Patient support and warming device having an extension

Abstract

A patient support and warming device for placement between a patient and a support surface of a table. The device includes a foam body including an upper layer and a lower layer, and a heating device disposed at least partially between the upper layer and the lower layer. The foam body defines at least one patient positioning zone configured to support the patient. An extension projects from an end of the foam body and is located outside of the patient positioning zone. A connection device is supported in the extension and is electrically coupled to the heating device for connection to a controller.

Description

Docket No.: 2249.025WO (T-MD-0051-WO)PATTENT SUPPORT AND WARMING DEVICE HAVING AN EXTENSIONCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to US 63 / 764,969 filed on February 28, 2025, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.FIELD

[0002] These teachings relate to a patient support and warming device, and more specifically to a patient support and warming device comprising an extension for connecting to a controller.BACKGROUND

[0003] A patient support and warming device can be used to support and maintain or increase a patient’s body temperature before, during, or after a medical procedure to maintain patient normothermia (e.g., normal body temperature). Maintaining patient normothermia is important for preventing patient complications in the hospital operating room environment. For example, if a patient's body temperature drops below an acceptable level, the patient could develop hypothermia, which can prolong or complicate recovery. Maintaining patient normothermia can also reduce patient post-operative complications such as excessive bleeding, infection, shivering, and cardiac distress.

[0004] Some patient support and warming devices include a patient positioning zone on or in which a patient is configured to be positioned before, during, or after a medical procedure. Such devices typically include a heating device configured to generate heat and to be electrically connected to a controller.

[0005] In many existing patient support and warming devices, one or more non-flexible electrical and / or mechanical elements, such as solder joints, crimps, welds, printed circuit boards (PCBs), wire connectors, pigtail connectors, push or pull connectors, break-away connectors, strain reliefs, or combinations thereof, are located within the patient positioning zone. When a patient lies on the positioning zone, particularly for extended periods of time, these non-flexible elements may cause patient discomfort, pressure sores, tissue damage, skin breakdown, and / or muscle damage. In addition, the presence of such non-flexible elements within the patient positioning zone may reduce flexibility of the warming device, which can complicateDocket No.: 2249.025WO (T-MD-0051-WO)manufacturing, folding, shipping, and use. Accordingly, it may be desirable to improve the current state of the art.SUMMARY

[0006] These teachings provide a patient support and warming device. The patient support and warming device, according to these teachings, which may also be referred to herein as a warming device, patient warming device, etc. comprises one or more patient positioning zones that are free of, or do not include, or include only minimal amounts of (e.g., not more than a few; or are substantially free of) non-flexible electrical and / or mechanical elements. Such non-flexible electrical and / or mechanical elements may include, for example, solder joints, crimps, welds, printed circuit boards (PCBs), wire connectors, pigtail connectors, push connectors, pull connectors, break-away connectors, strain-relief elements, or combinations thereof, that are used for electrically or mechanically connecting a heating device or the patient support and warming device to a controller.

[0007] Instead of locating non-flexible electrical and / or mechanical elements within the patient positioning zone, the patient support and warming device according to these teachings comprises an extension that projects from an end of the foam body and is located generally outside of the patient positioning zone. The extension may comprise one or more non-flexible electrical and / or mechanical elements for connecting the heating device or the patient support and warming device to a controller. Because these non-flexible electrical and / or mechanical elements are contained within the extension, which is positioned outside of the region where a patient is seated or lying before, during, or after a medical procedure, the risk of patient discomfort, pressure points, pressure sores, tissue damage, skin breakdown, and / or muscle damage is reduced, as the patient does not lie on or directly contact these non-flexible elements.

[0008] Moreover, because the primary area of the patient support and warming device intended to support the patient is substantially free of non-flexible electrical and / or mechanical elements, the device may exhibit increased flexibility and compliance. This increased flexibility may allow the patient support and warming device to be more easily folded, rolled, bent, or otherwise manipulated, which can be advantageous during manufacturing, packaging, shipping, storage, setup, and handling of the device.Docket No.: 2249.025WO (T-MD-0051-WO)

[0009] According to further aspects of these teachings, the extension may support a connection device or connector that is electrically coupled to the heating device and configured to directly or indirectly connect the patient support and warming device to a controller. “Directly” means that the connection device may mate directly with a complementary connector of the controller. “Indirectly” means that the connection device may connect to the controller through one or more intermediate components, such as cables, wires, extension cables, plugs, or additional connectors. By locating the connection device in the extension and outside of the patient positioning zone, a larger area of the patient support and warming device may be heated, and a larger usable area may be provided for positioning the patient. This can be advantageous for accommodating patients of different sizes and for allowing repositioning of the patient without concern for avoiding localized connector regions.

[0010] In some configurations, the extension is configured to be non-heated and does not include any heating elements, even though the extension may include a portion of a carrier that supports heating elements within the patient positioning zone. In this manner, heating elements may terminate before the extension, while the carrier and associated electrical routing may continue into the extension to support the connection device. This configuration may further enhance patient comfort and safety by ensuring that the extension remains relatively cool during operation of the heating device.

[0011] The extension advantageously allows the patient support and warming device, and particularly the patient positioning zone, to be as large as practicable, for example to correspond substantially to the size of a support surface or medical table. This is at least partially because the extension need not be positioned on the support surface or table itself but may instead extend beyond an end or edge of the table, such as hanging off the table, thereby preserving table surface area for patient support.

[0012] In some implementations, the extension is located at or beyond a distal end of the support surface, in a region where the controller is typically positioned. This configuration may provide medical personnel, such as doctors, nurses, or other staff, with additional unobstructed space to access and tend to the patient before, during, or after a medical procedure, without cables, cords, or connectors interfering with patient care.

[0013] These and other advantages of the patient warming device can be gleaned from the following teachings.Docket No.: 2249.025WO (T-MD-0051-WO)BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary medical table for use with a patient support and warming device according to these teachings.

[0015] Fig. 2A is a schematic top-down view of a patient support and warming device according to these teachings.

[0016] Fig. 2B is a schematic section view of the patient support and warming device of Fig.2A.

[0017] Fig. 3A is a schematic top-down view of a patient support and warming device according to these teachings.

[0018] Fig. 3B is a schematic section view of the patient support and warming device of Fig.3A.

