and from the drawings. These show: Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a patient support device according to the invention with three modules, Fig. 2 shows a second embodiment of a patient support device according to the invention with two modules, Fig. 3 shows a side view of a module of a patient support device according to the invention, Fig. 4 shows a cross-sectional view through the module of the Fig. 3, Fig. 5 a first possible overall setting of the first embodiment, Fig. 6 a second possible overall setting of the first embodiment, Fig. 7 a third possible overall setting of the first embodiment, Fig. 8 a schematic diagram of a third embodiment of the patient support device according to the invention in a first overall setting, Fig. 9 a schematic diagram of the third embodiment in a second overall setting, Fig. 10 a plan view of a fourth embodiment of the patient support device according to the invention, Fig. 11 a foot-side view of the fourth embodiment, Fig. 12 a first possible embodiment of connecting means in a first state, Fig. 13 the first possible embodiment of the connecting means in a second state, Fig. 14 the first possible embodiment of the connecting means in a third state, Fig. 15 a second possible embodiment of connecting means, Fig.16 a design of surfaces of adjacent partial plates, Fig. 17 an explanation of the stabilization through the design of the . Fig. 16 , Fig. 18 a first possible representation on a touchscreen of an operating device, Fig. 19 a second possible representation on the touchscreen, Fig. 20 a third possible representation on the touchscreen, and Fig. 21 a fourth possible representation on the touchscreen.

[0040] Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a first embodiment of a patient support device 1 according to the invention, which in this case consists of three modules 2, each comprising a support device 3, here a support column, and a partial plate 4. The partial plates 4 together form a patient support plate 5. At least the support devices are all structurally identical.

[0041] Fig. 2shows a further, second embodiment of a patient support device 6 according to the invention, which in this case has only two modules 2, whose partial panels 4 are of the same size, so that this can therefore be understood as a centrally divided patient support panel 5. Due to the identical support devices, both (and further) embodiments can be created from the same collective.

[0042] The structure of Module 2 is shown Fig. 3more precisely. The support devices 4, which are designed here as support columns, are designed identically for all partial plates 4 of all exemplary embodiments, which means that any partial plates 4 can be placed on a support device 3 in order to create various types of patient support devices. The support devices 3 each have a foot 7 which is designed so solid that the module 2 does not tip over even with maximum longitudinal displacement in the longitudinal direction 8 of the partial plate 4. Wheels 9, which can be locked by corresponding locking devices, allow the module 2 to be moved, as indicated by the arrow 10. An actuator, for example comprising a drive motor, can be assigned to the wheels 9 in order to also enable automatic movement controlled by a control device, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0043] The base 7 supports a telescopic device 11, which comprises an outer telescopic column 12 (as the first support part), in which an inner telescopic column 13 (as the second support part) is mounted so as to be adjustable in the vertical direction 14. The adjustment in the horizontal direction 14, i.e., the height adjustment, is also carried out by means of an actuator not shown in detail here. The telescopic device 11 thus functions as a height adjustment device.

[0044] A further component 16 is attached to the inner telescopic column 13 via a pivot joint 15. As indicated by arrow 17, the pivot joint 15 allows pivoting about a transverse axis perpendicular to the horizontal direction 14 and the longitudinal direction 8 in a transverse direction perpendicular to the plane of the drawing. The pivot joint 15 can also be operated via a controllable actuator.

[0045] A guide rail 18 is arranged on the component 16 as part of a longitudinal adjustment device, which, as Fig. 4 can be seen, is trapezoidal in cross-section and engages in a corresponding receiving rail 19 on the partial plate 4, wherein the longitudinal adjustment device thus formed also has an associated controllable actuator, not shown in detail here. Fig. 4 also shows the transverse axis 20 of the swivel joint 15.

[0046] In other embodiments, additional adjustment options / actuators can also be implemented. The partial plates 4 are X-ray transparent, and at least parts of the support devices 3 can also be X-ray transparent, for example, by using carbon and / or glass fiber composites (e.g., GRP, PEEK, etc.). Such materials can also be used for the partial plates 4 and optional connecting means described below.

