WO2017039522A1 - Head support for use in medical radiological applications - Google Patents

Head support for use in medical radiological applications Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2017039522A1
WO2017039522A1 PCT/SE2016/050825 SE2016050825W WO2017039522A1 WO 2017039522 A1 WO2017039522 A1 WO 2017039522A1 SE 2016050825 W SE2016050825 W SE 2016050825W WO 2017039522 A1 WO2017039522 A1 WO 2017039522A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
support cushion
proximal
distal
operating handle
lower support
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/SE2016/050825
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Emir BEGANO
Nils BRUNDIN
Henrik Edwardsson
Malte BOKVIST
Jens Bernhardsson
Original Assignee
Innovation Skane Ab
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Innovation Skane Ab filed Critical Innovation Skane Ab
Publication of WO2017039522A1 publication Critical patent/WO2017039522A1/en

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B6/00—Apparatus for radiation diagnosis, e.g. combined with radiation therapy equipment
    • A61B6/04—Positioning of patients; Tiltable beds or the like
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B6/00—Apparatus for radiation diagnosis, e.g. combined with radiation therapy equipment
    • A61B6/04—Positioning of patients; Tiltable beds or the like
    • A61B6/0407—Supports, e.g. tables or beds, for the body or parts of the body
    • A61B6/0421—Supports, e.g. tables or beds, for the body or parts of the body with immobilising means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/05—Detecting, measuring or recording for diagnosis by means of electric currents or magnetic fields; Measuring using microwaves or radio waves 
    • A61B5/055—Detecting, measuring or recording for diagnosis by means of electric currents or magnetic fields; Measuring using microwaves or radio waves  involving electronic [EMR] or nuclear [NMR] magnetic resonance, e.g. magnetic resonance imaging
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/70—Means for positioning the patient in relation to the detecting, measuring or recording means
    • A61B5/702—Posture restraints
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B90/00—Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups A61B1/00 - A61B50/00, e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
    • A61B90/10—Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups A61B1/00 - A61B50/00, e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges for stereotaxic surgery, e.g. frame-based stereotaxis
    • A61B90/14—Fixators for body parts, e.g. skull clamps; Constructional details of fixators, e.g. pins
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
    • A61G13/00—Operating tables; Auxiliary appliances therefor
    • A61G13/10—Parts, details or accessories
    • A61G13/12—Rests specially adapted therefor; Arrangements of patient-supporting surfaces
    • A61G13/1205—Rests specially adapted therefor; Arrangements of patient-supporting surfaces for specific parts of the body
    • A61G13/121—Head or neck
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
    • A61G13/00—Operating tables; Auxiliary appliances therefor
    • A61G13/10—Parts, details or accessories
    • A61G13/12—Rests specially adapted therefor; Arrangements of patient-supporting surfaces
    • A61G13/128—Rests specially adapted therefor; Arrangements of patient-supporting surfaces with mechanical surface adaptations
    • A61G13/129—Rests specially adapted therefor; Arrangements of patient-supporting surfaces with mechanical surface adaptations having surface parts for adaptation of the size, e.g. for extension or reduction
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
    • A61G7/00—Beds specially adapted for nursing; Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons
    • A61G7/05—Parts, details or accessories of beds
    • A61G7/065—Rests specially adapted therefor
    • A61G7/07—Rests specially adapted therefor for the head or torso, e.g. special back-rests
    • A61G7/072—Rests specially adapted therefor for the head or torso, e.g. special back-rests for the head only
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/70—Means for positioning the patient in relation to the detecting, measuring or recording means
    • A61B5/704—Tables
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
    • A61G2210/00—Devices for specific treatment or diagnosis
    • A61G2210/50—Devices for specific treatment or diagnosis for radiography

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a head support, more particular for use in medical radiological applications.
  • Non-surgical visualization and examination of the inside of a patient's body is commonly done by various scanning procedures, which are based on the absorption and/or emission of electromagnetic radiation. Such scanning procedures may typically be conducted by employment of e.g. a CT- or MRI scanning device.
  • a CT- or MRI scanning device In order to obtain raw data of high quality, it is of importance that the bodily part which is scanned is kept still during the procedure. It is particularly important to keep the head of a patient still during scanning due to the medically relatively high importance of the related potential condition warranting the scanning.
  • Various diseases, conditions and damages to the head and CNS require a prompt and correct diagnosis, often heavily relying on CT and/or MRI, in order to provide the correct treatment and to ameliorate the often life-threatening state the patient may reside in.
  • Head rests of different sizes and forms are available to provide support for the patient's head during scanning. These are typically non-adjustable, or adjustable only to a limited degree, and laid or mounted on/to the table onto which the patient is placed lying on the back during the scanning. After scanning of a patient, such a head rest will often have to be replaced by a different head rest to better suit the need during the scanning of the subsequent patient.
  • the subsequent patient may, for example, have a different head size as compared to the foregoing, whereby the replacement of head rest may be warranted to achieve optimal conditions during the scanning procedure of the subsequent patient.
  • Disadvantages of this procedure include e.g. the time period needed for its execution. The sum of all such time periods have to be withdrawn from the theoretically available time the respective machine could be used for scanning, resulting in a non-optimal use of the machine and extended waiting periods for patients scheduled for scanning.
  • WOO 176481 A2 describes a radiolucent table extension assembly comprising skull pins positioned by operating knobs in order to support the skull. Disadvantages of this assembly include e.g. the relatively high discomfort a conscious patient may experience due to the pressing skull pins.
  • US5596780A describes a headrest including two, tapered, elongated lobes rigidly spaced apart in a V-shape configuration which allows one headrest to fit many different size heads. Disadvantages of this headrest include e.g. its inherent wedging effect, whereby the headrest and the head can only be dissembled from each other by a jerking action, which may present a medical hazard. In view of at least above mentioned disadvantages, improved head rests for use in medical radiological applications are needed.
  • a head support for minimization of movement of a patient's head of a patient during radiological examination, treatment or scanning, comprising a proximal lower support cushion, a left support cushion, a left fastening mechanism, a left proximal operating handle, a right support cushion, a right fastening mechanism, a right proximal operating handle, wherein the head support exists in a state combination being any combination of states selected from the group of states consisting of a left free moving state, in which the left support cushion is pivotally movable relative the proximal lower support cushion in a plane essentially perpendicular to the central axis of the left fastening mechanism in all directions from the left side direction to the upper side direction, a right free moving state, in which the right support cushion is pivotally movable relative the proximal lower support cushion in a plane essentially perpendic
  • Fig. 1 shows a head rest of the invention comprising a proximal lower support cushion 20, a distal lower support cushion 40, a left passage 83a, a right passage 83b, a left support cushion extension 84a, a right support cushion extension 84b, a left distal operating handle 22a connected to a central fastening mechanism 21, and a table mounting member 60, in which head rest a patient 7 is placed along an axis in the proximal direction 1 and in the distal direction 2 so that the patient's head 8 is held in a steady position by collaborative pressing at the sides of the lower part in the lower side direction 5 of the patient's head 8 by a left support cushion 80a, being in a left locked state due to a locking action as ruled by a left fastening mechanism 81a controlled by a left proximal operating handle 82a pointing in the upper side direction 6 and slightly in the left side direction 4, and a right support cushion 80b, being held in place by the hand of a user (not shown)
  • Fig. 2 is a view from the right side of a head rest of the invention, showing the table mounting member 60 ready to assemble by docking with an inclination of the edge of a table 70 by distal movement, a right proximal operating handle 82 in a horizontal distally pointing direction whereby the proximal lower support cushion 20 and the distal lower support cushion 40 is set in a non-static state relative each other to permit pivoting around the central axis of the central fastening mechanism 21, the right proximal operating handle 82b in an upwards pointing direction whereby a right locked state is achieved and pivoting of the right support cushion 80b relative the proximal lower support cushion 20 around the central axis of the right fastening mechanism 81b is prevented, a relatively small patient's head 8 (A) and a relatively large patient's head 8 (B), for which both the major part of the ear, including the entrance of the ear canal, is visible through the right passage 83b, according to one embodiment; Fig.