[0019] Fig. 4 is a schematic top-down view of a patient support and warming device according to these teachings.

[0020] Fig. 5 is a schematic top-down view of a patient support and warming device according to these teachings.

[0021] Fig. 6 is a schematic section view of a patient support and warming device according to these teachings.

[0022] Fig. 7 is a top view of a heating device comprising temperature sensors.

[0023] Fig. 8 is a top view of an upper layer of the patient support and warming device comprising a temperature sensor.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Fig. 1 illustrates a patient support and warming device 100. The patient support and warming device 100 may be placed on or fastened to a support surface or structure 12 of a table 10 or medical table 10. The support surface or structure 12 of the medical table 10 may be a platform or similar structure that is configured to be moved, tilted, or pivoted about the base 14 to position the support surface 12, the patient warming device 100, and the patient supported on the patient warming device 100 at an inclined position, a declined position, or horizontal position relative to the ground.Docket No.: 2249.025WO (T-MD-0051-WO)

[0025] The patient support and warming device 100 is configured to connect with or to a controller 200. The controller 200 is configured to supply power and / or signals to a heating device 108 of the patient warming device 100 to generate heat. The controller 200 may be configured to monitor heat generated by the heating device. During a medical procedure, a patient may be placed on one or more patient positioning zones 102 of the patient warming device 100 so that heat generated by the heating device 108 is transferred to the patient.

[0026] As discussed herein, the patient positioning zone 102 of the warming device 100 may be one or more areas or regions or main regions of the patient support and warming device 100 where a patient is placed or located before, during, or after a medical procedure so that heat generated by the heating device 108 is efficiently provided or transferred to the patient to provide thermal comfort or effects to the patient. A patient positioning zone 102 may also be one or more areas or regions of the warming device where a patient is most comfortable laying during a procedure, for the reasons discussed herein, including that the zone is free of one or more nonflexible electrical and mechanical elements (e.g., solder joints, crimps, welds, PCBs, wire connectors, pigtail connectors, push or pull connectors, break away connectors, strain reliefs, etc.) that may be used for connecting the heating device 108 to the controller 200.

[0027] A patient positioning zone 102 may be an outline of a patient. A patient positioning zone 102 may be a region of the device 100 that does not overlie the one or more extensions 114 and / or connection devices 115. A patient positioning zone 102 may be located along a central longitudinal axis of the device 100 or foam body 101. A patient positioning zone 102 may be wider in a torso area of a patient and more narrow in a head area of a patent. A patient positioning zone 102 may be a zone or region of the device 100 that is heated by the heating device 108. Regions outside of a patient positioning zone 102 may not be heated by the heating device 108 and / or may be heated less than regions of the patient positioning zone 102.

[0028] Accordingly, the patient support and warming device 100 comprises a foam body 101, a heating device 108 at least partially disposed within the foam body 101; at least one patient positioning zone 102 configured to support a patient; an extension 114 projecting from an end of the foam body 101 and located outside of the patient positioning zone 102; and a connection device 115 at least partially supported in the extension 114 and electrically coupled to the heating device 108 for connection to a controller 200.Docket No.: 2249.025WO (T-MD-0051-WO)

[0029] The structure of the patient support and warming device 100 is configured to at least partially conform to the patient's body and, in particular, to form depressions under the patient's body weight for maintaining the patient's body position on the warming device 100.

[0030] Advantageously, the patient warming device 100 according to these teachings is constructed to reduce or prevent patient injuries during or after a medical procedure, such as pressure sores, tissue damage, skin breakdown, and muscle damage. This advantage is achieved at least in part because the patient positioning zone 102 of the warming device 100 is free of or does not include non-flexible electrical and / or mechanical elements that the patient may feel under their body when the patient lays on the warming device 100. Instead, such non-flexible electrical and / or mechanical elements, which may be used for electrically connecting the heating device to the controller 200, are located outside of the patient positing zone 102 of the patient warming device 100. These non-flexible elements may be located in a location or region where a patient is not positioned during or after a medical procedure. For example, the one or more non-flexible electrical and / or mechanical elements or connection device 115 may be located at or within an extension 114 of the patient support and warming device 100, which may be located outside of the patient positing zone 102.

[0031] Figs. 2A and 2B illustrate a patient warming device 100 according to these teachings. The patient warming device 100 comprises a foam body 101 comprising an upper layer 104, a lower layer 106, and a heating device 108 at least partially disposed between the upper layer 104 and the lower layer 106. The heating device 108 comprises one or more heating elements 110 on a carrier 112. The one or more heating elements 110 may be one or more conductive wires, fabrics, filaments, inks, etc. that are configured to generate heat when energized or provided with power and / or signals from the controller 200. The heating device 108 may also include one or more temperature sensors 113 secured to the carrier 112 and / or upper layer 104 (See also Figs. 6, 8 for example) for measuring, monitoring, or determining a temperature generated by the heating device 108.

[0032] The patient warming device 100 comprises one or more patient positioning zones 102. A patient positioning zone 102 may be one or more regions or areas of the warming device on which a patient P is configured or intended to be situated or supported on before, during, and / or after a medical procedure. A patient positioning zone 102 may be a main region, area, or region of the patient warming device 100 that is warmed by the heating device 108. A patientDocket No.: 2249.025WO (T-MD-0051-WO)positioning zone 102 may be an area of the warming device that is most comfortable for the patient, provides the most efficient heat transfer to the patient, or both. A patient positioning zone may be free of non-flexible electrical and mechanical elements (e.g., solder joints, crimps, welds, PCBs, wire connectors, pigtail connectors, push or pull connectors, break away connectors, strain reliefs, etc.) that may be used for connecting the heating device 108 to the controller 200.

[0033] The patient warming device 100 comprises one or more extensions 114. An extension 114 may be an area or portion of the support and warming device 100 that extends away from or beyond the patient positioning zone 102. An extension 114 may be an area or portion of the support and warming device 100 that extends away from or beyond an edge or a terminal edge of the patient positioning and warming pad 100. An extension 114 may be or comprise a cantilever that extends from the end of the foam body 101.

