U.S. patent application number 11/017094 was filed with the patent office on 2005-05-12 for surgical table.
Invention is credited to Borders, Richard L., Newkirk, David C..
Application Number | 20050097675 11/017094 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24371685 |
Filed Date | 2005-05-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050097675 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Borders, Richard L. ; et
al. |
May 12, 2005 |
Surgical table
Abstract
A support apparatus includes a base, a frame coupled to the
base, and a mattress supported by the frame. The apparatus also
includes a coupler for coupling a power pack to one of the base,
the frame and the mattress. The mattress includes a plurality of
bladder pairs each having a first bladder and a second bladder
positioned below the first bladder.
Inventors: |
Borders, Richard L.;
(Cincinnati, OH) ; Newkirk, David C.;
(Lawrenceburg, IN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Intellectual Property Group
Bose McKinney & Evans LLP
2700 First Indiana Plaza
135 North Pennsylvania Street
Indianapolis
IN
46204
US
|
Family ID: |
24371685 |
Appl. No.: |
11/017094 |
Filed: |
December 20, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11017094 |
Dec 20, 2004 |
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10299895 |
Nov 19, 2002 |
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6832398 |
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10299895 |
Nov 19, 2002 |
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09592692 |
Jun 13, 2000 |
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6484334 |
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09592692 |
Jun 13, 2000 |
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09188785 |
Nov 6, 1998 |
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6073284 |
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60064709 |
Nov 7, 1997 |
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60101585 |
Sep 24, 1998 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
5/713 ;
5/715 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 7/02 20130101; A61G
13/12 20130101; A61F 7/007 20130101; A61G 13/0009 20130101; A61G
13/1285 20130101; A61G 2203/12 20130101; A61G 13/1225 20130101;
A61G 7/05753 20130101; A61G 7/1057 20130101; A61G 12/00 20130101;
A61G 13/121 20130101; A61G 2200/325 20130101; A61G 13/08 20130101;
A61G 12/002 20130101; A61G 7/05769 20130101; A61G 13/107 20130101;
A61G 7/05 20130101; A61G 13/1275 20130101; A61F 2007/0094 20130101;
A61G 13/1245 20130101; A61B 2090/401 20160201; A61G 13/1265
20130101; A61G 1/04 20130101; A61G 2200/322 20130101; A61G 2210/90
20130101; A61G 13/10 20130101; A61G 7/018 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
005/713 ;
005/715 |
International
Class: |
A47C 027/10 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 28, 2004 |
CA |
2475835 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A surgical table comprising: a frame having a patient-support
platform; and a mattress, located on the patient-support platform,
configured to support a patient during a surgical procedure, the
mattress including a cover, defining an interior region, and a
plurality of bladder pairs extending laterally in the interior
region, each of the plurality of bladder pairs having a first
bladder and a second bladder positioned below the first
bladder.
2. The surgical table of claim 1, wherein the plurality of bladder
pairs are individually inflatable to position the patient in a
surgical position on the mattress.
3. The surgical table of claim 2, wherein the mattress includes a
foam mattress, positioned below the plurality of bladder pairs, to
support the plurality of bladder pairs on the patient-support
platform.
4. The surgical table of claim 3, wherein the mattress includes a
position stabilizer, positioned above the bladder pairs within the
interior region, to stabilize the bladder pairs in the surgical
position.
5. The surgical table of claim 4, wherein the mattress includes a
thermal pad positioned above the position stabilizer within the
interior region, to regulate the temperature of the mattress.
6. The surgical table of claim 2, further comprising a base and a
vertical support member extending upwardly from the base, the
vertical support member being positioned between the base and the
frame.
7. The surgical table of claim 6, wherein the vertical support
member telescopes vertically to locate the frame at different
heights relative to the base.
8. The surgical table of claim 1, wherein the patient-support
platform includes a plurality of sections to articulate the patient
in a predefined surgical position.
9. The surgical table of claim 6, further comprising a power pack
positioned within the base, the power pack configured to inflate
the plurality of bladder pairs to position the patient in the
surgical position.
10. The surgical table of claim 1, wherein the mattress includes a
head section, a torso section, and a leg section, each of the
sections located to adjust the position of a different portion of
the patient.
11. The surgical table of claim 10, wherein the head section
includes an outer head section adjacent an inner head section, to
adjust the position of the head of the patient.
12. The surgical table of claim 10, wherein the torso section
includes a seat zone adjacent a lumbar zone and a back zone
adjacent the lumbar zone, to adjust the position of the torso of
the patient.
13. The surgical table of claim 12, wherein the lumbar zone
includes a lower lumbar zone adjacent an upper lumbar zone, to
adjust the position of the lumbar region of the patient.
14. The surgical table of claim 12, wherein the back zone includes
a lower back zone adjacent an upper back zone, to adjust the
position of the back of the patient.
15. The surgical table of claim 10, wherein the leg section
includes a foot zone adjacent a calf zone and a knee zone adjacent
the calf zone, to adjust the position of the leg of the
patient.
16. The surgical table of claim 10, further comprising a plurality
of lateral zones located on the patient support platform.
