JPH0377543A - Patient support - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To make insertion of an X-ray cassette below any part of a patient body possible by arranging a lifting means to lift a part of the patient body in order to insert the X-ray cassette below a selected part of the patient body. CONSTITUTION: There is arranged a means to expand a runner selectively for lifting only a part of a body for X-ray photography. When fluid is supplied from an oxygen supplying source in an emergency room, runners 24a, 24b expand and lift a diseased part 62 at least 5cm in order to insert an X-ray cassette. After X-ray photography is taken, the runner 24a, 24b are contracted like being folded by discharging fluid and the diseased part is returned again on a supporting surface 22. Thereby, the X-ray cassette can be inserted below the patient.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION Field of Industrial Application The present invention relates generally to medical devices, and more particularly to patient support devices used in medical facilities.

<Prior Art> Sometimes it is necessary to take an X-ray picture of a bedridden hospitalized patient, which requires placing an X-ray cassette under the part of the body that is to be radiographed. .

This requires an attendant to lift the patient's entire body, or at least the part of the body to be radiographed, from the patient support device. Particularly in the case of a patient who has sustained trauma, movement should not be done, and if it is absolutely necessary to move it, it must be done with great care so as not to aggravate the injury or cause pain to the patient. Although it is difficult to manually move a patient without causing significant vibration, heretofore there has been no suitable method or means for taking X-ray pictures without shaking the patient.

<Problems to be Solved by the Invention> A first object of the present invention is to provide a patient support device in which an X-ray cassette can be inserted under a patient.

A second object of the present invention is to provide a patient support device that does not disturb the patient.

A third object of the invention is to provide a patient support device under which an X-ray cassette can be inserted under virtually any part of the patient's body.

[Structure of the Invention] <Means for Solving the Problems> The above-mentioned objects and other objects provide a support surface and an X-ray beam disposed near the support surface to provide an X-ray beam under a selected portion of a patient's body. This is accomplished by providing a patient support device comprising lifting means for lifting the patient's body part off the support surface so that the cassette can be inserted. Preferably, the lifting means comprises a plurality of inflatable runners.

Means is provided for fluidly connecting the inflatable runner to a fluid supply means so that the runner can be inflated. The runners are spaced apart from each other and, when inflated, raise adjacent portions of the patient so that an x-ray cassette can be inserted beneath the patient and between adjacent runners.

The runner is disposed generally parallel and laterally to the support surface so as to be generally parallel to the axis of the patient's shoulder. Thus, the X-ray cassette can be inserted laterally into the patient and placed between adjacent runners at multiple locations relative to the patient's body.

Preferably said means for fluidly connecting the inflatable runner to the fluid supply means comprises a manifold defining a fluid passageway between the fluid supply means and the interior space of the hollow runner.

Conveniently, a valve is placed between the conduits connecting the manifold to each runner.

Thereby, each runner can be selectively inflated depending on the open/closed state of the valve, and only the part of the patient's body on which an X-ray photograph is to be taken can be moved.

This valve is preferably a three-position valve that can realize a closed state, an inflated state, and an ejected state. In the ejected state, fluid can escape and the runner can be retracted. The fluid can be vented to the atmosphere if it is gaseous and non-hazardous, or it can be returned to the fluid storage tank via suitable conduit means.

The patient support device according to the invention can be electrically controlled so that it can be operated without manually turning the valve.

This valve can be operated by an electric solenoid. Preferably, the electric solenoid is operable to operate the valve in each of three positions. A control panel can be provided so that the operator does not have to walk around the platform to activate the solenoids.

Preferably, each runner is fixed directly to the support surface. The runner may be manufactured from a variety of suitable materials, but is preferably formed from a flexible material that shrinks and returns to as flat a surface as possible when comfortably deflated by the patient. The runners can be secured within recesses formed in the support surface so that when deflated, the folded runner material does not fall into said recesses and cause discomfort to the patient.

Preferably, the runner is configured to raise adjacent portions of the patient's body at least 2 inches to allow proper insertion and removal of the x-ray cassette.