[0047] The actuators of the respective modules 2 are controlled by a common control device (not shown in detail here), to which an operating device can be assigned at least temporarily. The control device and the operating device can belong to the patient support device 1, 6 itself, but can also be implemented as part of an X-ray imaging device with which X-ray imaging is to be carried out during a surgical procedure. As will be explained in more detail below, an operating device having a touchscreen is particularly preferably used. Basic positions for various surgical procedures can also be stored in the control device, which can be called up by the user, whereupon the control device controls the actuators to establish these basic positions.

[0048] Fig. 5shows, using the example of the patient support device 1, a first possible overall setting for a surgical procedure (or any other examination of a patient 21). The partial plates 4 of the outer modules 2 are visibly tilted by means of the pivot joints 15, while the middle partial plate 4 remains flat. The support devices 3 of the middle and the Fig. 6 left module 2 are clearly moved completely outwards in the longitudinal direction 8 by means of the longitudinal adjustment device and / or the wheels 9, so that an extremely large X-ray imaging area 22 is produced, which can be used by an X-ray imaging device 23.

[0049] The X-ray imaging device 23 in the present case is an X-ray device with a C-arm 24 (only indicated here), on which an X-ray emitter 25 and an X-ray detector 26 are arranged opposite each other. Since essentially only the X-ray-transparent partial plates 4 are located in the X-ray imaging area 22, the X-ray radiation indicated by the arrows 27 can penetrate them without any problems, enabling high-quality X-ray imaging.

[0050] The Figures 6 and 7 show further possibilities for overall settings of the patient support device 1. As can be seen in particular from the Figures 6 and 7 As can be seen, X-ray imaging areas 22 can be created in a very flexible manner at different positions.

[0051] Fig. 8shows a schematic diagram of a further, third embodiment of a patient support device 28 according to the invention. In this case, this device has two fixed support devices 3 designed as support columns, on which the pivot joints 15 are arranged outwardly in the longitudinal direction 8. The patient support plate 5 is divided into two equally sized, but, as can be seen from the comparison with the patient 21, elongated partial plates 4. In addition, the control device 29 for controlling the respective actuators is also shown, at least schematically, in this schematic diagram.

[0052] In Fig. 8Both partial plates 4 lie adjacent to one another in the same horizontal plane. The patient support device 28 can be used here like a normal operating table by operating the height adjustment devices and the longitudinal adjustment devices of the modules 2 synchronously, which means that the partial plates 4 move like a coherent, overall patient support plate 5. Optional detachable connecting means 30 can connect and release the partial plates 4 when the partial plates 4 are to be pivoted, for example, by means of the pivot joints 15, as shown in Fig. 9 is shown.

[0053] There, the detachable connecting element 30, which acts as a coupling, has been removed and replaced with a flexible, expandable connecting element 31. The pivot joints 15 are controlled by the control device 29 to pivot the partial plates 4 upwardly in the center; simultaneously, the control device 29 compensates for the distance resulting from the pivoting (arrow 33) by longitudinal displacement according to arrow 32. Thus, as with operating tables based on the Jackson principle, an ideal position of the patient 21 is possible for spinal surgery, while also enabling excellent imaging in the central X-ray imaging area 22.

[0054] Fig. 10 shows a plan view of a further, fourth embodiment of a patient support device 35 according to the invention. This again comprises three partial plates 4, but two of the partial plates 4, each provided for one leg, follow one another in the transverse direction 34. Fig. 11 shows a view of the patient support device 35 from the foot side, wherein the legs 36 are clearly supported on the partial plates 4, which are positioned higher here, of the modules 2 which follow one another in the transverse direction 34, and the torso of the patient 21 is supported on the module 2 which follows in the longitudinal direction 8. A lithotomy position can clearly be achieved.

[0055] It should be noted that in the patient support device 35 according to the fourth embodiment, a lateral pivoting can also be realized for at least the partial plates 4 assigned to the legs 36, for example by means of a corresponding rotary joint.