17. The surgical table of claim 16, wherein each of the plurality
of lateral zones is associated with at least one of the head
section, the torso section, and the leg section.
18. The surgical table of claim 1, further comprising a control
apparatus, coupled to the plurality of bladders, to control
inflation of the plurality of bladders.
19. The surgical table of claim 18, wherein the control apparatus
includes a foot controller operable by the foot of a surgeon, to
control inflation of the plurality of bladders.
20. The surgical table of claim 18, wherein the control apparatus
includes wireless controller, to control inflation of the plurality
of bladders.
Description
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 10/299,895 filed Nov. 19, 2002 which is a continuation of U.S.
application Ser. No. 09/592,692, filed on Jun. 13, 2000, now U.S.
Pat. No. 6,484,334, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
application Ser. No. 09/188,785, filed on Nov. 6, 1998, now U.S.
Pat. No. 6,073,284, which claimed the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 60/064,709 filed Nov. 7, 1997 and U.S.
Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/101,585 filed Sep. 24, 1998,
the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.
[0002] The present invention relates to an operating room or
surgical table. More particularly, the present invention relates to
a surgical table including a mattress having a plurality of
inflatable bladders for supporting a patient and a power pack
configured to supply air to the bladders.
[0003] Operating room tables are long known in the health care
industry for supporting patients during surgical procedures. In
recent years, surgical tables have been made even more useful and
convenient for doctors and nurses by adding various features and
options, such as powered articulation of head, torso, and leg
sections of the surgical table, height adjustment, tilt adjustment,
trend adjustment, etc. While these features and options give
doctors great flexibility for supporting patients in a variety of
positions that are best suited for a given surgical procedure, they
also may become more difficult and frustrating to use. In addition,
surgical tables having numerous control features often require
separate power packs for supplying the necessary power for moving
the table to different positions. Furthermore, mattress surface
systems have likewise become more technically sophisticated which
frequently makes them more cumbersome and frustrating to use.
[0004] According to one illustrated embodiment of the present
invention, a surgical table includes a base, a vertical support
member extending vertically upwardly from the base, a frame
extending outwardly from the support member, and a mattress
supported by the frame and positioned to lie above the frame. The
mattress is configured to support a patient and has at least one
bladder configured to receive a medium. The surgical table also
includes a power pack positioned to lie within the base and
configured to supply the medium to the mattress to change the shape
of the mattress.
[0005] In one illustrated embodiment, the medium supplied by the
power pack to the mattress is air. In another illustrated
embodiment, the medium supplied by the power pack to the mattress
is a liquid. The power pack is further configured to supply heat to
the mattress to change the temperature of the mattress.
Illustratively, a flexible hose extends from the power pack to the
mattress for delivery of the medium from the power pack to the
mattress. The hose is concealed within the base and the vertical
support member of the frame.
[0006] According to another illustrated embodiment of the present
invention, a surgical table includes a base, a frame positioned in
spaced-apart relation to the base, and a vertical support member
interconnecting the frame and the base. The support member is
configured to telescope vertically to position the frame at a
variety of different heights relative to the base. The surgical
table also includes a mattress positioned to lie above the frame
and configured to support a patient. The mattress includes a cover
having an upwardly-facing patient-support surface and defining an
interior region of the mattress and a plurality of bladders
received in the interior region of the cover and configured to be
inflatable to position the patient in a predefined surgical
position on the mattress. The surgical table further includes a
blower positioned to lie within the base of the frame and
configured to supply air to the bladders to inflate the
bladders.
[0007] According to yet another illustrated embodiment of the
present invention, a surgical table includes a frame having a
patient-support platform and a mattress positioned to lie on the
patient-support platform. The mattress is configured to support a
patient during a surgical procedure. The mattress includes a cover
having an upwardly-facing patient-support surface and defining an
interior region of the mattress and a plurality of bladder pairs
received in the interior region of the cover and extending
laterally across the mattress. The bladder pairs are positioned to
lie adjacent to one another and each bladder pair has a bottom
bladder and a top bladder positioned to lie above the bottom
bladder. Each bladder within each bladder pair is individually
inflatable to position the patient in a predefined surgical
position on the mattress.
[0008] According to a further illustrated embodiment of the present
invention, a surgical table includes a mattress, a patient-support
platform positioned below the mattress and configured to support
the mattress, a base positioned in spaced-apart relation to the
patient-support platform, and a vertical support member
interconnecting the base and the patient-support platform. The
support member is configured to support the patient-support
platform at a variety of different heights relative to the base.
The surgical table also includes a power pack positioned to lie
within the base and configured to supply a medium to the mattress
to change the shape of the mattress to position a patient in a
predefined surgical position, and a hose interconnecting the power
pack and the mattress. The hose is configured to transfer the
medium from the power pack to the mattress. The surgical table
further includes a controller positioned in close proximity to the
power pack. The controller is configured to control the
distribution of the medium from the power pack to the mattress to
control the shape of the mattress.
