Care system and method of providing care system for use in intensive care unit or operating room

Abstract

The invention relates to a care system (100, 200) for use in an intensive care unit (ICU) or an operating room (OR) comprising a rotation mechanism (110) comprising at least a central column (111) for housing utility lines, such as data or electricity cables or gas or fluid lines, the central column (111) being aligned with the centre of the rotation mechanism (110), and a rotatable platform (120) arranged on the rotation mechanism (110), the rotatable platform (120) having a top surface (121) and a bottom surface (122), the rotation mechanism (110) being below the rotatable platform (120), wherein the top surface (121) comprises a bed area (123) and a personnel area (124) around the bed area (123), wherein the care system (100, 200) is configured to receive the utility lines at least partially below the rotatable platform (120) and at least partially along the central column (111).

Description

[0001] Care system and method of providing care system for use in intensive care unit or operating room

[0002] Technical field of the invention

[0003] The present invention concerns a care system for use in an intensive care unit (ICU) or an operating room (OR). The invention further concerns a method of providing a care system for use in an ICU or OR.

[0004] Background of the invention

[0005] ICU and OR environments are critical areas in healthcare facilities where patients receive highly specialized and intensive care. These settings are equipped with various medical devices and support systems necessary for patient care. However, traditional ICU setups are often constrained by space limitations, which is insufficient for the equipment and staff required in modern intensive care. Such cramped conditions can hinder the efficiency of medical procedures, such as emergency intubations, where unobstructed access to the patient’s head is crucial, and potentially lead to even injuries of the medical staff and / or the patient.

[0006] One way to alleviate space limitations is by expanding ICU and OR space within old buildings or building new care centers with more space allocated to critical care facilities. However, due to limited space within existing buildings and high costs of new buildings, such solution is not suitable nor optimal.

[0007] Other known solutions to alleviate said problems include suspension bridges for housing storage space, lights and other medical equipment. Such suspension bridges may be stationary or mounted on rails in the ceiling. However, even such systems have a limited amount of space around the patient and limited access to patient’s head.

[0008] Another problem with ICU and OR environments is that the patient bed is usually positioned with the headboard against the window, i.e. the patient faces a door or a wall, which may be harmful to the patient’s mental wellbeing and even cause delirium especially for long-term patients. Summary of the invention

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a care system for use in an ICU or an OR that solves at least some of the problems of prior art care systems. One object of the invention may be to provide a care system with easier access to the patient, especially to the patient’s head side. Another object of the invention may be to provide a care system with improved maintenance of circadian rhythm and reduced delirium in patients. A further object of the invention may be to provide a compact and highly integrated care system that can be installed in existing ICU or OR spaces thus minimizing real estate costs as well as reducing clutter and obstructions in the ICU or OR thus reducing potential delays and injuries. Another object of the invention is to provide a method of providing such care system. The invention is defined in the independent claims.

[0010] The care system according to the invention comprises:

[0011] - a rotation mechanism comprising at least a central column for housing utility lines, such as data or electricity cables or gas or fluid lines, central column being aligned with the centre of the rotation mechanism, and

[0012] - a rotatable platform arranged on the rotation mechanism, the rotatable platform having a top surface and a bottom surface opposite to the top surface, the rotation mechanism being below the rotatable platform, wherein the top surface of the rotatable platform comprises a bed area and a personnel area around the bed area, wherein the bed area overlaps the centre of the rotatable platform, and wherein the care system is configured to receive the utility lines at least partially below the rotatable platform and at least partially along the central column.

[0013] The rotatable platform and arrangement of utility lines may allow the patient to be moved into an optimal position for specific procedures, such as intubation, as well as support circadian rhythm maintenance, overall resulting in an increased effectiveness of care, reduced accidents and delirium, easy access and a cost- and space-efficient care system.

[0014] The bed area overlaps, preferably is centred with, the centre of the rotatable platform. This may provide easy access around the patient from all sides. The care system may be configured to receive the utility lines along a path comprising a first section along the central column of the rotation mechanism, and a second section below the rotatable platform and extending from the first section towards the outer edge of the rotatable platform, wherein the path and thus the received utility lines are configured to rotate with the rotatable platform.

[0015] The care system may further comprise at least one pillar, preferably at least two pillars, arranged on the top surface of the rotatable platform in proximity of the outer edge of the rotatable platform, such as closer to the outer edge than to the centre of the rotatable platform, preferably such that at least a portion of said pillar’s surface is in line with the outer edge. When a care system comprises at least one pillar, the care system may be configured to receive the utility lines along a path comprising a first section along the central column of the rotation mechanism, a second section below the rotatable platform and extending from the first section towards the outer edge of the rotatable platform, e.g., to below at least one of the at least one pillar, and a third section extending from the second section into and within said pillar, wherein the path and thus the received utility lines are configured to rotate with the rotatable platform.