The number of runners and their location on the support surface can be varied. Preferably, a plurality of lateral runners are distributed along the length of the patient support so that radiographs of virtually any part of the patient's body can be taken. The lateral runners must be spaced apart by a sufficient distance to allow insertion of an x-ray cassette between adjacent runners. Since a typical X-ray cassette measures 25.4 x 30.5 cm (10 x 12 inches), the spacing between the runners should be at least 25.4
cm (10 inches) is desirable. Preferably, one lateral runner is placed on the patient support device such that when inflated, it lifts the patient's foot. Other runners are arranged on the patient support device so as to substantially raise the patient's knees, pelvis, upper chest and head.

at least two generally parallel head and neck restraint runners disposed generally on the axis of the patient's shoulders and spaced apart such that the patient's head is positioned between them when each restraint runner is inflated; It can be made to be bound by.

The support surface is preferably a pinerest or other padded support for greater patient comfort. However, according to the invention a rigid support can be used.

The runners can have a variety of other shapes.

A generally U-shaped runner can be formed by positioning at least one longitudinal runner on substantially one side of the patient support device between two lateral runners. This shape allows for more effective lifting of the patient.

As a fluid supply lower stage, an oxygen supply to the emergency room or operating room can be used. If more pressurization is required, a separate fluid source can be used. Gas is preferred as the fluid, but according to the invention not only gas but also liquids such as water or oil can be used.

A restraint strap for restraining the patient is preferably attached to the patient support device and more conveniently placed between the runners. Preferably, the restraint strap is a Velcro fastener for quick and easy tightening.

<Embodiments> Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

However, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments detailed below.

1-4, a patient support device 20 according to the present invention is shown.
It is shown. The patient support device is constructed in a manner similar to a conventional hospital mattress, ie, has a support surface 22 constructed of foam material or the like.

A number of inflatable runners are provided on the support surface 22 of the patient support apparatus 20. These runners are separated from each other
and when inflated, lifts adjacent parts of the patient so that the X-ray cassette can be inserted under the patient's body. A number of lateral runners 24a-24e are arranged in a suitably distributed manner along the length of patient support apparatus 20. The number and position of the runners can vary;
Five horizontal runners 24a-24e as shown
It is preferable to provide These horizontal runners 24a~
24e are spaced far enough apart that a standard x-ray cassette can be inserted between them. These cassettes can vary in size, but are generally 25.4X30.
5 cm (10 x 12 inches). Therefore, it is preferred for standard patient support systems to have the lateral runners 24a-24e spaced at least 10 inches apart.

Lateral runners 24a may be positioned in the foot region of patient support device 20 to substantially elevate the patient's feet. The second runner 24b can be arranged to elevate the patient's knee region. The third runner 24c is positioned to elevate the patient's pelvic region. The fourth lateral runner 24d is arranged to lift the upper chest region of the patient. The fifth lateral runner 24e is arranged to lift the patient's head. Existing emergency room support equipment measures approximately 61X113cm (24X72 inches)
It is. Preferably, the first runner 24a is located 2.5 (7) (1 inch) from the bottom of the patient support apparatus 20. The fifth runner 24e extends from the head of the patient support device 20 at 10. 1 (4 inches) apart. The other runners 24b to 24d are 38cm apart from each other (
15 inches) apart.

Also, at least two head restraint runners 30, which are generally parallel to each other and placed approximately on the shoulder axis, are spaced apart so as to restrain the patient's head between them when inflated. It is preferable to do so.

Also, elongated runners can be placed between the lateral runners and on the sides of the patient support device 20. A vertical runner 34 between the horizontal runners 24c, 24d cooperates with the horizontal runners 24c, 24d to provide a generally U-shaped lift that provides good patient support while allowing for the installation and removal of X-ray cassettes. form a structure.

The runner is inflated by supplying a suitable fluid. Although this fluid could be a liquid such as water or oil, it is advantageous to use a gas. Although this gas is supplied by a fluid supply means specifically adapted for the purpose described above, it is preferred that many emergency rooms and operating theaters be provided with means for connecting the runner to the existing oxygen supply lines. This connection is connected to a wall nozzle 38 projecting outwardly from x+s4o.
This is done by fitting an elastic hose 36 into an oxygen supply port such as the above. This connecting hose 36 is preferably connected to a manifold 44 that supplies gas to each of the runners. Communication tubes 46 fluidly connect the individual runners to manifold 44 .

Manifold 44 is conveniently secured to the side of patient support apparatus 20 by suitable securing means or bands.

