HK1150744B - Patient support system and method - Google Patents

Description

System and method for supporting a patient

Cross reference to related applications

This application claims priority to the following patent applications: U.S. provisional patent application 61/104,578 filed on 10.10.2008 and U.S. non-provisional patent application 12/435,000 filed on 4.5.2009, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Technical Field

The field of the invention relates generally to operating tables for use in operating rooms for supporting patients during surgical procedures, and more particularly to patient support systems for operating tables in operating rooms to reduce or prevent decubitus ulcers, commonly referred to as "decubitus ulcers".

Background

Bedsores are injuries to the body that can be caused by a number of factors including friction and shear forces, however, the most common cause of bedsores is prolonged pressure. In most cases, such as on an operating table in an operating room during surgery, this unrelieved pressure occurs when the patient remains in a stationary position for a period of time, whereupon the pressure from the body weight presses against the tissue. This compression of tissue over time results in reduced intravascular flow, hypoxia, and/or ischemia, which, if left untreated, can ultimately lead to tissue necrosis. The injury begins at the point of highest compression between the tissue and bone, gradually reaches the skin surface and develops a decubitus ulcer.

Low-air-loss patient support systems have been successfully used to reduce the occurrence of pressure sores. However, these support systems continually leak air, so unless air is added to the system, the air pressure within the patient support system with low air pressure losses continually decreases as the system deflates. As the system is deflated, the relative position of the patient lying on the patient support system with low air pressure loss relative to the surgical table varies and places the patient at risk during the procedure.

In addition, the low-loss patient support system is repeatedly adjusted statically and/or must be continuously monitored so that when the air pressure within the system drops below a desired set point, the pressure raising device can be activated to increase the air pressure within the low-loss patient support system. Thus, the pressure raising device (typically a fluid pump) cycles between opening and closing, which changes the relative position of the patient with respect to the table top due to the constantly changing air pressure within the patient support system with low air pressure losses. In an operating room, it is desirable for the patient to remain stationary relative to the table top during surgery. If exposed to sudden pressure changes caused by the actions of the patient, surgeon, medical personnel, etc., the active feedback low air pressure loss bearing surface will be adjusted. These surface adjustments can be detrimental to the surgical procedure, as discussed above, and to the patient.

In addition, conventional operating table tops in operating rooms are typically adjusted for positioning purposes, rather than patient support purposes. In view of the foregoing, there is a need for an operating table in an operating room that maintains a patient in a stationary position and has a patient support surface to reduce or prevent decubitus ulcers.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention relates to a patient support system for an operating table in an operating room. In one aspect, a patient support system may include a plurality of air bags, a control system, and a gas supply system, which may illustratively include at least one of: at least one fluid pump, at least one pressure relief valve, and a plurality of conduits. In another aspect, a plurality of air bags may be configured to rest on or otherwise engage an operating room table such that a patient in the operating room is supported by the patient support system in a manner that reduces or eliminates bed sores.

The operating table in the operating room may be a conventional operating table in an operating room known in the art, which includes a top surface, a bottom portion and a column. In one aspect, the upper surface may include a plurality of variably sized upper surface segments. It should be appreciated that the patient support system may also be sized or shaped differently to allow the patient support system to be used with a variety of operating room table models.

In one aspect, the plurality of balloons can be elongated balloons, each balloon having a proximal end and a distal end. In another aspect, the elongated balloon may have a length that is approximately equal to the width of the upper surface of an operating table in an operating room. In yet another aspect, the plurality of air cells can be spaced apart from one another and arranged substantially parallel to one another. In another aspect, a plurality of air bags may be securely attached to at least one mounting plate to substantially fix the location and orientation of the plurality of air bags. In yet another aspect, each air cell may have a single opening that places the air cell in sealed fluid communication with the air supply system, thereby allowing air to flow into and/or out of the respective air cell. In another aspect, the opening of each balloon can be located at the proximal or distal end of any of the plurality of balloons. It is also contemplated that the opening of each air bag may be located at any desired location on the respective air bag. In yet another aspect, at least one liquid impermeable covering may be configured to cover the plurality of bladders and/or the at least one mounting plate. When assembled as part of a patient support system, the plurality of air cells can be pressurized and sealed such that at least a portion of the plurality of air cells can form a patient support surface without air pressure loss because there is no air permeable means located within any of the plurality of air cells.