  • FIG. 3 is a view from the proximal end of the right side of a head rest of the invention, showing the right support cushion 80b in a horizontal right side pointing direction (B) and in a more upwards pointing direction (A), that may be achieved by the application of a light force of the user on e.g. the right support cushion extension 84b, when in the right free moving state, to accomplish a pivoting movement around the central axis of the right fastening mechanism 81b to such a degree that a weak pressure is applied onto the side of a patient's head (8) being relatively small (A) or relatively large (B), according to one embodiment;
  • Fig. 4 is a demounted view of an example of a fastening mechanism 90, of which the principles for achievement of a free moving state, i.e. a non-static state, and a locked state, i.e. a static state, may be utilized for the achievement of the desired function of the central fastening mechanism 21, the left fastening mechanism 81a and the right fastening mechanism 81b, comprising a first support element 91, a first support element protrusion 92, a second support element 93, a second support element protrusion 94, a rod 95 with a protruding heel 96, a handle 97, a screw 98 and a nut 99, according to one embodiment; and
  • Fig. 5 is a view from the right side of an example of the right fastening mechanism
  • Fig. 6 is a view of an example of the right fastening mechanism 81b in a mounted right free moving state, showing the right support cushion 80b and the right proximal operating handle 82b being directed right in the horizontal plane, two intermediate elements 101 suitable for mounting to e.g. a proximal lower support cushion 20, according to one embodiment;
  • Fig. 7 is a view of the right fastening mechanism 81b of Fig. 6 in a de-mounted state, showing a plurality of intersecting elements 100, each mechanically connected to and in a spatial constant relationship with one of the right support cushion 80b and the intermediate elements 101 in the corresponding mounted state, free intersecting elements 103, which are not in a spatial constant relationship with either of the right support cushion 80b and the intermediate elements 101 in the corresponding mounted and right free moving state, a heel 96 extending in a distal-proximal direction on the outer surface of the rod 95, and screws 98 for mounting to the distal and proximal ends of rod 95, according to one embodiment;
  • Fig. 8 is a view of the left distal corner of the right fastening mechanism 81b of Fig. 6 in a de-mounted state, showing locking grooves 104 of the rod 95 and on the inner surface of the most distal intersecting element 100, which locking groves 104 are adapted to provide a constant spatial relationship between the rod 95 and the most distal intersecting element 100 upon mounting of the former in the latter, according to one embodiment;
  • Fig. 9 is a view of the left proximal corner of the right fastening mechanism 81b of Fig.
  • Fig. 10 is a another view of the left proximal corner of the right fastening mechanism
  • Fig. 6 in a de-mounted state, showing the most proximal intersecting element 100 having a distal planar end surface which is essentially perpendicular to the central axis of the rod 95 and a proximal planar end surface with an angle relative a plane perpendicular to the central axis of the rod 95, and the most proximal free intersecting element 103 having a distal planar end surface with an angle relative a plane perpendicular to the central axis of the rod 95 and adapted to cooperate with the leaning proximal planar end surface of the most proximal intersecting element 100 to provide a constricting force along the central axis of the rod 95 upon turning of the right proximal operating handle 82 in the transition from a right free moving state to a right locked state, according to one embodiment.
  • the present head support enables an advantageous combination of restriction of the mobility of a patient's head 8 during e.g. CT- or MRI scanning with minimal discomfort to the patient 7, facile adjustment by a user, e.g. a nurse or a doctor, and minimization of the time- span needed for preparation of the scanning machine for the next coming patient to be examined by employment of the same machine.
  • the head support essentially comprise a proximal lower support cushion 20, a left support cushion 80a, a left fastening mechanism 81a, a left proximal operating handle 82a, a right support cushion 80b, a right fastening mechanism 81b, and a right proximal operating handle 82b.
  • All parts of the head support which are located in the effective transmission or sensing space during the scanning, and thus may have a negative impact on the results of the scanning, are preferably made of suitable materials which are practically translucent to the effective electromagnetic radiation employed or measured during the radiological examination. Such materials are well known in the art and may be different depending on the type of examination which is carried out, e.g. CT-scanning or MRI- scanning, as understood by the skilled person.
  • the proximal lower support cushion 20, the left support cushion 80a, and the right support cushion 80b may each comprise a mechanically rigid sheet formed frame, onto which, on the side facing the patient 7 or the patient's head 8, is mounted a soft cushion like material adapted to distribute pressure and, to a suitable degree, adapt its shape in accordance with the contacting parts of the patient 7 or the patient's head 8.
  • materials suitable for construction of such mechanically rigid sheet formed frames and other parts of the head support for application in e.g. CT-scanning, include but are not limited to suitable carbonfiber armed polymers, PEEK (Polyether ether ketone), PEKK (Polyether ketone ketone ) and the like. Advantages of such materials include e.g.
  • suitable mechanical properties in combination with high chemical resistance versus e.g. ethanol and other compositions commonly used to sterilize medical devices.
  • materials suitable for construction of such soft cushion like materials, for application in e.g. CT-scanning include but are not limited to PUR
  • the present head support may exist in a state combination being a combination of states of different parts of the head support.
  • the left support cushion 80a may be pivotally movable relative the proximal lower support cushion 20 in a plane essentially perpendicular to the central axis of the left fastening mechanism 81a, in all directions from the left side direction to the upper side direction.
  • the right support cushion 80b may be pivotally movable relative the proximal lower support cushion 20 in a plane essentially perpendicular to the central axis of the right fastening mechanism 81b, in all directions from the left side direction to the upper side direction.
  • a left locked state the left support cushion 80a and the proximal lower support cushion 20 reside in a locked spatial relationship relative each other.
  • a right locked state the right support cushion 80b and the proximal lower support cushion 20 reside in a locked spatial relationship relative each other, transition from said left free moving state to said left locked state is caused by user induced rotation of said left proximal operating handle (82a) to or past a point of extension in a plane essentially perpendicular to the central axis of said left fastening mechanism (81a) in an interval of directions from the left side direction to the upper side direction or from the upper side direction to the left side direction.
  • Transition from the right free moving state to the right locked state may be caused by user induced rotation of the right proximal operating handle 82b to or past a point of extension in a plane essentially perpendicular to the central axis of the right fastening mechanism 81b, in an interval of directions from the left side direction to the upper side direction or from the upper side direction to the left side direction.