[0016] At least one of the pillars may be provided with standardized connection points for utility lines, such as data or electricity cables, gas or fluid lines. Standardized connection points on one or more pillars may provide quick and easy connection for utility lines, allowing to quickly add, remove or exchange needed equipment. Moreover, gathering the connection points to one or more selected points may reduce clutter and possible entanglement of utility lines, thus improving efficiency and safety of the care.

[0017] The care system may further comprise a beam or an arch supported on the at least one pillar, preferably at least two pillars, said beam being substantially parallel to the rotatable platform. The care system may comprise more than one beam or arch. The beam may have a curved shape, preferably following the shape of the outer edge of the rotatable platform, and preferably extending over a curve forming at least 90 degrees from the centre of the rotatable platform, more preferably at least 180 degrees. Providing a beam on one or more pillars may provide more space for arranging required equipment in a space efficient manner.

[0018] The beam may form a continuous closed shape, such as a ring, which may provide even more space for arranging required equipment as well as enable more freedom in optimising location of additional equipment and / or devices.

[0019] The care system may further comprise a privacy barrier, such as a curtain, screen, or partition. The privacy barrier may be movably attached to the beam and / or the rotatable platform.

[0020] The care system may further comprise a lighting system integrated in the beam, said lighting system preferably configured to simulate circadian rhythm and / or to provide examination light. The lighting system may in addition or alternatively be integrated in the pillar or any other part of the care system. The lighting system may improve mental health of the patient, such as by reducing delirium and / or improving circadian rhythm.

[0021] The care system may further comprise pendants or booms attached to the beam and / or to the at least one pillar. Such pendants or booms may further allow for more space and optimal arrangement of required equipment.

[0022] The care system may further comprise one or more auxiliary systems, such as tool storage units, electricity, gas, data, dialysis, or water points, monitoring and / or treatment devices, said auxiliary systems attached to the rotatable platform or any element attached therein. Integrating auxiliary systems into the care system may provide a cost and space efficient care system where all the needed supplies and devices are easily accessible.

[0023] In an embodiment of the invention, the rotatable platform can be rotated by at least 180 degrees, preferably by 360 degrees around the central vertical axis of the rotatable platform. Rotation by at least 180 degrees may allow to position patient to face a window for improved mental health as well as to provide better access for procedures, such as intubation.

[0024] The diameter of the rotatable platform may be at least 4 meters, preferably at least 4.5 meters, more preferably at least 5 meters. The diameter may be less than 4 meters, such as at least 2 meters or at least 3 meters. The care system may further comprise a stationary base surrounding the rotatable platform, said base acting as the surrounding floor, wherein the rotatable platform is arranged to be accessible by wheeled devices, such as by being level with the stationary base and / or by comprising a ramp. The stationary base may be an integral part of the ICU or OR, e.g., ready-made floor of the ICU or OR.

[0025] The care system may further comprise a lip above the outer edge of the rotatable platform and / or a groove below the outer edge of the rotatable platform, wherein the lip is arranged to prevent the flow of any fluids into a gap between the rotatable platform and any surrounding structures, and the groove is arranged to receive and retain liquids, wherein the lip is preferably rotatable, optionally attached to the rotatable platform, and the groove is preferably stationary, optionally part of any structure surrounding the rotatable platform. The groove may be provided as part of the stationary base or into the floor under the care system.

[0026] The rotatable platform or part of it may be configured to be raisable to provide access to the rotation mechanism for maintenance and / or cleaning. To raise the rotatable platform, the care system may comprise a motorized lifting or hoisting mechanism, such as a hydraulic lifter or a cable-based lifting system, such as an electric winch.

[0027] The method according to the invention comprises:

[0028] - providing a rotation mechanism comprising at least a central column for housing utility lines, such as data or electricity cables or gas or fluid lines, central column being aligned with the centre of the rotation mechanism,

[0029] - providing a rotatable platform on the rotation mechanism, the rotatable platform having a top surface and a bottom surface opposite to the top, the top surface being above the bottom surface and the rotation mechanism being below the rotatable platform, wherein the top surface of the rotatable platform comprises a bed area and a personnel area around the bed area, wherein the personnel area provides walking space on the rotatable platform, and

[0030] - preparing the care system to receive the utility lines at least partially below the rotatable platform and at least partially along the central column. The method may further comprise providing utility lines at least partially below the rotatable platform and at least partially along the central column of the rotation mechanism.

[0031] The method may further comprise providing the care system on or into the floor of the ICU or OR such that the rotatable platform is accessible by wheeled devices from the floor area around the rotatable platform, such as by arranging the floor area, or at least the edge of the floor area closest to the rotatable platform, to be level with the top surface of the rotatable platform, wherein the floor area around the rotatable platform may be integral part of the ICU or OR or a part of the care system. In case the floor area around the rotatable platform is at a higher level than the floor leading to the floor area around the rotatable platform, a ramp may be arranged to access the floor area around the rotatable platform.

