Alignment system for a patient support apparatus and a medical imaging device of a surgical system

Abstract

A surgical system including a medical imaging device and a patient support apparatus. The medical imaging device has an imaging base extending between a first end and a second end, a drive mechanism to facilitate movement along a floor surface, a guide arranged adjacent to the first end of the imaging base, and an imaging gantry having at least one imaging component. The patient support apparatus includes a deck to support the patient, a foot plate selectively operable between a braced mode abutting the floor surface and a mobile mode arranged for movement along the floor surface, a column coupled between the foot plate and the deck, and a stop to contact the guide during operation in the braced mode to position the medical imaging device in a predetermined arrangement relative to the patient support apparatus.

Description

ALIGNMENT SYSTEM FOR A PATIENT SUPPORT APPARATUS AND A MEDICAL IMAGING DEVICE OF A SURGICAL SYSTEMCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The subject patent application claims priority to and all the benefits of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 525,226 filed on July 6, 2023, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 581,022 filed on September 7, 2023, the disclosures of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] Floor space in operating rooms is at a premium, and many types of surgical procedures may involve the use of various tools, devices, and medical equipment which take up floor space. Depending on the type of surgical procedure being performed (e.g., soft-tissue, orthopedic, etc.), medical equipment may be utilized for monitoring a patient’s vital signs, anesthesia, radiography, or retrieving samples for laboratory tests. Certain types of medical equipment, such as scanners, imagers, microscopes, robots, and the like, may be relatively large and take up floor space nearby the patient, which often crowds the area around the patient and leaves a less than optimal amount of room for medical staff.

[0003] It will be appreciated that patients may be supported in various ways depending on the type of procedure being performed. Certain types of patient support apparatuses are realized as tables that are fixed to the floor of the operating room or to a medical device such as a CT scanner or surgical robot. Some types of patient support apparatuses may be movable, which can be advantageous as the patient support can be moved between operating rooms or within an operating room during a procedure, which can help make efficient use of the available floor space within the operating room by allowing the location of the patient support to be flexible. While the versatility of the location of a mobile patient support helps optimize operating room floor space, stability is an important factor as well, and many conventional mobile patient support apparatuses are not configured to facilitate extensive amounts ofintraoperative patient positioning (e.g., rotation about a vertical axis) due to concerns with tip stability.

[0004] Furthermore, relatively large medical devices such as CT scanners may sometimes need to be moved away from the patient support in order to make room for other types of medical devices or equipment. While mobile CT scanners are known in the art, it can be difficult to ensure proper alignment and operation after intraoperative movement away from the patient support.

[0005] Accordingly, there remains a need in the art for addressing one or more of these deficiencies.SUMMARY

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure includes a surgical system for supporting a patient relative to a floor surface for x-ray imaging, the surgical system including: a medical imaging device to generate image data of the patient, the medical imaging device including an imaging base extending between a first end and a second end, a drive mechanism to facilitate movement along the floor surface, a guide arranged adjacent to the first end of the imaging base, and an imaging gantry having at least one imaging component; and a patient support apparatus including a deck to support the patient, a foot plate selectively operable between a braced mode disposed in abutment with the floor surface and a mobile mode arranged for movement relative to the floor surface, a column coupled between the foot plate and the deck, and a stop arranged to contact the guide of the medical imaging device during operation in the braced mode to position the medical imaging device relative in a predetermined arrangement relative to the patient support apparatus.

[0007] Another general aspect of the present disclosure includes a surgical system for supporting a patient relative to a floor surface for x-ray imaging. The surgical system includes a patient support including a deck to support the patient, and an interface operatively attached to the deck. The system also includes a column having a head to releasably engage the interfaceof the patient support, and a base supporting the head. The system also includes a medical imaging device to generate image data of the patient, the medical imaging device including an imaging base defining a track extending between a first track end and a second track end, and an imaging gantry having at least one imaging component and defining an imaging bore shaped to receive at least a portion of the patient support. The system also includes a rotational support having a seat and a mount supported for rotation relative to the seat about an axis, with the mount operatively attached to the base of the column and supporting the column and the patient support for selective rotation about the axis between a plurality of patient support positions including a longitudinal support position and a lateral support position. The system also includes a foot plate coupled to the seat of the rotational support and selectively operable between a braced mode disposed in abutment with the floor surface, and a mobile mode arranged for movement relative to the floor surface, the foot plate including a contact region arranged to abut the floor surface in the braced mode and defining a longitudinal brace to maintain abutment with the floor surface with the column in the longitudinal support position, and a lateral brace to maintain abutment with the floor surface with the column in the lateral support position.

[0008] Another general aspect of the present disclosure includes a surgical system for supporting a patient relative to a floor surface. The surgical system includes a patient support including a deck to support the patient, and an interface operatively attached to the deck. The system also includes a column having a head to releasably engage the interface of the patient support, and a base supporting the head. The system also includes a rotational support having a seat and a mount supported for rotation relative to the seat about an axis, with the mount operatively attached to the base of the column and supporting the column and the patient support for selective rotation about the axis between a plurality of patient support positions including a longitudinal support position and a lateral support position. The system alsoincludes a foot plate coupled to the seat of the rotational support and selectively operable between a braced mode disposed in abutment with the floor surface, and a mobile mode arranged for movement relative to the floor surface, the foot plate including a contact region arranged to abut the floor surface in the braced mode and defining a longitudinal brace to maintain abutment with the floor surface with the column in the longitudinal support position, and a lateral brace to maintain abutment with the floor surface with the column in the lateral support position.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings.

[0010] Figure 1 is a top perspective view of a surgical system according to the present disclosure including a patient support, a column, a foot plate, and a medical imaging device including an imaging base and an imaging gantry.

[0011] Figure 2A is a top perspective view of the surgical system further including a shuttle and the patient support rotated in a lateral support position.

[0012] Figure 2B is a top perspective view of Figure 2A with the patient support rotated in a longitudinal support position.

[0013] Figure 3A is a top perspective view of the surgical system with the column docked into the shuttle with the foot plate in a mobile mode.

[0014] Figure 3B is a top perspective view of Figure 3A with the shuttle traversed to the right with the foot plate in the mobile mode.

[0015] Figure 4 is an enlarged top perspective view of the shuttle.

[0016] Figure 5 is an exploded top perspective view of the surgical system showing a lock mechanism between the column and the patient support.

[0017] Figure 6 is an exploded view of the column showing a rotational support including a seat and a mount.

[0018] Figure 7 is a top view of the foot plate having a lateral brace, a longitudinal brace, and a notch.

[0019] Figure 8A is a side view of the surgical system with the foot plate in a braced mode with a tracking wheel of the shuttle in a disengaged position.

[0020] Figure 8B is a side view of Figure 8A with the tracking wheel in an engaged position.

[0021] Figure 9 is a side view of the surgical system with the shuttle in the process of docking the column having a caster wheel on a first ramp end of the lateral brace of the foot plate.

[0022] Figure 10 is a side view of the surgical system with the column docked in the shuttle with the tracking wheel in the engaged position and disposed within the notch of the foot plate, and the foot plate in the braced mode.

[0023] Figure 11 is a side view of the surgical system of Figure 10 with the column vertically retracted having the foot plate in the mobile mode.

[0024] Figure 12 is a side view of the surgical system of Figure 10 with the column vertically retracted in an unlocked state from the patient support, with the shuttle having a shuttle frame supporting the patient support, and the foot plate in the braced mode.

[0025] Figure 13 is a side view of the surgical system of Figure 10 with the shuttle frame vertically extended to lift the column and foot plate in the mobile mode.

[0026] Figure 14 is a side view of the surgical system of Figure 13 with the shuttle frame vertically extended further having the column in the unlocked state with the foot plate in the braced mode.

[0027] Figure 15 A is a partial perspective view depicting portions of the imaging base of the medical imaging device of Figure 1 shown partially transparently to depict a lift mechanism arranged in a raised configuration to facilitate movement along floor surfaces via a plurality of caster wheels.

[0028] Figure 15B is another partial perspective view of the portions of the imaging base of Figure 15A, shown with the lift mechanism arranged in a lowered configuration to brace the medical imaging device relative to the floor surfaces.

[0029] Figure 16A is a rear perspective view of the medical imaging device of Figure 1 , shown having a drive mechanism.

[0030] Figure 16B is a partial perspective view depicting a version of the imaging base of the medical imaging device of Figure 1 , shown having a guide.

[0031] Figure 17 is a top side view of another version of the foot plate of the surgical system, shown having a stop shaped to engage the guide of the imaging base of Figure 16B.

[0032] Figure 18 is an elevated perspective view of the surgical system shown with the medical imaging device arranged adjacent to the patient support apparatus, the medical imaging device having a gimbal supporting a gantry longitudinally, and shown with the lift mechanism arranged in the raised configuration.

[0033] Figure 19A is another elevated perspective view of the surgical system of Figure 18, shown with the gimbal supporting the gantry laterally.

[0034] Figure 19B is another elevated perspective view of the surgical system of Figure 19A, shown with the imaging base of the medical imaging device moved longitudinally towards the patient support apparatus.

[0035] Figure 19C is another elevated perspective view of the surgical system of Figure 19B, shown with the imaging base of the medical imaging device moved longitudinally furthertowards the patient support apparatus to bring the guide of the imaging base into contact with the stop of the patient support apparatus.

[0036] Figure 19D is another elevated perspective view of the surgical system of Figure 19C, shown with the lift mechanism arranged in the lowered configuration to position the medical imaging device relative in a predetermined arrangement relative to the patient support apparatus.

[0037] Figure 20 is another elevated perspective view of the surgical system of Figure 19D, shown with the gimbal and the gantry having translated along the imaging base while maintaining the predetermined arrangement of the imaging base relative to the patient support apparatus.

[0038] Figure 21 A is an enlarged detail view taken at indicia 21A in Figure 19A.

[0039] Figure 21B is an enlarged detail view taken at indicia 21B in Figure 19B.

[0040] Figure 21C is an enlarged detail view taken at indicia 21B in Figure 19C.

[0041] Figure 21D is an enlarged detail view taken at indicia 21B in Figure 19D.

[0042] Figure 22A is a partial top side view depicting portions of the imaging base and the foot plate of the surgical system arranged as depicted in Figure 21B.

[0043] Figure 22B is a partial top side view depicting portions of the imaging base and the foot plate of the surgical system arranged as depicted in Figure 21 C.