  • Transition from the left free moving state to the left locked state may be caused by user induced rotation of the left proximal operating handle 82a to or past a point of extension in a plane essentially
  • Suitable fastening mechanisms for the provision of user controlled transition from one to the corresponding of the left free moving state, the left locked state, the right free moving state, the right locked state, the non-static state and the static state include e.g. friction based fastening mechanisms that are manually controlled via handles, e.g. a left distal operating handle 22a, a right distal operating handle 22b and a left or right proximal operating handle 82b.
  • a suitable fastening mechanism is exemplified in Figs. 6 to 10 and explained in further detail herein below:
  • the central rod 95 is mechanically attached to and brought in a constant spatial relationship with the distal intermediate element 101 via the thereto attached distal intersecting element 100, by employment of engaging locking grooves 104 in combination with a distal fastening screw 99.
  • the proximal intersecting element 100 is hindered from rotation around the central axis of rod 95 and relative the same by analogously engaging locking grooves 104, but may be moved slightly along this axis upon the action of an applied force.
  • the proximal free intersecting element 103 which is directly connected to the right proximal operating handle 82b, is rotatable relative the rod 95 within limits as defined by the open heel receiving section 102.
  • the heel 96 of the rod 95 will prevent further rotation of the proximal free intersecting element 103, and thereby also of the right proximal operating handle 82b, when the heel 96 reaches the end of the open space of the open heel receiving section 102. Due to the interaction between two opposing and with each other directly contacting planar surfaces, which have an angle relative a plane perpendicular to the extension of rod 95, i.e. are leaning, a constricting force is built up upon rotation of one of the objects having such a planar surface.
  • a plurality of intersecting elements 100 and free intersecting element 103 may provide an effective friction relating fastening mechanism which is relatively independent of the angle between e.g. the right support cushion 80b and the proximal lower support cushion 20 or other analogous parts.
  • a user may typically carry out the following sequence of events in order to prepare a patient 7 for scanning by employment of the present head support:
  • the user prepares the head support by setting the left support cushion 80a and the right support cushion 80b in the left free moving state and the right free moving state, respectively, by rotating the left distal operating handle 22a and the right distal operating handle 22b, respectively, relative the central axis of the left fastening mechanism 81a and the right fastening mechanism 81b, respectively.
  • the left support cushion 80a and the right support cushion 80b may then spontaneously pivot to point towards the left and the right direction, respectively, or may easily be moved in these directions by a gentle force.
  • the head support may comprise a table mounting member 60 for detachable attachment to a table 70, e.g. a table 70 being adapted to provide support of the major part of the body of said patient 7 during the radiological examination, treatment or scanning.
  • a table 70 may be equivalent to the couch being submitted as an integral part of the commercial equipment which is used to carry out the scanning.
  • the table mounting member 60 may be mounted to the table 70 by means of screwing, gluing, resilient locking or any other suitable means as known in the art.
  • the table mounting member 60 may be extending from the distal end of the head support and adapted to be mounted in the space of an inclination at the edge of the table 70, to form a structurally stable unit in which the head support is providing support for the upper part of the patient 7.
  • one or both of the left support cushion 80a and the right support cushion 80b may be provided with a left passage 83a and/or a right passage 83b, respectively.
  • Each or one of such passages may have a distal half center being located lower as compared to its proximal half center when the left support cushion 80a and/or the right support cushion 80b are in the left locked state and the right locked state, respectively, and thus together provide support for the patient's head.
  • Such one or several passages advantageously allow a user to visually identify the entrance of the ear canal of said patient 7, substantially independent of the patient's head's 8 anatomy, which may facilitate the calibration of the subsequent scanning and/or the correct placement of the patient's head 8.
  • one or preferably both of the left support cushion 80a and the right support cushion 80b may be provided with a left support cushion extension 84a and with a right support cushion extension 84b, respectively.
  • Such extensions may be extending in the proximal direction.
  • Such extensions advantageously facilitate the manual adjustment of the left support cushion 80a and/or the right support cushion 80b, when being in the left free moving state and/or the right free moving state, respectively, by a user placed proximal relative the patient's head 8.
  • the user e.g. nurse or doctor, may thus advantageously adjust the left support cushion 80a and/or the right support cushion 80b with minimal tactile and visual interference with the patient 7, which minimizes the patient's 7 potential anxiety.
  • the head support may comprise a distal lower support cushion 40.
  • the distal lower support cushion 40 may be statically or adjustably attached to the distal end of the proximal lower support cushion 20. It may be adapted to provide support for one or several of the neck, the lower part of the neck and the upper part of the back of the patient 7. It may be constructed of materials being same as the materials of the proximal lower support cushion 20 to accomplish desired translucency to the effective electromagnetic radiation employed or measured during the radiological examination, and/or to yield a smooth, comfortable and pressure equalizing interaction with the patient 7. In various applications, in which its placement entails minimal interaction with the employed effective electromagnetic radiation, it may be constructed of materials being non-translucent or only partly translucent to the effective electromagnetic radiation.
  • Such a distal lower support cushion 40 provides additional mechanical support of bodily parts in immediate connection to the patient's head 8, whereby the latter is advantageously held more steadily in comparison to a head support without a distal lower support cushion 40.
  • the distal lower support cushion 40 may be statically attached to the distal end of the proximal lower support cushion 20.
  • the angle between the plane of the distal lower support cushion 40 and the plane of the proximal lower support cushion 20 may be in the range of 0 to 45°, preferably 5 to 40°, and more preferred 5 to 30°. Such angles advantageously provide a comfortable positioning of the patient 8.
  • the distal lower support cushion 40 may be adjustably attached to the distal end of the proximal lower support cushion 20. This may be accomplished by the integration of the head support with a central fastening mechanism 21.
  • the central fastening mechanism 21 may be constructed and operated in accordance with the functional principles of other fastening mechanisms described herein, such as e.g. the fastening mechanism 90, the left fastening mechanism 81a and/or the right fastening mechanism 81b.
  • the central fastening mechanism 21 may be mechanically connected to and operated by one or both of a left distal operating handle 22a and a right distal operating handle 22b.
  • the spatial relationship between the distal lower support cushion 40 and the proximal lower support cushion 20 may be either a non-static state or a static state.
  • the proximal lower support cushion 20 is pivotally movable relative the distal lower support cushion 40 in a plane essentially perpendicular to the central axis of the central fastening mechanism 21, in all directions from the proximal direction to the upper side direction.
  • the proximal lower support cushion 20 and the distal lower support cushion 40 resides in a locked spatial relationship relative each other.
  • Transition from the non-static state to the static state may be caused by user induced rotation of either of the left distal operating handle 22a and the right distal operating handle 22b, to or past a point of extension in a plane essentially perpendicular to the central axis of the central fastening mechanism 21 in an interval of directions from the distal direction to the upper side direction, or from the upper side direction to the distal direction.
  • one or preferably both of the left distal operating handle 22a and the right distal operating handle 22b may be directed in essentially the horizontal plane in the non-static state. Hence, in the non-static state, both of the left distal operating handle 22a and the right distal operating handle 22b may be directed in either the distal direction or in the proximal direction.
  • one or preferably both of the left distal operating handle 22a and the right distal operating handle 22b may be directed, at least partly, in a vertical position in the non-static state.
