Teletherapy patient support and methods

Abstract

The teletherapy patient support comprises: a pelvic support member having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; a torso support member extending from the pelvic support member and facing the first surface of the pelvic support member; a first leg support extending from the pelvic support member and facing the second surface of the pelvic support member; and a second leg support having at least one connecting member, the second leg support further having at least one socket, such that the pelvic support member is either attached to the pelvic support member by placing the at least one connecting member in the at least one socket of the pelvic support member, or detached from the pelvic support member by not placing the at least one connecting member in the at least one socket of the pelvic support member.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 070,853, filed August 27, 2020, entitled "TELETHERAPY PATIENT SUPPORT AND METHOD," the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0002] Technical Field FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to the field of teletherapy, and more particularly to teletherapy patient supports and methods. [Background technology]

[0003] background Teletherapy is defined as a treatment method in which the radiation source is located away from the body being treated. X-rays and electron beams have long been used in teletherapy to treat various cancers, but recently there has been an increase in the use of heavy particles such as protons in teletherapy.

[0004] Radiation can be focused into a target volume with variable penetration depth. In this way, the dose profile can be closely matched to the target volume with high precision. To ensure complete irradiation of the target tumor, i.e., the target volume, it is preferable for multiple beams to reach the target tumor from several different directions. Whether the beams are emitted sequentially or simultaneously, the point where the multiple beams intersect is called the isocenter, and to maximize biological effectiveness, the isocenter must precisely coincide with the target tumor.

[0005] Radiation treatment is delivered to a target tumor in well-defined steps. In the first step, known as the treatment planning phase, the target tumor is imaged and a treatment plan, including dose, patient position, and irradiation angle, is established. Furthermore, placement markers are established to ensure that subsequent irradiation sessions are delivered appropriately. Irradiation is then delivered according to the developed treatment plan in multiple treatment sessions over a period of time, each known as a fraction. During each such fraction, care must be taken to ensure proper patient positioning according to the placement markers to avoid damage to organs adjacent to the target tumor. Patient positioning according to the markers is performed based on visualization of the patient according to the established markers.

[0006] In particular, during each fraction, the patient is positioned on a patient support member, such as a bed, in a setup position. The setup position is preferably identical to the patient position during imaging in the treatment planning phase, except that the setup position is within the treatment room and the center of the target tumor is located at the isocenter of the radiation source. The patient's setup position is typically confirmed by an imaging and / or positioning device. What is desired, but not provided by the prior art, is a patient support that allows for remote therapy and imaging at various angles and various patient positions.

[0007] U.S. Patent No. 7,847,275, issued December 7, 2010 to Lifshitz et al., the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, deals with a teletherapy positioning device adapted to translate a patient support member along any of three orthogonal axes and rotate the patient support member at least 180° about each of the three axes so as to position the patient support member relative to a fixed treatment beam to allow treatment of a reclining patient at any desired angle. While this allows for treatment at a variety of angles, it is limited to a flat patient support member on which the patient is reclining. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Summary of the Invention Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to overcome the shortcomings of prior art methods and configurations for teletherapy, which in one embodiment is provided by a teletherapy patient support including: a pelvic support member having a first side and a second side opposite the first side; a torso support member extending from the pelvic support member and facing the first side of the pelvic support member; a first leg support extending from the pelvic support member and facing the second side of the pelvic support member; and a second leg support having at least one connecting member, the second leg support further having at least one receptacle, such that the pelvic support member can be attached to the pelvic support member by disposing the at least one connecting member in the at least one receptacle of the pelvic support member, or detached from the pelvic support member by not disposing the at least one connecting member in the at least one receptacle of the pelvic support member.

[0009] Additional features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following drawings and description.

[0010] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, purely by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which like numerals indicate corresponding elements or sections throughout.