Preferably, means are provided for selectively inflating the runner so as to lift only the part of the body to be radiographed. This is accomplished by providing valves 48 in the fluid communication lines to each of the runners. A preferred location for the valve 48 is upstream of the runner of the connecting pipe 46 or between the connecting pipe 46 and the manifold 44 as shown.
This is the junction with. Valve 48 may be any suitable conventional device suitable for the purpose described above.

For example, although various suitable configurations are contemplated for valve 48, a three-position valve capable of providing a closed state, an open or inflated state, and an evacuation state is advantageous. In the discharge state, the fluid is released and the runner is retracted. This fluid can be vented to the atmosphere if it is a harmless gas. Otherwise, it can be converted back into a fluid storage tank by combining suitable conduit structures.

The runner has a hollow core 54 as shown in FIG.
Preferably, it is formed from a fluid-tight flexible tube that can be expanded by introducing fluid into it. Each said runner is advantageously secured within a recessed seat 58 formed in the support surface 22. The flexible tubing, when fluid pressure is removed, releases the support surface 22 of the patient support device 20, as shown in FIG.
Since it does not contract upwards but into the concave seat portion 58, it does not cause pain to the patient.

Other structures useful in trauma beds can be combined with the patient support device of the present invention. A restraint belt 60 can be attached to the patient support apparatus 20 at a suitable location for restraining the patient's arms and legs. This restraint belt 60 can be constructed with a Velcro fastener structure for quick and easy tightening. Head restraint belt 61
can use Velcro fasteners and has a support surface 2 so that the patient's forehead can be crossed and secured thereon.
2” can be placed in two. A fastener means, such as a looped Velcro strip 63, is disposed on the support surface 22;
It can be engaged with a fastener structure such as a hook-like Velcro strip attached with a structure for holding a syringe, scissors, tape or the like.

The operating instructions for patient support device 20 are shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. As shown in FIG. 5, the patient's legs 62 are placed directly onto the patient support device 22.

To take an X-ray photograph of the leg 62, an X-ray is placed under the leg 62.
It is necessary to introduce a line cassette. This usually requires moving the patient with a child, which can cause sway and vibration that can cause significant pain to the patient and worsen the injury. In the present invention, fluid is supplied via a supply pipe 36 connected to an oxygen supply source in the emergency room. Oxygen flows through manifold 44. Lateral runners 24a, 24b
These runners a24a, 24b are inflated by opening the valve 48 associated with the runners a24a, 24b. The legs 62 are gradually and gently removed from the patient support apparatus 22, preferably by
At least 5 (7
) (2 inches) lifted.

The x-ray cassette 66 is removed after the x-ray photograph is taken and the fluid is vented from the runner by placing the valve 48 in the drain condition.

The runners 24a and 24b are contracted so as to be folded,
The legs 62 are placed back on the support surface 22 again.

Valve 48 can be electrically controlled.

This installs an electric solenoid 68 in each valve 48 that is operable to operate the 3-position valve 48 in all three positions.
This is done by providing every 8.

Solenoid 68 is operated to operate three position valve 48. Control of the solenoid 68 is easily accomplished at a control panel 70 that includes a connection to a power source.

The control panel 70 comprises a plurality of switch means 74-80. By operating the switch means 74-80,
Solenoid 48 may be actuated to inflate the selected runner.

The switch means 74-80 can be connected to said runner in any desired manner, but one switch
Preferably, it is possible to operate a runner that lifts the body part to be photographed. That is, one switch 74 activates the solenoid 6 of the runners 24a, 24b for elevating the patient's lower leg by circuit path 82.84.
8 respectively. Switch 75 connects path 8
8.90 is connected to operate the solenoids 68 of the runners 24b and 24c for lifting the patient's thighs. Switch 76 connects runner 24c to lift the patient's upper chest via path 94.96;
It is connected to operate the solenoid 68 of 24d. Switch 77 connects runner 34 via path 100.
Activate solenoid 68 and hold the patient's upper chest.
auxiliary force can be applied to increase the

Switch 78 may activate solenoids 68 of runners 24d, 24e to lift the patient's head via paths 102, 104.

It will be appreciated that the runner 30 remains in the deflated state so that an x-ray cassette can be inserted between the runners 24d, 24c when taking an x-ray of the head or neck. Switch 79 may activate solenoid 68 of head restraint runner 30 to secure the head in place via path 106. Switch 80 can actuate solenoid 68 via path 110 to operate valve 112 that controls fluid flow to manifold 44 .

Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented with various modifications and changes within its technical scope.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a patient support device according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a side view. FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line 3--3 in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line 4--4 in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a side sectional view showing a patient placed on the patient support apparatus of the present invention with each runner in a retracted state. FIG. 6 is a side sectional view showing a patient placed on the patient support device, the runner inflated, and an X-ray cassette placed according to the present invention. FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram schematically showing the electrical control mechanism used in the present invention. 20... Patient support device 22... Support surfaces 24a-2
4e...Runner 30...Runner for head restraint 34...Vertical runner 36...Elastic hose 38...
...Wall nozzle 40...Wall 44...Manifold 46...Connection pipe 48...Valve 54.
...Hollow core 58...Concave sheet portion 60...Restraint m belt 61...Head restraint belt 62...Leg portion 63...Band piece 66...X
Line cassette 68...Solenoid 70...Control panel 74-80...Switch 100.102.10
4.106.110...Route 112...Valve FIG. FG. FIG. FIG. FIG. “IG.

Claims (21)

[Claims] (1) comprising a support surface and a lifting means disposed near the support surface for lifting a part of the patient's body, an X-ray cassette beneath the part of the patient and between the adjacent lifting means; A patient support device characterized by being able to place. (2) the lifting means is generally aligned with the axis of the patient's shoulder so that the 2. A patient support device according to claim 1, wherein the patient support device is disposed generally parallel and laterally on the support surface in a parallel manner. (3) at least one of the lift means is arranged on the support base so as to lift up the patient's leg when the lift means is driven, and the other lift means are arranged on the patient's knee, 3. A patient support device according to claim 2, wherein the device is arranged to substantially elevate the pelvis, upper chest and head. (4) The patient support device according to claim 3, further comprising electrical actuation means for operating the lift means. (5) The patient support device according to claim 4, further comprising electrical control means for controlling the actuation means. 6. The patient support device of claim 5, wherein said actuating means comprises at least one solenoid. (7) a support surface having a plurality of inflatable runners, and a connecting means for fluidly connecting the inflatable runners to a fluid supply means for inflating the inflatable runners, the runners being spaced apart from each other; A patient support device comprising: lifting an adjacent portion of the patient from the support surface to allow insertion of an X-ray cassette beneath the portion of the patient and between adjacent runners. (8) The patient support device according to claim 7, further comprising a discharge means for withdrawing fluid from the runner. (9) the runners are arranged generally along the axis of the patient's shoulders, such that the 9. A patient support device according to claim 8, wherein the device is disposed generally parallel and laterally on the support surface in a parallel manner. (10) The connecting means for fluidly connecting the inflatable runner to the fluid supply means and the evacuation means for removing fluid from the runner include at least one valve means. Patient support device according to clause 7. (11) The connecting means for fluidly connecting the inflatable runners to the fluid supply means comprises a manifold fluidly connected to each of the runners.
Patient support device according to item 0. (12) At least one of the runners is arranged on the support base so as to lift up the patient's legs when the runners are driven, and the other runners are arranged on the patient's knees, pelvis, upper legs, etc. 8. Patient support device according to claim 7, characterized in that it is arranged to substantially elevate the chest and head. (13) at least two generally parallel head restraints disposed in a generally orthogonal orientation with respect to the axis of the shoulders of the patient and spaced apart from each other so as to restrain the head of the patient therebetween when inflated; 13. The patient support device of claim 12, further comprising a runner. (14) at least one longitudinal runner is positioned generally on one side of the support surface between two lateral runners to form a generally U-shaped runner; A patient support device according to claim 13. (15) Claim 11 further comprising a conduit fluidly connecting the manifold to an oxygen supply port.
Patient support devices as described in Section 1. (16) The patient support device according to claim 7, further comprising a restraining band fixed to the mattress. (17) The patient support device according to claim 16, wherein the restraining band is made of Velcro. (18) Claim 7, wherein the runner is fixed to a recess formed in the support surface, so that when no fluid pressure is applied, the runner is contracted and accommodated in the recess. Patient support device as described in. (19) The patient support device according to claim 11, further comprising electric valve actuation means for actuating the valve means. (20) The patient support device according to claim 19, further comprising electrical control means for controlling the valve actuation means. (21) The patient support device according to claim 20, wherein the valve operating means comprises a solenoid.