[0044] Figure 23 is a partially exploded perspective view of the foot plate of Figure 17.

[0045] Figure 24 is a top side view of the foot plate of Figure 17.

[0046] Figure 25 is a bottom side view of the foot plate of Figure 17.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] Referring to the drawings, wherein like numerals indicate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, Figures 1-2A depict aspects of a surgical system 100 for supporting the patient relative to a floor surface FS during various types of medical or surgical procedures, medical imaging, and the like, according to versions of the present disclosure. Theillustrated surgical system 100 generally includes a medical imaging device 102 to generate image data of the patient, a patient support apparatus 104 for supporting the patient, and a shuttle 106 for transporting the patient support apparatus 104 along the floor surface FS. Here, the patient support apparatus 104 generally includes a patient support 108 which is removably attachable to a column 110 which, in turn, is coupled via a rotational support 128 to a foot plate 114. The patient support apparatus 104 and the shuttle 106 define a transport system 116 which may be employed to facilitate moving the patient support 108 away from the column 110, and / or to facilitate moving the patient support apparatus 104 while the patient support 108 remains attached to the column 110.

[0048] As will be appreciated from the subsequent description below, the surgical system, 100 of the present disclosure affords significant opportunities for enhanced positioning and movement of components of the surgical system 100 by, among other things, promoting stable operation of the patient support apparatus 104 with the patient support 108 and / or the column 110 articulated in various ways relative to the foot plate 114 while also enabling the patient support apparatus 104 to be readily lifted off of the floor surface FS for selective repositioning within an operating room and / or between different areas of a medical facility. Each of the components of the surgical system 100 introduced above will be described in greater detail below.

[0049] As is best depicted in Figure 1, the medical imaging device 102 generally includes an imaging base 182 and an imaging gantry 184. The imaging base 182 defines a track 186 and extends between a first end 188 and a second end 190. The imaging gantry 184 defines an imaging bore 192 shaped to receive at least a portion of the patient support 108, and includes a rotor 204 which supports at least one imaging component 206 for rotation around the imaging bore 192. In the illustrated version, and as is depicted schematically, the medical imaging device 102 is realized as a computed tomography (CT) scanner, and the at least oneimaging component 206 includes an x-ray source 208 (e.g., a fan-beam x-ray source) and a detector 210 (e.g., an array of detector elements). It will be appreciated that the medical imaging device 102 represents an example of a type of relatively large medical device which may form a part of the surgical system 100, and which can be utilized preoperatively or intraoperatively within an operating room or another area of a medical facility.

[0050] In some versions, the medical imaging device 102 can be mobile. To facilitate movement of medical imaging device 102 over the floor surface FS, the imaging base 182 may include one or more wheels (not shown), such as caster wheels. The illustrated version of the medical imaging device 102 includes a gantry mount 194 for supporting the imaging gantry 184 for movement along the track 186. The medical imaging device 102 also includes a translation mechanism 195 interposed between the imaging base 182 and the gantry mount 194 to drive the imaging gantry 184 mount along the track 186 in an imaging mode to acquire the image data of the patient within the imaging bore 192. The gantry mount 194 includes a gantry mount base 196 operatively attached to the imaging base 182. The gantry mount 194 further includes a gantry mount member 198 operatively attached to the gantry mount base 196 for rotation relative to the gantry mount base 196. The gantry mount member 198 supporting the imaging gantry 184 such that the gantry mount member 198 and the imaging gantry 184 are configured to rotate together about a first axis relative to the imaging base 182. The gantry mount member 198 includes a gimbal 200 having a pair of arms with each arm coupled to an opposite side of the imaging gantry 184 to support the imaging gantry 184 above the imaging base 182 and the gimbal 200. In some versions, the imaging gantry 184 is configured to tilt about a second axis relative to the gimbal 200 (not shown). The rotor 204 rotates around the imaging bore 192 as a translation mechanism drives the gantry mount 194 and the imaging gantry 184 along the track 186 in an imaging mode to acquire helical scan x-ray CT images, orother imaging data, of the patient within the imaging bore 192. The medical imaging device 102 is described in greater detail below in connection with Figures 15A-15B.

[0051] An exemplary imaging system that may be used in various versions of the surgical system 100 is the AIRO® intra-operative CT system manufactured by Mobius Imaging, LLC. Examples of x-ray CT imaging devices that may be used according to various versions of the present disclosure are described in U.S. Patent No. 10,151,810, entitled “Pivoting Multi-directional X-ray Imaging System with a Pair of Diametrically Opposite Vertical Support Columns Tandemly Movable Along a Stationary Base Support;” U.S. Patent No. 9,962,132, entitled “Multi-directional X-ray Imaging System with Single Support Column;” U.S. Patent No. 9,801,592, entitled “Caster System for Mobile Apparatus;” U.S. Patent No. 9,111,379, entitled “Method and System for X-ray CT Imaging;” U.S. Patent No. 8,118,488, entitled “Mobile Medical Imaging System and Methods;” and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0275953, entitled “Mobile X-ray Imaging System,” the disclosures of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0052] While the illustrated medical imaging device 102 is realized as an x-ray CT imaging device as noted above, in other versions, the medical imaging device 102 may comprise one or more of an x-ray fluoroscopic imaging device, a magnetic resonance (MR) imaging device, a positron emission tomography (PET) imaging device, a single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), or an ultrasound imaging device.

[0053] While the version of the surgical system 100 illustrated in Figure 1 includes the medical imaging device 102, in some versions the surgical system 100 may not include a medical imaging device 102, such as is illustrated by Figures 2A-3B which depict versions of the surgical system 100 which include the transport system 116 and the patient support apparatus 104. Other configurations are contemplated.

[0054] As noted above, the surgical system 100 includes the patient support apparatus104. Here, it will be appreciated that the patient may be supported by in various ways depending on the type of procedure being performed. The patient support apparatus 104 depicted in Figures 1-2A shows a version of the patient support 108 which includes a deck 118 to support the patient, and an interface 120 operatively attached to the deck 118. While a single deck 118 is depicted in the drawings, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the deck 118 could be configured with multiple deck sections, one or more of which may be articulable such as to arrange the patient’ s body in a specific way depending on the medical procedure being performed.

[0055] The column 110 of the patient support apparatus 104 includes a head 122 to releasably engage the interface 120 of the patient support 108, which facilitates allowing medical staff to selectively use the transport system 116 to move the patient support 108 away from the column 110 or to move the patient support apparatus 104 to a different location depending on the needs of the medical staff. The head 122 of the column 110 releasably engages the interface 120 via a lock mechanism 126 as described in more detail below.

[0056] Figures 1 -2 A further show the column 110 having a base 124 which supports the head 122 for movement relative to the base 124 in a plurality of directions including in a vertical direction. While not depicted in detail throughout the drawings, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the column 110 may be configured to articulate or otherwise tilt the head 122 relative to the base 124 in a number of directions depending on the needs of the medical staff. For example, the head 122 of the column 110 may need to be tilted so that the patient sits upright or so that the patient support 108 is tilted in a way for a more optimal imaging scan using the medical imaging device 102.

[0057] The patient support 108 is also configured so that the column 110 can rotate about an axis 134 via the rotational support 128 (see Figure 6; see also Figures 2A-2B). Therotational support 128 has a seat 130, and a mount 132 operatively attached to the base 124 of the column 110 which supports the column 110 for selective rotation about the axis 134. The selective rotation allows for medical staff to arrange the patient in a plurality of patient support positions including a longitudinal support position 108(a) (see Figure 2B) and a lateral support position 108(b) (see Figure 2A). Additionally, the rotational support 128 includes a rotational brake 180 (see Figure 6; depicted schematically) arranged to allow selective engagement to inhibit rotation of the column 110 about the axis 134 between the plurality of patient support positions. The rotational brake 180 allows for the medical staff to rotate the patient support 108 to a desired patient support position, apply the rotational brake 180, and use that selectively configured patient support position without the patient support 108 inadvertently rotating while tending to the patient.

[0058] Figures 3A-3B show the transport system 116 traversing along the floor surface FS. Figure 3A shows the patient support apparatus 104 docked into the shuttle 106 where the transport system 116, and Figure 3B shows the transport system 116 with the patient support apparatus 104 having traversed along the floor surface FS concurrently with the shuttle 106 (compare Figures 3A-3B). The transport system 116 allows the medical staff to move the patient support apparatus 104 to a different location if necessary. For example, the medical staff may want to move the patient support apparatus 104 from one operating room to another, or otherwise to reposition the patient support apparatus 104 within an operating room or another area. The process of docking and undocking the patient support apparatus 104 with the shuttle 106 is described in greater detail below.

[0059] Figure 4 shows an enlarged view of the shuttle 106, which includes a shuttle base 136 and a shuttle frame 138. The shuttle base 136 includes a center section 140 and a pair of arm sections 142 which are coupled to the center section 140 to define a dock 148. The dock 148 is arranged to receive the column 110 in the longitudinal direction between the pairof arm sections 142. The pair of arm sections 142 of the shuttle base 136 each support a respective caster wheel 146, which allows the shuttle 106 to be traversed along the floor surface FS. The traversing can be done when the patient support apparatus 104 is docked (as shown in Figures 3A-3B) or it can be done with the patient support apparatus 104 is not docked and the shuttle 106 is moved independently. The shuttle 106 also includes a lift actuator 144, which is disposed between the shuttle base 136 and the shuttle frame 138 to move the shuttle frame 138 relative to the shuttle base 136 in a vertical direction. The lift actuator 144 is configured to allow the shuttle frame 138 to be selectively raised in a vertical direction away from the shuttle base 136.

[0060] The shuttle 106 further includes a tracking wheel assembly 172, which is coupled to the shuttle base 136 and supports a tracking wheel 174. The tracking wheel assembly 172 supports the tracking wheel 174 for movement between an engaged position 174(a) (see Figure 4) and a disengaged position 174(b) (see Figure 8A). The disengaged position 174(b) occurs when the tracking wheel 174 is spaced from the floor surface FS. The engaged position 174(a) occurs when the tracking wheel 174 is disposed in engagement with the floor surface FS to at least partially limit lateral movement of the shuttle base 136 along the floor surface FS. The tracking wheel 174, when in the engaged position 174(a), can help medical staff steer the shuttle 106 when moving the shuttle 106 between operating rooms and through hallways. In some versions, the caster wheels 146 of the shuttle 106 each have the ability to swivel about respective axes, and disposing the tracking wheel 174 in the engaged position 174(a) can aid in steering by limiting unintended lateral movement, while disposing the tracking wheel 174 in the disengaged position 174(b) can be advantageous when navigating the shuttle 106 within an operating room for proper placement or for example, docking the column 110 into the dock 148 of the shuttle 106.