In one aspect, at least one fluid pump may be in fluid communication with the plurality of air cells, providing pressurized air to the conduits leading to the plurality of air cells. Alternatively, the at least one fluid pump may comprise two fluid pumps, three fluid pumps, or any plurality of fluid pumps as desired. In one aspect, if multiple fluid pumps are present, the multiple fluid pumps may be in communication with multiple conduits and with each other, such as, but not limited to, by an arrangement of parallel or series communication. However, in another aspect, the fluid pumps may form a plurality of gas supply subsystems, wherein the plurality of fluid pumps are not in communication with each other. In this aspect, for each fluid pump disposed within the air supply system, a first fluid pump may provide air to the first bladder or first plurality of bladders, while a second fluid pump may provide air to the second bladder or second plurality of bladders, and so on.

In another aspect, the at least one pressure relief valve may be in sealed fluid communication with the plurality of bladders. In one aspect, at least one pressure relief valve can release air from the plurality of air cells and/or the plurality of tubes so that the air pressure within the patient support system can be maintained at a desired set point to reduce or prevent the formation of pressure sores when the system is in use by a user. Alternatively, if multiple fluid pumps are arranged to form multiple air supply subsystems, a pressure relief valve may be used to maintain the air pressure within each air supply subsystem at a desired set point.

The plurality of conduits may interconnect the at least one fluid pump, the at least one pressure relief valve, the plurality of air bags, and the at least one pressure sensor and, according to one aspect, place them in sealed fluid communication with each other. In another aspect, the plurality of conduits may be configured to form at least one bladder manifold to more evenly distribute air to the plurality of bladders. In yet another aspect, the at least one airbag header may be attached to, integral with, or detachable from the at least one mounting plate.

The control system may include a computer and at least one pressure sensor configured to measure a pressure of the gas. The at least one pressure sensor may be operatively (e.g., and without limitation, electrically) connected to a computer. In yet another aspect, the at least one pressure sensor may be in sealed fluid communication with the conduit and/or the plurality of bladders such that the at least one pressure sensor may measure air pressure within the air supply system or subsystem and may send a signal representative of the measured air pressure to the computer.

In use, the computer may be operatively (e.g., and without limitation, electrically) connected to the at least one pump, the at least one pressure relief valve, and the at least one pressure sensor. In one aspect, a plurality of conduits may interconnect the at least one pump, the at least one pressure relief valve, the at least one pressure sensor, and the plurality of bladders. In another aspect, these components may be arranged to form multiple gas supply subsystems (if desired) so that different airbags may be maintained at different desired pressures.

In one exemplary aspect, at least a portion of the bladder of the patient support system can be placed onto an operating table in an operating room. The user may input a desired air pressure set point for the patient support system into the computer and the at least one pressure sensor may send a signal representative of the air pressure within the respective air bag into the processor of the computer. The processor may compare the signal from the at least one pressure sensor to a desired air pressure set point. If the measured pressure is above the air pressure set point, the processor may send a signal to the appropriate at least one pressure relief valve to cause the valve to selectively open for a period of time, thereby relieving the air and lowering the air pressure within the corresponding bladder. Conversely, if the measured pressure is below the air pressure set point, the processor may send an actuation signal to the at least one fluid pump, thereby supplying additional air to the air bladder and increasing the air pressure within the air bladder.

After the patient lies down or is positioned on the non-air loss patient support surface of the patient support system, the air pressure within the patient support system may change due to the patient's weight. At least one pressure sensor may detect this change and the patient support system itself may adjust accordingly until the desired air pressure set point is reached. In one aspect, once the desired air pressure set point is reached within a predetermined tolerance, no further adjustments are made to the air pressure within the patient support system. Because the plurality of bladders are bladders that have no loss of air pressure, there is no need to add air to the patient support system, and the patient does not move or is moved during surgery due to system adjustments.

Drawings

The above and other features of the preferred embodiments of the present invention will become more apparent in the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

fig. 1 is a perspective view of an operating table in a conventional operating room.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of one embodiment of a patient support system according to one aspect.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a patient support system according to another aspect.

FIG. 4 is a schematic flow diagram of one embodiment of a patient support system in a present application including a fluid pump.

FIG. 5 is a schematic flow diagram of one embodiment of a patient support system in a present application including a plurality of fluid pumps in series communication with one another.