[0034] In some embodiments, the extension may be 114 may a projection portion that projects outwardly or away from main body of the foam body 101, such as from an end region, side edge, comer region, or from a region or a location laterally offset from a central longitudinal axis of the foam body 101. The extension 114 may be formed integrally with the foam body 101 or from one or more layers thereof, or may be attached thereto via a suitable fastener such as a stitch, weld, tape, etc. An extension 114 may be configured as, for example, a cantilevered portion, arm, support arm, beam, cantilever beam, tab, tongue, flap, finger, neck, stem, spur, web, leaf, fin, appendage, protrusion, offset portion, projecting portion, or outwardly extending portion, or any combination thereof. In some configurations, the extension 114 may be elongated, tapered, thickened, reinforced, stepped, or planar, and may be relatively flexible or relatively stiff compared to adjacent regions of the foam body.

[0035] The extension 114 may define or support a connection region, connection pocket, or interface region configured to route, support, or protect one or more connection devices 115, electrical conductors, connectors, sensors, or other components. The extension 114 is located outside of a patient positioning zone 102 such that the patient positioning zone remains free of the connection devices and associated components. The size, shape, orientation, and stiffness of the extension 114 may be selected based on manufacturing, routing, durability, packaging, or installation considerations, and the described configurations are not intended to be limiting.Docket No.: 2249.025WO (T-MD-0051-WO)

[0036] In some configurations, the patient support and warming device 100 is connectable to a controller 200 via a connection device 115 located at one or more extensions 114. The location of the extension 114 and associated connection device 115 may be selected based on operating room layout, medical equipment placement, clinician preference, the type of medical procedure to be performed, or cable-routing considerations. For example, the connection device 115 may be positioned at a top edge, bottom edge, side edge, corner region, or along a central axis of the device 100.

[0037] In some configurations, the patient support and warming device 100 includes more than one extension 114. The extensions 114 may be positioned at different locations of the device 100, such as along an upper region, lower region, lateral side, corner region, or combinations thereof. For example, one extension 114 may be located near a head region of the device while another extension 114 is located near a foot region or near a perineal cutout region.

[0038] The controller 200 is configured to connect to the patient support and warming device 100 via a connection device 115 located at, adjacent to, or supported by an extension 114. The extension 114 may be positioned near an end or side of a medical table and may be located in an unused or non-load-bearing region of the device 100 that is not intended to support the patient before, during, or after a medical procedure. In this manner, the patient positioning zone 102 remains free of extensions 114 and free of non-flexible electrical or mechanical elements associated with the connection device 115.

[0039] Advantageously, the extension 114 provides a dedicated region of the patient support and warming device for accommodating electrical and mechanical connection components while remaining outside of the patient positioning zone. By relocating connection devices, cables, plugs, and other non-flexible elements away from regions intended to support the patient, the extension enables the patient positioning zone to remain compliant and free of localized hard features. This configuration reduces the likelihood that a patient will experience discomfort, pressure points, or tissue irritation resulting from compression of rigid components under body weight during a medical procedure.

[0040] The extension 114 further facilitates improved durability, manufacturability, and usability of the patient support and warming device. Locating connection components within or along the extension allows these components to be protected during folding, rolling, storage, transport, and handling of the device, while also simplifying cable routing and reducing stressDocket No.: 2249.025WO (T-MD-0051-WO)concentrations at electrical interfaces. In addition, the extension allows the connection location to be selectively positioned based on operating room layout, equipment placement, or clinician preference, without requiring modification of the patient positioning zone or the heating region. As a result, the extension supports flexible installation, reduces the risk of component damage or premature failure, and improves overall reliability of the warming system.

[0041] The extension 114 may include or support one or more non-flexible electrical and / or mechanical elements, such as solder joints, crimps, welds, printed circuit boards (PCBs), wire connectors, pigtail connectors, push or pull connectors, breakaway connectors, strain reliefs, or combinations thereof, which are used to electrically connect the heating device 108 to the controller 200. In some configurations, a connector or plug 117 extends distally from the extension 114 or connector device 115 of the patient support and warming device 100. One or more wires or cables 125 electrically couple the connector or plug 117 to one or more heating elements and / or temperature sensors of the heating device 108. The connector or plug 117 thereby defines an interface for connecting the patient support and warming device 100 to the controller 200.

[0042] The extension 114 may include or support one or more non-flexible electrical and / or mechanical elements, such as solder joints, crimps, welds, printed circuit boards (PCBs), wire connectors, pigtail connectors, push or pull connectors, breakaway connectors, strain reliefs, or combinations thereof, which are used to electrically connect the heating device 108 to the controller 200. In some configurations, a connection device 115, which may include or define a connector or plug 117, extends distally from the extension 114 of the patient support and warming device 100. One or more wires or cables 125 electrically couple the connector or plug 117 to one or more heating elements 110 and / or one or more temperature sensors 113. The connector or plug 117 thereby defines an interface for connecting the patient support and warming device 100 to the controller 200.

[0043] The connector 123, the one or more wires or cables 125, and / or the plug 117 of the connection device 115 may be positioned at an edge or within the extension 114 of the warming device 100. In other words, the connector 123, the one or more wires or cables 125, and / or the plug 117 may extend entirely distally beyond a distal most (or proximal most, depending on orientation of the device 100) end region 120 of the extension 114 (Figs. 3A-3B), only partiallyDocket No.: 2249.025WO (T-MD-0051-WO)distally beyond the distal most end region 120 of the extension 114 (Fig. 4), or entirely within or not distally beyond the distal most end region 120 of the extension 114 (Fig. 5).

[0044] The connector 123 may be part of the connection device 115 and may terminate in a plug 117 configured to mate with a controller connector 204 on a controller cable 202.

[0045] The plug 117 may connect to a controller connector or controller cable 202 of the controller 200. Electrical signals or power may be communicated from or between the controller 200 and the one or more heating elements 110 or temperature sensors 113 of the heating device 108 to generate heat and / or monitor the temperature of the heating device 108.

[0046] The patient positioning zone 102 of the warming device 100 may be free of nonflexible electrical and mechanical elements, such as solder joints, crimps, welds, PCBs, wire connectors, pigtail connectors, push or pull connectors, break away connectors, strain reliefs, etc. that may be used for connecting the heating device 108 to the controller 200. Advantageously, when the patient is positioned on the patient positioning zone 102, risk of discomfort, pressure sores, tissue damage, skin breakdown, and / or muscle damage is reduced because this zone 102 does not include non-flexible electrical and mechanical elements that a patient may feel if the patient was laying on them if these electrical and mechanical elements were located in the patient positioning zone 102 due to the structure of the warming device compressing and forming depressions under the patient’s weight.