[0061] Figure 5 shows an exploded view of the patient support apparatus 104 showing portions of the lock mechanism 126, which is interposed between the head 122 of the column 110 and the interface 120 of the patient support 108. The lock mechanism 126 is operable between a locked state 126(a) and an unlocked state 126(b). The locked state 126(a) inhibits the movement between the head 122 and the interface 120 of the patient support 108. The unlocked state 126(b) permits the movement between the head 122 and the interface 120 of the patient support 108, which enables the patient support 108 to be released from the column 110. For example, Figures 1-3B show the lock mechanism 126 in the locked state 126(a) in various arrangements of the patient support apparatus 104. In particular, Figures 2A-2B show the lock mechanism 126 in the locked state 126(a) in various patient support configurations to illustrate that the patient support 108 can be rotated while in the locked state 126(a). Figures 3A-3B show the transport system 116 traversing along the floor surface FS while the lock mechanism 126 is in the locked state 126(a).

[0062] Figure 7 shows a top view of the foot plate 114. The foot plate 114 includes a contact region 150, which is the bottom of the foot plate 114 that contacts the floor surface FS. The foot plate 114 includes a longitudinal brace 152 and a lateral brace 154. The longitudinal brace 152 and the lateral brace 154 help promote and maintain stability such that the patient support 108 can be rotated about the axis 134 of the rotational support 128. In particular, the longitudinal brace 152 helps the stability of the patient support apparatus 104 by maintaining abutment with the floor surface FS when the patient support 108 is in the lateral patient support position 108(b), and the lateral brace 154 helps the stability of the patient support apparatus 104 by maintaining abutment with the floor surface FS when the patient support 108 is in the longitudinal support position 108(a). In the illustrated version, the foot plate 114 defines a notch 202 spaced laterally between one of the first pair of ramps 177 and the longitudinal brace152 to receive the tracking wheel 174 of the shuttle 106. The interaction between the tracking wheel 174 and the notch 202 of the foot plate 114 will be discussed in greater detail below.

[0063] The lateral brace 154 of the foot plate 114 extends in the longitudinal direction between a first ramp end 176 and a second ramp end 178. The second ramp end 178 is spaced from the first ramp end 176 at a ramp brace distance 181 which is smaller than the longitudinal brace distance 160. The illustrated version of the lateral brace 154 includes two first ramp ends 176 and two second ramp ends 178, which is best depicted in Figure 7. The two first ramp ends 176 define a first pair of ramps 177, which are disposed adjacent to the first ramp end 176. Likewise, the two second ramp ends 178 define a second pair of ramps 179, which are disposed adjacent to the second ramp end 178. The first and second pairs of ramps 177, 179 are arranged to guide the respective caster wheels 146 of the pair of arm sections 142 of the shuttle base 136 to facilitate docking and undocking the shuttle 106 with the base 124 of the column 110. The process of docking and undocking will be explained in further detail below.

[0064] The foot plate 114 is selectively operable between a braced mode 114(a) and a mobile mode 114(b). The braced mode 114(a) occurs when the contact region 150 of the foot plate 114 is disposed in abutment with the floor surface FS. For example, the braced mode 1 14(a) can been in Figures 1-2B where the foot plate 1 14 is resting on the floor surface FS. The mobile mode 114(b) occurs when the contact region 150 of the foot plate 114 is arranged for movement relative to the floor surface FS. For example, Figures 3A-3B show the foot plate 114 in the mobile mode 114(b) with the transport system 116 traversing along the floor surface FS. During operation of the foot plate 114 in the braced mode 114(a), the lock mechanism 126 generally remains in the locked state 126(a). The interaction between the braced model 14(a) and the mobile mode 114(b) of the foot plate 114, and the locked state 126(a) and the unlocked state 126(b) of the lock mechanism 126, will be described in greater detail below.

[0065] As is best depicted in Figure 7, the longitudinal brace 152 extends between a first longitudinal brace end 156 and a second longitudinal brace end 158. The second longitudinal brace end 158 is spaced from the first longitudinal brace end 156 at a longitudinal brace distance 160 which is larger than a lateral width 162 of the patient support 108. Here, a ratio taken between the longitudinal brace distance 160 and the lateral width 162 of the patient support 108 is at least 1.5:1. Similarly, a ratio taken between the longitudinal brace distance 160 and a longitudinal length 164 of the patient support 108 is at least 0.35:1. These ratios help promote stability for the patient support apparatus 104 during operation in the braced mode 114(a) by accommodating the possible patient support positions. For example, Figure 2B shows the patient support 108 rotated to the longitudinal support position 108(a), and the ratio between the longitudinal brace distance 160 and the lateral width 162 of the patient support 108 being at least 1.5:1 helps maintain stability and abutment with the floor surface FS.

[0066] Figure 7 shows that the lateral brace 154 extends in a lateral direction between a first lateral brace end 166 and a second lateral brace end 168. The second lateral brace end 168 is spaced from the first lateral brace end 166 at a lateral brace distance 170. Here too, a ratio taken between the lateral brace distance 170 and the lateral width 162 of the patient support 108 is at least 1.5:1 , and a ratio taken between the lateral brace distance 170 and the longitudinal length 164 of the patient support 108 is at least 0.35:1. These ratios help promote stability for the patient support apparatus 104 when in the braced mode 114(a) by accommodating various patient support positions. For example, Figure 2A shows the patient support 108 rotated to the lateral support position 108(b), and the ratio between the lateral brace distance 170 and the lateral width 162 of the patient support 108 being at least 1.5: 1 helps maintain stability and abutment with the floor surface FS.

[0067] The lateral brace distance 170 is substantially equal to the longitudinal brace distance 160 in the illustrated version, which helps facilitate maintaining the foot plate 114 in abutment with the floor surface FS between the plurality of patient support positions. Figures 2A-2B illustrated two different patient support positions: the lateral support position 108(b) shown in Figure 2A, and the longitudinal support position 108(a) shown in Figure 2B. The lateral brace 154 is configured to promote stability of the patient support apparatus 104 when the patient support 108 is in the lateral support position 108(b), and the longitudinal brace 152 is configured to promote stability of the patient support apparatus 104 when the patient support 108 is in the longitudinal support position 108(a). Those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the lateral brace 154 and the longitudinal brace 152 each afford a certain amount of stability to the patient support apparatus 104 in any patient support position, including when the patient support 108 is rotated so as to be in a patient support position other than the lateral support position 108(b) or the longitudinal support position 108(a).

[0068] As mentioned above, the column 110 of the patient support apparatus 104 may be docked and undocked using the dock 148 of the center section 140 of the shuttle base 136. The initial process of docking is best depicted in Figure 8A, where the foot plate 114 of the patient support apparatus 104 is in the braced mode 114(a) and the shuttle 106 is nearby. Figure 8B is a similar view as Figure 8 A but also shows the shuttle 106 having the tracking wheel assembly 172 in the engaged position 174(a). Figure 9 shows the process of docking in a further step with the caster wheels 146 of the shuttle 106 disposed on the first pair of ramps 177 of the foot plate 114. Here, the medical staff can advance the shuttle 106 so that the caster wheels 146 line up with the first pair of ramps 177 of the foot plate 114, then advance the shuttle 106 further so that the caster wheels 146 go up the first pair of ramps 177 and then down the second pair of ramps 179 so that the shuttle 106 becomes fully docked to the patient supportapparatus 104 as depicted in Figure 10 which shows the column 110 within the dock 148 of the shuttle 106 and the tracking wheel 174 within the notch 202 of the foot plate 114.

[0069] As noted above, the column 110 supports the head 122 for movement relative to the base 124 in a plurality of directions including in a vertical direction. In some versions, the column 110 is further configured to selectively move the head 122 toward the base 124 in the locked state 126(a) to bring the shuttle frame 138 of the shuttle 106 docked with the column 110 into engagement with the patient support 108 to lift the foot plate 114 off of the floor surface FS and change operation from the braced mode 114(a) to the mobile mode 114(b). For example, Figure 11 shows that the column 110 has been vertically retracted and the foot plate 114 is no longer in abutment with the floor surface FS, which corresponds to the mobile mode 114(b). When comparing Figure 10 and Figure 11, the column 110 is vertically shorter allowing the foot plate 114 to transition from braced mode 114(a) (see Figure 10) and the mobile mode 114(b) (see Figure 11) to facilitate in moving the patient support apparatus 104. This can be useful to the medical staff if they require the patient support apparatus 104 to be moved within a given operating room or moved to a different operating room. For example, if a second operating room is being set up for a specific procedure (e.g., a CT scan), the transport system 1 16 can be used to move the patient support apparatus 104 from one operating room to a second operating room to accommodate the specific procedure.

[0070] Referring to Figure 12, the column 110 is further configured to selectively move the head 122 towards the base 124 while the lock mechanism 126 is in the unlocked state 126(b). This brings the shuttle frame 138 of the shuttle 106 into engagement with the interface 120 of the patient support 108 to transfer the patient support 108 off of the column 110 and onto the shuttle frame 138. This allows for the patient support 108 to be moved away from the column 110 and the foot plate 114. This is done in the braced mode 114(a) as the foot plate 114 is on the floor surface FS, while shuttle frame 138 is fully supporting the patient support108. This allows medical personnel to move the patient support 108 while keeping the column 110 and foot plate 114 stationary in the braced mode 114(a).

[0071] Referring to Figure 13, the lift actuator 144 is configured to selectively move the shuttle frame 138 away from the shuttle base 136 in the vertical direction. If this is done when the lock mechanism 126 is in the locked state 126(a), the column 110 along with the foot plate 114 are lifted off of the floor surface FS and thereby changing modes from the braced mode 114(a) to the mobile mode 114(b). Depending on the status of the lock mechanism 126, the foot plate 114 is either placed in the mobile mode 114(b) with the lock mechanism 126 in the locked state 126(a) as shown in Figure 13, or the foot plate 114 is left in braced mode 114(a) with the lock mechanism 126 in the unlocked state 126(b) as shown in Figure 14. Here in Figure 14, the lift actuator 144 is depicted as being further actuated in the vertical direction while the lock mechanism 126 is in the unlocked state 126(b). This brings the shuttle frame 138 of the shuttle 106 into engagement with the patient support 108 to transfer the patient support 108 off of the column 110 and onto the shuttle frame 138. This allows the shuttle 106 to move the patient support 108 away from the column 110 and the foot plate 114. This allows the medical staff to keep the column 110 and foot plate 114 in one place in the braced mode 1 14(a), and move the patient support 108 to another location using the shuttle 106.