[0032] The method may further comprise providing a stationary base surrounding the rotatable platform, said base acting as the surrounding floor, wherein the rotatable platform is accessible by wheeled devices from the stationary base, such as by arranging the stationary base to be level with the top surface of the rotatable platform, providing a stepless path between the stationary base and the rotatable platform. Alternatively, a ramp or a tilting stationary base top surface may be provided for stepless access to the rotatable platform. If the stationary base is at a higher level than the surrounding floor, then the method may further comprise providing a ramp from the floor to the stationary base.

[0033] The floor area around the rotatable platform may be an integral part of the ICU or OR and the method may comprise providing the care system into a circular indentation of the floor.

[0034] Brief description of the drawings

[0035] Embodiments of the invention are described below in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which

[0036] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a care system according to an embodiment of the invention,

[0037] Fig. 2 shows a top view of the care system, Fig. 3 shows a sideview of the care system,

[0038] Fig. 4 shows a front cross-section of the care system obtained by cutting along the section l-l of Fig. 3,

[0039] Fig. 5 shows an exploded view of the care system as well as enlarged views of parts of the care system,

[0040] Fig. 6 shows a perspective view and a top view of a care system according to an embodiment of the invention, and

[0041] Fig. 7 shows a flowchart of the method according to the invention.

[0042] Detailed description of embodiments of the invention

[0043] Figs. 1 -5 show different views of an example care system 100 for use in an intensive care unit (ICU) or an operating room (OR) environment. The room size into which the care system is to be introduced may be, e.g., under 30 m2, such as 16, 24 or 25 m2. The room size may, however, be larger than 30 m2. The care system in all the figures is illustrated including a bed 123a and personnel for clarity, however, the bed 123a may or may not be provided together with the care system 100. Standard beds, such as routinely available in hospitals or care centers, may be used with the care system 100. Fig. 4A shows a cross-section view of the care system taken along the cross-section l-l of Fig. 3. Figs. 4B and 4C show enlarged portions of Fig. 4A marked by circles in Fig. 4A. Fig. 5A shows an exploded view of the care system, with Figs. 5B-E showing enlarged portions of Fig. 5A marked by circles in Fig. 5Awith corresponding letters to letters following the figure number.

[0044] The care system 100, 200 according to the invention comprises a rotation mechanism 110 (visible in Figs. 4 and 5) comprising at least a central column 111 for housing utility lines (not shown in the figures), such as data or electricity cables or gas or fluid lines. The central column 111 of the rotation mechanism 110 is aligned with the center of the rotation mechanism, i.e., with the central vertical axis 125 of the rotatable platform. The central column may be or comprise a slewing bearing. A part of the slewing bearing may be attached to the stationary floor and another part of the slewing bearing may be attached to the rotatable platform. The central column may have a height of 56 mm. The rotation mechanism 110 may be similar to those used in other applications, such as a car turntable. The rotation mechanism 110 is located under the rotatable platform 120. Preferably, there is at least 56 mm of space between the bottom of the rotatable platform 120 and the floor of the OR or ICU. As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the rotation mechanism may comprise a plurality of idler wheels 112, which may also be referred to as rollers or bearings, and a drive belt 113, which may also be referred to as a circular track or a sliding plate (see Fig. 5B). The idler wheels 112 may be cam rollers. Diameter of cam rollers may be 35 mm. Drive belt may be used as sliding surface. Drive belt thickness may be 5 mm. In Fig. 5 the idler wheels 112 are arranged facing up, i.e., attached to the floor or a stationary base 190 and configured to receive the drive belt 113 on top and in contact with the idler wheels 112, allowing the drive belt to run on the idler wheels. Idler wheels may thus be passive wheels that facilitate rotation of the drive belt. The rotation mechanism of Fig. 5 may further comprise a traction wheel 114, also referred to as friction wheel or a drive wheel, connected to a motor 115 and to the drive belt 113 for driving the drive belt, which then drives the rotatable platform 120 that rests on the drive belt. The central column 111 or a part of it may be connected to the drive belt and / or to the rotatable platform. The central column 111 may comprise a part connected to the floor of the ICU or OR.

[0045] The motor 115 may use a 90 degrees angle gear with the traction wheel 114. The motor or the rotation mechanism may comprise a linear actuator for moving the traction wheel in- and out- of contact with the drive belt. The linear actuator may move the motor together with the traction wheel. When the linear actuator is used to move the traction wheel in contact with the drive belt, the motor may transfer rotational motion to the drive belt and thus the rotatable platform. The motor may also be used for braking, such as by applying a nonrotating voltage signal to the motor. The linear actuator may also be used to move the traction wheel out of contact with the drive belt, which may provide additional safety as accidental starting of the motor would not transfer rotational motion to the rotatable platform. Moreover, it may allow easier manual rotation of the rotatable platform, such as during service or during a power outage. As shown in Fig. 5A, the motor 115 may be arranged within a stationary base 190, or be sunk into a floor, outside the drive belt 113. The motor may be located under the rotatable platform 120. Alternatively, the motor may be arranged next to the wall of the room in which the care system is placed. The care system may further comprise a two-hand safety switch for disabling the floor movement.