  • both of the left distal operating handle 22a and the right distal operating handle 22b may be directed, at least partly, upwards.
  • both of the left proximal operating handle 82a and the right proximal operating handle 82b may be directed in essentially the horizontal plane in the left- and right free moving state, respectively.
  • both of the left proximal operating handle 82a and the right proximal operating handle 82b may be directed in the left direction and in the right direction, respectively.
  • the left proximal operating handle 82a may be directed in essentially the left direction in the left free moving state
  • the right proximal operating handle 82b may directed in essentially the right direction in the right free moving state.
  • both of the left proximal operating handle 82a and the right proximal operating handle 82b may be directed, at least partly, in a vertical position in the left- and right free moving states, respectively.
  • both of the left proximal operating handle 82a and the right proximal operating handle 82b may be directed, at least partly, upwards.
  • both of the left proximal operating handle 82a and the right proximal operating handle 82b may be directed essentially horizontally in the left- and right free moving states, respectively.
  • both of the left proximal operating handle 82a and the right proximal operating handle 82b may be directed upwards at an angle, such as e.g. 10 to 90 ° or 15 to 50 ° or 20 to 45 °, relative the horizontal plane.
  • both of the left proximal operating handle 82a and the right proximal operating handle 82b may be directed essentially horizontally in the left- and right free moving states, respectively.
  • both of the left proximal operating handle 82a and the right proximal operating handle 82b may be directed upwards at an angle, such as e.g. 10 to 90 ° or 15 to 50 ° or 20 to 45 °, relative the horizontal plane.
  • One or both of a left distal operating handle 22a and a right distal operating handle 22b may be directed essentially horizontally in the static state and upwards at an angle, such as e.g. 10 to 90 ° or 15 to 50 ° or 20 to 45 °, relative the horizontal plane, in the non-static state.
  • both of the left proximal operating handle 82a and the right proximal operating handle 82b may be directed essentially horizontally in the left- and right free moving states, respectively.
  • both of the left proximal operating handle 82a and the right proximal operating handle 82b may be directed upwards at an angle, such as e.g. 10 to 90 ° or 15 to 50 ° or 20 to 45 °, relative the horizontal plane.
  • One or both of a left distal operating handle 22a and a right distal operating handle 22b may be directed essentially horizontally in the non-static state and upwards at an angle, such as e.g. 10 to 90 ° or 15 to 50 ° or 20 to 45 °, relative the horizontal plane, in the static state.
  • the other surface of all parts of the head support may be of a non-porous and easily sterilized, e.g. with ethanol, material.
  • the head support may thus advantageously be sterilized to minimize the risk of inter-patient spreading of hazardous microorganisms.
  • the height of the distal lower support cushion 40 from the underlying surface may be 5 to 15 cm, such as 10 to 12 cm or 10 cm.
  • the length of the proximal lower support cushion 20 in a proximal-distal direction may be 15 to 30 cm, such as 18 to 25 cm or 22 cm.
  • the width of the proximal lower support cushion 20 in a left-right direction may be 12 to 30 cm, such as 18 to 22 cm or 20 cm.

Abstract

The present invention discloses ahead support, in particular for use in medical radiological applications. The present head support comprises a proximal lower support cushion (20), a left support cushion (80a), a left fastening mechanism (81a), a left proximal operating handle (82a), a right support cushion (80b), a right fastening mechanism (81b), a right proximal operating handle (82b). The head support exists in a state combination being any combination of states selected from the group of states consisting of a left free moving state, in which the left support cushion (80a) is pivotally movable relative the proximal lower support cushion (20) in a plane essentially perpendicular to the central axis of the left fastening mechanism (81a) in all directions from the left side direction to the upper side direction, a right free moving state, in which the right support cushion (80b) is pivotally movable relative the proximal lower support cushion (20) in a plane essentially perpendicular to the central axis of the right fastening mechanism (81b) in all directions from the left side direction to the upper side direction, a left locked state, in which the left support cushion (80a) and the proximal lower support cushion (20) resides in a locked spatial relationship relative each other, and a right locked state, in which the right support cushion(80b)and the proximal lower support cushion(20)resides in a locked spatial relationship relative each other.

Description

HEAD SUPPORT FOR USE IN MEDICAL RADIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a head support, more particular for use in medical radiological applications.
BACKGROUND
Non-surgical visualization and examination of the inside of a patient's body is commonly done by various scanning procedures, which are based on the absorption and/or emission of electromagnetic radiation. Such scanning procedures may typically be conducted by employment of e.g. a CT- or MRI scanning device. In order to obtain raw data of high quality, it is of importance that the bodily part which is scanned is kept still during the procedure. It is particularly important to keep the head of a patient still during scanning due to the medically relatively high importance of the related potential condition warranting the scanning. Various diseases, conditions and damages to the head and CNS require a prompt and correct diagnosis, often heavily relying on CT and/or MRI, in order to provide the correct treatment and to ameliorate the often life-threatening state the patient may reside in. Hence, it is of great importance to find means whereby a patient's head can be kept still, preferably with minimal discomfort, during e.g. CT- and MRI scanning.
Head rests of different sizes and forms are available to provide support for the patient's head during scanning. These are typically non-adjustable, or adjustable only to a limited degree, and laid or mounted on/to the table onto which the patient is placed lying on the back during the scanning. After scanning of a patient, such a head rest will often have to be replaced by a different head rest to better suit the need during the scanning of the subsequent patient. The subsequent patient may, for example, have a different head size as compared to the foregoing, whereby the replacement of head rest may be warranted to achieve optimal conditions during the scanning procedure of the subsequent patient. Disadvantages of this procedure, of which the necessity is inherently related to the configuration of today's commonly used head rests, include e.g. the time period needed for its execution. The sum of all such time periods have to be withdrawn from the theoretically available time the respective machine could be used for scanning, resulting in a non-optimal use of the machine and extended waiting periods for patients scheduled for scanning.
WOO 176481 A2 describes a radiolucent table extension assembly comprising skull pins positioned by operating knobs in order to support the skull. Disadvantages of this assembly include e.g. the relatively high discomfort a conscious patient may experience due to the pressing skull pins.
US5596780A describes a headrest including two, tapered, elongated lobes rigidly spaced apart in a V-shape configuration which allows one headrest to fit many different size heads. Disadvantages of this headrest include e.g. its inherent wedging effect, whereby the headrest and the head can only be dissembled from each other by a jerking action, which may present a medical hazard. In view of at least above mentioned disadvantages, improved head rests for use in medical radiological applications are needed.
SUMMARY
It is an object of the invention, considering the disadvantages mentioned above, to provide an improved head rest that can be easily adjusted by a user to accommodate heads of different sizes and anatomy.