[0009] Also according to the present invention, a patient support
apparatus includes a base, a frame coupled to the base, and a
mattress supported by the frame and positioned to lie above the
frame to support a patient. The mattress has at least one bladder
configured to receive a medium. The apparatus also includes a power
pack pivotably coupled to one of the base, the frame and the
mattress and configured to supply the medium to the at least one
bladder of the mattress.
[0010] In one illustrated embodiment, the power pack is pivotably
coupled to the frame by a pivot connector. The power pack is
configured to supply the medium to the at least one bladder of the
mattress through the pivot connector. The illustrated pivot
connector includes a receptacle configured to receive an air
coupling of the air mattress to supply air from the power pack
through the air coupling to the at least one bladder. The power
pack is pivotable from a first position in which the power pack is
located substantially under the frame to a second position in which
the power pack is located substantially outside the frame.
[0011] In another illustrated embodiment, the power pack is
pivotably coupled to the base. The power pack is pivotable from a
first position in which the power pack is located above a top
surface of the base and substantially within a footprint of the
base to the second position in which the power pack is located
substantially outside the footprint of the base.
[0012] In yet another illustrated embodiment, the power pack is
tethered to the mattress. The mattress includes a tether connector
coupled to the mattress and the power pack. The tether connector
extends between adjacent deck sections so that the power pack is
positioned below the deck sections and the frame when the mattress
is located on the deck sections. The power pack is movable relative
to the frame and the deck sections to first and second spaced apart
storage positions.
[0013] Additional features of the present invention will become
apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the
following detailed description of the presently perceived best mode
of carrying out the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The detailed description particularly refers to the
accompanying figures in which:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a surgical table of the
present invention being used in an operating room environment
showing a patient lying on the surgical table, a pair of surgeons
operating on the patient, a first nurse sitting at a central
control station configured to control the lighting, the surgical
table, and other operating room equipment, and a second nurse
(shown in phantom) holding a remote controller;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the surgical table of FIG. 1
showing the surgical table including a base, a vertical support
member (or pedestal) extending upwardly from the base, and an
articulated frame extending outwardly from the support member and
showing a mattress positioned to lie on the frame and configured to
support a patient during a surgical procedure;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the surgical table of FIG. 1
showing the base being formed to include an opening for receiving a
power pack;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the support surface of FIG.
3 with the base and the pedestal removed to show the power pack
being plugged into a first connector, a power supply line, and a
flexible air/fluid/power handling line (or hose) being coupled to
the first connector, the handling line being coiled to extend
upwardly through the vertical support member, and a second
connector for connecting the second end of the handling line to the
mattress;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a transparent side elevation view of the surgical
table of FIGS. 1-4 showing the power pack positioned in the base,
the handling line extending through the vertical support member and
coupled to the mattress, and a patient positioned atop the
mattress;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a surgical table similar to
the surgical tables of FIGS. 1-5, showing the surgical table having
a larger power pack external to the base and coupled to the base
via an umbilical;
[0021] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a surgical table similar to
the surgical tables of FIGS. 1-6, showing the base being formed to
be larger to accommodate an even larger power pack;
[0022] FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of a surgical table similar
to the surgical table of FIGS. 1-7, showing an even larger power
pack being located on a cart and coupled to the base via an
umbilical, the cart including an IV prewarming system so that the
patient support and warming needs for surgery are consolidated
within the IV prewarming system;
[0023] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a surgical table similar to
the surgical tables of FIGS. 1-8, showing the surgical table
including a mattress being configured to be inflatable with a
liquid or gaseous medium to alter the shape of the mattress so that
the patient is positioned in a predefined surgical position;
[0024] FIGS. 10-13 illustrate a variety of different surgical
positions that can be achieved using the mattress and surgical
table of FIG. 9;
[0025] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the mattress of FIGS. 9-13
showing the mattress including a leg section, a torso section, and
a head section;
[0026] FIG. 15a is a side sectional view of the torso section of
the mattress of FIG. 14 showing the mattress having a lower foam
mattress structure, high amplitude air bladders positioned atop the
foam mattress structure, a Styrofoam bead bag position stabilizer
positioned atop the high amplitude air bladders, and a thermal pad
positioned atop the Styrofoam bead bag position stabilizer;
[0027] FIG. 15b is an end sectional view of the torso section of
the mattress of FIG. 14 showing the foam mattress structure being
formed to include a pair of flow paths to allow a medium to be
supplied from a bottom surface of the mattress through the flow
paths in the foam mattress structure so that the air bladders can
be inflated and/or deflated:
[0028] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the mattress of FIG. 14
showing each section of the mattress having a plurality of
different zones that can be individually inflated or deflated;
[0029] FIG. 17 is a side elevation view of a patient being
positioned atop the mattress of FIGS. 9-16, showing the mattress
being used to position the patient in a predefined surgical
position;
[0030] FIG. 18 is a side view of the air bladders of FIG. 15 in a
deflated state so that the mattress is substantially flat;
[0031] FIG. 19 illustrates the air bladders of FIG. 15 being
inflated to change the position of a patient lying atop the
mattress;
[0032] FIG. 20 is a side view of the mattress of FIGS. 9-17,
illustrating the mattress conforming to a predetermined shape based
on the individual bladders being inflated to certain pressures;
[0033] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the surgical table of FIGS.