[0046] The care system 100, 200 according to the invention further comprises a rotatable platform 120 arranged on the rotation mechanism. The rotatable platform has a top surface 121 and a bottom surface 122 opposite to, i.e., below, the top surface and perpendicular to the central vertical axis 125, with the rotation mechanism located below the rotatable platform, i.e. below the bottom surface of the rotatable platform. The top surface of the rotatable platform comprises a bed area 123 indicated by the dashed circular area in Fig. 1 and dashed rectangular area in Fig. 2, and a personnel area 124 surrounding the bed area. The bed area may be of any shape, whereas the size is defined at least by the space taken by the patient bed 123a. The bed area overlaps the centre of the rotatable platform, it may even be centered with the centre of the rotatable platform. The personnel area provides walking space on the rotatable platform. The personnel area may also be referred to as operating or care providing area providing space for the personnel or caregivers to perform required care and / or treatment of the patient. The top surface 121 of the rotatable platform may be one continuous surface, or it may be made of a plurality of sections as shown in Fig. 6. The rotatable platform 120 may be made of multiple parts, such as three portions 120a, 120b, 120c, as shown in Fig. 5A. The three platform portions may comprise a top floor portion 120a, an intermediate portion 120b, and a support portion 120c, where the top floor portion is arranged at the top side of the rotatable platform 120, and the intermediate portion is arranged between the top floor portion and the support portion. The top floor portion 120a may be a mat, which may be 3 mm thick. The top floor portion 120a may be made of a waterproof material, such as a plastic. The top floor portion may be a hospital approved material to comply with the hospital requirements. The intermediate portion 120b may be made of a plurality of sections, such as 18 sections, which allows easy transportation into ICU or OR through a door and subsequent installation. The section may be a sector, i.e. defined by two radii of the rotatable platform and an arc between the radii. Each sector may be of equal size. The intermediate portion may provide structural support as well as a fixing point for the top floor portion. Electrical heating may be integrated into the intermediate portion. The intermediate portion may be made of a thin material layer, such as a veneer and may be 20 mm thick. The intermediate portion’s sections may be secured to the support portion with bolts. The support portion may be a mesh, which may be made of steel and may be 30 mm thick. The support portion may be made of a plurality of sections, such as 18 sections, which allows easy transportation into ICU or OR through a door and subsequent installation. The section may be a sector, i.e. defined by two radii of the rotatable platform and an arc between the radii. Each sector may be of equal size. The support portion’s sections may be rigid with 3 m support distance and can be secured together with T-bars and bolts. The support portion may provide structural support and a fixing point for the parts below the rotatable platform that are configured to move the rotatable platform. The combination of the intermediate portion and the support portion may improve the stability of the rotatable platform, reduce vibrations, and / or provide more versatile fixing points.

[0047] The care system 100 of Figs. 1 -5 comprises three pillars (130) arranged on the top surface 121 of the rotatable platform in proximity of the outer edge of the rotatable platform, such as closer to the outer edge than to the centre of the rotatable platform. The outer edge corresponds to the outer perimeter or circumference. As shown in Fig. 6, the pillars may be positioned close to the outer edge of the rotatable pillar such that at least a portion of the pillars’ surface is in line or overlapping with the outer edge, i.e. a part of the pillars’ sidewall surface follows the perimeter or curvature of the outer edge of the rotatable platform. The number of pillars 130 may be different, such as at least one, or at least two as illustrated in Fig. 6. The pillars may have a 10 cm diameter, for instance. The pillars may be made of metal, such as steel and may be hollow. The pillars may be configured to allow mounting of auxiliary systems, such as VESA 100 mounting plates for monitors, medical gas and power bed head wall panels, water tap and sink and other wall mounting medical equipment.

[0048] The care system 100, 200 according to the invention is further configured to receive the utility lines at least partially below the rotatable platform and at least partially along, i.e., inside, the central column. The utility lines or a portion of them may be provided with the care system, i.e., integrated into the care system, and prepared for connection to utility lines of the ICU or OR environment upon installation. For example, the care system may comprise utility lines under the rotatable platform between the central column and the outer edge of the rotatable platform, inside the central column of the rotation mechanism, and / or inside one or more of the pillars 130. A part of the utility lines may thus be available as part of the ICU or OR environment and their connections to the care systems prepared before or during the installation of the care system.