[0047] The patient positioning zone 102 comprises a distal end region 116, which may be at an end of the warming device 100 or positioning zone 102 where a head H of the patient P is intended to be positioned. This distal end region 116 is opposite a proximal end region of the positioning zone 102 where the legs of the patient P are intended to be positioned. The extension 114 comprises a proximal end region 118 and an opposing distal end region 120. The proximal end region 118 of the extension 114 is located at the distal end region 116 of the patient positioning zone 102. The distal end region 120 of the extension 114 is located distally beyond the distal end region 116 of the patient positioning zone 102. The extension 114 is located distally beyond the head H of the patient P.

[0048] The boundary region where the extension 114 connects to or extends from the main body 101, such as at or near an interface region 116 / 118, may include a hinged, foldable, and / or bendable configuration. This configuration allows the patient support and warming device 100 toDocket No.: 2249.025WO (T-MD-0051-WO)be folded, rolled, stored, or handled without damaging mechanical and / or electrical components located in the extension 114.

[0049] The patient warming device 100 and / or the patient positioning zone 102 may extend along a central longitudinal axis C. During use, the patient P may be centered about this axis C. The extension 114 may be a flap or pocket or recess or additional material of the upper layer 104, the lower layer 106, the carrier of the heating device, or a combination thereof that is arranged to a side of the central longitudinal axis C (e.g., upper or lower side of the axis C). In some configurations, the extension 114 may be arranged on or along the central longitudinal axis C (See extension example identified by reference numeral 114’).

[0050] The extension 114 may comprise of a portion 122 of the carrier 112 of the heating device 108, a portion 124 of the upper layer 104, and a portion 126 of the lower layer 106, all of which are located distal of the patient warming zone 102. A distal end 128 of the portion 124 of the upper layer 104 and a distal end 130 of the portion 126 of the lower layer 106 both extend distally beyond a distal end 132 of the portion 122 of the carrier 112 of the heating device 108. The portions 124, 126 of the upper and lower layers 104, 106 may cover the heating elements (e g., conductive wires, ink, etc.), temperature sensors, connector, etc. on the carrier and protect the elements from damage.

[0051] The portions 124, 126 of the upper and lower layers 104, 106 at the extension 114 may be integrally formed with the upper and lower layers 104, 106 or may be formed separately and later attached via one or more suitable fasteners or connectors. The portions 124, 126 may be made of the same material or different materials as the upper and lower layers 104, 106. The outer surfaces of the portions 124, 126 may be aligned with (e.g., planer with) the outer or upper surfaces of the layers 104, 106. In other configurations, the outer or upper surfaces of the portions 124, 126 may be recessed, depressed, or lower than the outer or upper / lower surfaces of the portions 124, 126 of the layers 104, 106. This may ensure that the heating device 108 or elements thereof (e.g., the heating wires, conductive ink, temperature sensors, etc.) is / are securely and adequately protected and not exposed to the patient P, medical staff, and / or the operating room environment. Accordingly, by covering with the portions of the layers 104, 106, no additional housings, covers, or enclosures are required to cover or protect the heating wires, temperature sensors, mechanical and electrical connectors from accidental or inadvertent contact, and / or shorting to each other.Docket No.: 2249.025WO (T-MD-0051-WO)

[0052] In some configurations, the extension 114 may be formed to include a pocket 119 which receives a portion of or all the connection device 115 or cable 125 (See also Fig 4). In some configurations, the extension 114 may be formed to have a pocket 119 which receives a portion of or all the connection device 115 or plug 117 (See e.g., Fig. 5). The pocket 119 may be defined by a portion of the upper layer 104 and the lower layer 106, such as by not attaching them together at an edge and / or distal end of the extension 114. Either or both upper layer 104 and the lower layer 106 may be formed to form a recess 121 for receiving a portion of the cable 125 or connector 117.

[0053] In some configurations, the distal ends 128, 130, and 132 of the upper layer, lower layer, and heating device may be generally aligned. In other configurations, like Fig. 3B, the distal end of the carrier 112 of the heading device may be distally proud of the distal ends of the upper and lower layers.

[0054] By constructing the patient warming device 100 according to these teachings such that the any rigid mechanical or electrical elements are not located in the patient warming zone 102, risk discomfort to the patient is reduced, and risk of damage to the warming device 100 is lowered because lower or less body weight or pressure is placed on these elements. Moreover, the warming device 100 can be easily folded or manipulated during manufacturing, shipping, or storage. These and many other advantages of the teachings herein can be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

[0055] Figs. 3 A and 3B illustrate a patient warming device 100 according to these teachings. The patient warming device 100 comprises an upper layer 104, a lower layer 106, and a heating device 108 at least partially disposed between the upper layer 104 and the lower layer 106. The heating device 108 comprises one or more heating elements 110 (conductive ink, wires, etc.) secured to a carrier 112. The heating device 108 may also include one or more temperature sensors 113 secured to a carrier 112 or upper layer 104 for measuring or monitoring a temperature generated by the heating device 108. A temperature sensor 113 that is secured or located on the upper layer 104 may be connected to the carrier or one or more wires 125 of the connector via one or more sensor wires 111. The one or more temperature sensor wires 111 may extend at least partially through a thickness of the upper layer 104. A recess, pocket, or channel may be defined in the upper layer 104 to accommodate the wire 111. The recess, pocket, or channel may extend at an angle through a thickness of the upper layer 104, for example at orDocket No.: 2249.025WO (T-MD-0051-WO)about 45 degrees to prevent stressing the wire 111 during use, folding, or handling of the warming device. In other configurations, the wire may extend out of a front or side of the upper layer 104 at a suitable angle between about 0 degrees and 180 degrees. In other configurations, the one or more temperature sensors are wireless or RF temperature sensors (radio frequency sensors), which means the one or more sensor wires 111 can be omitted.

[0056] The patient warming device 100 comprises a patient positioning zone 102 on which a patient P is configured or intended to be situated or supported on before, during, and / or after a medical procedure. The patient positioning zone 102 may be a main region, area, or region of the patient warming device 100 that is warmed by the heating device 108. The patient warming device 100 comprises an extension 114 that extends away from or distally beyond the patient positioning zone 102. The controller 200 is configured to connect to the patient warming device 100 at the extension 114. The extension 114 may be located proximally to the controller 200 and at a distal end of the medical table.