FIG. 6 is a schematic flow diagram of one embodiment of a patient support system in current use including a plurality of fluid pumps arranged to form a plurality of gas supply subsystems.

FIG. 7 is a schematic flow chart diagram of another embodiment of a patient support system in current use including a plurality of fluid pumps arranged to form a plurality of gas supply subsystems.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of the patient support system of FIG. 2 showing multiple gas supply subsystems, according to one aspect.

Detailed Description

The present invention can be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description, examples, drawings, and claims, and their previous and following description. However, before the present devices, systems, and/or methods are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, systems, and/or methods disclosed unless otherwise specified, as such can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting.

The following description of the present invention, in its best, presently known embodiment, is provided to introduce the present invention. To this end, those skilled in the art will recognize and appreciate that many changes can be made to the various aspects of the invention described herein, while still obtaining the beneficial results of the present invention. It will also be appreciated that some of the desired advantages of the present invention can be obtained by selecting some of the features of the present invention without utilizing other features. Accordingly, those who work in the art will recognize that many modifications and adaptations to the present invention are possible and can even be desirable in certain circumstances and are a part of the present invention. The following description is, therefore, provided to illustrate the principles of the invention and not in a limiting sense.

As used throughout, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a device" can include two or more such devices, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" one particular value, and/or to "about" another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent "about," it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that each endpoint of a range is significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint.

As used herein, the terms "optionally" or "optionally" mean that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.

For clarity and conciseness, as used herein, the term "air" includes reference to air and/or any other fluid or combination of fluids. Thus, the plurality of air bags in the present application may include, for example, a plurality of water bags, nitrogen bags, and the like.

According to various aspects, a patient support system 20 for an operating table 10 in an operating room is provided. In one aspect, as shown in fig. 2-8, the patient support system can include a plurality of air bags 30, a gas supply system 40, and a control system 100. In another aspect, the gas supply system may exemplarily comprise at least one of: at least one fluid pump 50, at least one pressure relief valve 60, and a plurality of conduits 70, the conduits 70 interconnecting the at least one fluid pump, the at least one pressure relief valve, the plurality of air bags, and the at least one pressure sensor.

The operating table 10 in the operating room may be a conventional operating table in an operating room known in the art and exemplarily shown in fig. 1. In one aspect, an operating table in an operating room may include a top surface 12, a base 14, and a column 16 for supporting a patient. In another aspect, the upper surface may include a plurality of upper surface sections 13, and the upper surface sections 13 may be moved to various positions as desired by the physician to orient and position the patient. The dimensions of the upper surface and upper surface sections may vary depending on the type of operating table 10 in the operating room, as is also generally known in the art. Patient support system 20 may also be sized or shaped differently, as will be more fully described below, to allow the patient support system to be used with a variety of operating table models in an operating room. Alternatively, it is contemplated that at least a portion of the patient support system may be integrated within a portion of an operating table in an operating room.

Each balloon of the plurality of balloons 30 may be an elongated balloon having a proximal end 31 and a distal end 32, as shown in fig. 2, 3, and 8. In one aspect, the plurality of balloons may be formed of an impermeable material. In another aspect, the plurality of bladders may be formed of an impermeable polymeric material, such as, but not limited to, polyvinyl chloride. In another aspect, the length of the elongated balloon is approximately equal to the width of the upper surface 12 or upper surface segments 13 of the operating table 10 in the operating room. In another aspect, the plurality of balloons can be configured to rest on or otherwise engage an operating table in an operating room. In yet another aspect, the plurality of air cells can be spaced apart from one another and/or arranged substantially parallel to one another. In another aspect, each air cell may have an opening 33 in fluid communication with the air supply system 40 to allow air to flow into and/or out of the respective air cell. In one aspect, the opening of each balloon can be located at the proximal end 31 of the balloon. In another aspect, the opening of each balloon can be located at the distal end 32 of the balloon. In yet another aspect, the opening 33 of each balloon can be located at the proximal or distal end of the balloon 30. In this regard, it is contemplated that the location of the openings may alternate between the proximal end 31 of one balloon and the distal end 32 of an adjacent balloon, and so forth. It is also contemplated that the location of each balloon opening 33 may be arranged in any combination of the proximal and distal ends of the balloon. Further, it is contemplated that the openings 33 in the respective balloons can be positioned as desired and are not limited to being positioned on the respective proximal or distal portions. In another aspect, the plurality of bladders may be air bladders without air pressure losses because they have no other outlets for air (outside of opening 33) that is inflatable to escape. Thus, in this aspect, each of the plurality of air cells 30 is free of air-permeable means, and air cannot enter or exit the interior of the respective air cell except for the opening 33 which is in fluid communication with the air supply system.