[0011] With specific reference now to the details of the drawings, it is emphasized that the details shown are presented by way of example only for the purpose of illustratively describing preferred embodiments of the invention, and to provide what is believed to be the most useful and readily understandable explanation of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show the structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, and the description, taken in conjunction with the drawings, will make apparent to those skilled in the art how several forms of the invention may be actually embodied. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1A-M] 1A-1D show various schematic diagrams of a teletherapy patient support, according to certain embodiments. [Figure 2A] 1 shows a schematic flowchart of a first teletherapy patient support method, according to certain embodiments. [Figure 2B] 1 shows a simplified flowchart of a method for loading a patient in a seated position, according to certain embodiments. [Figure 2C] 10 shows a schematic flow chart of a second teletherapy patient support method, according to certain embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments Before describing at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is applicable to other embodiments or to be practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0014] 1A-1M show various schematic views of a teletherapy patient support 10, which are described together. The teletherapy patient support 10 includes a pelvic support member 20; an optional pelvic extension member 30; a torso support member 40; a first leg support 50; a second leg support 60; a control circuit 70; an optional booster 75; a position rotation member 80; and an optional base support 90 having a first contact 91, a second contact 92, and a base member 93 extending between the first and second contact points. FIG. 1A shows a schematic perspective view of the teletherapy patient support 10 with the second leg support 60 removed. FIG. 1B shows a schematic perspective view of the teletherapy patient support 10 with the second leg support 60 attached. 1C-1F respectively show a side view, a front view, a rear view, and a perspective view of the teletherapy patient support 10 with the second leg support 60 removed. FIG. 1G-1I respectively show a front view, a perspective view, and a side view of the teletherapy patient support 10 with the second leg support 60 attached. FIG. 1J shows a perspective view of the second leg support 60.

[0015] Pelvic support member 20 has a first surface 21; a second surface 22 opposite first surface 21; a first side 23; a second side 24 opposite first side 23; a third side 25; a fourth side 26 opposite third side 25; and at least one receptacle 27. First surface 21 and second surface 22 each extend from first side 23 to second side 24 and from third side 25 to fourth side 26. In one embodiment, each receptacle 27 is a hole. In another embodiment (not shown), each receptacle 27 includes a connecting device configured to receive a corresponding connecting member. In one embodiment, multiple receptacles 27 are provided. In another embodiment, each receptacle 27 extends into the second side 24 of the pelvic support member 20 such that the respective receptacle 27 is sandwiched between the first surface 21 and the second surface 22. In one embodiment, the pelvic support member 20 is constructed such that the distance D20 between the first side 23 and the second side 24 is large enough to support the patient's pelvis, as described below, but small enough to allow the patient to lie supine when the pelvic support member 20 and the torso support member 40 are in a reclined position, and to allow the patient to stand when the pelvic support member 20 and the torso support member 40 are in an upright position. In a further embodiment, the distance D20 is less than 20 centimeters. In a further embodiment, the distance D20 is between 10 and 20 centimeters.

[0016] Optional pelvic extension member 30 has a first surface 31; a second surface 32 opposite first surface 31; a first end 33; a second end 34 opposite first end 33; a first side 35; and a second side 36 opposite first side 35. First surface 31 and second surface 32 each extend from first end 33 to second end 34 and from first side 35 to second side 36.

[0017] The torso support member 40 has a first surface 41; a second surface 42 opposite the first surface 41; a first end 43; a second end 44 opposite the first end 43; a first side 45; and a second side 46 opposite the first side 45. Each of the first surface 41 and the second surface 42 extends from the first end 43 to the second end 44 and from the first side 45 to the second side 46. In one embodiment, the torso support member further includes an optional head support 47 having a first side 48 and a second side 49 opposite the first side 48. In one embodiment, the distance between the first side 48 and the second side 49 of the head support 47 is less than the distance between the first side 45 and the second side 46 of the torso support member 40. A head support 47 extends proximally from second end 44 remote from first end 43 .

[0018] First leg support 50 has a first end 51 and a second end 52. In one embodiment, first leg support 50 includes a foot support 53 at second end 52. In another embodiment, first leg support 50 includes a leg support 54 disposed between first end 51 and second end 52.

[0019] Second leg support 60 has a first face 61; a second face 62 opposite first face 61; a first side 63; a second side 64 opposite first side 63; a third side 65; a fourth side 66 opposite third side 65; at least one connecting member 67; and an optional base support 68. First face 61 and second face 62 each extend from first side 63 to second side 64 and from third side 65 to fourth side 66. In one embodiment, each connecting member 67 extends proximally from first side 63 away from second side 64. The optional base support 68 contacts the second surface 62, preferably at the opposite end of the optional base support 68, with a predetermined distance between the optional base support 68 and the second surface 62 to add structural support to the second leg support 60 and reduce the likelihood of the second leg support 60 bending if excessive force is applied to the second leg support 60. In one embodiment, the second leg support 60 is constructed as a single piece. In another embodiment, an opening 69 is located between the second surface 62 and the optional base support 68.