[0072] Referring now to Figures 15A-15B, the imaging base 182 of the medical imaging device 102 includes a plurality of base caster wheels 212 and a lift mechanism 214 interposed between the plurality of base caster wheels 212. The lift mechanism 214 is operable between a raised configuration 214(r) (see Figure 15 A) where the plurality of base caster wheels 212 at least partially support the medical imaging device 102 for movement along the floor surface FS, and a lowered configuration 214(1) (see Figure 15B) where at least a portion of the imaging base 182 is disposed in contact with the floor surface FS to brace the medical imaging device 102 relative to the floor surface FS.

[0073] The lift mechanism 214 for extending / retracting the base caster wheels 212 may be any suitable style, type, or configurations for deploying and retracting the base caster wheels 212. In the illustrated version, the lift mechanism 214 for extending / retracting the base caster wheels 212 includes at least one caster actuator 216 (e.g., a motor) that is mechanically coupled to one or more base caster wheels 212 via a linkage assembly 218. The caster actuator 216 and linkage assembly 218 may be located within the imaging base 182. Each base caster wheel 212 may have a separate caster actuator 216 connected to it, or one or more caster actuators 216 may be connected to multiple base caster wheels 212 (e.g., one caster actuator 216 to move all of the base caster wheels 212), such as by various linkages (not shown). In the illustrated version, two caster actuators 216 are employed (only one shown), each of which moves two base caster wheels 212 (not shown in detail). Other configurations are contemplated.

[0074] The caster actuator 216 may be operable to impart a motive force to one or more base caster wheels 212 via the linkage assembly 218 to cause the base caster wheels 212 to extend or retract relative to the imaging base 182. In some versions, the lift mechanism 214 may impart a force primarily along the length of the imaging base 182, and the linkage assembly 218 may convert the force into a primarily vertical force to push up or down on the base caster wheels 212 to extend and retract the base caster wheels 212 relative to the imaging base 182. The lift mechanism 214 can use one or more of a lead screw, a ball screw, hydraulics, pneumatics or any other method or component to push up and down on the base caster wheels 212.

[0075] In the illustrated version of the medical imaging device 102 depicted in Figure 16A, a drive mechanism 220 coupled to the imaging base 182 and mounted beneath the gimbal 200 is employed to facilitate movement along the floor surface FS. To this end, the drive mechanism 220 employs a drive wheel 222 which may be driven by a motor and moved by an actuator: into engagement with the floor surface FS mode (not shown in detail) during operationin one or more transport modes, and out of engagement with the floor surface FS (not shown in detail) during operation in an imaging mode. Other configurations and types of drive mechanisms 220 are contemplated by the present disclosure.

[0076] In some versions, aspects of the lift mechanism 214 and / or the drive mechanism 220 may be similar to as is described in U.S. Patent No. 10,874,359, entitled “Caster System for Mobile Apparatus,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0077] Referring now to Figures 16B-25, the illustrated version of the surgical system 100 includes an alignment system 224 to facilitate positioning the medical imaging device 102 in a predetermined arrangement PA relative to the patient support apparatus 104 during operation in the braced mode 114(a). To this end, the medical imaging device 102 includes a guide 226 arranged on one longitudinal side of the imaging base 182 (e.g., adjacent to the first end 188), and the patient support apparatus 104 includes a stop 228 arranged to contact the guide 226 to position the medical imaging device in the predetermined arrangement PA relative to the patient support apparatus 104. As will be appreciated from the subsequent description below, the predetermined arrangement PA optimizes the scan range and alignment of the medical imaging device 102 with the longitudinal axis of the patient (e.g., positioned along the sagitta] plane), and the alignment system 224 is configured to facilitate moving the medical imaging device 102 into alignment with the patient support apparatus 104 in a quick, efficient, and reliable fashion while also allowing the medical imaging device 102 to be moved intraoperatively and returned into the predetermined arrangement PA.

[0078] As is illustrated by sequentially comparing Figures 18-20, the medical imaging device 102 can be initially brought into proximity of the patient support apparatus 104, such as where the patient support apparatus 104 is disposed in the braced mode 114(a) on the floor surface FS (see Figure 18). Here, the lift mechanism 214 of the medical imaging device 102is arranged in the raised configuration 214(r) to facilitate movement along the floor surface FS.Figure 19A shows the imaging gantry 184 having rotated relative to the imaging base 182 to place the imaging bore 192 generally longitudinally. Once the medical imaging device 102 has been positioned generally in-line with the patient support apparatus 104 (e.g., with the guide 226 roughly aligned laterally with the stop 228) such as by operating the drive mechanism 220 in a transport mode configured for traversing relatively long distances, the medical imaging device 102 can subsequently be changed to an approach mode for traversing shorter distances (e.g., at slower speeds, with a different acceleration profile, and the like) and can be moved towards the patient support apparatus 104 in the raised configuration 214(r) to move the guide 226 into close proximity with the stop 228 (see Figure 19B; see also Figures 2 IB and 22 A).

[0079] Further movement of the medical imaging device 102 towards the patient support apparatus 104 brings the guide 226 into contact with the stop 228 (see Figure 19C; see also Figures 21C and 22B) during operation of the lift mechanism 214 in the raised configuration 214(r). From here, the guide 226 is shaped to move out of contact with the stop 228 in response to vertical movement of the medical imaging device 102 occurring as the lift mechanism 214 moves the imaging base 182 towards the lowered configuration 214(1) and into the predetermined arrangement PA relative to the patient support apparatus 104 (see Figure 19D; see also Figure 21D). This results in the medical imaging device 102 being disposed in spaced relation out of contact with the patient support apparatus 104 in the predetermined arrangement PA during operation in the lowered configuration 214(1). As will be appreciated from the subsequent description below, the alignment system 224 is configured so as to allow the predetermined arrangement PA to be achieved so that imaging of the patient can subsequently take place (e.g., see Figure 20), without necessitating that the medical imaging device 102 be physically coupled to the patient support apparatus 104 during imaging, andallowing for flexible intraoperative movement of the medical imaging device 102 when imaging is not required.

[0080] In the illustrated version, the guide 226 is operatively attached to the imaging base 182 of the medical imaging device 102, and the stop 228 is operatively attached to the foot plate 114 of the patient support apparatus 104. As is best depicted in Figure 16B, in this version, the medical imaging device 102 includes a bumper assembly 230 that is operatively attached to the imaging base 182 adjacent to the first end 188. Here, the bumper assembly 230 includes a panel 232 and a bumper 234. The panel 232 defines the guide 226 and is spaced vertically above the bumper 234 which, in turn, extends longitudinally beyond the guide 226, is disposed vertically below the guide 226, and wraps around lateral sides of the imaging base 182. Here, the guide 226 defines or is otherwise realized as a nock 236 formed in the panel 232. As is best depicted in Figure 17, the stop 228 includes a tang 238 which extends longitudinally away from the column 110. The nock 236 is shaped and arranged to receive and contact the tang 238 during operation in the braced mode 114(a) with the lift mechanism 214 supporting the imaging base 182 in the raised configuration 214(r) (see Figure 21C). In the illustrated version, the stop 228 includes a post 240 operatively attached to the foot plate 114 which supports the tang 238 relative to the floor surface FS during operation in the braced mode 1 14(a). Here, and as is depicted in Figure 21 D, the post 240 of the stop 228 includes a lower portion and an upper portion which support the tang 238 vertically above the nock 236 of the guide 226 when the patient support apparatus 104 is disposed in the predetermined arrangement PA during operation of the lift mechanism 214 in the lowered configuration 214(1). In the illustrated version, the tang 238 is removably coupled to the upper portion of the post 240, and the upper portion of the post 240 is removably coupled to the lower portion of the post 240 which, in turn, is removably coupled to the foot plate 114, such as by fasteners. This configuration allows the tang 238 to be replaced or otherwise serviced, and allows thestop 228 to be removed from the foot plate 114 if needed and / or for applications of the surgical system 100 where the medical imaging device 102 is not utilized.

[0081] The tang 238 of the stop 228 and the nock 236 of the guide 226 have complimentarily-shaped, tapered profiles which help facilitate moving the medical imaging device 102 into the predetermined arrangement PA with the patient support apparatus 104, whereby contact of the complimentary profiles ensures that the medical imaging device 102 is spaced at the correct distance in the proper position relative to the patient support apparatus 104. It will be appreciated that the physical contact occurring between the tang 238 and the nock 236 as depicted in Figure 21C provides users with a visual indication that the medical imaging device 102 is properly positioned in the longitudinal direction and that no further movement in the longitudinal direction will be needed. While not depicted in detail herein, it is contemplated that various types of sensors 242, emitters 244, controllers, and the like could be employed by the alignment system 224. Here, for example, a sensor 242 coupled adjacent to the guide 226 could be configured to detect an emitter 244 coupled adjacent to the stop 228 and could be used to facilitate interrupting or otherwise limiting operation of the drive mechanism 220 when the sensor 242 moves into a predetermined arrangement relative to the emitter 244. Other configurations of sensors 242 could also be utilized, such as contact sensors, touch sensors, electromagnetic field sensors, limit switches, and the like. In some versions, a surgical navigation system (not shown) could be utilized to track components of the surgical system 100 in a common coordinate system, such as via a localizer with one or more cameras (not shown). Other configurations are contemplated.

[0082] Referring now to Figures 17 and 23-25, the illustrated version of the foot plate 114 of the patient support apparatus 104 is configured similarly to the foot plate 114 described above in connection with Figures 1-14. For the purposes of clarity, consistency, and brevity, only the differences between the foot plates 114 will be described in detail, and the descriptionof the foot plate 114 of Figures 1-14 also applies to the foot plate 114 of Figures 17 and 23-25 unless otherwise indicated.