It is another objective of the invention, to provide a head rest that is comfortable for the patient. These and other objects, which will appear from the following description, have now been achieved by a head support for minimization of movement of a patient's head of a patient during radiological examination, treatment or scanning, comprising a proximal lower support cushion, a left support cushion, a left fastening mechanism, a left proximal operating handle, a right support cushion, a right fastening mechanism, a right proximal operating handle, wherein the head support exists in a state combination being any combination of states selected from the group of states consisting of a left free moving state, in which the left support cushion is pivotally movable relative the proximal lower support cushion in a plane essentially perpendicular to the central axis of the left fastening mechanism in all directions from the left side direction to the upper side direction, a right free moving state, in which the right support cushion is pivotally movable relative the proximal lower support cushion in a plane essentially perpendicular to the central axis of the right fastening mechanism in all directions from the left side direction to the upper side direction, a left locked state, in which the left support cushion and the proximal lower support cushion resides in a locked spatial relationship relative each other, and a right locked state, in which the right support cushion and the proximal lower support cushion resides in a locked spatial relationship relative each other; transition from the left free moving state to the left locked state is caused by user induced rotation of the left proximal operating handle to or past a point of extension in a plane essentially perpendicular to the central axis of the left fastening mechanism in an interval of directions from the left side direction to the upper side direction or from the upper side direction to the left side direction; transition from the right free moving state to the right locked state is caused by user induced rotation of the right proximal operating handle to or past a point of extension in a plane essentially perpendicular to the central axis of the right fastening mechanism in an interval of directions from the left side direction to the upper side direction or from the upper side direction to the left side direction; and the proximal lower support cushion, the left support cushion, the left fastening mechanism, the right support cushion, and the right fastening mechanism are essentially translucent to the effective electromagnetic radiation employed or measured during the radiological examination, treatment or scanning.
Further features of the invention and its embodiments are set forth in the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other aspects, features and advantages of which the invention is capable will be apparent and elucidated from the following description of non-limiting embodiments, reference being made to the accompanying drawings, in which
Fig. 1 shows a head rest of the invention comprising a proximal lower support cushion 20, a distal lower support cushion 40, a left passage 83a, a right passage 83b, a left support cushion extension 84a, a right support cushion extension 84b, a left distal operating handle 22a connected to a central fastening mechanism 21, and a table mounting member 60, in which head rest a patient 7 is placed along an axis in the proximal direction 1 and in the distal direction 2 so that the patient's head 8 is held in a steady position by collaborative pressing at the sides of the lower part in the lower side direction 5 of the patient's head 8 by a left support cushion 80a, being in a left locked state due to a locking action as ruled by a left fastening mechanism 81a controlled by a left proximal operating handle 82a pointing in the upper side direction 6 and slightly in the left side direction 4, and a right support cushion 80b, being held in place by the hand of a user (not shown) via the right support cushion extension 84b while simultaneously being in a right free moving state due to the non-locking action as ruled by a right fastening mechanism 81b (not shown) controlled by a right proximal operating handle 82b being in the horizontal plane and pointing in the right side direction 3, according to one embodiment;
Fig. 2 is a view from the right side of a head rest of the invention, showing the table mounting member 60 ready to assemble by docking with an inclination of the edge of a table 70 by distal movement, a right proximal operating handle 82 in a horizontal distally pointing direction whereby the proximal lower support cushion 20 and the distal lower support cushion 40 is set in a non-static state relative each other to permit pivoting around the central axis of the central fastening mechanism 21, the right proximal operating handle 82b in an upwards pointing direction whereby a right locked state is achieved and pivoting of the right support cushion 80b relative the proximal lower support cushion 20 around the central axis of the right fastening mechanism 81b is prevented, a relatively small patient's head 8 (A) and a relatively large patient's head 8 (B), for which both the major part of the ear, including the entrance of the ear canal, is visible through the right passage 83b, according to one embodiment; Fig. 3 is a view from the proximal end of the right side of a head rest of the invention, showing the right support cushion 80b in a horizontal right side pointing direction (B) and in a more upwards pointing direction (A), that may be achieved by the application of a light force of the user on e.g. the right support cushion extension 84b, when in the right free moving state, to accomplish a pivoting movement around the central axis of the right fastening mechanism 81b to such a degree that a weak pressure is applied onto the side of a patient's head (8) being relatively small (A) or relatively large (B), according to one embodiment;
Fig. 4 is a demounted view of an example of a fastening mechanism 90, of which the principles for achievement of a free moving state, i.e. a non-static state, and a locked state, i.e. a static state, may be utilized for the achievement of the desired function of the central fastening mechanism 21, the left fastening mechanism 81a and the right fastening mechanism 81b, comprising a first support element 91, a first support element protrusion 92, a second support element 93, a second support element protrusion 94, a rod 95 with a protruding heel 96, a handle 97, a screw 98 and a nut 99, according to one embodiment; and
Fig. 5 is a view from the right side of an example of the right fastening mechanism
81b in a mounted state, showing the right support cushion 80b and the right proximal operating handle 82b in upward pointing positions, the heel 96 residing within a surrounding open heel receiving section 102 thereby permitting a rotation of about 90 ° of the right proximal operating handle 82b, the rod 95, which is transmitting a constricting force along its central axis when the right fastening mechanism 81b is in the right locked state, and a plurality of intersecting elements 100, each mechanically connected to and in a spatial constant relationship with one of the right support cushion 80b and the proximal lower support cushion 20, according to one embodiment.
Fig. 6 is a view of an example of the right fastening mechanism 81b in a mounted right free moving state, showing the right support cushion 80b and the right proximal operating handle 82b being directed right in the horizontal plane, two intermediate elements 101 suitable for mounting to e.g. a proximal lower support cushion 20, according to one embodiment;
Fig. 7 is a view of the right fastening mechanism 81b of Fig. 6 in a de-mounted state, showing a plurality of intersecting elements 100, each mechanically connected to and in a spatial constant relationship with one of the right support cushion 80b and the intermediate elements 101 in the corresponding mounted state, free intersecting elements 103, which are not in a spatial constant relationship with either of the right support cushion 80b and the intermediate elements 101 in the corresponding mounted and right free moving state, a heel 96 extending in a distal-proximal direction on the outer surface of the rod 95, and screws 98 for mounting to the distal and proximal ends of rod 95, according to one embodiment;
Fig. 8 is a view of the left distal corner of the right fastening mechanism 81b of Fig. 6 in a de-mounted state, showing locking grooves 104 of the rod 95 and on the inner surface of the most distal intersecting element 100, which locking groves 104 are adapted to provide a constant spatial relationship between the rod 95 and the most distal intersecting element 100 upon mounting of the former in the latter, according to one embodiment; Fig. 9 is a view of the left proximal corner of the right fastening mechanism 81b of Fig. 6 in a de-mounted state, showing locking grooves 104 of the rod 95 and on the inner surface of the most proximal intersecting element 100, which locking groves 104 are adapted to provide a constant spatial relationship between the rod 95 and the most proximal intersecting element 100 upon mounting of the former in the latter, and an open heel receiving section 102 on the inner surface of the most proximal free intersecting element 103 connected to the right proximal operating handle 82b, which open heel receiving section 102 is adapted to contain the heel 96 in its open volume to permit a partial pivoting movement of the right proximal operating handle 82b relative the rod 95, according to one embodiment; and
Fig. 10 is a another view of the left proximal corner of the right fastening mechanism
81b of Fig. 6 in a de-mounted state, showing the most proximal intersecting element 100 having a distal planar end surface which is essentially perpendicular to the central axis of the rod 95 and a proximal planar end surface with an angle relative a plane perpendicular to the central axis of the rod 95, and the most proximal free intersecting element 103 having a distal planar end surface with an angle relative a plane perpendicular to the central axis of the rod 95 and adapted to cooperate with the leaning proximal planar end surface of the most proximal intersecting element 100 to provide a constricting force along the central axis of the rod 95 upon turning of the right proximal operating handle 82 in the transition from a right free moving state to a right locked state, according to one embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings (Figs. 1 to 10) in order for those skilled in the art to be able to carry out the invention. The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. The embodiments do not limit the invention, but the invention is only limited by the appended patent claims. Furthermore, the terminology used in the detailed description of the particular embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings is not intended to be limiting of the invention.
