METHODS AND APPARATUS TO ENHANCE COMMUNICATION IN THE OPERATING ROOM
First Claim
1. A cushion-mounted patient communication system, comprising:
- a cushion having an opening for receiving the patient'"'"'s face;
a microphone at mounted to the cushion for receiving audible signals from the patient when the patient'"'"'s face is received within the opening;
a programmable display device integrated with the cushion and viewable by the patient when the patient'"'"'s face is received within the opening, wherein the programmable display device is configured for displaying selected areas of the patient'"'"'s body other than the head and face; and
at least one speaker mounted to the cushion for delivering audible signals from an operator to the patient when the patient'"'"'s face is received within the opening.
0 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A communication system is provided for a patient featuring a cushion with an opening for receiving the face of the patient. The cushion includes a microphone for receiving audible signals from the patient and one or more speakers for delivering audible signals to the patient. The microphone and speaker(s) are integrated with the cushion to avoid interfering with the comfort of the patient. In one embodiment, the audible signals are delivered to and from the patient via a communication port. In another embodiment, the system includes a display device, so the patient may view parts of the patient'"'"'s body on the device and then communicate with system operators through the microphone and speaker(s).
-
Citations
18 Claims
-
1. A cushion-mounted patient communication system, comprising:
-
a cushion having an opening for receiving the patient'"'"'s face; a microphone at mounted to the cushion for receiving audible signals from the patient when the patient'"'"'s face is received within the opening; a programmable display device integrated with the cushion and viewable by the patient when the patient'"'"'s face is received within the opening, wherein the programmable display device is configured for displaying selected areas of the patient'"'"'s body other than the head and face; and at least one speaker mounted to the cushion for delivering audible signals from an operator to the patient when the patient'"'"'s face is received within the opening. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
-
-
13. A method for a patient to communicate during a medical procedure, comprising:
-
positioning the patient'"'"'s face in an opening surrounded by a cushion, wherein the cushion supports the patient'"'"'s head; delivering first audible signals from the patient into a microphone mounted to the cushion, wherein the first audible signals are delivered to a communication port; delivering second audible signals to the patient from the communication port through at least one speaker mounted to the cushion; displaying selected parts of the patient'"'"'s body other than the head and face at a programmable display device integrated with the cushion, wherein the programmable display device is viewable by the patient when the patient'"'"'s face is positioned within the opening; and
performing the medical procedure on the patient while the patient'"'"'s face is positioned in the opening. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
-
Specification