Operating table conversion platform

• US 7,496,980 B2
• Filed: 04/02/2007
• Issued: 03/03/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 11/19/2005
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Patient Safety Transport Systems, LLC
• Inventors: Sharps, Lewis
• Primary Examiner(s): Grosz; Alexander
• Application Number:
  US11/732,110
• Publication Number:
  US 20070234475A1
• Time in Patent Office: 701 Days
• Field of Search: 562/1, 562/2, 562/4, 562/3, 563/2
• US Class Current: 5/621
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 13/0054 specially adapted for back or spinal surgeries
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 13/08 the table being divided into different adjustable sections
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 13/12 Rests specially adapted therefor; Arrangements of patient-supporting surfaces rests for the surgeon A61B90/60; restraining devices A61F5/37
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 13/121 Head or neck
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 13/122 Upper body, e.g. chest
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 13/123 Lower body, e.g. pelvis, hip, buttocks
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 13/1235 Arms
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 13/1245 Knees, upper or lower legs
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 13/125 Ankles or feet
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 13/1295 having alignment devices for the patient's body
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 2200/325 prone
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 7/001 with means for turning-over the patient
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 7/1019 Vertical extending columns or mechanisms
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 7/1046 Mobile bases, e.g. having wheels
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 7/1057 Supported platforms, frames or sheets for patient in lying position

Abstract

An apparatus that transforms the surface of a commonly used operating table into a dedicated platform configured to support a patient in a prone position for back surgery or other medical procedures. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a frame configured to rest on top of the surface of an operating table and support members attached to the frame, configured to support the patient in a prone position. Thus, the apparatus converts commonly used operating tables into a dedicated back surgery. The apparatus eliminates the use of various improvised support structures stuffed underneath the patient to provide support while on the operating table in a prone position.

Claims

1. An apparatus for transforming a top surface of an operating table into a dedicated back surgery platform, comprising:

a generally rigid and planar frame configured to rest on the top surface of the operating table, wherein at least a portion of the frame is commensurate in size, and coextensive with an outer-peripheral surface of the entire top surface of the operating table; and

support members, adjustably attached to the frame, configured to (i) support a patient lying facedown in a prone position and (ii) elevate at least the head, and torso of the patient above the surface of the operating table;

wherein each support member has a structure contoured to;

(A) correspond with a particular anatomy of a patient for which the support member supports and/or elevates above the surface of the operating table when in a prone position, and (B) to abut and provide lateral support to outer portions of at least the head and the torso of the patient sufficient to restrain the patient when the patient is rotated 180 degrees from either a supine or the prone position, when the frame is;

(i) fastened to a transfer system with the patient sandwiched between the support members and a posterior platen of the transfer system, and (ii) rotated about a central axis, free of the operating table;

wherein the frame is interposed between the top surface of the operating table and the support members when resting on the top surface of the operating table.

2. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein at least one of the support members is configured to move in a lengthwise direction relative the frame to align with an anatomy area of the patient for which the at least one support member supports and/or elevates.

3. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein at least one of the support members is slidably attached to the frame.

4. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein at least one of the support members comprises a support surface contoured to abut and support a patient'"'"'s legs.