[0049] The care systems of Figs. 1 -6 are configured to receive the utility lines along a path comprising a first section along or inside the central column of the rotation mechanism, a second section below the rotatable platform and extending from the first section towards the outer edge of the rotatable platform, and a third section extending from the second section into and within said pillar, wherein the path and thus the received utility lines are configured to rotate with the rotatable platform. While the utility lines are not shown in Figs. 1 -6, the care system may have such utility lines integrated within the care system and configured to be connected to the hospital infrastructure during installation. Preferably, the second section extends from the first section to below at least one of the at least one pillar, although the second section may extend to a different part below the rotatable platform and thus the care system may be configured to receive the utility lines passing through the rotatable platform at a point without a pillar. Such arrangement of utility lines enables rotation of the whole platform with the patient, without entanglement of the utility lines. Some utility lines may be introduced through a ceiling into the care system, such as through one or more of the pillars 130.

[0050] At least some or all of electrical and signal lines, power supply and gas source interfaces as well as electrical wires, gas pipelines of any devices may be arranged inside one or more pillars. Preferably, the pillars comprise at least electrical lines and mains power connection. Preferably, the pillars also comprise gas pipelines and connection interfaces. Country specific mains power connections may be provided with or without backup power within the pillars. As shown in Fig. 6A, a pillar 130 may comprise standardized connection points 131 for utility lines, such as data or electricity cables, gas or fluid lines, thus making easy and clutter free connections to the patient and / or required equipment. The gas lines may comprise oxygen, medical air, and / or laughing gas (nitrous oxide), or any other gas used in a hospital environment.

[0051] Figs. 1 -6 all illustrate a care system having a beam 140 supported on two or three pillars 130 respectively. In Figs. 1 -6, the beam is substantially parallel to the rotatable platform, however some tilt or undulations may be present. The beams of Figs. 1 -6 are shaped as a ring, where Fig. 1 beam is of homogeneous thickness, whereas beam of Fig. 6 has varied thickness, with the part of the beam furthest from the pillars 130 being thinner and thus lighter, reducing the load on the pillars. The beam may have a 5 cm diameter, for instance. While the beams of Figs. 1 -6 are all continuous shapes extending over a curve of 360 degrees, in some embodiments the beam may be of a shorter curved shape, such as extending over a curve forming at least 90, preferably at least 180, degrees from the centre of the rotatable platform. The curvature of the beam preferably follows the shape of the outer edge of the rotatable platform. The beam may also be referred to as an arch, however, the beam or arch may be either straight or curved. An arch refers to a structural feature that at least spans an opening and provides support, regardless of whether it is curved or straight. The beam may be made of metal, such as steel, and it may be hollow or solid. The beam may be covered with a plastic cover, such as a polyurethane. The beam may be made as a single monolithic piece, or assembled from a plurality of sections, such as 6 sections, for easier transportation. The plurality of sections may be connected with bolts during assembly inside the OR or ICU.

[0052] The care system 200 of Fig. 6 further illustrates a privacy barrier 150 in the form of a curtain movably attached to the beam. Other privacy barriers, such as screens or partitions may be possible. The privacy barrier may additionally or alternatively be attached to the rotatable platform. As in Fig. 6, the privacy barrier may be made of multiple parts that can be opened or closed selectively.

[0053] Fig. 6 shows the beam 140 further comprising a lighting system 160 integrated in the beam along a portion of the inner perimeter of the beam and configured to simulate circadian rhythm and / or to provide examination. The lighting system may be arranged along the entire circular beam, just at the portion of the beam opposite to where the head of the patient is intended to be, or arranged at specific selected locations. In addition, or alternatively, a lighting system may be integrated elsewhere in the care system, such as in the pillars 130, in a ceiling above the care system, or extend via support pendants or beams to any place above the rotatable platform. For example, an LED screen may be provided as a roof, i.e. extending above the bed area, such as within the perimeter of the beam. The lighting system 160 may include an LED strip and / or LED spotlights. The lighting system 160 may provide day / night lighting, examination light, such as for performing surgery, and / or light for maintaining circadian rhythm and thus reducing delirium. The lighting system 160 may be programmable such that different lighting modes may be selected manually and / or switched on automatically. Although not shown in figures, the care system may comprise pendants or booms attached to the beam and / or one or more pillars.