[0056] The Figures 12 to 14show a possible implementation of a connecting means 37 of two longitudinally adjacent partial plates 4. It can be seen that a magnetic connector 39 is attached to the mutually facing surfaces of the partial plates 4 via elastic fastening means 38, here springs. If, as in Fig. 13 As shown, the magnetic connectors 39 are attached to each other, their surface profiling ensures that they can only connect to each other in a certain way, with projections sliding into corresponding recesses. Fig. 14 also explains how a pivoting of the partial plates 4 against each other is absorbed by the elastic fastening means 38 and is stabilized and guided by joint bodies 40, which in this case are cylindrical.

[0057] Fig. 15shows a further possibility for the realization of a flexible and expandable connecting means 41 between two partial plates 4 adjacent in the longitudinal direction 8, which is designed like a bellows and can be pulled apart in a correspondingly expandable manner.

[0058] Fig. 16 shows a conceivable possibility, in addition to connecting means, for mutual stabilization of partial panels 4 adjacent in the longitudinal direction 8, wherein one of the corresponding surfaces has a guide projection 42 that can engage in a guide recess 43 of the surface of the other partial panel 4 facing it. The guide projection 42 has a partially circular cross-sectional shape, thus, in particular, is formed as a partial cylinder in the transverse direction. Furthermore, space is provided in the edge regions for the partial panels 4 to tilt relative to one another.

[0059] Fig. 17shows how the engagement of one partial plate 4 in the other partial plate 4 according to arrow 44 stabilizes against gravity, arrow 45, here using the example of the second embodiment.

[0060] Fig. 18 finally shows a possibility for operating the patient support device 1, 6, 28, 35 by means of an operating device 46 with a touchscreen 47, here a tablet 48. The tablet 48 can be connected to the control device 29 via a wireless communication connection.

[0061] According to Fig. 18 A representation 49 of the patient support device 1 is shown. Using the finger of his hand 50, a user can manipulate display elements to make appropriate adjustments to the patient support device 1. In this case, the support device 3 of the middle module is selected according to the arrows 51.

[0062] Fig. 19shows the situation at a later point in time, where it can be seen that thanks to the actuators of the longitudinal adjustment device and the wheels 9, both support devices 3 are now located on the outside, so that a particularly large X-ray imaging area 22 is created.

[0063] The Figures 20 and 21 show the operation of a single module 2, of which a corresponding representation 52 is shown. Here, the finger of hand 50 manipulates the height adjustment device of module 2, which leads to a corresponding height adjustment by the control device 29.

[0064] This intuitive operation clearly shows once again how the X-ray fluoroscopy capability of the respective patient positioning device 1, 6, 28, 35 designed as an operating table can be adapted to the existing requirements at any time, even intraoperatively, after, see in particular the Figures 18 and 19, the actuators can be controlled in such a way that the positioning of the patient does not change, but the relative position of the support devices 3. As the exemplary embodiments have also shown, the modular operating table shown here provides X-ray transparency at movable points, i.e. where the partial plates 4 meet one another, at which mechanical components, in particular the pivot joint 15, are arranged in conventional operating tables.

[0065] While conventional implementations of adjustable operating tables incorporate a great deal of mechanical equipment, for example to enable the patient support plate 5 to bend and at the same time to ensure the stability of the folded operating table, the assembly of partial plates 4 provided here on support devices 3 that operate synchronously at times and communicate via the control device 29 is capable of ensuring a jointless patient support plate 5 with bending capability, so that the patient 21 is more easily accessible for diagnostic imaging procedures, in this case X-ray imaging.

[0066] Although the invention has been illustrated and described in detail by the preferred embodiment, the invention is not limited to the disclosed examples and other variations may be derived therefrom by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. Patient positioning device (1, 6, 28, 35) for an x-ray imaging device (23), comprising an x-ray-transparent patient positioning board (5) for positioning a patient (21) in a longitudinal direction (8), and at least one carrier device (3) at least partially supporting the patient positioning board (5), wherein - the patient positioning board (5) is divided into at least two partial boards (4), wherein each partial board (4) is mounted on a carrier device (3) assigned to the partial board (4), - each carrier device (3) has at least one pivot joint for pivoting the partial boards (4) about a transverse axis (20) which extends horizontally and in particular perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction (8), - each carrier device (3) has at least one height adjustment device for height adjustment of the partial board (4) relative to the carrier device; characterised in that each carrier device (3) has a longitudinal adjustment device for longitudinal displacement of the partial board relative to the carrier device, that the carrier devices (3) are designed to be mobile, and that the carrier devices are designed as modules which are independent of one another with their respective partial boards and can be inserted in a flexible manner, and these modules can be assembled with various specific patient positioning devices.

