573 results about "Prone position" patented technology

This invention is a system, method, and article of manufacture for imaging tubular structures of the human body, such as the digestive tract of a living person, with a medical imaging device such as a computed tomography (CT) scanner and a computer work station. The system comprises receiving a first image data set representative of a portion of the colon in a prone position and a second image data set representative of a portion of the colon in a supine position, at a series of viewpoints. At each of the viewpoints, an image is generated of the colon in the prone and supine positions. The prone and supine images of the colon are simultaneously displayed on a screen display in a dual view mode.

A patient support apparatus for supporting a patient in a prone position during a surgical procedure is provided, including an open fixed frame suspended above a floor and a pair of spaced opposed radially sliding joints cooperating with the frame, each joint including a virtual pivot point and an arc of motion spaced from the virtual pivot point, the joints being movable along the arc providing a pivot ship mechanism for a pair of pelvic pads attached to the joints. A base for supporting and suspending a patient support structure above the floor, for supporting a patient during a surgical procedure, the base including a pair of spaced opposed vertical translation subassemblies reversibly attachable to a patient support structure, a cross-bar, and a rotation subassembly having two degrees of rotational freedom; wherein a location of each vertical translation subassembly is substantially constant during operation of the patient support structure.

A bed is provided which orients a user in a multi-angled, prone position. The bed supports a downward positioning of a user's face to maintain an open airway to reduce or eliminate sleeping problems associated with gravity aggravated apnea. By positioning the user's head downward, gravity operates to maintain the user's airway open as opposed to forcing it closed. The bed is provided with a moisture absorbent covering which may be changed and laundered as desired.

A prone positioning therapeutic bed comprises a base frame, a patient support platform rotatably mounted on the base frame for rotational movement about a longitudinal rotational axis, a drive system for rotating the patient support platform on the base frame, and an upright end ring at the head of the bed with a central opening for routing patient care lines and a removable upper section for improved access to a patient's head. The patient support platform preferably has pivotally mounted side rails that fold underneath the patient support platform and straps with strap connectors that indicate whether the straps are sufficiently tensioned. A direct, wired electrical connection between the patient support platform and the base frame allows full rotation of the patient support platform in either direction. A manually operable lever disengages the patient support platform from the drive system to allow manual rotation of the patient support platform.

A system for transporting and positioning a patient onto an operating room table from a movable transportation device, e.g., a stretcher, to be located immediately laterally of the operating room table and transporting back onto the movable transportation device after the surgery. The system basically comprises a first and second inflatable assemblies to effect the pivoting of the patient about a longitudinal axis extending between the table and stretcher from a supine position on the stretcher to a horizontal prone position on the table. A third inflatable assembly causes the patient's spine to be in an arcuate orientation suitable for spinal surgery.

A system and method for immobilization of the human breast in a prone position during imaging and radiotherapy. The system includes a vacuum-assisted breast immobilization cup comprising two layers joined together with an air space between. The inner layer has densely perforated holes while the outer layer is airtight. When a negative vacuum is applied to the intermediate airspace the breast tissue is sucked against the mesh wall of the inner layer to preventing sliding. In addition, the cup assembly is locked into a fixed position against the patient torso via a body fixture, as well as against the patient support structure. The established geometric relationship among the cup, chest wall, imaging/treatment table or couch may be accurately repeated. The system further includes a three-dimensional localization system to uniquely place the breast in a coordinate system having fixed geometric relationship with the breast immobilization cup.

A method of exercising a human body, the method comprising: providing a sliding element having a body portion adapted for receiving a limb of the human body, and a sliding surface adapted to slide on a exercise floor; placing the sliding element on an exercise floor and placing the human body limb on the body portion; and performing an exercise routine including sliding the sliding element by moving the human body limb. The exercise routine includes routines performed with the human body in a standing position; routines performed with the human body in a prone position; routines performed with the human body in a supine position; and routines performed with the human body in a side-lying position. The invention also includes an exercise device for exercising a human body, the device comprising: a sliding disc having a body portion adapted for receiving a limb of the human body; and a sliding surface adapted to slide on an exercise floor.

A surgical positioning frame for supporting a patient includes a main beam having an axis of rotation relative to support structures. The main beam rotates the patient between a prone position and a lateral position. The main beam including a conforming main beam portion extending between the first and second support arms. The conforming main beam is preferably configured to allow a surgeon access to one lateral side of the patient and a surgical assistant access to the other lateral side of the patient with limited interference thereby.