[0083] As is best depicted in Figure 24, in this version the foot plate 114 includes an aperture 246 to receive the tracking wheel 174 of the shuttle 106, and does not utilize the notch 202 of the version depicted in Figure 7. In this version, the second pair of ramps 179 extend up to the second longitudinal brace end 158 such that the ramp brace distance 181 is the same as the longitudinal brace distance 160 rather than being smaller than the longitudinal brace distance 160 (compare Figure 24 with Figure 7). This version of the foot plate 114 also includes a relief mount 248 arranged to secure the stop 228 to the foot plate 114, such as with fasteners which releasably coupled the post 240 to the relief mount 248. Here, the relief mount 248 secures the stop 228 laterally between the first lateral brace end 166 and the second lateral brace end 168. The foot plate 114 also defines a pocket 250 adjacent to the stop 228 which is shaped to accommodate a portion of the imaging base 182 with the medical imaging device 102 in the predetermined arrangement PA relative to the patient support apparatus 104 (see also Figure 22B).

[0084] In the illustrated version, and as is depicted in Figures 23 and 25, the foot plate 1 14 also includes a connection hub 252 on an opposite longitudinal side relative to the arrangement of the stop 228. Here, the connection hub 252 includes one or more ports 254 to facilitate wired electrical connection to other components of the surgical system 100, to power and / or ethernet connections, and the like. Other configurations are contemplated. A lower shield 256 is also provided to route cables (not shown) from the connection hub 252 towards the column 110. One or more friction pads 258 (see Figure 25) may be coupled to the foot plate 114 adjacent to the lower shield 256 as well as about the foot plate 114 to help maintain operation in the braced mode 114(a) by increasing frictional engagement with the floor surface FS.

[0085] The components of the surgical system 100, including the medical imaging device 102, the patient support apparatus 104, and the transport system 116, help provide medical staff with versatility and flexibility to adapt to the medical needs of the patient. The patient support 108 can be rotated to a plurality of patient support positions and the head 122 of the column 110 is supported for movement relative to the base 124 in a plurality of directions including in a vertical direction. The foot plate 114, while in the braced mode 114(a), helps promote stability between the patient support 108 and the floor surface FS. Additionally, the transport system 116 can transport the patient support apparatus 104 while the foot plate 114 is in the mobile mode 114(b). The shuttle 106 may also move the patient support 108 away from the column 110 while the foot plate 114 is in the braced mode 114(a). Moreover, the alignment system 224 allows the medical imaging device 102 to be moved into the predetermined arrangement PA relative to the patient support apparatus 104 in a simple, reliable fashion both initially and intraoperatively, thereby allowing the medical imaging device 102 to be moved away from and back towards the patient during the same surgical procedure. These functionalities help provide the medical staff with options in accommodating the patient’s medical needs while maintaining stability of the patient support apparatus 104 and flexibility in the layout of the components of the surgical system 100.

[0086] It will be further appreciated that the terms “include,” “includes,” and “including” have the same meaning as the terms “comprise,” “comprises,” and “comprising.”

[0087] Several versions have been discussed in the foregoing description. However, the versions discussed herein are not intended to be exhaustive or limit the invention to any particular form. The terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings and the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