[0054] In addition to privacy barrier and lighting system, the care system may further comprise other auxiliary systems 180, 181. Figs. 1 -5, for example show a water point, such as a drain or water supply, or a dialysis sink 181 attached to one of the pillars 130 and connected to a conduit 182 that extends from the water point to below the rotatable platform. The conduit may be a drainpipe. Fig. 5E illustrates that the conduit 182 may comprise a swivel or a flexible drain hose for ensuring functionality of the sewage system when the platform is rotated. The conduit may have a diameter of 32 mm. Preferably, the conduit 182 extends to a sewage network of the building in which ICU or OR is arranged. In case the conduit 182 is located lower than the sewage network, an additional sewage pump may be provided to lift the wastewater. Fig. 6 additionally illustrates auxiliary systems 180 such as tool storage units and / or monitoring and / or treatment devices. Other auxiliary systems such as electricity, gas, data and dialysis devices may also be added to the care system. The auxiliary system 180 of Fig. 6 is attached to the rotatable platform, whereas the auxiliary system 181 of Figs. 1 -5 is attached to a pillar 130. The care system may further comprise mounting plates, such as VESA 100 mounting plates, preferably attached to a pillar 130 for mounting auxiliary systems. In general, though, auxiliary systems may be attached to the rotatable platform, or any element attached therein, thus allowing the auxiliary systems to rotate together with the rotatable platform and the patient, thus allowing easy access to auxiliary systems as well as the patient. Preferably, the dialysis water point is attached to a pillar or other structure above the platform, whereas water, gas, electricity and data lines are preferably located under the platform and connected to the pillars on one end with other end being connected to the hospital infrastructure during installation of the care system. Electricity and data lines may be routed via U-shape support channels. Arrangement of auxiliary systems on and / or below the rotatable platform allows easy access to medicines and equipment without entanglement of utility lines, thus resulting in more efficient care of the patient and reduced accidents. Preferably, the rotation of the rotatable platform of Figs. 1 -6 is unlimited, i.e., it can be rotated in either direction by the amount required. The platform should, however, preferably be rotatable at least by 90 degrees to provide easier access to patient’s head, more preferably at least 180 degrees to allow positioning the patient for circadian rhythm optimization and delirium reduction, and even more preferably at least 360 degrees, allowing to rotate patient in any position that may be beneficial for personnel access and / or patient wellbeing.

[0055] The diameter of the rotatable platform is essentially limited by the size of the bed 123a and the personnel area 124 needs. As a standard hospital bed length is 2 meters, the minimum diameter of the rotatable platform could be 2 meters, however, such size of the rotatable platform might limit or prevent the personnel from walking all the way around the patient while staying on the rotatable platform. Hence, preferably, the diameter of the rotatable platform is more than 2 meters, preferably at least 3 meters, and taking into account space needed for equipment and multiple caregivers, preferably at least 4, 4.5 or even at least 5 meters.

[0056] As visible especially in Fig. 5A, the care system may be installed to be surrounded by a stationary base 190. The stationary base may be provided with the care system and thus introduced onto a regular ICU or OR floor. Alternatively, the stationary base may be an integral part of the ICU or OR, such as by preparing a pit or a lower section in the ICU or OR floor into which the rotatable platform can be positioned. The stationary base may comprise just a collar surrounding the rotatable platform and the rotation mechanism, or it may comprise a first and a second areas, the second area being arranged at a lower level then the first area and sized to fit the rotatable platform with the rotation mechanism onto the second area such that the rotatable platform can be rotated. As shown in Figs. 1 -6, the stationary base acts as the surrounding floor. The top surface of the stationary base may be level with the rotatable platform, providing a stepless path between the top surfaces of the stationary base and the rotatable platform. However, as shown in Fig. 4, some offset between the stationary base and the rotatable platform may be present. Such offset preferably is small enough to not hinder access to wheelchairs or other wheeled devices and may be provided with a ramp or similar sloping arrangement. In addition, or independently, a ramp may be provided from the floor surrounding the stationary base to the stationary base. The maximum inclination of the ramp may be 5%. Alternatively, the maximum inclination of the ramp may be up to 8% if the height difference is at most 1 meter divided into at least two parts, each part going up by up to 50 cm and the two parts separated by a 2- meter-long flat area. The stationary base may have pathways for utility lines and / or may comprise utility lines.

[0057] Due to the rotatability function, a gap may exist between the rotation mechanism and rotatable platform on one side and the stationary base on the other side. In order to prevent any liquids from flowing into the gap, the care system may comprise a lip 191. The lip 191 may be provided by extending the top surface 121 of the rotatable platform 120 to the boundary of or to above the stationary base 190 as shown in Fig. 4C. Alternatively, a cover may be arranged on the top surface of the rotatable platform extending beyond the size of the platform and covering the gap between the platform and the surrounding stationary base. The cover may extend over and cover the whole rotatable platform or may be shaped as a circular gasket covering the gap. In addition to the lip 191 , the care system may comprise a groove 192 as shown in Fig. 4C and 5D arranged to receive and retain liquids, thus preventing the liquids from running to the rotation mechanism parts. Preferably, the groove may be configured to receive and retain liquids that leak between the edge of rotatable platform 120 and the stationary base 190. The lip is thus preferably rotatable, e.g., attached to the rotatable platform, whereas the groove is preferably stationary, i.e. part of the stationary base. The groove may be provided as part of the stationary base or into the floor under the care system. The groove 192 may be 10 cm deep. The groove 192 may be connected to a sewage water pump system arranged in the ICU or OR. Alternatively, the groove 192 may comprise a sewage floor drain connecting to the hospital’s sewage network.

[0058] The rotatable platform or part of it may be configured to be raisable to provide access to the rotation mechanism as well as the groove, thus providing easy access for maintenance and / or cleaning. To raise the rotatable platform, the care system may comprise a motorized lifting or hoisting mechanism.