A method and device for accurately and reproducibly positioning a woman's breast to receive radiation while the woman is positioned in a prone, face-down position upon a radiation treatment table are disclosed. The treatment table is useable with radiation accelerator tables of existing linear accelerator machines. The treatment table includes a generally flat patient support surface having an opening that allows the patient's breast to fall dependently below the support surface through the opening yet remain above the radiation accelerator table such that the breast can be irradiated for therapy or treatment. The platform further includes a head positioning device connected to the support surface such that a woman's head can be placed in the positioning device while she lies in the prone position and such that one or both of her breasts can be accurately and reproducibly positioned for treatment through the opening. The platform may include memory foam for achieving reproducible positioning from patient to patient.

An apparatus for breast scanning to obtain functional and anatomical images of the breast comprises a patient support for a patient to rest in a prone position, the support having an opening with one of her breasts vertically pendent through the opening for scanning; a laser CT scanner disposed below the support for generating a first set of data for reconstruction of functional images of the breast; an X-ray CT scanner disposed below the support for generating a second set of data for reconstruction of anatomical images of the breast; and a display to visualize at least one of the functional and anatomical images. A method for acquiring data for reconstruction of images pertaining to functional and anatomical structures of a breast comprises positioning a patient in a prone position on a support having an opening through which a breast of the patient is pendant; scanning the breast with a laser CT scanner to obtain data of the breast for functional image reconstruction of the breast; and while the patient is still prone on the support, scanning the breast with an X-ray CT scanner to obtain data of the breast for anatomical image reconstruction of the breast.

A reflux wedge for supporting an infant suffering from acid reflux is disclosed. The reflux wedge includes a wedge-shaped main body having a top side and a bottom side. In addition the reflux wedge includes a torso support section providing a substantially flat incline of approximately 25 to 45 degrees to receive and support the torso of the infant in a prone position. The torso support section is located on the top side of the wedge-shaped main body. The reflux wedge also includes a head support section adjoining the torso support section for receiving and supporting the head of the infant. An arch runs down a longitudinally aligned midline on the top side for receiving and supporting the infant and encouraging protraction of the shoulders. A crater is optionally located on the bottom side for receiving an infant in a supine position.

This is a position sensing monitor that provides private sensory biofeedback to adults, in the form of auditory stimulus or tactile sensation (vibration), to promote non-supine sleep. The essential feature of this invention is to eliminate/reduce position-related snoring and obstructive sleep apnea and not disrupting sleep of bed partner. A variation of this concept is its use in infants to promote sleeping supine by parental notification of rolling from supine to side or prone positions, allow re-position to supine and thereby reducing the risk for SIDS.

A beach or lounge chair includes a generally horizontal component for supporting a user thereon and a leg assembly for holding the supportive component above the ground. The supportive component includes a first opening for accommodating the breasts of a female user. A pocket is attached to and depends from the lower side of the supportive component beneath the opening. The pocket accommodates and obscures the breasts of a user lying face down in a prone position on the support chair. Pressure on the breasts is thereby alleviated.

What is disclosed are various embodiments of a removable control panel for multi-function equipment for the alternative navigation and selection of various available options presented. The embodiment of FIG. 7 is shown comprising four arrow-shaped buttons so the impaired user can navigate controls and options displayed. An ENTER button is provided for formalizing the entry of desired selections, where required. An UNDO button is provided to de-select entries. A STATUS button initiates audio, visual, or tactile feedback as to machine state, status, and other assistance. An ENLARGE button is provided by which a visually impaired user can enlarge their current focus for easier seeing and reading. An ON/OFF switch enables/disables feedback for use in those work environments where such assistance is not desired. Each of the buttons has an identifying shape, which can be differentiated by feel, and Braille and other text are additionally provided. This particular embodiment further advantageously comprises an interface jack for use by those users who make use of communicative devices. The present device is removable from an accessible holding carriage for use by persons working from either a wheelchair or from a prone position.

A drag racing roller coaster amusement ride has at least two sets running rails, each set having at least one running rail and an embark point. At least two carriers (109) are arranged to carry at least one rider on a respective set of running rails with the rider(s) in a substantially prone position. Each carrier is arranged to slidingly engage with the respective set of running rails to enable the carriers to traverse the ride. The ride has an indicator (109) to provide a ride commencement indication. A launch system is configured to provide a powered initial motion to each carrier. Each carrier has a ride activator controllable by a rider of the carrier to trigger the launch system to commence the ride for the carrier following the ride commencement indication. Launch systems are also disclosed.

A support structure that allows an individual, generally an infant, to be supported in a desired position and gently constrained from rolling over is disclosed. A well-defined, soft, elastic center panel or pillow is disposed and secured to two firm, slightly elastic side arms each having a height that is greater than that of the center panel. Thus, a channel is formed defined by an upper surface of the center panel and inner surfaces of the side arms. The individual can be disposed within the channel in a position, e.g., prone, and is gently constrained therein. The side arms can be cantilevers or other elongated structures providing additional support for the individual.