[0020] In one embodiment (not shown), control circuitry 70 includes a processor and memory that stores instructions that, when read by the processor, cause the processor to perform one or more operations. In another embodiment, control circuitry 70 includes, without limitation, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and / or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0021] 11, optional booster 75 has a first surface 76 and a second surface 77 opposite first surface 76. In one embodiment (not shown), optional booster 75 includes multiple boosters stacked one on top of the other. In another embodiment, optional booster 75 includes polyurethane.

[0022] In one embodiment (not shown), the position rotation member 80 includes a motor. In a further embodiment, the motor is in electrical communication with and responsive to the control circuit 70. The position rotation member 80 is configured to rotate about a position rotation axis 81. In another embodiment, the position rotation member 80 is implemented as part of a robotic arm having six degrees of freedom, with the position rotation member 80 providing one or more of the six degrees of freedom. In a further embodiment, the robotic arm 82 is implemented as described in PCT Application Publication No. WO2019 / 123464, published June 27, 2019, entitled "PATIENT POSITIONING APPARATUS AND METHOD," the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. In one illustrated embodiment, the position rotation member 80 includes a pair of coupling members 83, each coupled to a respective side of a base 84. In such an embodiment, one or more motors are in mechanical communication with one or both linkage members 83 and are configured to rotate linkage members 83 about a position rotation axis 81 extending through base 84. While position rotation member 80 is shown coupled to optional base support 90, this is not meant to be limiting. In another embodiment, position rotation member 80 is coupled to pelvis support member 20; optional extension member 30; and / or torso support member 40.

[0023] In another embodiment (not shown), the position rotation member 80 includes a single rotation member coupled to the pelvic support member 20, the single rotation member configured to rotate the pelvic support member about the position rotation axis 81. In one further embodiment, the single rotation member has a spherical or elongated shape. In another embodiment (not shown), the position rotation member 80 includes a translation mechanism configured to be translated along a guide rail, the translation mechanism coupled to the pelvic support member 20. In such an embodiment, the guide rail is shaped and configured such that movement of the translation mechanism along the guide rail rotates the pelvic support member 20 about the position rotation axis 81. In one embodiment, the position rotation axis 81 is substantially parallel to the floor 85. The teletherapy patient support 10 is positioned on the floor 85.

[0024] The optional pelvic extension member 30 extends (e.g., proximally) from the second side 24 of the pelvic support member 20. In one embodiment, the first end 33 of the optional pelvic extension member 30 is connected to the second side 24 of the pelvic support member 20. In another embodiment, the optional pelvic extension member 30 and the pelvic support member 20 are constructed such that the first end 33 of the optional pelvic extension member 30 and the second side 24 of the pelvic support member 20 are identical. In one embodiment, the first side 35 and the second side 36 of the optional pelvic extension member 30 each form an angle between 60° and 130° with the second side 24 of the pelvic support member 20. In a further embodiment, the angle with the second side 24 is between 60° and 90°. These acute angles can improve support for the thighs of a patient supported by the pelvic support member 20. In one embodiment, the first surface 21 of the pelvic support member 20 and the first surface 31 of the optional pelvic extension member 30 together form a general T-shape. Advantageously, the T-shape allows the patient's legs to span the sides 35 and 36 of the optional pelvic extension member 30, providing excellent pelvic support. Additionally, the patient's abdomen and pelvis are more exposed when the patient is in a standing position with their legs supported by the first leg support 50. This can improve access of the teletherapy radiation beam to the patient's abdomen / pelvis. In one embodiment, the distance between the first side 35 and the second side 36 of the optional pelvic extension member decreases from the first end 33 to the second end 34. This allows for more comfortable positioning of the patient's legs. In another embodiment, the distance between the first side 35 and the second side 36 at the first end 33 is approximately one-third the distance between the third side 35 and the second side 36, although this is not meant to be limiting.