[0059] One example of a motorized lifting mechanism may be a hydraulic lifter, i.e., the care system may comprise a hydraulic lifter attached to the surrounding floor or the stationary base 190 and mounted to the back side of the at least one pillar 130, where the backside of the pillar faces the outer perimeter of the rotatable platform. The care system may comprise any number of hydraulic lifters, but preferably, the number of hydraulic lifters corresponds to the number of pillars. For example, where the care system comprises two pillars, such as in Fig. 6, the care system may comprise two hydraulic lifters. In another example, where care system comprises three pillars, such as in Figs. 1 -5, the care system may comprise three hydraulic lifters. The care system may, however, comprise more or fewer hydraulic lifters than the number of pillars. Lifting height may be limited by the room height. For example, for pillar height of 2.2 m and room height of 2.8 m, the rotatable platform may be lifted up to 60 cm, thus providing a service space of up to 60 cm. A method of raising the rotatable platform may comprise operating the hydraulic lifters to raise the rotatable platform and then introducing service supports, such as made of steel, under the raised platform to provide safety before a service engineer may enter under the rotatable platform.

[0060] Alternatively, or in addition, the care system may comprise a cable-based lifting system. The cable-based lifting system may comprise a cable and a winch. Instead of a cable, there may be a rope or a wire or similar for connecting a part of the rotatable platform to the beam. The winch may be a motorized or a manual winch. The winch may be an electric, hydraulic, pneumatic or mechanical winch. Preferably, the winch is an electric winch. Preferably, the care system comprises at least two cables and at least one winch, preferably at least two winches. The cables are attached at the first ends to the beam 140, preferably close to the pillars, and at the second ends to the rotatable platform. The cable-based lifting system may be configured to lift half of the rotatable platform at an angle, such as to 30 degrees relative to the floor and the part of the rotatable platform that is not lifted. Such lifting may be achieved by providing the rotatable platform with a pivot line along which the platform may rotate and attaching the cables to the rotatable platform on one side of the pivot line, where the side of the rotatable platform to which the cables are attached does not comprise any pillars. The pivot line may be provided by dividing the rotatable platform into sectors, as described earlier. If present, the top floor portion mentioned earlier may be flexible. Attachment to the rotatable platform may be provided by a screw-on lifting loops. A method of raising the rotatable platform may comprise attaching the cables to predetermined locations of the beam and the rotatable platform. The winches can then be attached to the cables, or the winches may be provided pre-assembled together with the cables. The winches can then be operated to shorten the cables and thus lift, i.e., tilt, a part of the rotatable platform. The rotatable platform may be rotated manually in service mode before or after reaching the desired tilt angle to allow access to different areas under the rotatable platform. Service supports may be further introduced under the raised portion of the rotatable platform to ensure safety of any person that may enter under the rotatable platform.

[0061] Fig. 7 illustrates a flowchart of the method 300 according to the invention of providing a care system for use in an ICU or OR environment. The method comprises providing 301 a rotation mechanism as described above, providing

[0062] 302 a rotatable platform on and above the rotation mechanism, the rotatable platform being as described above and comprising a bed area and a personnel area around the bed area, the personnel area providing walking and / or treatment space on the rotatable platform. The method further comprises preparing

[0063] 303 the care system to receive utility lines at least partially below the rotatable platform and at least partially along or inside the central column.

[0064] According to an embodiment of the invention, the method may further comprise providing utility lines at least partially below the rotatable platform and at least partially along or inside the central column of the rotation mechanism. Such utility lines may be configured to be connected to the infrastructure of the ICU or OR environment.

[0065] The method may further comprise providing the care system on or into the floor of the ICU or OR such that the floor area around the rotatable platform is accessible by wheeled devices, such as wheelchairs, beds on wheels or equipment on wheels, from the floor area around the rotatable platform. Accessibility of the rotatable platform may be provided by arranging the floor area, or at least the edge of the floor area closest to the rotatable platform, to be level with the top surface of the rotatable platform. If the care system is provided onto a flat floor of the ICU or OR, the method may further comprise providing a stationary base 190 surrounding the rotatable platform, said base acting as the surrounding floor. The stationary base may be level with the rotatable platform or comprise a ramp and provide a stepless path between the stationary base and the rotatable platform. Alternatively, a small offset may be tolerated as long as an accessible path onto the platform is provided. In case the stationary base is at a higher level than the floor around the stationary base, a ramp may be arranged to access the stationary base. In case of providing the care system into the floor of the ICU or OR, the floor area around the rotatable platform may be integral part of the ICU or OR. In such a case, the care system is provided into a circular indentation of the floor. Provision of a stationary base together with the care system enables installation of the care system in any old or regular buildings without special preparation. If a new building is being constructed, then the care system installation may be simplified by preparing the ICU and / orOR environment’s floor for the care system as described herein.