Referring now to FIG. 3, an exemplary embodiment is shown in which a first pair of adjacent balloons is positioned adjacent to a second pair of balloons, the former having an opening on its proximal end and the latter having an opening on its distal end. In this regard, it is contemplated that the illustrated staggered relationship is continuous. When assembled as part of the patient support system 20, as described more fully below, the plurality of air cells can be inflated such that at least a portion of the plurality of air cells form a patient support surface 34 free of air pressure loss.

In another aspect, the plurality of air bags 30 may be securely attached to at least one mounting plate 36, substantially fixing the position and orientation of the plurality of air bags relative to the mounting plate. In one aspect, at least one of the mounting plates may be a polymeric material sized such that the top surface 37 of the mounting plate has an area greater than the area of the plurality of air pockets. In another aspect, the at least one mounting plate 36 may comprise a plurality of sized mounting plates that generally fit over the upper surface 12 or plurality of upper surface segments 13 of the operating table 10 in the operating room. In another aspect, at least one mounting plate may be formed of the same material as the plurality of air bags 30. In another aspect, the plurality of air bags may be attached to the at least one mounting plate 36 in a conventional manner, such as, but not limited to, using an adhesive. However, in another aspect, at least a portion of at least one of the plurality of air bags may be integrally formed with the at least one mounting plate such that at least a portion of the air bag is formed by at least a portion of the at least one mounting plate.

In another aspect, the plurality of balloons can be positioned adjacent to one another using conventional methods such as, but not limited to: adhesives, hook and loop fasteners, containers such as mounting bags, and the like.

In one aspect, at least one liquid impermeable covering may be configured to cover the plurality of bladders 30 and/or the at least one mounting plate 36. It is contemplated that the liquid impermeable cover may be made from a polymeric component such as, but not limited to: nylon or nylon coated with polyurethane. In yet another aspect, if multiple mounting plates are present, a separate liquid impermeable cover may be constructed to cover each mounting plate and the multiple bladders 30 attached thereto. Thus, in this embodiment, for example, if three mounting plates are provided, there may be three liquid impermeable covers.

An exemplary embodiment of the gas supply system 40 is schematically illustrated in fig. 4. In one aspect, at least one fluid pump 50 may be a conventional fluid pump configured to provide air at a desired pressure to patient support system 20. The at least one fluid pump may be positioned in sealed fluid communication with the plurality of bladders 30 via a plurality of conduits 70. Alternatively, it is contemplated that the at least one fluid pump may include two fluid pumps, three fluid pumps, or any number of fluid pumps as desired. In one aspect, a plurality of fluid pumps 50 may be in communication with a plurality of conduits 70 and with each other, such as, but not limited to: as exemplarily shown in fig. 5, in a parallel communication arrangement.

Alternatively, it is contemplated that a plurality of fluid pumps 50 may be in communication with a plurality of conduits 70 and with one another in a conventional series communication arrangement. However, in another aspect, as shown in fig. 6 and 7, the fluid pumps may be connected to different tubes of a plurality of conduits 70 to form a plurality of gas supply subsystems 52. For example, in this aspect, for each fluid pump disposed within the air supply system 40, a first fluid pump may provide air to the first bladder or first plurality of bladders 30, a second fluid pump may provide air to the second bladder or second plurality of bladders, and so on.

In another aspect, the at least one pressure relief valve 60 may be in fluid communication with the plurality of air bags 30. In one exemplary, non-limiting example, the at least one pressure relief valve may be a conventional solenoid valve configured to be electrically connected to the computer 110 of the control system 100. In another aspect, the at least one pressure relief valve may be a conventional mechanical relief valve configured to selectively open at a predetermined or adjustable pressure. The at least one pressure relief valve 60 may be configured to release air from at least a portion of the plurality of air cells and/or the plurality of tubes such that the air pressure within at least a portion of the patient support system 20 may be maintained at a suitable, desired setting to reduce or prevent pressure sores from forming when the system is in use by a user.