[0057] The extension 114 may include one or more non-flexible electrical and mechanical elements (e.g., solder joints, crimps, welds, PCBs, wire connectors, pigtail connectors, push or pull connectors, break away connectors, strain reliefs, etc.) that may be used for connecting the heating device 108 to the controller 200. A warming device connector (e.g.,. cable 125 and warming device plug 117) may extend distally from the extension 114 of the warming device. The warming device plug 117 may connect to a controller connector 204 connected to the controller cable 202 of the controller 200. Electrical signals or power may be communicated from or between the controller 200 and the one or more heating elements 110 or temperature sensors 113 of the heating device 108 to generate heat and / or monitor the temperature of the heating device 108.

[0058] The patient positioning zone 102 of the warming device 100 may be free of non-flexible electrical and mechanical elements, such as solder joints, crimps, welds, PCBs, wire connectors, pigtail connectors, push or pull connectors, break away connectors, strain reliefs, etc.) that may be used for connecting the heating device 108 to the controller 200. Advantageously, when the patient is positioned on the patient positioning zone 102, risk of discomfort, pressure sores, tissue damage, skin breakdown, and / or muscle damage is reduced because this zone 102 does not include non-flexible electrical and mechanical elements that aDocket No.: 2249.025WO (T-MD-0051-WO)patient may feel if these electrical and mechanical elements were there due to the structure of the warming device compressing and forming depressions under the patient’s weight.

[0059] The patient positioning zone 102 comprises a distal end region 116, which may be at an end of the warming device 100 or positioning zone 102 where a head H of the patient P is intended to be positioned. This distal end region 116 is opposite a proximal end region of the positioning zone 102 where the legs of the patient P are intended to be positioned. The extension 114 comprises a proximal end region 118 and an opposing distal end region 120. The proximal end region 118 of the extension 114 is located at the distal end region 116 of the patient positioning zone 102. The distal end region 120 of the extension 114 is located distally beyond the distal end region 116 of the patient positioning zone 102. The extension 114 is located distally beyond the head H of the patient P.

[0060] The patient warming device 100 and / or the patient positioning zone 102 may extend along a central longitudinal axis C. During use, the patient P may be centered about this axis C. The extension 114 may be a flap that is arranged to a side of the central longitudinal axis C (e.g.,. upper or lower side of the axis C). In some configurations, the extension may be arranged on or along the central longitudinal axis C (See extension example identified by reference numeral 114’).

[0061] The extension 114 may comprise of a portion 122 of the carrier 112 of the heating device 108. A distal end 132 of the portion 122 of the carrier 122 of the heating device 108 extends beyond a distal end 128 of the upper layer 104 and a distal end 130 of the lower layer 106. The patient warming device 100 may comprise an enclosure 134 that surrounds the portion 122 of the carrier 112. The enclosure 134 that covers the portion 122 of the carrier 112 may cover and protect the carrier 112 to ensure that the heating device 108 (e.g., the heating wires, temperature sensors, etc.) is securely and adequately protected and not exposed to the patient P, medical staff, and / or the operating room environment. The enclosure can be made of a flexible or rigid material and can clamp down or surround the carrier 112 and any electrical connections or cables on the extension or portion 122 of the carrier 112. The enclosure 134 may be attached to the upper and / or lower layers 104, 106. The outer surfaces of the portions 124, 126 may align with or recessed to the outer surfaces of the lower layers 104, 106. Accordingly, the heating wires, temperature sensors, mechanical and electrical connectors may be prevented from accidental or inadvertent contact, and / or shorting to each other.Docket No.: 2249.025WO (T-MD-0051-WO)

[0062] By constructing the patient warming device 100 according to these teachings such that the any rigid mechanical or electrical elements are not located in the patient warming zone 102, risk discomfort to the patient is reduced, and risk of damage to the warming device 100 is lowered because lower or less body weight or pressure is placed on these elements. Moreover, the warming device 100 can be easily folded or manipulated during manufacturing, shipping, or storage. These and many other advantages of the teachings herein can be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

[0063] Figs. 4 and 5 illustrate embodiments of the patient warming device 100 according to these teachings. Like numerals represent previously described elements; thus, they are not repeated. In Fig. 4, the patient warming device 100 or extension 114 comprises a pocket 119 or recesses to allow the cable or wires 125 and the plug 117 to extend from the extension 114 or device 100. As can be seen, the cable 125 and part of the plug 117 are located at the edge of the extension 117. The plug 117 is partially within the extension 114 and partially outside of the extension 114. The plug 117 connects to the plug 202 associated with the controller 200.

[0064] In Fig. 5, the plug 117 is entirely within a footprint of the extension 114. This means that the distal end of the plug 117 is either at the distal end of the extension, or the distal end of the plug is slightly recessed or proximal to the distal end of the extension.

[0065] Fig. 6 illustrates the patient warming device 100. As discussed above, one or more temperature sensors 113 may be located at a surface of the carrier of the heating device and / or may be located at a top surface of the upper layer 104 of the device 100. Temperature sensors 113 at the upper surface of the upper layer 104 may provide a more accurate temperature reading of the surface temperature of the patient warming device or patient positioning zone. One or more sensor wires 111 may extend from the carrier or 112 or connector through a thickness of the upper layer 104. Accordingly, the upper layer 104 may include one or more apertures, channels, or holes for the wire 111 and / or sensor 113 to extend through. The one or more apertures, channels, or holes may be substantially perpendicular to the heating device or may extend at an angle to reduce stress on the wire.

[0066] Fig. 7 illustrates the one or more temperature sensors 113 and temperature sensor wires 111 on the carrier 112 of the heating device.

[0067] Fig. 8 illustrates a temperature sensor 113 located on a top or upper surface of the upper layer 104 of the patient positioning zone or patient warming device. The temperatureDocket No.: 2249.025WO (T-MD-0051-WO)sensor wires 111 may extend at least partially through a thickness of the upper layer 104 via a slit, cut, or opening 127 formed or defined in the upper layer 104.

[0068] A system is also disclosed, as shown in at least Figs. 1, 2A, and 3 A, 4, 5 comprising a patient warming device 100 and a controller 200.