The present head support enables an advantageous combination of restriction of the mobility of a patient's head 8 during e.g. CT- or MRI scanning with minimal discomfort to the patient 7, facile adjustment by a user, e.g. a nurse or a doctor, and minimization of the time- span needed for preparation of the scanning machine for the next coming patient to be examined by employment of the same machine. The head support essentially comprise a proximal lower support cushion 20, a left support cushion 80a, a left fastening mechanism 81a, a left proximal operating handle 82a, a right support cushion 80b, a right fastening mechanism 81b, and a right proximal operating handle 82b. All parts of the head support which are located in the effective transmission or sensing space during the scanning, and thus may have a negative impact on the results of the scanning, are preferably made of suitable materials which are practically translucent to the effective electromagnetic radiation employed or measured during the radiological examination. Such materials are well known in the art and may be different depending on the type of examination which is carried out, e.g. CT-scanning or MRI- scanning, as understood by the skilled person.
The proximal lower support cushion 20, the left support cushion 80a, and the right support cushion 80b may each comprise a mechanically rigid sheet formed frame, onto which, on the side facing the patient 7 or the patient's head 8, is mounted a soft cushion like material adapted to distribute pressure and, to a suitable degree, adapt its shape in accordance with the contacting parts of the patient 7 or the patient's head 8. Examples of materials suitable for construction of such mechanically rigid sheet formed frames and other parts of the head support, for application in e.g. CT-scanning, include but are not limited to suitable carbonfiber armed polymers, PEEK (Polyether ether ketone), PEKK (Polyether ketone ketone ) and the like. Advantages of such materials include e.g. suitable mechanical properties in combination with high chemical resistance versus e.g. ethanol and other compositions commonly used to sterilize medical devices. Examples of materials suitable for construction of such soft cushion like materials, for application in e.g. CT-scanning, include but are not limited to PUR
(Polyurethane) and viscoelastic materials with polyurethane multi-stretch fabric that has an air- permeable liquid-barrier cover and the like.
The present head support may exist in a state combination being a combination of states of different parts of the head support. In a left free moving state, the left support cushion 80a may be pivotally movable relative the proximal lower support cushion 20 in a plane essentially perpendicular to the central axis of the left fastening mechanism 81a, in all directions from the left side direction to the upper side direction. In a right free moving state, the right support cushion 80b may be pivotally movable relative the proximal lower support cushion 20 in a plane essentially perpendicular to the central axis of the right fastening mechanism 81b, in all directions from the left side direction to the upper side direction. In a left locked state, the left support cushion 80a and the proximal lower support cushion 20 reside in a locked spatial relationship relative each other. In a right locked state, the right support cushion 80b and the proximal lower support cushion 20 reside in a locked spatial relationship relative each other, transition from said left free moving state to said left locked state is caused by user induced rotation of said left proximal operating handle (82a) to or past a point of extension in a plane essentially perpendicular to the central axis of said left fastening mechanism (81a) in an interval of directions from the left side direction to the upper side direction or from the upper side direction to the left side direction. Transition from the right free moving state to the right locked state may be caused by user induced rotation of the right proximal operating handle 82b to or past a point of extension in a plane essentially perpendicular to the central axis of the right fastening mechanism 81b, in an interval of directions from the left side direction to the upper side direction or from the upper side direction to the left side direction. Transition from the left free moving state to the left locked state may be caused by user induced rotation of the left proximal operating handle 82a to or past a point of extension in a plane essentially
perpendicular to the central axis of the right fastening mechanism 81a, in an interval of directions from the right side direction to the upper side direction or from the upper side direction to the right side direction.
Suitable fastening mechanisms for the provision of user controlled transition from one to the corresponding of the left free moving state, the left locked state, the right free moving state, the right locked state, the non-static state and the static state include e.g. friction based fastening mechanisms that are manually controlled via handles, e.g. a left distal operating handle 22a, a right distal operating handle 22b and a left or right proximal operating handle 82b. Such a suitable fastening mechanism is exemplified in Figs. 6 to 10 and explained in further detail herein below:
The central rod 95 is mechanically attached to and brought in a constant spatial relationship with the distal intermediate element 101 via the thereto attached distal intersecting element 100, by employment of engaging locking grooves 104 in combination with a distal fastening screw 99. The proximal intersecting element 100 is hindered from rotation around the central axis of rod 95 and relative the same by analogously engaging locking grooves 104, but may be moved slightly along this axis upon the action of an applied force. The proximal free intersecting element 103, which is directly connected to the right proximal operating handle 82b, is rotatable relative the rod 95 within limits as defined by the open heel receiving section 102. The heel 96 of the rod 95 will prevent further rotation of the proximal free intersecting element 103, and thereby also of the right proximal operating handle 82b, when the heel 96 reaches the end of the open space of the open heel receiving section 102. Due to the interaction between two opposing and with each other directly contacting planar surfaces, which have an angle relative a plane perpendicular to the extension of rod 95, i.e. are leaning, a constricting force is built up upon rotation of one of the objects having such a planar surface. When the right proximal operating handle 82b is rotated from the horizontal plane towards a vertical position, the related leaning surface of the free intersecting element 103 is rotated relative the opposing leaning surface of the distal intersecting element 100, whereby these elements are forced away from each other. The force is transferred to all adjacent distal elements, whereby these are compressed and prevented from rotation relative each other by increased friction. A plurality of intersecting elements 100 and free intersecting element 103, as exemplified herein, may provide an effective friction relating fastening mechanism which is relatively independent of the angle between e.g. the right support cushion 80b and the proximal lower support cushion 20 or other analogous parts.
A user may typically carry out the following sequence of events in order to prepare a patient 7 for scanning by employment of the present head support:
(i) The user prepares the head support by setting the left support cushion 80a and the right support cushion 80b in the left free moving state and the right free moving state, respectively, by rotating the left distal operating handle 22a and the right distal operating handle 22b, respectively, relative the central axis of the left fastening mechanism 81a and the right fastening mechanism 81b, respectively. The left support cushion 80a and the right support cushion 80b may then spontaneously pivot to point towards the left and the right direction, respectively, or may easily be moved in these directions by a gentle force.
(ii) The patient 7 is placed onto the head support such that the backside of the patient's head is brought in contact with the upper side of the proximal lower support cushion 20.
(iii) The user moves the left support cushion 80a and the right support cushion 80b, by a pivoting movement, to contact each side of the patient's head 8 with a suitable force to keep the head still but not to cause any substantial discomfort.