1-20, showing the articulated deck panel and mattress each being
formed to include a separate leg section for each leg of the
patient and showing the base having foot controls for vertically
adjusting the deck panel of the surgical table and/or articulating
various portions of the deck panel and/or inflating various
portions of the bladders to position the patient in a surgical
procedure position;
[0034] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of leg sections similar to the
leg sections of FIG. 21 showing each leg section having multiple
zones;
[0035] FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view illustrating another
embodiment of a surgical table of the present invention including a
frame supporting an articulating deck, air mattress located on the
deck, and a power pack including an air supply for the air mattress
pivotably coupled to the frame;
[0036] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the surgical table of FIG.
23 illustrating the air mattress located on the deck and the power
pack pivoted outwardly relative to the support frame;
[0037] FIG. 25 is a sectional view taken through the frame and deck
of FIG. 24 illustrating further details of a connection of the
power pack to the frame;
[0038] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
present invention illustrating a patient support frame and deck
having air coupling configured to mate with a coupling of an air
mattress and a power pack including an air supply for the air
mattress and a plurality of valves pivotably coupled to a base of
the surgical table;
[0039] FIG. 27 is an exploded perspective view of yet another
embodiment of the present invention illustrating a power pack
including an air supply and valves located within an enclosure
pivotably coupled to the air mattress; and
[0040] FIG. 28 is a side elevational view of the embodiment of FIG.
27 illustrating positioning of the power pack below the support
frame and deck of the surgical table.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0041] Referring now to the drawings, a surgical table 10 according
to the present invention is shown in FIG. 1 as it would normally
appear in an operating room 12. As shown in FIG. 1, operating room
12 includes surgical table 10, a surgical lighting system 14, a
control station 16, an IV stand 18, and a medical device controller
19. As shown in FIG. 1, a surgeon 20 and one or more assistants 22
typically perform a procedure on a patient 24 while another
caregiver 26, such as an anesthesiologist or a nurse, controls and
monitors operating room equipment, including surgical table 10,
from control station 16 or from a remote location using controller
19 (as shown in phantom).
[0042] As shown in FIGS. 1-8, surgical table 10 enhances the
environment of operating room 12 by preserving space in the
operating room 12. As described in detail below, surgical table 10
preserves space by having a base 32 that allows a power pack 64 to
be stored within the base 32. Thus, the power pack 64 need not be a
separate piece of operating room equipment that takes up additional
floor space in operating room 12. Instead, power pack 64 is
contained within base 32 of surgical table 10.
[0043] As shown in FIGS. 9-22, surgical table 10 also enhances the
environment and efficiency of the surgeon 20 working in operating
room 12 by having a mattress system 38 that allows the surgeon 20
to position the patient 24 in a predetermined surgical position
that corresponds to a particular surgical procedure. Of course,
surgical table 10 also includes an articulated frame 30, as
discussed below, which also allows patient 24 to be positioned in a
predetermined surgical position. However, the positioning of
patient 24 by using mattress system 38 is supplemental to using
articulated frame 30 which enables the surgeon 20 to fine-tune the
positioning of patient 24 to obtain easier access to certain
portions of patient 24 during the operation.
[0044] Details of another suitable frame for use with base 32
and/or mattress system 38 are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,202,230,
entitled SURGICAL TABLE APPARATUS, which is incorporated herein by
reference. Similarly, details of a controller for mattress system
38 and/or power pack 64 are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,351,678,
entitled MEDICAL EQUIPMENT CONTROLLER, which is also incorporated
herein by reference.
[0045] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, table 10 includes articulated
frame 30, base 32, a pedestal 34 interconnecting articulated frame
30 and base 32, and a mattress 38 positioned atop articulated frame
30. Articulated frame 30 includes a head section 42, an upper back
section 44, a lower back section 46, a seat section 48, and at
least one leg section 50, as shown in FIG. 2. Sections of frame 30
are coupled to longitudinally adjacent sections via pivots so that
adjacent sections can be rotated with respect to each other by
motors (not shown). Thus, table 10 is configured to receive control
signals from control station 16 and/or controller 19 to move
sections of articulated frame 30 so that patient 24 can be
positioned in a predetermined surgical position as shown in FIG.
1.
[0046] Pedestal (or vertical support column) 34 is similarly
adjustable to position patient 24 in a predetermined position.
Pedestal 34 includes a hi/low mechanism (not shown) for moving the
telescoping pedestal 34 upwardly and downwardly to raise and lower
the articulated frame 30 relative to the base 32 and the ground.
Adjustment of vertical support pedestal 34 can also be controlled
by control station 16 and/or controller 19 to position frame
surgical table 10 at a predetermined height relative to the
ground.
[0047] As shown in FIG. 3, base 32 includes a removable access
cover 56 that, when removed, reveals an interior region 66 of base
32. The interior region 66 of base 32 is sized to allow a power
pack 64 and a first connector 58 to fit comfortably within the
interior region 66 of base 32. Power pack 64 is configured to be
coupled to first connector 58 and then located within an interior
region 66 of base 32 so that when access cover 56 is reinstalled
onto base 32, power pack 64 and connector 58 are concealed within
interior region 66 of base 32.