[0069] The patient warming device according to these teachings may be configured for use in a medical setting. Such medical setting may include an operating room, emergency room, intensive care unit, hospital room, nursing home, and other medical treatment locations. The patient warming device according to these teachings may be used in non-medical settings, such as in a home, office, or personal care application.

[0070] The patient warming device may be a mattress, mattress overlay, pad, pillow, cushion, or other underbody device on which a patient or one or more body parts of a patient may be positioned or supported. In some configurations, the teachings of the patient warming device may be applied or incorporated into an over body device, such as a blanket.

[0071] The patient warming device may be configured to provide therapeutic warming to a patient or one or more body parts of the patient. The patient warming device can be used to increase a patient’s body temperature to maintain patient normothermia (e.g., normal body temperature) before, during, or after a medical procedure. Maintaining patient normothermia is important for preventing patient complications in the hospital operating room environment. For example, if a patient's body temperature drops below an acceptable level, the patient could develop hypothermia, which can prolong or complicate recovery. Maintaining patient normothermia can also reduce patient post-operative complications such as excessive bleeding, infection, shivering, and cardiac distress.

[0072] The patient warming device can be used for positioning or supporting a patient in a variety of positions on a medical table, such as a flat or horizontal portion, an inclined position, a reverse inclined position, a Trendelenburg position, the reverse Trendelenburg position, lateral positioning, and / or a modified Trendelenburg position. For example, an angle of the medical or operating table on which the patient warming device and patient can be situated in the inclined position can be between about 0 and 45 degrees or between 30 degrees and 45 degrees from or relative to a horizonal plane or ground.

[0073] The patient warming device can be configured to be secured to a surgical or medical table via one or more securing devices, such as one or more straps, draw strings, hook and loopDocket No.: 2249.025WO (T-MD-0051-WO)fasteners, clasps, the like, or a combination thereof. This may advantageously maintain the patient warming device from moving on the medical table when the table is in a tilted, inclined, or declined position.

[0074] The patient warming device may be a single-use device, meaning the device is intended to be used once and then disposed of. The patient support and warming device according to these teachings may not be reusable. A single-use device may increase hygiene, reduce risk of infection, and reduce set up and cleaning time by operating room staff.

[0075] In other configurations, the patient warming device may be reusable. Reusable means that the patient warming device can be cleaned, can be exposed to multiple patients and / or used during multiple procedures. A reusable device may reduce waste and be more environmentally friendly.

[0076] The patient warming device comprises one or more patient positioning zones or patient warming zones. A patient positioning or warming zone may refer to one or more predefined regions, zones, or areas on the warming device that are configured to provide heating or warmth to a patient. For example, a patient positioning or warming zone may be tailored to provide heating to a head, neck, back, upper back, lower back, legs, feet, arms, hands, etc. of a patient. Each of the patient positioning or warming zones may provide the same amount of heat output, or may provide different amounts of heat output, depending on the configuration of the heating device arranged below that area(s) of the patient. For example, the heating device, conductor, pattern of the conductor, can all affect heat output and can be specifically tailored to provide specific amounts of heating to certain patient positioning zones or patient warming zones.

[0077] A patient positioning or warming zone may be free of (or not include) one or more non-flexible electrical and mechanical connectors for connecting the heating device to the controller, and the patient positioning zone is free of non-flexible electrical and mechanical connectors or devices. Advantageously, this makes the patient positioning zones and the warming device in general more comfortable in that the patient does not feel rigid or non-flexible elements below them under their body as the one or more layers of the warming device are compressed under the patient’s weight. Instead, such non-flexible electrical and mechanical connectors or devices are located outside of the one or more patient positioning zones or waringDocket No.: 2249.025WO (T-MD-0051-WO)zones, which may be laterally adjacent to and / or distal of a patient’s head, neck, shoulders, feet, or any combination thereof.

[0078] The patient warming device may comprise one or more layers. The one or more layers may be flexible and conformable to a patient’s body to allow the patient warming device or one or more layers thereof to heated to deform, conform to, and accommodate the patient. The patient warming device and / or the one or more layers thereof may be adapted to conform to a patient’s body under pressure from the patient laying or resting upon the device and to return to an original shape when patient or pressure is removed.

[0079] The one or more layers may have a sufficient thickness to support or maintain a patient on the warming device. The one or more layers may be thick enough for positioning and fixating a patient on the warming device and the warming device on the table, but thin enough to provide an adequate heat transfer from the heating device to the patient. The upper and lower layers may have the same thickness or may have different thicknesses from each other. For example, the layer or foam thickness may be on the order of about ’A” to 2”. For example, the top layer may be ’A” thick and the bottom layer may be 1” or 1.5” thick, or vice versa.

[0080] The one or more layers may comprise one or more materials such as foam. The foam may be an open cell foam or a closed cell foam. In some configurations, the one or more layers may comprise various sections having open and closed foam. The foam may be a medium response foam comprising polyurethane.

[0081] The one or more layers of foam may be a quick response foam that has immediate rebound that can be unrolled or unfolded from a storage package or configuration and immediately used, without having to wait for the one or more layer or foam to get flat, as may be the case with certain memory foam materials. For example, the one or more layers may be supplied from or by PRIME MEDICAL LLC under the trade name PRIMEPAD®. In other configurations, the one or more layers may comprise a memory foam material. The one or more layers may comprise a non-viscoelastic foam material. The one or more layers may comprise a viscoelastic foam material. A viscoelastic foam material may exhibit both elastic and viscous behavior when deformed (e.g., when a patient is positioned over the device).

[0082] The one or more layers may be covered by a flexible, water-resistant shell or cover to protect or insulate the one or more layers from moisture or damage. In other configurations, the one or more layers may be exposed or not include a shell or covering over the foam. The one orDocket No.: 2249.025WO (T-MD-0051-WO)more layers may include one or more friction enhancing elements to help maintain the warming device on the medical table and / or the patient on the warming device. For example, a sheet of fabric or other material can be at least partially coated on both sides of the warming device with high-friction plastic or rubber interposed between the patient and the warming device to increase the coefficient of friction. An example of this may be a PVC foam or silicone rubber applied as a pattern of three-dimensional raised dots onto a fabric.