[0025] In another embodiment, an optional pelvic extension member 30 separates the second side 24 of the pelvic support member 20 into a first section 28 and a second section 29. In a further embodiment, a pair of receptacles 27 are provided, with a first receptacle 27 extending into the first section 28 of the second side 24 of the pelvic support member 20 and a second receptacle 27 extending into the second section 29 of the second side 24. In another further embodiment, the distance between the first section 28 and the second section 29, i.e., the distance between the first side 35 and the second side 36, represented by D30, is less than the respective lengths of the first section 28 and the second section 29. In particular, the distance between the first side 35 of the optional pelvic extension member 30 and the third side 25 of the pelvic support member 20, represented by D28, is less than D30. Similarly, the distance between the second side 36 of any pelvic extension member 30 and the fourth side 26 of the pelvic support member 20, represented by D29, is less than D30.

[0026] 1H, pelvic support member 20 has holes 105 extending from first surface 21 to second surface 22. In another embodiment (not shown), optional pelvic extension member 30 has holes 105 extending from first surface 31 to second surface 32. Holes 105 allow access to a patient supported by teletherapy patient support 10, such as access for a rectal device.

[0027] The torso support member 40 extends from the pelvic support member 20. In one embodiment, the torso support member 40 extends from the first side 23 of the pelvic support member 20. In a further embodiment, the first end 43 of the torso support member 40 is coupled to the first side 23 of the pelvic support member 20. In another further embodiment, the torso support member 40 and the pelvic support member 20 are constructed such that the first end 43 of the torso support member 40 and the first side 23 of the pelvic support member 20 are identical. In one embodiment, the first surface 41 is concavely curved, and the concavely curved surface extends from the first side 45 to the second side 46 such that the midline of the first surface 41 extending from the first side 23 is further from any pelvic extension member 30 than the plane defined by the first side 45 and the second side 46. In a further embodiment, second surface 42 is convexly curved, and the convexly curved surface extends from first side 45 to second side 46 such that the midline of second surface 42 extending from first side 23 is further away from any pelvic extension member 30 than the plane defined by first side 45 and second side 46. First surface 41 of torso support member 40 faces first surface 21 of pelvic support member 20, i.e., there is an angle of less than 180° between first surface 41 and first surface 21. In one embodiment, the angle between first surface 41 of torso support member 40 and first surface 21 of pelvic support member 20 is greater than 90° and less than 180°. In a further embodiment, the angle between first surface 41 of torso support member 40 and first surface 21 of pelvic support member 20 is between 100° and 120°. In one further embodiment, the angle between first surface 41 of torso support member 40 and first surface 21 of pelvis support member 20 is approximately 110°.

[0028] A first contact point 91 of any base support 90 contacts the pelvic support member 20, optionally at the second side 24, and a second contact point 92 of any base support 90 contacts the optional pelvic extension member 30, optionally at the second end 34. In one embodiment, the pelvic support member 20, the optional pelvic extension member 30, and the optional base support 90 are constructed as a single unit. In another embodiment, the pelvic support member 20, the optional pelvic extension member 30, and the optional base support 90 are constructed such that the first contact point 91 of any base support 90 and the second side 24 of the pelvic support member 20 are identical, and the second contact point 92 of any base support 90 and the second end 34 of the optional pelvic extension member 30 are identical. In one embodiment, the pelvic support member 20, any pelvic extension member 30, and any base support 90 are constructed such that an opening 94 is created between the base member 93 and the surface defined by the second surface 22 of the pelvic support member 20 and the second surface 32 of the optional pelvic extension member 30.

[0029] The first leg support 50 extends from the pelvic support member 20 at a first end 51. In one embodiment, the first leg support 50 extends from the base member 93 of the optional base support 90. The first leg support 50 faces the second side 24 of the pelvic support member 20, i.e., there is an angle of less than 180° between the first leg support 50 and the second side 22.

[0030] At least one connecting member 67 of the second leg support 60 is configured to either be disposed within at least one receptacle 27 of the pelvic support member 20 or not be disposed within at least one receptacle 27 of the pelvic support member 20. Specifically, each connecting member 67 is shaped and dimensioned to fit within and be removable from its respective receptacle 27. In one embodiment, the connecting members 67 and their respective receptacles 27 are shaped and dimensioned to secure the second leg support 60 to the pelvic support member 20. In another embodiment (not shown), additional fastening elements are provided. In a further embodiment, these fastening elements include spring-controlled elements within the receptacles 27 and / or bolts or other locking mechanisms on the exterior of the pelvic support member 20 and the second leg support 60.