[0048] Power pack 64 is configured to provide power and/or a medium
(not shown) to mattress 38 through a delivery line 60, as shown
diagrammatically in FIGS. 4 and 5. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a
first end of delivery line 60 is coupled to first connector 58 and
a second end of delivery line 60 is coupled to a second connector
62. The delivery line 60 extends longitudinally through base 32 and
vertically upwardly through pedestal 34 towards mattress 38. The
second connector 62 is configured to mate with a third connector 63
integrally coupled to mattress 38. The connectors 58, 62, 63 and
delivery line 60 allow power pack 64 to deliver the power and/or
medium to mattress 38 in a concealed manner through base 32 and
pedestal 34. In other words, all hoses, wiring, pumps, and fluid
supply units are completely concealed within the base 38 and
telescoping pedestal 34. In addition, in the embodiment of FIGS.
1-5, the power pack 64 is located within a footprint defined by the
base 18 and the footprint of the base is sized to be narrower and
shorter than a footprint of the frame 30.
[0049] Illustratively, power pack 64 includes a controller, a fluid
pump, such as a blower, compressor, or liquid pump, and a heating
unit for heating the air or fluid. Alternatively, mattress 38 may
be supplied with a heating system powered by electricity from power
pack 64. The power pack 64 may include battery power or it may be
coupled to a wall outlet using a power cord 68, as shown in FIG. 4.
Power pack 64 further includes control valves for controlling fluid
flow to the various zones of mattress 38 and a processor for
controlling operation of the device based on input signals from an
operator 26 using control station 16 and/or remote controller
19.
[0050] Larger power packs may be required for certain types of
mattress systems 38, as shown in FIGS. 6-8. These power packs may
be too large to fit into the interior region 66 of base 32 and are
therefor positioned external to base 32. FIG. 6 illustrates one
example of an external power pack 70 tethered to the base 32 by an
umbilical connection 72. The umbilical connection 72 is made at the
floor level into the base 32 of the table 10. All other lines and
hoses are concealed within the table 10 as discussed above. Power
pack 70 may sit on the floor adjacent the table 10. In addition,
the power pack 70 may be mounted to an IV pole or stand, or
integrated or contained in another piece of equipment such as an
anesthesiology machine cart.
[0051] An even larger power pack 74 may be integrated with the base
32, as shown in FIG. 7. In this case, a base extension 76 is used
to provide a larger footprint that covers a larger area than the
original footprint of the base 32. The base extension 76 allows the
larger power pack 74 to be coupled to the base 32 at the location
where the access cover 56 was originally located.
[0052] If an even larger power pack 78 is required, the power pack
78 may be located on a cart 80, as shown in FIG. 8. Again, the
power pack 78 is tethered to the base 32 by an umbilical connection
72. In this embodiment, IV lines 82 may be pre-warmed by the same
cart 80 that contains the power pack 78. This consolidates the
patient support and warming needs for surgery in one
space-efficient package.
[0053] Mattress 38 for use with table 10 is shown in FIGS. 9-22.
Mattress 38 allows patient 24 to be positioned in a variety of
predetermined surgical positions as shown in FIGS. 9-13. Mattress
38 allows patient 24 to be positioned in a surgical position and/or
moved from one surgical position without changing the positioning
of articulated frame 30. Thus, mattress 38 acts as an independent
patient-positioning device so that various surgical positions can
be achieved even for surgical tables having only a flat
patient-support platform or for tables having very limited
articulation capabilities, such as the patient-support platforms
shown in FIGS. 10-13. Mattress 38 also allows the positioning of
patient 24 to be fine-tuned when, for example, articulated frame 30
is incapable of the precise positioning required for a particular
surgical procedure. Thus, mattress 38 can be used for any surgical
table to enhance the patient-positioning capabilities of the
particular table.
[0054] As shown in FIG. 9, mattress 38 is configured to be coupled
to a control apparatus 86 using a tube 88 so that control apparatus
86 can supply a medium (not shown) to mattress 38. The medium
supplied by control apparatus 86 to mattress 38 allows mattress 38
to be inflated or deflated to position patient 24 in the desired
surgical position. Control apparatus 86 may be controlled by using
an input device 87 mounted on control apparatus 86 and/or control
station 16 and/or controller 19.
[0055] A variety of different surgical positions can be achieved by
inflating or deflating certain portions of mattress 38. For
example, as shown in FIG. 9, portions of mattress 38 can be
inflated so that mattress 38 pushes upwardly on the back of the
knees and back of the neck of patient 24 with the remainder of
patient 24 remaining substantially flat on mattress 38. Similarly,
as shown in FIG. 10, a portion of mattress 38 can be deflated to
allow the face of patient 24 to fit within an opening in mattress
38 created by the deflation of a portion of mattress 38 when
patient 24 is lying face down on mattress 38. As shown in FIG. 11,
the chest and legs of patient 24 can also be raised by inflating
portions of mattress 38. As shown in FIG. 12, a portion of mattress
38 can also be inflated when a leg portion of a surgical table is
raised so that the legs of patient 24 are fine-tuned into position
while simultaneously inflating and another portion of mattress 24
to raise the posterior of patient 24. In addition, as shown in FIG.