2. Patient positioning device (1, 6, 28, 35) according to claim 1, characterised in that each carrier device (3), in particular at least a foot (7) of the carrier device (3), is massively designed such that even at both end positions of the longitudinal adjustment the centre of gravity remains above the footprint of the carrier device (3), and / or the height adjustment device of each carrier device (3), designed as a support column in particular, is designed as a telescopic device (11), and / or the longitudinal adjustment has at least one guide rail (18, 19).

3. Patient positioning device (1, 6, 28, 35) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that each pivot joint and / or each adjustment device is assigned a triggerable actuator for respective adjustment, wherein the patient positioning device (1, 6, 28, 35) also has a control device (29) for triggering all actuators.

4. Patient positioning device (1, 6, 28, 35) according to claim 3, characterised in that the control device (29) is designed to compensate at least partially for a separation between the partial boards (4), caused by pivoting of the partial boards (4), by means of longitudinal displacement and / or height adjustment of the partial boards (4).

5. Patient positioning device (1, 6, 28, 35) according claim 3 or 4, characterised in that the control device (29) is designed to receive signals from an operating device which is assigned to a patient positioning device (1, 6, 28, 35) at least at certain times, and / or that basic arrangements assigned to different types of operation are stored in the control device (29) and then implemented when the corresponding basic arrangement is selected by a user.

6. Patient positioning device (1, 6, 28, 35) according to claim 5, characterised in that the operating device (46) is a mobile device, in particular a tablet (48), having a touch screen (47) for displaying a manipulatable representation (49, 52) of the patient positioning device (1, 6, 28, 35).

7. Patient positioning device (1, 6, 28, 35) according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterised in that in the case of partial boards (4) which abut each other in a plane, in particular a horizontal plane, the control device (29) is designed to trigger the adjustment devices in a coordinated manner in order to achieve overall movement of the complete patient positioning board (5).

8. Patient positioning device (1, 6, 28, 35) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the pivot joints, which comprise x-ray-opaque material in particular, are arranged at the outside in a longitudinal direction (8), in or on the carrier device (3).

9. Patient positioning device (1, 6, 28, 35) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least two of the at least two adjacent partial boards (4) are interconnected on their facing sides by a connecting means (30, 31, 37, 41) which is in particular detachable and / or flexible and / or stretchable.

10. Patient positioning device (1, 6, 28, 35) according to claim 9, characterised in that a magnetic connector (39) is fastened in each case via elastic fastening means (38) to the respective facing surfaces of the partial boards (4).

11. Patient positioning device (1, 6, 28, 35) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that for at least two of the at least two adjacent partial boards (4), at least one of the facing surfaces of the partial boards (4) and / or connecting means (30, 31, 37, 41) has at least one guide projection (42) which engages into a corresponding guide recess (43) of the other surface and allows an angular arrangement of the partial boards (4) relative to each other when engaged.

12. Patient positioning device (1, 6, 28, 35) according to claim 11, characterised in that the guide projection (42) is partially spherical or partially cylindrical, and / or at least one of the surfaces perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (8) and to the transverse direction (34), and adjacent to the guide projection (42) and / or the guide recess (43), is so designed as to recede and / or allow room for the partial boards (4) to tilt relative to each other.

13. Patient positioning device (1, 6, 28, 35) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the patient positioning board (5) is divided centrally into two partial boards (4).

14. Patient positioning device (1, 6, 28, 35) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that it has at least three partial boards (4) and / or that at least two partial boards (4) assigned in each case to a leg (36) are adjacently disposed in a transverse direction (34).

15. Patient positioning device (1, 6, 28, 35) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that all or groups of the carrier devices (3) are structurally identical.

16. Patient positioning device (1, 6, 28, 35) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the carrier devices (3) have wheels (9).