[0031] In operation, the control circuit 70 controls the position rotation member 80 to rotate the pelvis support member 20 and the torso support member 40 about the position rotation axis 81 through an upright angle range and a reclining angle range, where the upright angle range shown in FIG. 1L is different from the reclining angle range shown in FIG. 1M. The upright angle range and the reclining angle range are defined relative to a vertical plane 120 extending perpendicularly from the floor 85 and a horizontal plane 130 extending parallel to the floor 85, respectively, as shown in FIG. 1K. The vertical plane 120 is generally perpendicular to the position rotation axis 81, and the horizontal plane 130 is generally parallel to the position rotation axis 81. The upright angle range shown in FIG. 1L includes the angle of the torso support member 40 relative to the vertical plane 120. The angle of the torso support member 40 relative to the vertical plane 120 within the upright angle range is smaller than the angle of the torso support member 40 relative to the vertical plane 120 within the reclining angle range. 1M includes the angle of torso support member 40 relative to horizontal plane 130. The angle of torso support member 40 relative to horizontal plane 130 within the reclining angle range is less than the angle of torso support member 40 relative to horizontal plane 130 within the upright angle range.

[0032] In one embodiment, the first end of the upright angle range generally coincides with second surface 22 of pelvis support member 20 facing floor 85. Accordingly, first surface 41 of torso support member 40 is at an angle of 10° to 30° with respect to vertical plane 120, depending on the angle between torso support member 40 and pelvis support member 20. For example, if first surface 41 of torso support member 40 is at an angle of 20° with first surface 21 of pelvis support member 20, the first end of the upright angle range coincides with first surface 41 being at an angle of 110° with respect to vertical plane 120. In a further embodiment, the first end of the reclining angle range coincides with torso support member 40 being parallel to horizontal plane 130. In another further embodiment, the second end of the upright angle range and the second end of the reclining angle range are both approximately 40° from the vertical plane 120 and 50° from the horizontal plane 130, with the second surface 42 of the torso support member 40 facing the floor 85. In another embodiment, the upright angle range and the reclining angle range overlap.

[0033] In one embodiment, robotic arm 82, in response to control circuitry 70, is configured to rotate pelvic support member 20 through a predetermined range about axis 125, potentially 10° to either side of axis 125. Axis 125 is perpendicular to vertical plane 120 and parallel to horizontal plane 130. In another embodiment, robotic arm 82, in response to control circuitry 70, is configured to rotate pelvic support member 20 through a predetermined range about axis 135, potentially 360°. Axis 135 is parallel to vertical plane 120 and perpendicular to horizontal plane 130.

[0034] The second leg support 60 can be removed from the pelvic support member 20 by removing the connecting members 67 from their respective receptacles 27. If desired, the second leg support 60 can be reattached by placing the connecting members 67 into their respective receptacles 27. In one embodiment, the first surface 21 of the pelvic support member 20 defines a plane 140, and the attached second leg support 60 extends along the plane 140 when the connecting members 67 are placed into their respective receptacles 27 of the pelvic support member 20. Having the second leg support 60 extend along the plane 140 defined by the pelvic support member 20 allows the patient to sit in a more comfortable position when a portion of the torso is being irradiated. When the pelvic support member 20 is rotated about the position rotation axis 81 to enter the reclining angle range, i.e., when the patient supported by the teletherapy patient support 10 is lying down, the second leg support 60 is detached from the pelvic support member 20, and both legs of the patient are supported by the first leg support 50. When the pelvic support member 20 is rotated about the position rotation axis 81 to enter the upright angle range, the patient supported by the teletherapy patient support 10 can be in either a sitting or standing position. When the patient is in a standing position, the second leg support 60 is detached from the pelvic support member 20, and both legs of the patient are supported by the first leg support 50. When the patient is in a sitting position, the second leg support 60 is attached to the pelvic support member 20, and both legs of the patient are supported by the second leg support 60.

[0035] In one embodiment, when the patient is seated, a first surface 76 of optional booster 75 contacts first surface 21 of pelvic support member 20, and the patient sits on a second surface 77 of optional booster 75. The height of optional booster 75, i.e., the distance between first surface 76 and second surface 77, is dimensioned so that the patient's head rests against head support 47. Advantageously, by providing optional booster 75, a non-adjustable head support 47 can be used. This provides a stronger structure for torso support member 40 and head support 47.