13, a portion of mattress 24 can be inflated to raise the hips of
patient 24. Although FIGS. 9-13 illustrate a few examples of the
capabilities of mattress 38 for positioning a patient in a
predetermined surgical position, it is understood that, as
described below, mattress 38 can be used to position a patient in
virtually an infinite number of positions.
[0056] Mattress 38 is shown in more detail in FIG. 14. As shown in
FIG. 14, mattress 38 includes a head section 90, a torso section
96, and a leg section 98. Although not shown in FIGS. 1-13, the
head section 90 of mattress 38 may also include an outer head
section 92 and an inner head section 94, as shown in FIG. 14. Each
section is coupled to its adjacent section using a connector 100,
as shown in FIGS. 4 and 14, to allow the medium supplied by control
apparatus 86 to be transmitted to the appropriate section of
mattress 38.
[0057] As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, each section of mattress 38
includes an outer cover 110 defining an interior region 112 of the
respective section. The outer cover 110 of each section of mattress
38 includes a top surface 114, a bottom surface 116, and a
perimeter surface 118 interconnecting the top and bottom surfaces
114, 116. The top surface 114 of outer cover 110 is configured to
provide a patient-support platform for receiving patient 24. The
bottom surface 116 of outer cover 110 is configured to lie on frame
30.
[0058] Each portion of mattress 38 also includes a foam mattress
structure 120, a plurality of air bladders 122, a bead bag position
stabilizer 124, and a thermal pad 126 configured to lie within the
interior region 112 of the respective section of mattress 38, as
shown in FIG. 15. Foam mattress structure 120 is positioned
adjacent to the bottom surface 116 of outer cover 110 so that air
bladders 122 can be positioned above foam mattress structure 120
within interior region 112 of outer cover 110. As shown in FIG.
15b, foam mattress structure 120 is formed to include a pair of
flow paths 130 to allow the medium supplied by control apparatus 86
to pass through foam mattress structure 120 to air bladders 122.
Illustratively, foam mattress structure 120 is made from a
Styrofoam material, although a wide variety of different materials
may also be used.
[0059] Air bladders 122 are illustratively positioned on top of
foam mattress structure 120 and extend transversely across mattress
38, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. As described below, air bladders
122 are configured to be inflated and/or deflated by the medium
supplied by control apparatus 86 to position patient 24 in a
desired surgical position.
[0060] Bead bag position stabilizer 124 is positioned above air
bladders 122 and is configured to freeze the air bladders 122 in
the desired surgical position. Details of a suitable bead bag
position stabilizer and suitable air bladders for use with mattress
system 38 are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,966,763, which is
incorporated herein by reference.
[0061] Thermal pad 126 is positioned above air bladders 122 so that
thermal pad 126 is positioned adjacent to top surface 114 of outer
cover 110. Thermal pad 126 is configured to provide heat to patient
24 lying on top of mattress 38. Thermal pad 126 can be any type of
heating device that provides heat to patient 24. Illustratively,
thermal pad 126 is made from a conductive thermal material (such as
Gorix.TM.) which provides uniform heat across the material when
low-voltage electricity is supplied to the material.
[0062] As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, each section of mattress 38 can
be formed to include a plurality of zones to provide better
patient-positioning control for mattress 38. Illustratively, as
shown in FIG. 16, leg section 98 of mattress 38 may be formed to
include a foot zone 140, a calf zone 142, a knee zone 144, and a
thigh zone 146. Torso section 96 of mattress 38 may be formed to
include a seat zone 150, a lower lumbar zone 152, an upper lumbar
zone 154, a lower back zone 156, and an upper back zone 158. In
addition head section 90, torso section 96, and leg section 98 may
each be formed to include a plurality of lateral zones 160. As
shown in FIG. 17, by using various zones to position patient 24 on
surgical table 10, patient 24 can be positioned in a variety of
positions to allow greater flexibility to surgeons to fine-tune the
positioning of the patient 24.
[0063] Air bladders 122 are shown in more detail in FIGS. 18-20. As
shown in FIGS. 18-20, air bladders 122 are preferably positioned in
pairs so that, in the bladder pair, one air bladder is positioned
to lie below the other bladder. Each bladder pair is positioned
next to another bladder pair within the interior region 112 of
outer cover 110 so that each bladder pair abuts another bladder
pair within outer cover 110 and the bladder pairs on the ends of
the respective section of mattress 38 abut the perimeter surface
188 of outer cover 110. Bladders 122 are preferably configured to
extend transversely across mattress 38 so that patient 24 can be
positioned as shown in FIG. 17. However, bladders 122 can be
configured to extend longitudinally across mattress 38 or in a
variety of other positions relative to mattress 38.
[0064] As shown in FIG. 19, the shape of bladders 122 change as
medium from control apparatus 86 is supplied to the bladders 122.