[0088] The present disclosure also comprises the following clauses, with specific features laid out in dependent clauses, that may specifically be implemented as described in greater detail with reference to the configurations and drawings above.CLAUSESI. A surgical system for supporting a patient relative to a floor surface for x-ray imaging, the surgical system comprising: a medical imaging device to generate image data of the patient, the medical imaging device including an imaging base extending between a first end and a second end, a drive mechanism to facilitate movement along the floor surface, a guide arranged adjacent to the first end of the imaging base, and an imaging having at least one imaging component; and a patient support apparatus including a deck to support the patient, a foot plate selectively operable between a braced mode disposed in abutment with the floor surface and a mobile mode arranged for movement relative to the floor surface, a column coupled between the foot plate and the deck, and a stop arranged to contact the guide of the medical imaging device during operation in the braced mode to position the medical imaging device in a predetermined arrangement relative to the patient support apparatus.II. The surgical system of clause I, wherein the medical imaging device includes a plurality of base caster wheels, and a lift mechanism interposed between the imaging base and the plurality of base caster wheels and being operable between: a lowered configuration where at least a portion of the imaging base is disposed in contact with the floor surface to brace the medical imaging device relative to the floor surface, and a raised configuration where the plurality of base caster wheels at least partially support the medical imaging device for movement along the floor surface.III. The surgical system of clause II, wherein the guide of the medical imaging device isarranged to contact the stop of the patient support apparatus during operation in the raised configuration.IV. The surgical system of clause III, wherein the guide of the medical imaging device is shaped to move out of contact with the stop of the patient support apparatus in response to vertical movement of the medical imaging device occurring as the lift mechanism moves the imaging base towards the lowered configuration and into the predetermined arrangement relative to the patient support apparatus.V. The surgical system of clause IV, wherein the medical imaging device is disposed in spaced relation out of contact with the patient support apparatus in the predetermined arrangement during operation in the lowered configuration.VI. The surgical system of any of clauses II- V, wherein the guide is operatively attached to the imaging base of the medical imaging device; and wherein the stop is operatively attached to the foot plate of the patient support apparatus.VII. The surgical system of clause VI, wherein the medical imaging device further includes a bumper assembly operatively attached to the imaging base adjacent to the first end, the bumper assembly including a bumper extending longitudinally beyond the guide.VIII. The surgical system of clause VII, wherein the bumper is disposed vertically below the guide.IX. The surgical system of any of clauses VII- VIII, wherein the bumper assembly includes a panel defining the guide.X. The surgical system of any of clauses VI-IX, wherein the stop includes a tang extending longitudinally away from the column; and wherein the guide defines a nock shaped to receive and contact the tang during operation in the braced mode with the lift mechanism supporting the imaging base in the raised configuration.XI. The surgical system of clause X, wherein the stop farther includes a post operatively attached to the foot plate and supporting the tang at relative to the floor surface during operation in the braced mode and vertically above the nock of the guide with the patient support apparatus in the predetermined arrangement during operation in the lowered configuration.XII. The surgical system of clause XI, wherein the tang is removably coupled to the post.XIII. The surgical system of any of clauses XI-XII, wherein the post is removably coupled to the foot plate.XIV. The surgical system of any of clauses X-XIII, wherein the tang and the nock have complimentarily-shaped tapered profiles.XV. The surgical system of any of clauses I-XIV, wherein the foot plate defines a first lateral brace end and a second lateral brace end with the stop spaced laterally between the first lateral brace end and the second lateral brace end.XVI. The surgical system of any of clauses I-XV, wherein the foot plate defines a pocket adjacent to the stop shaped to accommodate a portion of the imaging base with the medical imaging device in the predetermined arrangement relative to the patient support apparatus.XVII. A surgical system for supporting a patient relative to a floor surface for x-ray imaging, the surgical system comprising: a patient support including a deck to support the patient, and an interface operatively attached to the deck; a column having a head to releasably engage the interface of the patient support, and a base supporting the head; a medical imaging device to generate image data of the patient, the medical imaging device including an imaging base defining a track extending between a first track end and a second track end, and an imaging gantry having at least one imaging component and defining an imaging bore shaped to receive at least a portion of the patient support;a rotational support having a seat and a mount supported for rotation relative to the seat about an axis, with the mount operatively attached to the base of the column and supporting the column and the patient support for selective rotation about the axis between a plurality of patient support positions including a longitudinal support position and a lateral support position; and a foot plate coupled to the seat of the rotational support and selectively operable between a braced mode disposed in abutment with the floor surface, and a mobile mode arranged for movement relative to the floor surface, the foot plate including a contact region arranged to abut the floor surface in the braced mode and defining a longitudinal brace to maintain abutment with the floor surface with the column in the longitudinal support position, and a lateral brace to maintain abutment with the floor surface with the column in the lateral support position.XVIII. The surgical system of clause XVII, wherein the medical imaging device further includes: a gantry mount supporting the imaging gantry for movement along the track; and a translation mechanism interposed between the base and the gantry mount to drive the gantry mount along the track in an imaging mode to acquire the image data of the patient within the imaging bore.XIX. The surgical system of clause XVIII, wherein the gantry mount includes: a gantry mount base operatively attached to the imaging base; and a gantry mount member operatively attached to the gantry mount base for rotation relative to the gantry mount base, the gantry mount member supporting the imaging gantry such that the gantry mount member and the imaging gantry are configured to rotate together about a first axis relative to the base.XX. The surgical system of clause XIX, wherein the gantry mount member includes a gimbal having a pair of arms, each arm coupled to an opposite side of the imaging gantry to support the imaging gantry above the imaging base and the gimbal.XXI. The surgical system of any of clauses XVIII-XX, wherein the at least one imaging component comprises a rotor supporting an x-ray source and a detector and disposed within a housing defined by the imaging gantry for rotation around the imaging bore.XXII. The surgical system of clause XXI, wherein the rotor rotates around the imaging bore as the translation mechanism drives the gantry mount along the track in the imaging mode to acquire helical scan x-ray CT images of a patient within the imaging bore.XXIII. The surgical system of any of clauses XVII-XXII, wherein the patient support defines a lateral width; and wherein the lateral brace extends in a lateral direction between a first lateral brace end and a second lateral brace end spaced from the first lateral brace end at a lateral brace distance larger than the lateral width of the patient support.XXIV. The surgical system of clause XXIII, wherein a ratio taken between the lateral brace distance and the lateral width of the patient support is at least 1.5:1.XXV. The surgical system of any of clauses XXIII-XXIV, wherein the patient support defines a longitudinal length; and wherein a ratio taken between the lateral brace distance and the longitudinal length of the patient support is at least 0.35:1 .XXVI. The surgical system of any of clauses XXIII-XXV, wherein the longitudinal brace extends in a longitudinal direction between a first longitudinal brace end and a second longitudinal brace end spaced from the first longitudinal brace end at a longitudinal brace distance larger than the lateral width of the patient support.XXVII. The surgical system of clause XXVI, wherein a ratio taken between the longitudinal brace distance and the lateral width of the patient support is at least 1.5:1.XXVI11. The surgical system of XXV1-XXVI1, wherein the patient support defines a longitudinal length; andwherein a ratio taken between the longitudinal brace distance and the longitudinal length of the patient support is at least 0.35: 1.XXIX. The surgical system of any of clauses XXVI-XXVIII, wherein the lateral brace distance is substantially equal to the longitudinal brace distance.XXX. The surgical system of any of clauses XVII-XXIX, further comprising of a shuttle for transporting the patient support and the column along the floor surface in the mobile mode.XXXI. The surgical system of clause XXX, wherein the shuttle includes a shuttle base arranged for movement along the floor surface and shaped to receive the column in a longitudinal direction, and a shuttle frame operatively attached to the shuttle base and arranged for engagement with the patient support.XXXII. The surgical system of clause XXXI, further including a lock mechanism interposed between the head of the column and the interface of the patient support, the lock mechanism being operable between: a locked state to inhibit movement between the head and the interface of the patient support, and an unlocked state to permit movement between the head and the interface of the patient support to release the patient support from the column.XXXIII. The surgical system of clause XXXII, wherein the column supports the head for movement relative to the base in a plurality of directions including in a vertical direction; and wherein the column is further configured to selectively move the head towards the base during operation in the locked state to bring the shuttle frame of the shuttle docked with the column into engagement with the patient support to lift the foot plate off of the floor surface and change operation from the braced mode to the mobile mode.XXXIV. The surgical system of clause XXX1I1, wherein the column is further configured to selectively move the head towards the base during operation in the unlocked state to bring theshuttle frame of the shuttle docked with the column into engagement with the patient support to transfer the patient support off of the column and onto the shuttle for concurrent movement with the shuttle away from the column and the foot plate.XXXV. The surgical system of any of clauses XXXII-XXXIV, wherein the shuttle includes a lift actuator interposed between the shuttle base and the shuttle frame to move the shuttle frame relative to the shuttle base in a vertical direction, the lift actuator being configured to selectively move the shuttle frame away from the shuttle base in the vertical direction during operation in the locked state to bring the shutde frame of the shuttle docked with the column into engagement with the patient support to lift the foot plate off of the floor surface and change operation from the braced mode to the mobile mode.XXXVI. The surgical system of clause XXXV, wherein the lift actuator is further configured to selectively move the shuttle frame away from the shuttle base in the vertical direction during operation in the unlocked state to bring the shuttle frame of the shuttle docked with the column into engagement with the patient support to transfer the patient support off of the column and onto the shuttle for concurrent movement with the shuttle away from the column and the foot plate.XXXVII. The surgical system of any of clauses XXXH-XXXVI, wherein the lock mechanism is disposed in the locked state during operation in the braced mode.XXXVIII. The surgical system of any of clauses XXXI-XXXVII, wherein the shuttle base includes: a center section; and a pair of arm sections coupled to the center section to define a dock arranged to receive the column in the longitudinal direction between the pair of arm sections in the braced mode.XXXIX. The surgical system of clause XXXV111, wherein the pair of arm sections of the shuttle base each support a respective caster wheel for transporting the patient support and thecolumn along the floor surface in the mobile mode.XL. The surgical system of clause XXXIX, wherein the lateral brace extends in a lateral direction between a first lateral brace end and a second lateral brace end spaced from the first lateral brace end at a lateral brace distance; and wherein the longitudinal brace extends in a longitudinal direction between a first longitudinal brace end and a second longitudinal brace end spaced from the first longitudinal brace end at a longitudinal brace distance substantially equal to the lateral brace distance.XLI. The surgical system of clause XL, wherein the lateral brace extends in the longitudinal direction between the a first ramp end and a second ramp end spaced from the first ramp end at a ramp brace distance smaller than the longitudinal brace distance.XLII. The surgical system of clause XLI, wherein the first longitudinal brace end defines the first ramp end of the lateral brace; and wherein the second ramp end of the lateral brace is spaced from the second longitudinal brace end in the longitudinal direction.XLIII. The surgical system of any of clauses XLLXLII, wherein the lateral brace further includes a first pair of ramps disposed adjacent to the first ramp end, and a second pair of ramps disposed adjacent to the second ramp end, with the first and second pairs of ramps being arranged to guide the respective caster wheels of the pair of arm sections of the shuttle base to facilitate docking and undocking of the shuttle with the base.XLIV. The surgical system of clause XLIII, wherein the shuttle further includes a tracking wheel assembly coupled to the shuttle base and supporting a tracking wheel for movement between: a disengaged position spaced from the floor surface, and an engaged position disposed in engagement with the floor surface to at least partially limit lateral movement of the shuttle base along the floor surface; andwherein the foot plate defines a notch spaced laterally between one of the first pair of ramps and the longitudinal brace to receive the tracking wheel of the shuttle.XLV. A surgical system for supporting a patient relative to a floor surface, the surgical system comprising: a patient support including a deck to support the patient, and an interface operatively attached to the deck; a column having a head to releasably engage the interface of the patient support, and a base supporting the head; a rotational support having a seat and a mount supported for rotation relative to the seat about an axis, with the mount operatively attached to the base of the column and supporting the column and the patient support for selective rotation about the axis between a plurality of patient support positions including a longitudinal support position and a lateral support position; and a foot plate coupled to the seat of the rotational support and selectively operable between a braced mode disposed in abutment with the floor surface, and a mobile mode arranged for movement relative to the floor surface, the foot plate including a contact region arranged to abut the floor surface in the braced mode and defining a longitudinal brace to maintain abutment with the floor surface with the column in the longitudinal support position, and a lateral brace to maintain abutment with the floor surface with the column in the lateral support position.XL VI. The surgical system of clause XLV, wherein the patient support defines a lateral width; and wherein the lateral brace extends in a lateral direction between a first lateral brace end and a second lateral brace end spaced from the first lateral brace end at a lateral brace distance larger than the lateral width of the patient support.XLV 11. The surgical system of clause XLV1, wherein a ratio taken between the lateral brace distance and the lateral width of the patient support is at least 1.5:1.XL VIII. The surgical system of any of clauses XLVLXLVII, wherein the patient support defines a longitudinal length; and wherein a ratio taken between the lateral brace distance and the longitudinal length of the patient support is at least 0.35:1.XLIX. The surgical system of any of clauses XLVLXLVIII, wherein the longitudinal brace extends in a longitudinal direction between a first longitudinal brace end and a second longitudinal brace end spaced from the first longitudinal brace end at a longitudinal brace distance larger than the lateral width of the patient support.L. The surgical system of clause XLIX, wherein a ratio taken between the longitudinal brace distance and the lateral width of the patient support is at least 1.5:1.LI. The surgical system of any of clauses XLIX-L, wherein the patient support defines a longitudinal length; and wherein a ratio taken between the longitudinal brace distance and the longitudinal length of the patient support is at least 0.35: 1.LII. The surgical system of any of clauses XLIX-LI, wherein the lateral brace distance is substantially equal to the longitudinal brace distance.LUI. The surgical system of any of clauses XLV-LII, further comprising of a shuttle for transporting the patient support and the column along the floor surface in the mobile mode.LIV. The surgical system of clause LIII, wherein the shuttle includes a shuttle base arranged for movement along the floor surface and shaped to receive the column in a longitudinal direction, and a shuttle frame operatively attached to the shuttle base and arranged for engagement with the patient support.LV. The surgical system of clause LIV, further including a lock mechanism interposed between the head of the column and the interface of the patient support, the lock mechanism being operable between:a locked state to inhibit movement between the head and the interface of the patient support, and an unlocked state to permit movement between the head and the interface of the patient support to release the patient support from the column.LVI. The surgical system of clause LV, wherein the column supports the head for movement relative to the base in a plurality of directions including in a vertical direction; and wherein the column is further configured to selectively move the head towards the base during operation in the locked state to bring the shuttle frame of the shuttle docked with the column into engagement with the patient support to lift the foot plate off of the floor surface and change operation from the braced mode to the mobile mode.LVII. The surgical system of clause LVI, wherein the column is further configured to selectively move the head towards the base during operation in the unlocked state to bring the shuttle frame of the shuttle docked with the column into engagement with the patient support to transfer the patient support off of the column and onto the shuttle for concurrent movement with the shuttle away from the column and the foot plate.LVIII. The surgical system of any of clauses LV-LVII, wherein the shuttle includes a lift actuator interposed between the shuttle base and the shuttle frame to move the shuttle frame relative to the shuttle base in a vertical direction, the lift actuator being configured to selectively move the shuttle frame away from the shuttle base in the vertical direction during operation in the locked state to bring the shuttle frame of the shuttle docked with the column into engagement with the patient support to lift the foot plate off of the floor surface and change operation from the braced mode to the mobile mode.LIX. The surgical system of clause LVIII, wherein the lift actuator is further configured to selectively move the shuttle frame away from the shuttle base in the vertical direction during operation in the unlocked state to bring the shuttle frame of the shuttle docked with the columninto engagement with the patient support to transfer the patient support off of the column and onto the shuttle for concurrent movement with the shuttle away from the column and the foot plate.LX. The surgical system of any of clauses LV-LIX, wherein the lock mechanism is disposed in the locked state during operation in the braced mode.LXI. The surgical system of any of clauses LIV-LX, wherein the shuttle base includes: a center section; and a pair of arm sections coupled to the center section to define a dock arranged to receive the column in the longitudinal direction between the pair of arm sections in the braced mode.LXII. The surgical system of clause LXI, wherein the pair of arm sections of the shuttle base each support a respective caster wheel for transporting the patient support and the column along the floor surface in the mobile mode.LXIII. The surgical system of clause LXII, wherein the lateral brace extends in a lateral direction between a first lateral brace end and a second lateral brace end spaced from the first lateral brace end at a lateral brace distance; and wherein the longitudinal brace extends in a longitudinal direction between a first longitudinal brace end and a second longitudinal brace end spaced from the first longitudinal brace end at a longitudinal brace distance substantially equal to the lateral brace distance.LXIV. The surgical system of clause LXIII, wherein the lateral brace extends in the longitudinal direction between the a first ramp end and a second ramp end spaced from the first ramp end at a ramp brace distance smaller than the longitudinal brace distance.LXV. The surgical system of clause LXIV, wherein the first longitudinal brace end defines the first ramp end of the lateral brace; and wherein the second ramp end of the lateral brace is spaced from the second longitudinal brace end in the longitudinal direction.LXVI. The surgical system of any of clauses LXIV-LXV, wherein the lateral brace furtherincludes a first pair of ramps disposed adjacent to the first ramp end, and a second pair of ramps disposed adjacent to the second ramp end, with the first and second pairs of ramps being arranged to guide the respective caster wheels of the pair of arm sections of the shuttle base to facilitate docking and undocking of the shuttle with the base.LXVII. The surgical system of clause LXVI, wherein the shuttle further includes a tracking wheel assembly coupled to the shuttle base and supporting a tracking wheel for movement between: a disengaged position spaced from the floor surface, and an engaged position disposed in engagement with the floor surface to at least partially limit lateral movement of the shuttle base along the floor surface; and wherein the foot plate defines a notch spaced laterally between one of the first pair of ramps and the longitudinal brace to receive the tracking wheel of the shuttle.LXVIII. The surgical system of any of clauses XLV-LXVII, further comprising a medical imaging device to generate image data of the patient.LXIX. The surgical system of clause LXVIII, wherein the medical imaging device includes: an imaging base defining a track extending between a first track end and a second track end; and an imaging gantry having at least one imaging component and defining an imaging bore shaped to receive at least a portion of the patient support.LXX. The surgical system of clause LXIX, wherein the medical imaging device further includes: a gantry mount supporting the imaging gantry for movement along the track; and a translation mechanism interposed between the base and the gantry mount to drive the gantry mount along the track in an imaging mode to acquire the image data of the patient withinthe imaging bore.LXXI. The surgical system of clause LXX, wherein the gantry mount includes: a gantry mount base operatively attached to the imaging base; and a gantry mount member operatively attached to the gantry mount base for rotation relative to the gantry mount base, the gantry mount member supporting the imaging gantry such that the gantry mount member and the imaging gantry are configured to rotate together about a first axis relative to the base.LXXII. The surgical system of clause LXXI, wherein the gantry mount member includes a gimbal having a pair of arms, each arm coupled to an opposite side of the imaging gantry to support the imaging gantry above the imaging base and the gimbal.LXXIII. The surgical system of any of clauses LXX-LXXII, wherein the at least one imaging component comprises a rotor supporting an x-ray source and a detector and disposed within a housing defined by the imaging gantry for rotation around the imaging bore.LXXIV. The surgical system of clause LXXIII, wherein the rotor rotates around the imaging bore as the translation mechanism drives the gantry mount along the track in the imaging mode to acquire helical scan x-ray CT images of a patient within the imaging bore.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A surgical system for supporting a patient relative to a floor surface for x-ray imaging, the surgical system comprising: a medical imaging device to generate image data of the patient, the medical imaging device including an imaging base extending between a first end and a second end, a drive mechanism to facilitate movement along the floor surface, a guide arranged adjacent to the first end of the imaging base, and an imaging having at least one imaging component; and a patient support apparatus including a deck to support the patient, a foot plate selectively operable between a braced mode disposed in abutment with the floor surface and a mobile mode arranged for movement relative to the floor surface, a column coupled between the foot plate and the deck, and a stop arranged to contact the guide of the medical imaging device during operation in the braced mode to position the medical imaging device in a predetermined arrangement relative to the patient support apparatus.