[0036] In another embodiment, to position a patient in a seated position, the control circuit 70 controls the position rotation member 80 to rotate the pelvic support member 20 about the position rotation axis 81 to a predetermined angle within the reclining angle range, for example, 90° away from the vertical axis 120. After rotating the pelvic support member 20 to a predetermined angle within the reclining angle range, the patient is positioned on the first surface 21 of the pelvic support member 20. Optionally, before the patient is positioned, an optional booster 75 is placed on the first surface 21 of the pelvic support member 20, and the patient is positioned on the optional booster 75. After the patient is positioned on the pelvic support member 20, the control circuit 70 controls the position rotation member 80 to rotate the pelvic support member 20 about the position rotation axis 81 to a predetermined angle within the upright angle range. For example, the pelvic support member 20 is initially rotated 90° from the vertical axis 120. The patient is then placed in a supine position on the pelvic support member 20, which is rotated 70° toward the vertical axis 120. The pelvic support member 20 is thus positioned so that the torso support member 40 is at an angle of approximately 20° with the vertical axis 120 and the patient is in a semi-standing position and supported by the first leg support 50. The patient's legs are then raised and the second leg support 60 is attached to the pelvic support member 20, moving the patient into a sitting position.

[0037] The teletherapy patient support 10 is thus configured to support a patient for teletherapy in multiple positions, including reclining, sitting, and standing. Advantageously, the patient can be irradiated with a treatment beam and imaged with a 3D imager, such as a computed tomography (CT) imager. For example, to irradiate a tumor in a patient's pelvis, the patient can be imaged with a CT imager in an upright position, allowing full access to the pelvis. The irradiation can then be performed in a sitting position, which is more comfortable for the patient.

[0038] The above has been described in an embodiment in which the teletherapy patient support 10 can be switched between three positions: standing, sitting, and supine. However, this is not meant to be limiting. In another embodiment, the pelvic support member 20 is not rotated in the supine position. In such an embodiment, the teletherapy patient support 10 has two positions: a standing position in which the second leg support 60 is detached from the pelvic support member 20, and a sitting position in which the second leg support 60 is attached to the pelvic support member 20.

[0039] FIG. 2A shows a schematic flowchart of a first teletherapy patient support method according to certain embodiments. The method of FIG. 2A may be performed using the teletherapy patient support 10 previously disclosed herein. In step 1000, the pelvic support member and the torso support member are rotated about a position rotation axis to be within either an upright angle range or a reclined angle range different from the upright angle range. As previously described, in one embodiment, the upright angle range and the reclined angle range overlap. The pelvic support member has a first surface and a second surface opposite the second surface. The torso support member extends from the pelvic support member and faces the first surface of the pelvic support member. Optionally, the torso support member has a first end and a second end opposite the first end.

[0040] The pelvic support member further has a first side and a second side opposite the first side. In one embodiment, the distance between the first side and the second side of the pelvic support member is less than 20 centimeters. In another embodiment, the distance between the first side and the second side of the pelvic support member is large enough to support the patient's pelvis, but small enough to allow the patient to be in a supine position when the pelvic support member and the torso support member are rotated about the position rotation axis at an angle within the reclining angle range, and to be in an upright position when the pelvic support member and the torso support member are rotated about the position rotation axis at an angle within the upright angle range. In addition, the pelvic support member further has at least one receptacle.

[0041] The first leg support extends from the pelvis support member and faces a second side of the pelvis support member. The second leg support has at least one connecting member. In one embodiment, the pelvis extension member extends from a second side of the pelvis support member. In a further embodiment, the torso support member is at an angle of 100° to 120° with the pelvis extension member.

[0042] In step 1010, when the pelvis support member and torso support member of step 1000 are rotated about the position rotation axis to be within an upright angle range, the at least one connecting member of the second leg support is either disposed within the at least one receptacle of the pelvis support member or is not disposed within the at least one receptacle of the pelvis support member. In step 1020, when the pelvis support member and torso support member of step 1000 are rotated about the position rotation axis to be within a reclining angle range, the at least one connecting member of the second leg support is not disposed within the at least one receptacle of the pelvis support member.

[0043] FIG. 2B shows a schematic flow chart of a method of positioning a patient on a patient support member (e.g., patient support member 10 disclosed earlier in this specification) of step 1000. In step 1100, the pelvic support member and torso support member of step 1000 are rotated about a position rotation axis to a predetermined angle within the recline angle range of step 1000. In optional step 1110, a booster is placed on a first surface of the pelvic support member. The optionally placed booster comprises polyurethane. In step 1120, following the rotation of step 1100, the patient is placed on the pelvic support member, optionally on the booster placed in optional step 1100. In such an embodiment, the height of the placed booster is determined according to the difference between the height of the patient and the position of the head support, the head support extending from the second end of the torso support member of step 1000. In step 1130, following patient positioning in step 1120, the pelvic support member and torso support member are rotated about the position rotation axis to a predetermined angle within the upright angle range.