For example, the bladders 122 shown in FIG. 18 and on the left side
of FIG. 19 are bladders that have not been supplied with a medium
(such as air or liquid) so that these bladders 122 are flat and
uninflated. However, moving from left to right in FIG. 19 shows
bladders 122 that are progressively more inflated with the medium.
Thus, bladders 122 on the far right side of FIG. 19 are fully
inflated, while bladders in the middle of FIG. 19 are only
partially inflated. As shown in FIG. 19, both air bladders 122 in a
given bladder pair are inflated at the same time using the same
air-supply line. This allows both bladders 122 within the bladder
pair to be similarly sized and shaped before, during, and after the
inflating/deflating process.
[0065] As shown in FIG. 20, bladders 122 in each section of
mattress 38 can be used to adjust the shape of mattress 38 even if
the section of mattress 38 does not include separate zones.
Although bladders 122 are described herein as air bladders, it is
understood that any bladder configured to receive a medium (liquid,
solid, or gas) to change the shape of the mattress can be used. In
addition, although bladders 122 are shown to be circular in shape,
it is understood that any shape bladder, including oval,
rectangular, square, triangle, etc., may be used.
[0066] As shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, leg section 50 of frame 30 of
surgical table 10 may include a first leg section 240 and a second
leg section 242. First and second leg sections 240, 242 allow each
leg of patient 24 to be individually positioned. When this type of
configuration is used, leg section 98 of mattress 38 is also formed
to include a first leg section 250 and a second leg section 252.
Each leg section 250, 252 illustratively includes a foot zone 260,
an calf zone 262, a knee zone 264, a thigh zone 266, and a
plurality of lateral zones 268, as shown in FIG. 22. These zones
are configured to operate identically to the zones described above
to allow a greater range of positioning of patient 24.
[0067] In addition, as shown in FIG. 21, table 10 may include a
foot controller 219 mounted to base 32 of table 10. Foot controller
219 is configured to perform the same functions as control station
16 and/or controller 19, except that foot controller 219 is mounted
to the base 32 of surgical table 10 so that a surgeon 20 can
control the positioning of table 10 and mattress 38 using foot
controller 219.
[0068] In operation, surgical positioning surface (or mattress) 38
is used as follows. First, the frame 30 and/or pedestal 34 of
surgical table 10 is adjusted using control station 16, controller
19, and/or foot controller 219 to place patient 24 in the best
possible position. Controller 16, 19, and/or 219 are then used to
adjust mattress 38 to fine-tune the positioning of patient 24 on
mattress 38. Illustratively, controllers 16, 19, 219 are configured
to allow mattress 38 to be automatically adjusted so that air
bladders 122 are filled with the medium to fill in the natural gaps
between patient 24 and outer cover 110 of mattress 38. Controllers
16, 19, 219 are also configured to allow mattress 38 to be manually
adjusted so that each individual bladder pair can be inflated or
deflated to enhance the position of patient 24 to improve surgical
exposure or access to a particular portion of patient 24.
[0069] The air bladders 122 are then stabilized by evacuating the
air from air bladders 122 and using the bead bag position
stabilizer 124 to stiffen (or "freeze") the mattress 38 in the
desired position. Finally, the temperature of mattress 38 can be
adjusted using controller 16, 19, and/or 219 so that control
apparatus 86 supplies the necessary signal to thermal pad 126 to
change the temperature of thermal pad 126. For example, when
thermal pad 126 is a conductive material (such as Gorix.TM.),
control apparatus 86 supplies a voltage signal to thermal pad 126
to change the temperature of thermal pad 126.
[0070] Another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated
in FIGS. 23-25. Surgical table 310 includes a base 312, a pedestal
314 having a bottom end coupled to the base 312, and a support
frame 316 coupled to a top end of pedestal 314. Frame 316 includes
a head frame section 318, an upper back frame section 320, a lower
back frame section 322, a seat frame section 324, and a leg frame
section 326. Deck sections 328, 330, 332, 334, and 336 form an
articulatable patient support deck 327 extending between frame
members 318, 320, 322, 324, and 326, respectively. Mattress 338 is
positioned above the deck 327. In the illustrated embodiment,
mattress 338 includes head section 340, a torso section 342, and a
leg section 344. Each of the sections 340, 342, and 344 of mattress
338 may include a plurality of separate zones. It is understood
that mattress 338 may include a different number of separate
sections.
[0071] A power pack 350 is pivotably mounted to back frame section
320 as best shown in FIG. 25. The power pack 350 includes an outer
enclosure or housing 352 which is pivotably coupled to frame
section 320 by a suitable connector 353 so that the housing 352
pivots about axis 354. An air coupling 356 is coupled to mattress
338 to supply air to zones or sections 340, 342 and 344 of mattress
338. Air coupling 356 is configured to be inserted into receptacle
or aperture 358 so that air is supplied from the power pack 352
through the pivot connector 353 and through the air coupling 356 to
the mattress 338. Illustratively, a check valve is located in
receptacle 358.