In one aspect, if only one fluid pump 50, or a plurality of fluid pumps, are arranged in parallel to be in fluid communication with each other, at least one pressure relief valve 60 may be used to reduce the pressure within the gas supply system 40 and within the plurality of air bags 30 in sealed fluid communication with the gas supply system. On the other hand, however, if multiple fluid pump arrangements form multiple gas supply subsystems 52, as exemplarily shown in fig. 6, at least one pressure relief valve may be used within each gas supply subsystem to reduce the air pressure within the gas supply subsystem and within the air bladder or bladders 30 in sealed fluid communication with the gas supply subsystem. Thus, it should be appreciated that in one example, if there are two, three, or more gas supply subsystems 52, there are two, three, or more corresponding pressure relief valves, such that each gas supply subsystem has at least one pressure relief valve 60.

The plurality of conduits 70 may interconnect and place in sealed fluid communication with each other at least one fluid pump 50, at least one pressure relief valve 60, a plurality of bladders 30, and/or at least one pressure sensor 120. The conduits may be conventional conduits made from polymeric components, metal, and/or other materials having a cross-sectional area sized to distribute air to the plurality of bladders 30 at a suitable air flow rate and pressure, as is well known in the art.

In another aspect, the plurality of conduits may be configured to form at least one bladder manifold 72 to more evenly distribute air to the plurality of bladders. In one aspect, the at least one air bag header 72 may be attached to the at least one mounting plate 36, such as, but not limited to, using an adhesive. In another aspect, at least a portion of the at least one airbag manifold may be integral with at least a portion of the at least one mounting plate such that at least a portion of the at least one airbag manifold may be formed from at least a portion of the at least one mounting plate 36. In yet another aspect, the at least one airbag manifold 72 can be detachable from the at least one mounting plate.

As shown schematically in fig. 4-7, the control system 100 of the patient support system 20 can include a computer 110 in operable communication with at least one pressure sensor 120. In one aspect, the at least one pressure sensor may be a conventional pressure sensor adapted to measure the pressure of the fluid in the container. In one exemplary non-limiting example, the at least one pressure sensor may be electrically connected to a computer. In this regard, at least one pressure sensor may be configured to send a measured pressure electrical signal to the computer that is representative of the pressure of the air within patient support system 20 or air supply subsystem 52 over a predetermined period of time, as will be appreciated, the signal being representative of the pressure of the air within the air bladder. In one aspect, at least one pressure sensor may repeatedly send pressure measurement signals to computer 110 over a selected time, such as, but not limited to, multiple times per second. In another exemplary aspect, the at least one pressure sensor 120 may send a pressure measurement signal to the computer every second. In yet another exemplary aspect, at least one pressure sensor may send pressure measurement signals to computer 110 at longer intervals, such as, but not limited to, once every five seconds, once every ten seconds, once every twenty seconds, once every minute, and the like.

In one aspect, the at least one pressure sensor 120 may measure air pressure within the air supply system. In another aspect, the at least one pressure sensor may be in sealed fluid communication with the conduit 70 of the gas supply system 40. In another aspect, it is contemplated that the at least one pressure sensor may be in sealed fluid communication with the conduit at any point within the plurality of conduits. In another aspect, the at least one pressure sensor may be in sealed fluid communication with a portion of the tubing proximate the at least one fluid pump 50. In another aspect, the at least one pressure sensor may be in sealed fluid communication with at least one of the plurality of bladders 30.

In one aspect, if only one fluid pump, or multiple fluid pumps 50, are arranged in a parallel fluid communication configuration, a single pressure sensor may be used to measure the air pressure within the air supply system 40. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, if multiple fluid pumps are arranged to form multiple air supply subsystems 52, a pressure sensor may be used within each air supply subsystem to measure the air pressure within the air supply subsystem. Thus, if there are two, three or more air supply subsystems, there may be two, three or more pressure sensors, such that each air supply subsystem has at least one pressure sensor.

In another aspect, at least one pressure relief valve 60, at least one fluid pump 50, computer 110, and/or at least one pressure sensor 120 may be housed within housing 80. In one aspect, the housing may be configured to restrict user access to moving parts of the at least one pressure relief valve, the at least one fluid pump, and/or the at least one pressure sensor. In another aspect, the housing may be configured or insulated to reduce noise created by moving components of the at least one pressure relief valve, the at least one fluid pump, and/or the at least one pressure sensor 120.