[0044] FIG. 2C shows a schematic flowchart of a second teletherapy patient support method, according to certain embodiments. The method of FIG. 2C may be performed using the teletherapy patient support 10 described earlier in this specification. In step 2000, at least one coupling member of the second leg support is either disposed within at least one receptacle of the pelvic support member or is not disposed within at least one receptacle of the pelvic support member. As described above with respect to step 1000, the pelvic support member has a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. As further described above, the torso support member extends from the pelvic support member and faces the first surface of the pelvic support member. The pelvic support member further has a first side and a second side opposite the first side. As further described above, the first leg support extends from the pelvic support member and faces the second surface of the pelvic support member.

[0045] It will be appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for convenience, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination.

[0046] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods are described herein.

[0047] All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In case of conflict, the present patent specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

[0048] As used herein, the terms "comprise," "include," and "have," and their conjugations, mean "including, but not necessarily limited to."

[0049] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove, but rather the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and includes both combinations and subcombinations of the various features described hereinabove, as well as variations and modifications thereof which will occur to those skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description.

Claims

1. a pelvic support member having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; a torso support member extending from the pelvic support member and facing the first surface of the pelvic support member; a first leg support extending from the pelvic support member and facing the second side of the pelvic support member; a second leg support having at least one connecting member; Including, the pelvic support member has at least one receptacle; the second leg support is the at least one connecting member is attached to the pelvic support member by being disposed within the at least one receptacle of the pelvic support member; and the at least one connecting member is detached from the pelvic support member by not being positioned within the at least one receptacle of the pelvic support member; Teletherapy patient support, consisting of either:

2. a control circuit; a position rotation member; and wherein the control circuit further comprises: Upright angle range, and a reclining angle range different from the upright angle range; and controlling the position rotation member to rotate the pelvis support member and the torso support member about a position rotation axis in either one of the directions. The teletherapy patient support of claim 1 .

3. further comprising a pelvic extension member; the pelvic support member further has a first side and a second side opposite the first side, each of the first surface and the second surface extending from the first side to the second side; the torso support member extends from the first side of the pelvis support member and the pelvis extension member extends from the second side of the pelvis support member; The teletherapy patient support of claim 1 .

4. The teletherapy patient support of claim 3 , wherein the distance between the first side and the second side of the pelvic support member is less than 20 centimeters.

5. a control circuit; a position rotation member; and wherein the control circuit further comprises: Upright angle range, and a reclining angle range different from the upright angle range; and controlling the position rotation member to rotate the pelvis support member and the torso support member about a position rotation axis in either one of the directions.

4. The teletherapy patient support of claim 3.

6. The teletherapy patient support of claim 3 , wherein the first surface of the pelvic support member and a surface of the pelvic extension member form a general T-shape.

7. The teletherapy patient support of claim 3 , wherein the at least one receptacle of the pelvic support member extends into the second side of the pelvic support member.

8. the second side of the pelvic support member has a first section and a second section, and the pelvic extension member separates the second section from the first section; the at least one receptacle of the pelvic support member comprises a pair of receptacles, each of the pair of receptacles extending into a respective one of the first section and the second section of the second side of the pelvic support member; 8. The teletherapy patient support of claim 7.

9. The teletherapy patient support of claim 3 , wherein the second side of the pelvic support member has a first section and a second section, and the pelvic extension member separates the second section from the first section.

10. The pelvic support member having a hole extending from a first surface of the pelvic support member to a second surface of the pelvic support member.

4. The teletherapy patient support of claim 3.

11. The pelvic extension member has a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; the pelvic extension member has a hole extending from a first surface of the pelvic extension member to a second surface of the pelvic extension member.

4. The teletherapy patient support of claim 3.

12. 12. The teletherapy patient support of claim 1, wherein the first surface of the pelvic support member generally defines a plane, and the second leg support extends along the plane when the at least one connecting member of the second leg support is positioned within the at least one receptacle of the pelvic support member.

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