[0083] The patient warming device may comprise at least two layers. The two layers may be a top or upper layer and a bottom or lower layer. The opposing layers may sandwich or be disposed around one or more layers such as a heating device or layer. The opposing layers may be joined together via a suitable fastening method such as welding, RF welding, adhesives, sewing, oversewing on the sides and / or ends, overlook sewing, colander (fluid through the foam layers), chemical weld, vulcanization, ultrasonic welding, buttons, clasps, tape, double sided tape, laminating, thermo-adhesive, spray adhesive, or a combination thereof.

[0084] The patient warming device may comprise one or more insulative or thermo-reflective layers on a back or lower layer to move or redirect heating power to the upper layer or patient warming or positioning zone. This may help direct the heating power generated by the heating device to the patient positioning zone so that the heating is not dispersed or dissipated to non-heated areas.

[0085] The patient warming device may comprise one or more heating devices. A heating device may be a device or layer that is configured to generate heat in response to one or more electrical signals or power supplied thereto from a controller. The heating device may comprise one or more conductors secured to a carrier. The one or more conductors may be one or more wires such as copper wires, S-iCu wires, iCu wires. The one or more conductors may be fastened to a carrier via a suitable method, such as sewing, gluing, adhesives, welding, taping, or a combination thereof.

[0086] The one or more conductors may include one or more threads that are separately and individually coated with an electrically conductive or semi-conductive material. Such a wire may advantageously allow the wire to be flexible to enable the heating layer and the patient support and warming device to be flexible and conformable to the patient’s body. The one or more wires may be one or more braided wires that are individually coated.Docket No.: 2249.025WO (T-MD-0051-WO)

[0087] The heating layer / device may be free of a heating device comprising conductive polymeric materials or carbon fabric heating elements comprising parallel buss bars or electrodes. Advantageously, by omitting these elements, risk of overeating due to corrosion of electrodes is reduced or eliminated.

[0088] In some configurations, the heating device may comprise a conductive fabric, fabric coated with a conductive or semi-conductive material, which may be a carbon or metal containing polymer or ink, or may be a polymer.

[0089] The carrier may be a fabric support material on or to which the one or more conductors are fastened. The carrier may be a woven or non-woven fabric. The carrier can be foam. The carrier can be one or more of the foam layers. For example, the one or more heating conductors, sensors, etc. can be fastened to a back side, bottom side, or inner side of the upper layer and / or the lower layer. The carrier may be an insulator.

[0090] The patient support and warming device may comprise one or more temperature sensors. A temperature sensor may be configured or adapted to monitor a temperature of the one or more heating wires or heating devices. The one or more temperature sensors may be located in one or more patient positioning zones or outside of the one or more patient positioning zones. In some configurations, the one or more patient positioning zones may be free of any temperature sensors, as these may be a non-flexible or rigid element that may be felt by a patient. In such a configuration, the one or more temperature sensors may be located in a region outside of the one or more patient positioning zones, such as in the one or more extensions.

[0091] The one or more temperature sensors may be one or more flexible PCB temperature sensors extending into the one or more patient positioning or warming zones or radiolucent sensors. A plurality of temperature sensors may be provided on a single conductor line, for example 4 or more sensors. The one or more temperature sensors may be located laterally between adjacent heating conductors and not on the actual heating conductor.

[0092] In some configurations, the one or more temperature sensors may be located on the one or foam layers. This may be in addition to the temperature sensor(s) being located on the heating device, or instead of the of the temperature sensor(s) being located on the heating device.

[0093] The heating device may comprise a conductive tape, such as copper tape, to function as a heat spreader for the one or more heating wires. This may function to advantageouslyDocket No.: 2249.025WO (T-MD-0051-WO)require fewer temperature sensors on the heating device and / or to detect potential hot spots in a larger area of the heating device.

[0094] The warming device and / or the heating device may include one or more additional sensors, such as pressure sensors, moisture sensors, presence sensors, or a combination thereof. Such additional sensors may be electrically connected to the controller via the one or more cables or connectors. One or more of these additional sensors (or any of the sensors disclsoed herein) may be wireless or RF sensors, which may eliminate need for one or more sensor wires. This may advantageously reduce cost and / or complexity of the device and / or reduce the amount of rigid wires that a patient may feel during a medical procedure.

[0095] The patient warming device may comprise one or more extensions. An extension may function to provide a region, area, location, or means for connecting the heating device and / or the patient warming device to a controller. Electrical and / or power signals may be communicated between one or more controllers and the patient warming device or heating device through the extension. The extension may be located outside of the one or more patient positioning or warming zones, where a patient or body part of the patient is configured to be supported. Advantageously, this allows for maximum area of the warming device to be used for the patient. For example, the one or more extensions may be located distal of a head or legs of a patient, lateral of a head, neck, shoulder, back, waist, or lower body of a patient, or a combination thereof. The one or more extensions may be located at an end of the patient warming device that is closest to the controller. This may advantageously reduce required cord length to communicate the one or more signals or power therebetween.

[0096] The extension may extend distally and / or laterally from a main region or area of the warming device. The extension may extend laterally or distally beyond a distal-most edge or end of the warming device, one or more layers of the warming device, and / or the heating device. The extension may be an ear, flap, projection, or extension of one or more layers or devices of the warming device. For example, the extension may comprise a portion of the upper layer, the lower layer, the heating device, the carrier of the heating device, or a combination thereof.

[0097] The extension may comprise one or more non-flexible electrical and / or mechanical elements for connecting the heating device to a controller. Because the one or more non-flexible electrical and / or mechanical elements are outside of the zone where a patient is positioned before, during, or after a medical procedure, risk of patient discomfort, pressure sores, tissueDocket No.: 2249.025WO (T-MD-0051-WO)damage, skin breakdown, and / or muscle damage is reduced. Moreover, because the main area of the patient warming device is free of non-flexible electrical and / or mechanical elements, the warming device has increased flexibility which may be advantageous for handling and folding during manufacturing, shipping, storage, etc. These and other advantages can be gleaned from the following teachings.

[0098] The extension may include one or more heating elements, temperature sensors, or other mechanical or electrical devices for connecting and supplying power and signals between the controller and the heating device or warming device.