2. The surgical system of claim 1, wherein the medical imaging device includes a plurality of base caster wheels, and a lift mechanism interposed between the imaging base and the plurality of base caster wheels and being operable between: a lowered configuration where at least a portion of the imaging base is disposed in contact with the floor surface to brace the medical imaging device relative to the floor surface, and a raised configuration where the plurality of base caster wheels at least partially support the medical imaging device for movement along the floor surface.

3. The surgical system of claim 2, wherein the guide of the medical imaging device is arranged to contact the stop of the patient support apparatus during operation in the raised configuration.

4. The surgical system of claim 3, wherein the guide of the medical imaging device is shaped to move out of contact with the stop of the patient support apparatus in response to vertical movement of the medical imaging device occurring as the lift mechanism moves the imaging base towards the lowered configuration and into the predetermined arrangement relative to the patient support apparatus.

5. The surgical system of claim 4, wherein the medical imaging device is disposed in spaced relation out of contact with the patient support apparatus in the predetermined arrangement during operation in the lowered configuration.

6. The surgical system of claim 2, wherein the guide is operatively attached to the imaging base of the medical imaging device; and wherein the stop is operatively attached to the foot plate of the patient support apparatus.

7. The surgical system of claim 6, wherein the medical imaging device further includes a bumper assembly operatively attached to the imaging base adjacent to the first end, the bumper assembly including a bumper extending longitudinally beyond the guide.

8. The surgical system of claim 7, wherein the bumper is disposed vertically below the guide.

9. The surgical system of claim 7, wherein the bumper assembly includes a panel defining the guide.

10. The surgical system of claim 6, wherein the stop includes a tang extending longitudinally away from the column; and wherein the guide defines a nock shaped to receive and contact the tang during operation in the braced mode with the lift mechanism supporting the imaging base in the raised configuration.

11. The surgical system of claim 10, wherein the stop further includes a post operatively attached to the foot plate and supporting the tang at relative to the floor surface during operationin the braced mode and vertically above the nock of the guide with the patient support apparatus in the predetermined arrangement during operation in the lowered configuration.

12. The surgical system of claim 11, wherein the tang is removably coupled to the post.

13. The surgical system of claim 11, wherein the post is removably coupled to the foot plate.

14. The surgical system of claim 10, wherein the tang and the nock have complimentarily- shaped tapered profiles.

15. The surgical system of claim 1, wherein the foot plate defines a first lateral brace end and a second lateral brace end with the stop spaced laterally between the first lateral brace end and the second lateral brace end.

16. The surgical system of claim 1, wherein the foot plate defines a pocket adjacent to the stop shaped to accommodate a portion of the imaging base with the medical imaging device in the predetermined arrangement relative to the patient support apparatus.

17. A surgical system for supporting a patient relative to a floor surface for x-ray imaging, the surgical system comprising: a patient support including a deck to support the patient, and an interface operatively attached to the deck; a column having a head to releasably engage the interface of the patient support, and a base supporting the head; a medical imaging device to generate image data of the patient, the medical imaging device including an imaging base defining a track extending between a first track end and a second track end, and an imaging gantry having at least one imaging component and defining an imaging bore shaped to receive at least a portion of the patient support; a rotational support having a seat and a mount supported for rotation relative to the seat about an axis, with the mount operatively attached to the base of the column and supporting thecolumn and the patient support for selective rotation about the axis between a plurality of patient support positions including a longitudinal support position and a lateral support position; and a foot plate coupled to the seat of the rotational support and selectively operable between a braced mode disposed in abutment with the floor surface, and a mobile mode arranged for movement relative to the floor surface, the foot plate including a contact region arranged to abut the floor surface in the braced mode and defining a longitudinal brace to maintain abutment with the floor surface with the column in the longitudinal support position, and a lateral brace to maintain abutment with the floor surface with the column in the lateral support position.

18. The surgical system of claim 17, wherein the medical imaging device further includes: a gantry mount supporting the imaging gantry for movement along the track; and a translation mechanism interposed between the base and the gantry mount to drive the gantry mount along the track in an imaging mode to acquire the image data of the patient within the imaging bore.

19. The surgical system of claim 18, wherein the gantry mount includes: a gantry mount base operatively attached to the imaging base; and a gantry mount member operatively attached to the gantry mount base for rotation relative to the gantry mount base, the gantry mount member supporting the imaging gantry such that the gantry mount member and the imaging gantry are configured to rotate together about a first axis relative to the base.

20. The surgical system of claim 19, wherein the gantry mount member includes a gimbal having a pair of arms, each arm coupled to an opposite side of the imaging gantry to support the imaging gantry above the imaging base and the gimbal.

21. The surgical system of claim 18, wherein the at least one imaging component comprises a rotor supporting an x-ray source and a detector and disposed within a housing defined by the imaging gantry for rotation around the imaging bore.

22. The surgical system of claim 21, wherein the rotor rotates around the imaging bore as the translation mechanism drives the gantry mount along the track in the imaging mode to acquire helical scan x-ray CT images of a patient within the imaging bore.

23. The surgical system of claim 17, wherein the patient support defines a lateral width; and wherein the lateral brace extends in a lateral direction between a first lateral brace end and a second lateral brace end spaced from the first lateral brace end at a lateral brace distance larger than the lateral width of the patient support.

24. The surgical system of claim 23, wherein a ratio taken between the lateral brace distance and the lateral width of the patient support is at least 1.5:1.

25. The surgical system of claim 23, wherein the patient support defines a longitudinal length; and wherein a ratio taken between the lateral brace distance and the longitudinal length of the patient support is at least 0.35:1.

26. The surgical system of claim 23, wherein the longitudinal brace extends in a longitudinal direction between a first longitudinal brace end and a second longitudinal brace end spaced from the first longitudinal brace end at a longitudinal brace distance larger than the lateral width of the patient support.

27. The surgical system of claim 26, wherein a ratio taken between the longitudinal brace distance and the lateral width of the patient support is at least 1.5:1.

28. The surgical system of claim 26, wherein the patient support defines a longitudinal length; and wherein a ratio taken between the longitudinal brace distance and the longitudinal length of the patient support is at least 0.35: 1.

29. The surgical system of claim 26, wherein the lateral brace distance is substantiallyequal to the longitudinal brace distance.

30. The surgical system of claim 17, further comprising of a shuttle for transporting the patient support and the column along the floor surface in the mobile mode.

31. The surgical system of claim 30, wherein the shuttle includes a shuttle base arranged for movement along the floor surface and shaped to receive the column in a longitudinal direction, and a shuttle frame operatively attached to the shuttle base and arranged for engagement with the patient support.

32. The surgical system of claim 31, further including a lock mechanism interposed between the head of the column and the interface of the patient support, the lock mechanism being operable between: a locked state to inhibit movement between the head and the interface of the patient support, and an unlocked state to permit movement between the head and the interface of the patient support to release the patient support from the column.

33. The surgical system of claim 32, wherein the column supports the head for movement relative to the base in a plurality of directions including in a vertical direction; and wherein the column is further configured to selectively move the head towards the base during operation in the locked state to bring the shuttle frame of the shuttle docked with the column into engagement with the patient support to lift the foot plate off of the floor surface and change operation from the braced mode to the mobile mode.

34. The surgical system of claim 33, wherein the column is further configured to selectively move the head towards the base during operation in the unlocked state to bring the shuttle frame of the shuttle docked with the column into engagement with the patient support to transfer the patient support off of the column and onto the shuttle for concurrent movement with the shuttle away from the column and the foot plate.