(iv) The user sets the left support cushion 80a and the right support cushion 80b in the left locked state and the right locked state, respectively, by rotating the left distal operating handle 22a and the right distal operating handle 22b, respectively, relative the central axis of the left fastening mechanism 81a and the right fastening mechanism 81b, respectively, in the opposite direction as compared to the corresponding setting in the left free moving state and the right free moving state in step (i) above.
According to one embodiment, the head support may comprise a table mounting member 60 for detachable attachment to a table 70, e.g. a table 70 being adapted to provide support of the major part of the body of said patient 7 during the radiological examination, treatment or scanning. For example, the table 70 may be equivalent to the couch being submitted as an integral part of the commercial equipment which is used to carry out the scanning. The table mounting member 60 may be mounted to the table 70 by means of screwing, gluing, resilient locking or any other suitable means as known in the art.
According to one embodiment, the table mounting member 60 may be extending from the distal end of the head support and adapted to be mounted in the space of an inclination at the edge of the table 70, to form a structurally stable unit in which the head support is providing support for the upper part of the patient 7.
According to one embodiment, one or both of the left support cushion 80a and the right support cushion 80b may be provided with a left passage 83a and/or a right passage 83b, respectively. Each or one of such passages may have a distal half center being located lower as compared to its proximal half center when the left support cushion 80a and/or the right support cushion 80b are in the left locked state and the right locked state, respectively, and thus together provide support for the patient's head. Such one or several passages advantageously allow a user to visually identify the entrance of the ear canal of said patient 7, substantially independent of the patient's head's 8 anatomy, which may facilitate the calibration of the subsequent scanning and/or the correct placement of the patient's head 8.
According to one embodiment, one or preferably both of the left support cushion 80a and the right support cushion 80b may be provided with a left support cushion extension 84a and with a right support cushion extension 84b, respectively. Such extensions may be extending in the proximal direction. Such extensions advantageously facilitate the manual adjustment of the left support cushion 80a and/or the right support cushion 80b, when being in the left free moving state and/or the right free moving state, respectively, by a user placed proximal relative the patient's head 8. The user, e.g. nurse or doctor, may thus advantageously adjust the left support cushion 80a and/or the right support cushion 80b with minimal tactile and visual interference with the patient 7, which minimizes the patient's 7 potential anxiety.
According to one embodiment, the head support may comprise a distal lower support cushion 40. The distal lower support cushion 40 may be statically or adjustably attached to the distal end of the proximal lower support cushion 20. It may be adapted to provide support for one or several of the neck, the lower part of the neck and the upper part of the back of the patient 7. It may be constructed of materials being same as the materials of the proximal lower support cushion 20 to accomplish desired translucency to the effective electromagnetic radiation employed or measured during the radiological examination, and/or to yield a smooth, comfortable and pressure equalizing interaction with the patient 7. In various applications, in which its placement entails minimal interaction with the employed effective electromagnetic radiation, it may be constructed of materials being non-translucent or only partly translucent to the effective electromagnetic radiation. Such a distal lower support cushion 40 provides additional mechanical support of bodily parts in immediate connection to the patient's head 8, whereby the latter is advantageously held more steadily in comparison to a head support without a distal lower support cushion 40.
According to one embodiment, the distal lower support cushion 40 may be statically attached to the distal end of the proximal lower support cushion 20. The angle between the plane of the distal lower support cushion 40 and the plane of the proximal lower support cushion 20 may be in the range of 0 to 45°, preferably 5 to 40°, and more preferred 5 to 30°. Such angles advantageously provide a comfortable positioning of the patient 8.
According to one embodiment, the distal lower support cushion 40 may be adjustably attached to the distal end of the proximal lower support cushion 20. This may be accomplished by the integration of the head support with a central fastening mechanism 21. The central fastening mechanism 21 may be constructed and operated in accordance with the functional principles of other fastening mechanisms described herein, such as e.g. the fastening mechanism 90, the left fastening mechanism 81a and/or the right fastening mechanism 81b. Hence, the central fastening mechanism 21 may be mechanically connected to and operated by one or both of a left distal operating handle 22a and a right distal operating handle 22b.
Integration of such a central fastening mechanism 21 confers advantageous adjustability to the angle between the plane of the distal lower support cushion 40 and the plane of the proximal lower support cushion 20, whereby such a patient 7 related optimal angle can be set.
Depending on the user induced setting of the one or both of a left distal operating handle 22a and a right distal operating handle 22b, the spatial relationship between the distal lower support cushion 40 and the proximal lower support cushion 20 may be either a non-static state or a static state. In the non-static state, the proximal lower support cushion 20 is pivotally movable relative the distal lower support cushion 40 in a plane essentially perpendicular to the central axis of the central fastening mechanism 21, in all directions from the proximal direction to the upper side direction. In the static state, the proximal lower support cushion 20 and the distal lower support cushion 40 resides in a locked spatial relationship relative each other. Transition from the non-static state to the static state may be caused by user induced rotation of either of the left distal operating handle 22a and the right distal operating handle 22b, to or past a point of extension in a plane essentially perpendicular to the central axis of the central fastening mechanism 21 in an interval of directions from the distal direction to the upper side direction, or from the upper side direction to the distal direction.
According to one embodiment, one or preferably both of the left distal operating handle 22a and the right distal operating handle 22b may be directed in essentially the horizontal plane in the non-static state. Hence, in the non-static state, both of the left distal operating handle 22a and the right distal operating handle 22b may be directed in either the distal direction or in the proximal direction.
According to one embodiment, one or preferably both of the left distal operating handle 22a and the right distal operating handle 22b may be directed, at least partly, in a vertical position in the non-static state. Hence, in the non-static state, both of the left distal operating handle 22a and the right distal operating handle 22b may be directed, at least partly, upwards.
According to one embodiment, both of the left proximal operating handle 82a and the right proximal operating handle 82b may be directed in essentially the horizontal plane in the left- and right free moving state, respectively. Hence, in the left- and right free moving state, both of the left proximal operating handle 82a and the right proximal operating handle 82b may be directed in the left direction and in the right direction, respectively.
According to one embodiment, the left proximal operating handle 82a may be directed in essentially the left direction in the left free moving state, and the right proximal operating handle 82b may directed in essentially the right direction in the right free moving state.
According to one embodiment, both of the left proximal operating handle 82a and the right proximal operating handle 82b may be directed, at least partly, in a vertical position in the left- and right free moving states, respectively. Hence, in the left- and right free moving states, both of the left proximal operating handle 82a and the right proximal operating handle 82b may be directed, at least partly, upwards.
According to one embodiment, both of the left proximal operating handle 82a and the right proximal operating handle 82b may be directed essentially horizontally in the left- and right free moving states, respectively. In the left- and right locked states, both of the left proximal operating handle 82a and the right proximal operating handle 82b may be directed upwards at an angle, such as e.g. 10 to 90 ° or 15 to 50 ° or 20 to 45 °, relative the horizontal plane.
According to one embodiment, both of the left proximal operating handle 82a and the right proximal operating handle 82b may be directed essentially horizontally in the left- and right free moving states, respectively. In the left- and right locked states, both of the left proximal operating handle 82a and the right proximal operating handle 82b may be directed upwards at an angle, such as e.g. 10 to 90 ° or 15 to 50 ° or 20 to 45 °, relative the horizontal plane. One or both of a left distal operating handle 22a and a right distal operating handle 22b may be directed essentially horizontally in the static state and upwards at an angle, such as e.g. 10 to 90 ° or 15 to 50 ° or 20 to 45 °, relative the horizontal plane, in the non-static state.