Computer 110 may be a standard computer as known in the art. In one aspect, a computer may include a system processor. In another aspect, a computer readable storage medium may be coupled to the processor. The processor may be connected to a display or monitor and a user input device, such as a keyboard, mouse, or other suitable device. The processor of the computer may also be connected to at least one pressure sensor 120 to input the pressure of air supply system 40 or air supply subsystem 52 as measured by the at least one pressure sensor. As will be appreciated, the at least one fluid pump 50 and the at least one pressure relief valve 60 are operatively connected to and controlled by a computer, as will be described more fully below. In another aspect, the computer-readable storage medium may include hardware and/or software such as, for example, magnetic disks, magnetic tape, optical read-out media such as CD ROMs, and semiconductor memory such as PCMCIA cards. In various aspects, the medium may be in the form of a portable item, such as a small disk, floppy disk, cassette, or the medium may be in the form of a relatively large or non-removable item, such as a hard disk drive, solid state memory card, or RAM connected to a processor. It should be noted that the media listed above as examples may be used alone or in combination.

Referring to the figures, patient support system 20 may be assembled to include any or all of the components described above. In one aspect, the at least one mounting plate 36 may be sized or dimensioned to correspond to a desired upper surface 12 or upper surface section 13 of the operating table 10 in an operating room. If the operating table in the operating room has a plurality of upper surface sections 13, the size or dimensions of the plurality of mounting plates may correspond to the upper surface sections. In one aspect, a plurality of air bags 30 may be attached to or integral with the at least one mounting plate 36 such that at least a portion of the air bags are formed by at least a portion of the at least one mounting plate, as described above. In one aspect, a plurality of balloons can be arranged with an opening 33 for each balloon located at the proximal end 31 of each balloon. In another aspect, a plurality of balloons 30 may be arranged with an opening for each balloon at each balloon distal end 32. In yet another aspect, multiple balloons can be arranged with the opening 33 of each balloon at any combination of the proximal or distal ends of each balloon. In an exemplary aspect, the location of each balloon opening can alternate between the proximal end of the balloon, the distal end of an adjacent balloon, and the like. It is contemplated that the opening of each air bag may be positioned anywhere on the respective air bag as desired.

In one aspect, the plurality of tubes 70 may be configured to form at least one airbag header 72. The at least one bladder manifold may be securely attached to the opening 33 of each of the plurality of bladders 30 with a conventional connector 74 such that the conduit is placed in sealed fluid communication with the opening within each of the plurality of bladders. In one aspect, the at least one airbag manifold may be securely attached to the at least one mounting plate 36. However, in another aspect, as described above, the at least one airbag manifold may be integrally formed with the mounting plate such that at least a portion of the at least one airbag manifold is formed by at least a portion of the at least one mounting plate. On the other hand, if there are multiple mounting plates, the airbag header 72 may be securely attached to or integral with each mounting plate 36. In yet another aspect, the at least one airbag manifold is detachable from the at least one mounting plate.

As is well known in the art, the plurality of conduits 70 may be securely attached to the at least one fluid pump 50, the at least one pressure relief valve 60, and the at least one pressure sensor 120 with standard connectors such that the at least one fluid pump, the at least one pressure relief valve, and the at least one pressure sensor are in sealed fluid communication with the plurality of conduits and also with each other.

As described above, it is contemplated that the at least one fluid pump 50 may include a plurality of fluid pumps. In one aspect, if multiple fluid pumps are interconnected in a parallel communication arrangement, as shown in fig. 5, only one pressure relief valve 60 and one pressure sensor 120 need be placed in sealed communication with the fluid pumps and multiple bladders 30. However, on the other hand, if multiple fluid pumps are separately disposed within gas supply subsystem 52, as shown in fig. 6 and 7, each respective gas supply subsystem may require at least one pressure relief valve and at least one pressure sensor so that the air pressure within the individual gas supply subsystems may be controlled.

