1. Technical Field
This invention relates generally to surgical tables, and more particularly to surgical tables used in conjunction with computed axial tomography (CAT or CT) devices during surgery.
2. Related Art
It is known to perform a surgical procedure on a patient supported on a table while the table extends partially through an annular opening of CT scanner. For example, spinal surgery is typically performed using such a table. The table is typically cantilevered from a single support base at one end, with the free unsupported end being oriented to extend partially through the annular opening of the CT scanner. Although these tables are useful, they have drawbacks. For example, with the table being cantilevered, the table has a patient support portion of a limited length. In addition to the limited length drawback, the support base supporting the table occupies significant space at the supported end. As such, an average size adult patient cannot be fully imaged due to the CT scanner not being able to pass about the support base, thereby interfering with the support base. Further yet, in addition to the aforementioned drawbacks, being cantilevered causes the table to deflect under the load of the patient to varying degrees, depending on the size of the patient, and thus, it can compromise the surgeon's ability to orient the patient to the position desired, particularly if the patient is large. In addition to these drawbacks, the known patient support tables are typically used in combination with support members, such as are commonly used to lift a patient's chest or abdominal region from the table to better position the spine for surgery. However, in doing this, the radially extending space occupied by the table, support member and patient can make it impossible to move the raised portion of the patient through the annular opening of the CT scanner.
Accordingly, there is a need for a patient support system that overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks encountered with known patient support tables used in combination with a CT scanner, as well as overcoming other drawbacks that are encountered by surgeons performing such surgical procedures.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a patient support surface is provided. The patient support surface includes a radiolucent elongate first member having laterally spaced first side members extending along a length between opposite ends with a plurality of cross members extending between the first side members. The support surface further includes an elongate second member having laterally spaced second side members extending along a length between opposite ends with a plurality of cross members extending between the second side members. Further yet, one of the opposite ends of the first member is configured for releasable fixed attachment to one of the ends of the second member. The other of the opposite ends of the first member is configured for releasable fixed attachment to a first support, and the other of the opposite ends of the second member is configured for releasable fixed attachment to a second support.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a patient support system in combination with a CT scanner having an annular opening through which a patient passes is provided. The combination includes a first support and a second support. In addition, the combination includes a radiolucent elongate first member having laterally spaced first side members extending along a length between opposite ends with a plurality of cross members extending between the first side members. Further, the combination includes an elongate second member having laterally spaced second side members extending along a length between opposite ends with a plurality of cross members extending between the second side members. One of the opposite ends of the first member is configured for releasable fixed attachment to one of the ends of the second member. The other of the opposite ends of the first member is configured for releasable fixed attachment to the first support, and the other of the opposite ends of the second member is configured for releasable fixed attachment to the second support. The CT scanner is configured to move between the first and second supports with the elongate first and second support members extending at least partially through the annular opening.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a method of installing a patient support system for a surgical procedure is provided. The method includes providing a radiolucent elongate first member having laterally spaced first side members extending along a length between opposite ends. Further, providing an elongate second member having laterally spaced second side members extending along a length between opposite ends. Further yet, providing a CT scanner having an annular opening with a first support on one side of the CT scanner and a second support on a side of the CT scanner opposite the first support. Then, coupling one of the opposite ends of the second member to the second support and coupling the end of the second member extended away from the second support to one of the ends of the first member. Further, coupling the end of the first member extended away from the second member to the first support.
These and other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent when considered in connection with the following detailed description of presently preferred embodiments and best mode, appended claims and accompanying drawings, in which:
Referring in more detail to the drawings,
The first member 20 is constructed of radiolucent material, and can be constructed from carbon fiber, for example. The first member 20 has laterally spaced side rails, also referred to as first side members or sides 26, 28, extending along a length L1 (
The second member 22 has laterally spaced side rails, also referred to as second side members or sides 40, 42, extending along a length L2 (
During use, with the first member 20 being rigidly coupled to the second member 22, and with their respective ends 30, 44 coupled to the surgical table support 16 and the end support 18, respectively, the CT scanner 14 is positioned about the second member 22, with the second member 22 extending through the opening 24, while the surgeon performs surgery on the patient P. The surgeon is able to control the surgical table support 16 to lift and/or rotate the patient P as desired, while the support surface 12 moves conjointly in response to movement of the surgical support table 16. The end support 18 also allows the support surface 12 to move in conjunction with the support table 16 by using the manual height adjustment 59 and the pivot locking mechanism 58. Of course, the patient P is secured against movement on first member 20, such as by a plurality of straps 56. The straps 56 can be provide in any suitable location along the length L1 of the first member 20 to reliably secure the patient P in place. When movement of the support surface 12 is not desired, the end support 18 can be releasably locked via locking mechanism 58. When the surgeon wants to image the patient P, the CT scanner 14 is traversed along the support surface 12 in clearance relation therewith until the desired region of the patient P, and thus the first member 20, is received in the opening 24 of the scanner 14. As a result of how the patient P is positioned on the first member 20, at least partially between the side rails 26, 28, the entire head and torso region of the patient P can be readily imaged. Then, upon obtaining the desired image, the CT scanner 14 can be moved adjacent the end support 18, such that the entire first member 20 and patient P thereon is clear of the CT scanner 14.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a method of using a patient support system 10 is provided. The method allows a support surface 12 and system 10 incorporating the support surface 12 to be installed in the operating room easily and efficiently by a single person. The support surface 12 is initially maintained in a broken down, reduced size state, with a first member 20 of the support surface 12 being decoupled from a second member 22 of the support surface 10. A portable cart 60 is configured to carry and transport the first and second members 20, 22 from a stowed position (
Upon assembling the ends 30, 44 of the support surface 12 to the surgical table support 16 and the end support 18, the cart 60 is removed from beneath the second member 22. This is done by releasing pivotal side clamps 66 from an upright clamped position (
Many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is, therefore, to be understood that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described, and that the scope of the invention is defined by any ultimately allowed claims.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/410,502, filed Nov. 5, 2010, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
Number | Date | Country | |
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61410502 | Nov 2010 | US |