According to one embodiment, both of the left proximal operating handle 82a and the right proximal operating handle 82b may be directed essentially horizontally in the left- and right free moving states, respectively. In the left- and right locked states, both of the left proximal operating handle 82a and the right proximal operating handle 82b may be directed upwards at an angle, such as e.g. 10 to 90 ° or 15 to 50 ° or 20 to 45 °, relative the horizontal plane. One or both of a left distal operating handle 22a and a right distal operating handle 22b may be directed essentially horizontally in the non-static state and upwards at an angle, such as e.g. 10 to 90 ° or 15 to 50 ° or 20 to 45 °, relative the horizontal plane, in the static state.
According to one embodiment, the other surface of all parts of the head support may be of a non-porous and easily sterilized, e.g. with ethanol, material. The head support may thus advantageously be sterilized to minimize the risk of inter-patient spreading of hazardous microorganisms.
According to one embodiment, the height of the distal lower support cushion 40 from the underlying surface may be 5 to 15 cm, such as 10 to 12 cm or 10 cm.
According to one embodiment, the length of the proximal lower support cushion 20 in a proximal-distal direction may be 15 to 30 cm, such as 18 to 25 cm or 22 cm.
According to one embodiment, the width of the proximal lower support cushion 20 in a left-right direction may be 12 to 30 cm, such as 18 to 22 cm or 20 cm.
In the claims, the term "comprises/comprising" does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps. Additionally, although individual features may be included in different claims, these may possibly advantageously be combined, and the inclusion in different claims does not imply that a combination of features is not feasible and/or advantageous. In addition, singular references do not exclude a plurality. The terms "a", "an", "first", "second" etc do not preclude a plurality. Reference signs in the claims are provided merely as a clarifying example and shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims in any way.

Claims

1. Head support for minimization of movement of a patient's head (8) of a patient (7) during radiological examination, treatment or scanning, comprising a proximal lower support cushion (20), a left support cushion (80a), a left fastening mechanism (81a), a left proximal operating handle (82a), a right support cushion (80b), a right fastening mechanism (81b), a right proximal operating handle (82b), wherein
said head support exists in a state combination being any combination of states selected from the group of states consisting of a left free moving state, in which said left support cushion (80a) is pivotally movable relative said proximal lower support cushion (20) in a plane essentially perpendicular to the central axis of said left fastening mechanism (81a) in all directions from the left side direction to the upper side direction, a right free moving state, in which said right support cushion (80b) is pivotally movable relative said proximal lower support cushion (20) in a plane essentially perpendicular to the central axis of said right fastening mechanism (81b) in all directions from the left side direction to the upper side direction, a left locked state, in which said left support cushion (80a) and said proximal lower support cushion (20) resides in a locked spatial relationship relative each other, and a right locked state, in which said right support cushion (80b) and said proximal lower support cushion (20) resides in a locked spatial relationship relative each other;
transition from said left free moving state to said left locked state is caused by user induced rotation of said left proximal operating handle (82a) to a point of extension in a plane essentially perpendicular to the central axis of said left fastening mechanism (81a) from the left side direction, in which said left proximal operating handle (82a) is directed essentially horizontally, to a point of 10 to 90 ° relative the horizontal plane;
transition from said right free moving state to said right locked state is caused by user induced rotation of said right proximal operating handle (82b) to a point of extension in a plane essentially perpendicular to the central axis of said right fastening mechanism (81b) from the right side direction, in which said right proximal operating handle (82b) is directed essentially horizontally, to a point of 10 to 90 ° relative the horizontal plane; and
said proximal lower support cushion (20), said left support cushion (80a), said left fastening mechanism (81a), said right support cushion (80b), and said right fastening mechanism (81b) are essentially translucent to the effective electromagnetic radiation employed or measured during said radiological examination, treatment or scanning.
2. Head support according to claim 1, further comprising a table mounting member (60) for detachable attachment of said head support to a table (70), which table (70) is adapted to provide support of the major part of the body of said patient (7) during said radiological examination, treatment or scanning.
3. Head support according to claim 2, wherein said table mounting member (60) is extending from the distal end of said head support and adapted to be mounted in the space of an inclination at the edge of said table (70) to form a structurally stable unit in which said head support is providing support for the upper part of said patient (7).
4. Head support according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each one of said left support cushion (80a) and said right support cushion (80b) are provided with a left passage and a right passage, respectively, adapted to allow a user to visually identify the entrance of the ear canal of said patient (7) substantially independent of the patient's head's (8) anatomy by having a distal half center being located lower as compared to its proximal half center when said left support cushion (80a) and said right support cushion (80b) are in said left locked state and said right locked state, respectively, and together providing support for said patient's head (8).
5. Head support according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each one of said left support cushion (80a) and said right support cushion (80b) are provided with a left support cushion extension (84a) and a right support cushion extension (84b), respectively, each extending in a proximal direction, to facilitate the manual adjustment of said left support cushion (80a) or said right support cushion (80b), when in said left free moving state or said right free moving state, respectively, from a placement proximal of said patient's head (8).
6. Head support according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a distal lower support cushion (40) being statically or adjustably attached to the distal end of said proximal lower support cushion (20) and adapted to provide support for the neck, the lower part of the neck or the upper part of the back of said patient (7).
7. Head support according to claim 6, wherein said distal lower support cushion (40) is being statically attached to the distal end of said proximal lower support cushion (20), and the angle between the plane of said distal lower support cushion (40) and the plane of said proximal lower support cushion (20) is in the range of 0 to 45°.
8. Head support according to claim 6, further comprising a central fastening mechanism (21) and one or both of a left distal operating handle (22a) and a right distal operating handle (22b), wherein
said distal lower support cushion (40) is being adjustably attached to the distal end of said proximal lower support cushion (20);
the spatial relationship between said distal lower support cushion (40) and said proximal lower support cushion (20) may be either a non-static state, in which state said proximal lower support cushion (20) is pivotally movable relative said distal lower support cushion (40) in a plane essentially perpendicular to the central axis of said central fastening mechanism (21) in all directions from the proximal direction to the upper side direction, or a static state, in which state said proximal lower support cushion (20) and said distal lower support cushion (40) resides in a locked spatial relationship relative each other; and
transition from said non-static state to said static state is caused by user induced rotation of either of said left distal operating handle (22a) and a right distal operating handle (22b) to or past a point of extension in a plane essentially perpendicular to the central axis of said central fastening mechanism (21) in an interval of directions from the distal direction to the upper side direction or from the upper side direction to the distal direction.
9. Head support according to claim 8, wherein said left distal operating handle (22a) or said right distal operating handle (22b) is directed in essentially the distal direction or the proximal direction in said non-static state.
10. Head support according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said left proximal operating handle (82a) is directed in essentially the left direction in said left free moving state, and said right proximal operating handle (82b) is directed in essentially the right direction in said right free moving state.
PCT/SE2016/050825 2015-09-04 2016-09-01 Head support for use in medical radiological applications WO2017039522A1 (en)

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