[0099] The extension or flap may include an enclosure that may at least partially surround the extension and / or the one or more connections or cables extending from the extension and protect them from damage due to pulling of the cables or connections during installation and / or cleanup. The enclosure may help protect the connections or cables. The enclosure may help protect the connections or cables from damage due to spills that may occur during a medical procedure. The enclosure may include a flexible or rigid polymeric material. The enclosure may be a cover, box, or sleeve.

[0100] The explanations and illustrations presented herein are intended to acquaint others skilled in the art with the invention, its principles, and its practical application. The above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art may adapt and apply the invention in its numerous forms, as may be best suited to the requirements of a particular use.

[0101] Accordingly, the specific embodiments of the present invention as set forth are not intended as being exhaustive or limiting of the teachings. The scope of the teachings should, therefore, be determined not with reference to this description, but should instead be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The omission in the following claims of any aspect of subject matter that is disclosed herein is not a disclaimer of such subject matter, nor should it be regarded that the inventors did not consider such subject matter to be part of the disclosed inventive subject matter.

[0102] Plural elements or steps can be provided by a single integrated element or step. Alternatively, a single element or step might be divided into separate plural elements or steps.Docket No.: 2249.025WO (T-MD-0051-WO)

[0103] The disclosure of "a" or "one" to describe an element or step is not intended to foreclose additional elements or steps. For example, disclosure of “a motor” does not limit the teachings to a single motor. Instead, for example, disclosure of “a motor” may include “one or more motors.”

[0104] While the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer, or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings.

[0105] Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

[0106] The invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein.

[0107] Any of the elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections disclosed herein are not necessarily limited to a single embodiment. Instead, any of the elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections disclosed herein may be substituted, combined, and / or modified with any of the elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections disclosed herein to form one or more embodiments that may not be specifically illustrated or described herein.

[0108] The disclosures of all articles and references, including patient applications and publications, testing specifications, are incorporated by reference for all purposes. OtherDocket No.: 2249.025WO (T-MD-0051-WO)combinations are also possible as will be gleaned from the following claims, which are also hereby incorporated by reference into this written description.

Claims

Docket No.: 2249.025WO (T-MD-0051-WO)CLAIMSClaim 1. A patient support and warming device configured for placement between a patient and a support surface of a table, comprising:a foam body comprising an upper layer and a lower layer;a heating device at least partially disposed between the upper layer and the lower layer; at least one patient positioning zone configured to support the patient;an extension projecting from an end of the foam body and located outside of the patient positioning zone; anda connection device supported in the extension and electrically coupled to the heating device for connection to a controller.Claim 2. The patient support and warming device according to claim 1, wherein the extension comprises a cantilever that extends from the end of the foam body.Claim 3. The patient support and warming device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the extension is free of heating elements and is not configured to actively generate heat during operation of the heating device.Claim 4. The patient support and warming device according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the extension comprises a portion of a carrier of the heating device and excludes any heating elements supported by the carrier that are otherwise located within the patient positioning zone.Claim 5. The patient support and warming device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the extension is laterally offset from a head region of the patient when the patient is positioned in the patient positioning zone.Claim 6. The patient support and warming device according to claim 1, wherein the patient support and warming device extends along a central longitudinal axis, and the central longitudinal axis extends through the extension.Docket No.: 2249.025WO (T-MD-0051-WO)Claim 7. The patient support and warming device according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein a boundary region between the extension and the foam body comprises a foldable or bendable region configured to permit folding or rolling of the device without damaging electrical components.Claim 8. The patient support and warming device according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the patient positioning zone comprises a distal end region, and the extension comprises a proximal end region and a distal end region, wherein the proximal end region of the extension is located at the distal end region of the patient positioning zone and the distal end region of the extension extends distally beyond the distal end region of the patient positioning zone.Claim 9. The patient support and warming device according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein the heating device comprises a heating element supported on a carrier, and the extension comprises a portion of the carrier of the heating device, a portion of the upper layer, and a portion of the lower layer, wherein a distal end of the portion of the upper layer and a distal end of the portion of the lower layer extend distally beyond a distal end of the portion of the carrier.Claim 10. The patient support and warming device according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein the heating device comprises a heating element supported on a carrier, and the extension comprises a portion of the carrier of the heating device, a portion of the upper layer, and a portion of the lower layer, wherein a distal end of the portion of the carrier extends distally beyond a distal end of the portion of the upper layer and a distal end of the portion of the lower layer.Claim 11. The patient support and warming device according to claim 10, wherein the patient support and warming device comprises an enclosure that surrounds the portion of the carrier that extends distally beyond the distal end of the portion of the upper layer and the distal end of the portion of the lower layer.Docket No.: 2249.025WO (T-MD-0051-WO)Claim 12. The patient support and warming device according to any one of claims 1-11, wherein the patient support and warming device comprises one or more cables or wires that extend distally from the extension for directly or indirectly connecting to the controller.Claim 13. The patient support and warming device according to any one of claims 1-12, wherein the extension defines a pocket formed by portions of an upper layer and a lower layer that are not attached to one another, and the connection device is located in the pocket.Claim 14. The patient support and warming device according to any one of claims 1-13, wherein at least a portion of the extension is arranged in the same plane as the upper layer.Claim 15. The patient support and warming device according to any one of claims 1-14, wherein at least a portion of the extension is arranged in the same plane as the lower layer.Claim 16. The patient support and warming device according to any one of claims 1-15, wherein the extension has a thickness that is substantially the same as a thickness of the foam body.Claim 17. The patient support and warming device according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein at least a portion of the extension does not extend beyond a width or a length of the patient support and warming device.Claim 18. The patient support and warming device according to any one of claims 1-17, wherein the extension comprises one or more non-flexible electrical or mechanical elements, and the patient positioning zone is substantially free of non-flexible electrical or mechanical elements other than one or more temperature sensors and / or one or more elements for connecting one or more temperature sensors.Claim 19. The patient support and warming device according to claim 18, wherein the non-flexible electrical or mechanical elements comprise solder joints, crimps, welds, printed circuitDocket No.: 2249.025WO (T-MD-0051-WO)boards, wire connectors, pigtail connectors, push connectors, pull connectors, break-away connectors, strain-relief elements, or combinations thereof.Claim 20. The patient support and warming device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one temperature sensor is positioned on an upper surface of the upper layer in the patient positioning zone, and wherein one or more sensor wires extend through a thickness of the upper layer via a slit, cut, or opening formed in the upper layer

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