35. The surgical system of claim 32, wherein the shuttle includes a lift actuator interposed between the shuttle base and the shuttle frame to move the shuttle frame relative to the shuttle base in a vertical direction, the lift actuator being configured to selectively move the shuttle frame away from the shuttle base in the vertical direction during operation in the locked state to bring the shuttle frame of the shuttle docked with the column into engagement with the patient support to lift the foot plate off of the floor surface and change operation from the braced mode to the mobile mode.

36. The surgical system of claim 35, wherein the lift actuator is further configured to selectively move the shuttle frame away from the shuttle base in the vertical direction during operation in the unlocked state to bring the shuttle frame of the shuttle docked with the column into engagement with the patient support to transfer the patient support off of the column and onto the shuttle for concurrent movement with the shuttle away from the column and the foot plate.

37. The surgical system of claim 32, wherein the lock mechanism is disposed in the locked state during operation in the braced mode.

38. The surgical system of claim 31, wherein the shuttle base includes: a center section; and a pair of arm sections coupled to the center section to define a dock arranged to receive the column in the longitudinal direction between the pair of arm sections in the braced mode.

39. The surgical system of claim 38, wherein the pair of arm sections of the shuttle base each support a respective caster wheel for transporting the patient support and the column along the floor surface in the mobile mode.

40. The surgical system of claim 39, wherein the lateral brace extends in a lateral direction between a first lateral brace end and a second lateral brace end spaced from the first lateral brace end at a lateral brace distance; and wherein the longitudinal brace extends in a longitudinal direction between a firstlongitudinal brace end and a second longitudinal brace end spaced from the first longitudinal brace end at a longitudinal brace distance substantially equal to the lateral brace distance.

41. The surgical system of claim 40, wherein the lateral brace extends in the longitudinal direction between the a first ramp end and a second ramp end spaced from the first ramp end at a ramp brace distance smaller than the longitudinal brace distance.

42. The surgical system of claim 41, wherein the first longitudinal brace end defines the first ramp end of the lateral brace; and wherein the second ramp end of the lateral brace is spaced from the second longitudinal brace end in the longitudinal direction.

43. The surgical system of claim 41, wherein the lateral brace further includes a first pair of ramps disposed adjacent to the first ramp end, and a second pair of ramps disposed adjacent to the second ramp end, with the first and second pairs of ramps being arranged to guide the respective caster wheels of the pair of arm sections of the shuttle base to facilitate docking and undocking of the shuttle with the base.

44. The surgical system of claim 43, wherein the shuttle further includes a tracking wheel assembly coupled to the shuttle base and supporting a tracking wheel for movement between: a disengaged position spaced from the floor surface, and an engaged position disposed in engagement with the floor surface to at least partially limit lateral movement of the shuttle base along the floor surface; and wherein the foot plate defines a notch spaced laterally between one of the first pair of ramps and the longitudinal brace to receive the tracking wheel of the shuttle.

45. A surgical system for supporting a patient relative to a floor surface, the surgical system comprising: a patient support including a deck to support the patient, and an interface operatively attached to the deck;a column having a head to releasably engage the interface of the patient support, and a base supporting the head; a rotational support having a seat and a mount supported for rotation relative to the seat about an axis, with the mount operatively attached to the base of the column and supporting the column and the patient support for selective rotation about the axis between a plurality of patient support positions including a longitudinal support position and a lateral support position; and a foot plate coupled to the seat of the rotational support and selectively operable between a braced mode disposed in abutment with the floor surface, and a mobile mode arranged for movement relative to the floor surface, the foot plate including a contact region arranged to abut the floor surface in the braced mode and defining a longitudinal brace to maintain abutment with the floor surface with the column in the longitudinal support position, and a lateral brace to maintain abutment with the floor surface with the column in the lateral support position.

46. The surgical system of claim 45, wherein the patient support defines a lateral width; and wherein the lateral brace extends in a lateral direction between a first lateral brace end and a second lateral brace end spaced from the first lateral brace end at a lateral brace distance larger than the lateral width of the patient support.

47. The surgical system of claim 46, wherein a ratio taken between the lateral brace distance and the lateral width of the patient support is at least 1.5:1.

48. The surgical system of claim 46, wherein the patient support defines a longitudinal length; and wherein a ratio taken between the lateral brace distance and the longitudinal length of the patient support is at least 0.35:1.

49. The surgical system of claim 46, wherein the longitudinal brace extends in a longitudinal direction between a first longitudinal brace end and a second longitudinal brace endspaced from the first longitudinal brace end at a longitudinal brace distance larger than the lateral width of the patient support.

50. The surgical system of claim 49, wherein a ratio taken between the longitudinal brace distance and the lateral width of the patient support is at least 1.5:1.

51. The surgical system of claim 49, wherein the patient support defines a longitudinal length; and wherein a ratio taken between the longitudinal brace distance and the longitudinal length of the patient support is at least 0.35: 1.

52. The surgical system of claim 49, wherein the lateral brace distance is substantially equal to the longitudinal brace distance.

53. The surgical system of claim 45, further comprising of a shuttle for transporting the patient support and the column along the floor surface in the mobile mode.

54. The surgical system of claim 53, wherein the shuttle includes a shuttle base arranged for movement along the floor surface and shaped to receive the column in a longitudinal direction, and a shuttle frame operatively attached to the shuttle base and arranged for engagement with the patient support.

55. The surgical system of claim 54, further including a lock mechanism interposed between the head of the column and the interface of the patient support, the lock mechanism being operable between: a locked state to inhibit movement between the head and the interface of the patient support, and an unlocked state to permit movement between the head and the interface of the patient support to release the patient support from the column.

56. The surgical system of claim 55, wherein the column supports the head for movement relative to the base in a plurality of directions including in a vertical direction; andwherein the column is further configured to selectively move the head towards the base during operation in the locked state to bring the shuttle frame of the shuttle docked with the column into engagement with the patient support to lift the foot plate off of the floor surface and change operation from the braced mode to the mobile mode.

57. The surgical system of claim 56, wherein the column is further configured to selectively move the head towards the base during operation in the unlocked state to bring the shuttle frame of the shuttle docked with the column into engagement with the patient support to transfer the patient support off of the column and onto the shuttle for concurrent movement with the shuttle away from the column and the foot plate.

58. The surgical system of claim 55, wherein the shuttle includes a lift actuator interposed between the shuttle base and the shuttle frame to move the shuttle frame relative to the shuttle base in a vertical direction, the lift actuator being configured to selectively move the shuttle frame away from the shuttle base in the vertical direction during operation in the locked state to bring the shuttle frame of the shuttle docked with the column into engagement with the patient support to lift the foot plate off of the floor surface and change operation from the braced mode to the mobile mode.

59. The surgical system of claim 58, wherein the lift actuator is further configured to selectively move the shuttle frame away from the shuttle base in the vertical direction during operation in the unlocked state to bring the shuttle frame of the shuttle docked with the column into engagement with the patient support to transfer the patient support off of the column and onto the shuttle for concurrent movement with the shuttle away from the column and the foot plate.

60. The surgical system of claim 55, wherein the lock mechanism is disposed in the locked state during operation in the braced mode.

61. The surgical system of claim 54, wherein the shuttle base includes: a center section; anda pair of arm sections coupled to the center section to define a dock arranged to receive the column in the longitudinal direction between the pair of arm sections in the braced mode.

62. The surgical system of claim 61, wherein the pair of arm sections of the shuttle base each support a respective caster wheel for transporting the patient support and the column along the floor surface in the mobile mode.

63. The surgical system of claim 62, wherein the lateral brace extends in a lateral direction between a first lateral brace end and a second lateral brace end spaced from the first lateral brace end at a lateral brace distance; and wherein the longitudinal brace extends in a longitudinal direction between a first longitudinal brace end and a second longitudinal brace end spaced from the first longitudinal brace end at a longitudinal brace distance substantially equal to the lateral brace distance.

64. The surgical system of claim 63, wherein the lateral brace extends in the longitudinal direction between the a first ramp end and a second ramp end spaced from the first ramp end at a ramp brace distance smaller than the longitudinal brace distance.

65. The surgical system of claim 64, wherein the first longitudinal brace end defines the first ramp end of the lateral brace; and wherein the second ramp end of the lateral brace is spaced from the second longitudinal brace end in the longitudinal direction.

66. The surgical system of claim 64, wherein the lateral brace further includes a first pair of ramps disposed adjacent to the first ramp end, and a second pair of ramps disposed adjacent to the second ramp end, with the first and second pairs of ramps being arranged to guide the respective caster wheels of the pair of arm sections of the shuttle base to facilitate docking and undocking of the shuttle with the base.

67. The surgical system of claim 66, wherein the shuttle further includes a tracking wheel assembly coupled to the shuttle base and supporting a tracking wheel for movement between:a disengaged position spaced from the floor surface, and an engaged position disposed in engagement with the floor surface to at least partially limit lateral movement of the shuttle base along the floor surface; and wherein the foot plate defines a notch spaced laterally between one of the first pair of ramps and the longitudinal brace to receive the tracking wheel of the shuttle.

68. The surgical system of claim 45, further comprising a medical imaging device to generate image data of the patient.

69. The surgical system of claim 68, wherein the medical imaging device includes: an imaging base defining a track extending between a first track end and a second track end; and an imaging gantry having at least one imaging component and defining an imaging bore shaped to receive at least a portion of the patient support.

70. The surgical system of claim 69, wherein the medical imaging device further includes: a gantry mount supporting the imaging gantry for movement along the track; and a translation mechanism interposed between the base and the gantry mount to drive the gantry mount along the track in an imaging mode to acquire the image data of the patient within the imaging bore.71 . The surgical system of claim 70, wherein the gantry mount includes: a gantry mount base operatively attached to the imaging base; and a gantry mount member operatively attached to the gantry mount base for rotation relative to the gantry mount base, the gantry mount member supporting the imaging gantry such that the gantry mount member and the imaging gantry are configured to rotate together about a first axis relative to the base.

72. The surgical system of claim 71, wherein the gantry mount member includes a gimbal having a pair of arms, each arm coupled to an opposite side of the imaging gantry to support theimaging gantry above the imaging base and the gimbal.

73. The surgical system of claim 70, wherein the at least one imaging component comprises a rotor supporting an x-ray source and a detector and disposed within a housing defined by the imaging gantry for rotation around the imaging bore.

74. The surgical system of claim 73, wherein the rotor rotates around the imaging bore as the translation mechanism drives the gantry mount along the track in the imaging mode to acquire helical scan x-ray CT images of a patient within the imaging bore.

Images