[0072] Illustratively, power pack 350 includes an air supply 360
such as a blower or compressor and a plurality of valves 362 for
controlling flow of air or other fluid to various zones within the
air mattress 338. It is understood that power pack 350 may further
include sensors for measuring pressure within the various zones of
air mattress 338 and also provide an electrical connection to the
air mattress 338, if desired. Electrical connection to the power
pack 350 is made by a cable which extends along the frame 316 and
through pedestal 314 and base 312. In other embodiments, a power
plug may extend directly away from power pack 350 or the power pack
350 may be operated by an internal battery power supply.
[0073] When the mattress 338 is located on the deck 327 as shown in
FIG. 24, air is supplied from air supply 360 to the zones of
mattress 338 from the power pack 350. Deck panels 328, 330, 332,
334, and 336 are illustratively radiolucent so that radiologic
procedures can be performed on a patient located on the mattress
338. Power pack 350 is pivotable at least 180.degree. relative to
the frame 316 to the position shown in FIG. 24 and shown in dotted
lines in FIG. 25 so that region 364 below deck section 330 is free
from obstruction during the radiologic procedure or other procedure
requiring access to region 364.
[0074] It is understood that a plurality of air couplers 356 may be
provided to connect different zones of the air mattress 338 to the
power pack 350. It is further understood that the power pack 350
may be coupled to other sections of frame 316 on either side of the
surgical table 310.
[0075] Another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated
in FIG. 26. In the FIG. 26 embodiment, an air coupling receptacle
370 is illustratively coupled to the seat deck section 334. A check
valve is located in the receptacle. A power pack 372 is pivotably
coupled to base 312. In the illustrated embodiment, power pack 372
includes a housing 376 for receiving the air supply, valves,
sensors, and/or other electrical components. A pair of spaced apart
arms 378 of housing 376 are pivotably coupled to spaced apart side
walls 374 of base 312 by pivot connections 380. Power pack 372 is
therefore pivotable from an upwardly pivoted position shown in
solid lines in FIG. 26 to a downwardly pivoted position shown in
dotted lines. In the upwardly pivoted position, the housing 376 is
situated over a top surface 382 of base 312 within a footprint of
the base 312. Power pack 372 is pivotable in the direction of arrow
384 through a range of motion of about 180.degree. to provide
clearance for a C-arm imaging machine or other equipment between
the frame 316 and base 312.
[0076] Illustratively, the power pack 372 is coupled to a head end
of the base 312. It is understood that the power pack 372 may also
be coupled to the foot end 386 of base 312 or to side portions of
the base 312. Power pack 372 is, therefore, integrated with base
312 but pivotable to permit additional access between the base 312
and the frame 316. Air and electrical lines are illustratively
routed through a flexible connector line 388 which extends between
the power pack 372 and the base 312. In the illustrated embodiment,
the air and electrical lines then run upwardly through pedestal 314
to connector 370. It is understood that air and electrical lines
may also run outside the pedestal 314.
[0077] Yet another embodiment of the present invention is
illustrated in FIGS. 27 and 28. Those elements referenced by
numbers identical to FIGS. 23-26 perform the same or similar
function. In the embodiment of FIGS. 27 and 28, a power pack 400 is
coupled to mattress 338. Power pack 400 includes an air supply 402
and a plurality of valves 404 for supplying air or other fluid to
zones of mattress 334. In the illustrated embodiment, the power
pack 400 is located within an enclosure or housing 406 which is
tethered to an edge 409 of back or torso section 342.
Illustratively, enclosure 406 is formed by the same material as the
outer cover of mattress 338.
[0078] A plurality of air lines pass through the tethered connector
408 to various zones of the mattress 338. In the illustrated
embodiment, tethered connector 408 extends downwardly through a
slot 410 formed between head deck section 328 and upper back deck
section 330 as best shown in FIG. 28. Head frame section 318 is
movable outwardly in the direction of arrow 412 in FIG. 28 to
permit installation of the mattress 338 and power pack 400. A power
connector 414 for the power pack 400 illustratively plugs into a
receptacle 416 coupled to frame 316. Illustratively, power is
supplied through a power line running from base 312 upwardly
through pedestal 314 and along frame 316 to receptacle 416.
[0079] The power pack 400 is pivotable upwardly to first and second
positions illustrated by dotted line positions 418 and 420. In the
dotted line position 418, the power pack 400 is coupled to upper
back frame section 320 or deck section 330. In the dotted position
420, power pack 400 is coupled to head frame section 318 or head
deck section 328. Power pack 400 is coupled to the frame 316 or
deck 327 by suitable fasteners such as Velcro.RTM. fasteners, ties,
straps, snaps, latches or the like.
[0080] In the tucked or upwardly pivoted positions shown in dotted
lines 418 and 420, additional room is provided for manipulation of
imaging equipment or other equipment below the frame 316. During
normal operation, power pack 400 is left in the downwardly hanging
position shown in FIG. 27 and in solid lines in FIG. 28 to isolate
noise and vibration from the patient.
[0081] Although the invention has been described in detail with
reference to certain illustrated embodiments, variations and
modifications exist within the scope and spirit of the present
invention as defined by the following claims.
* * * * *