[0066] It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above but may vary within the scope of the appended claims. Considerations concerning the various embodiments of the care system may be flexibly applied to the embodiments of the method mutatis mutandis and vice versa as would be appreciated by a skilled person.

Claims

Claims:

1. A care system (100, 200) for use in an intensive care unit (ICU) or an operating room (OR), characterised in that the care system (100, 200) comprises:- a rotation mechanism (110) comprising at least a central column (111 ) for housing utility lines, such as data or electricity cables or gas or fluid lines, the central column being aligned with the centre of the rotation mechanism, and- a rotatable platform (120) arranged on the rotation mechanism, the rotatable platform having a top surface (121 ) and a bottom surface (122) opposite to the top surface, the rotation mechanism being below the rotatable platform, wherein the top surface of the rotatable platform comprises a bed area (123) and a personnel area (124) around the bed area, wherein the bed area overlaps the centre of the rotatable platform (120), and wherein the care system is configured to receive the utility lines at least partially below the rotatable platform and at least partially along the central column.

2. The care system (100, 200) according to claim 1 , further comprising at least one pillar (130), preferably at least two pillars, arranged on the top surface of the rotatable platform in proximity of the outer edge of the rotatable platform, such as closer to the outer edge than to the centre of the rotatable platform, preferably such that at least a portion of said pillar’s surface is in line with the outer edge.

3. The care system (100, 200) according to claim 2, further configured to receive the utility lines along a path comprising:- a first section along the central column of the rotation mechanism,- a second section below the rotatable platform and extending from the first section towards the outer edge of the rotatable platform, e.g., to below at least one of the at least one pillar, and- a third section extending from the second section into and within said pillar, wherein the path and thus the received utility lines are configured to rotate with the rotatable platform.

4. The care system (100, 200) according to any of claims 2-3, further comprising a beam (140) supported on the at least one pillar, preferably at least two pillars, said beam being substantially parallel to the rotatable platform.

5. The care system (100, 200) according to claim 4, wherein the beam has a curved shape, preferably following the shape of the outer edge of the rotatable platform, and preferably extending over a curve forming at least 90 degrees from the centre of the rotatable platform, more preferably at least 180 degrees.

6. The care system (100, 200) according to claim 5, wherein the beam forms a continuous closed shape, such as a ring.

7. The care system (100, 200) according to any of claims 4-6, further comprising a privacy barrier (150), such as a curtain, screen, or partition, the privacy barrier being movably attached to the beam and / or the rotatable platform.

8. The care system (100, 200) according to any of claims 4-7, further comprising a lighting system (160) integrated in the beam, said lighting system preferably configured to simulate circadian rhythm and / or to provide examination light.

9. The care system (100, 200) according to any of claims 4-8, further comprising pendants or booms attached to the beam and / or to the at least one pillar.

10. The care system (100, 200) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising one or more auxiliary systems (180, 181 ), such as tool storage units, electricity, gas, data, dialysis, or water points, monitoring and / or treatment devices, said auxiliary systems attached to the rotatable platform or any element attached therein.11 . The care system (100, 200) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a stationary base (190) surrounding the rotatable platform, said base acting as the surrounding floor, wherein the rotatable platform isarranged to be accessible by wheeled devices, such as by being level with the stationary base and / or by comprising a ramp.

12. The care system (100, 200) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a lip (191 ) above the outer edge of the rotatable platform and / or a groove (192) below the outer edge of the rotatable platform, wherein the lip is arranged to prevent the flow of any fluids into a gap between the rotatable platform and any surrounding structures, and the groove is arranged to receive and retain liquids, wherein the lip is preferably rotatable, optionally attached to the rotatable platform, and the groove is preferably stationary, optionally part of any structure surrounding the rotatable platform.

13. A method (300) of providing a care system (100, 200) for use in an intensive care unit (ICU) or an operating room (OR), characterized in that the method comprises:- providing (301 ) a rotation mechanism comprising at least a central column for housing utility lines, such as data or electricity cables or gas or fluid lines, central column being aligned with the centre of the rotation mechanism,- providing (302) a rotatable platform on the rotation mechanism, the rotatable platform having a top surface and a bottom surface opposite to the top, the top surface being above the bottom surface and the rotation mechanism being below the rotatable platform, wherein the top surface of the rotatable platform comprises a bed area and a personnel area around the bed area, wherein the personnel area provides walking space on the rotatable platform, and wherein the bed area overlaps the centre of the rotatable platform (120), and- preparing (303) the care system to receive the utility lines at least partially below the rotatable platform and at least partially along the central column.

14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising providing utility lines at least partially below the rotatable platform and at least partially along the central column of the rotation mechanism.

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, further comprising providing the care system on or into the floor of the ICU or OR such that the rotatable platform is accessible by wheeled devices from the floor area around therotatable platform, such as by arranging the floor area to be level with the top surface of the rotatable platform, wherein the floor area around the rotatable platform may be integral part of the ICU or OR or part of the care system.

Images