It is contemplated that each air supply subsystem 52 (if present) may supply air to a different air bag and/or to a group of air bags of multiple air bags 30. In one example, a first air supply subsystem may supply air to a plurality of balloons having openings 33 on the distal end 32 of each balloon, while a second air supply subsystem may supply air to a plurality of balloons having openings on the proximal end 31 of each balloon. In a second example, the first air supply subsystem may supply air to every other air bag of the plurality of air bags 30, while the second air supply subsystem may supply air to the remaining air bags. In a third example, the first air supply subsystem 52 may supply air to every third air bag of the plurality of air bags, while the second air supply subsystem may supply air to the next third air bag of the plurality of air bags, and the third air supply subsystem may supply air to the remaining third air bag of the plurality of air bags. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, this use of multiple subsystems to supply air to multiple groups of air bags 30 may continue for any number of air supply subsystems.

In one aspect, the at least one fluid pump 50, the at least one pressure relief valve 60, and the at least one pressure sensor 120 may be electrically connected to the computer 110. Further, in another aspect, at least one liquid impermeable covering may be placed over the plurality of bladders 30 and the at least one mounting plate 36.

In use, at least a portion of the bladder of the patient support system 20 can be positioned on the upper surface 12 of the operating table 10 in the operating room (if the bladder is not otherwise integrated within the upper surface of the operating table in the operating room), and if not previously connected, the plurality of tubes 70 of the patient support system can be connected as described above. If the operating table in the operating room has a plurality of upper surface sections 13, each section may have at least a portion of the bladder of the patient support system placed thereon. Alternatively, in one aspect, at least one foam pad 18 may be placed under the patient support system 20. In one aspect, it is contemplated that the at least one foam pad is sized or dimensioned such that the patient support system can be used with any conventional operating room table.

The computer 110 may be connected to a power source, such as a battery or a standard electrical outlet. In one aspect, a user may use a user input device to input a desired air pressure set point into a processor of a computer. At least one pressure sensor 120 may measure the air pressure within the air supply system and send a signal to the processor representative of the air pressure within the respective bladder. The processor may compare the signal from the at least one pressure sensor to a desired air pressure set point. If the sensed pressure is above the air pressure set point, the processor may send a signal to the appropriate at least one pressure relief valve 60 to cause the valve to selectively open for a period of time, thereby releasing air and reducing the air pressure within the corresponding air cell. Conversely, if the sensed pressure is below the desired air pressure set point, the processor may send an actuation signal to the at least one fluid pump 50 causing the at least one fluid pump valve to open for a period of time, thereby increasing the air pressure within the air bag. Thus, it is contemplated that the at least one pressure sensor, the computer, the at least one pressure relief valve, and the at least one fluid pump may form a feedback loop configured to maintain the air pressure within the respective air bladder at approximately the desired air pressure. If there are multiple air supply subsystems 52, it is also contemplated that similar feedback loops may be formed to maintain the air pressure within the respective bladders of the respective subsystems at approximately the desired air pressure (which may be individually set for each respective subsystem, or alternatively, may be set at one uniform air pressure for all respective subsystems).

In one aspect, a patient, doctor, and/or other personnel in the operating room, etc. can apply an external force to the loss of air patient support surface 34 on the operating table 10 in the operating room to place the loss of air patient support surface in a loaded state. In another aspect, the patient support surface 34 may be placed in a loaded state without loss of air pressure until the patient support system 20 has been inflated to the desired air pressure setting. In another aspect, the patient support system is inflated to the desired air pressure setting as described above before an external force is applied to the patient support surface without loss of air pressure. In this aspect, the air pressure within the patient support system may change due to external forces after the patient support surface without an air pressure loss is in a loaded state. Such a change may be detected by at least one pressure sensor 100, and patient support system 20 may therefore adjust itself as described above until the desired air pressure set point is reached.

In one aspect, once the predetermined loss-free patient support system reaches the air pressure set point within the predetermined tolerance, no further adjustment is made to the air pressure within the patient support system 20. In another aspect, once the no-air-loss patient support surface (and the patient) reaches equilibrium in the loaded state, the no-air-loss patient support system can be shut down. In this regard, after equilibrium is reached under the loaded condition, the air pressure within the patient support system 20 is no longer adjusted prior to surgery (the system is shut down), and the patient is not moved by the patient support system without loss of air pressure during the procedure.

In one aspect, the computer 110 may continue to receive input from the at least one pressure sensor 120, for example, for monitoring purposes. This information may be stored to a computer readable storage medium for later retrieval or viewing on a display or monitor. In this regard, however, once the desired set point is reached, the computer does not send a signal to the at least one fluid pump 50 and/or the at least one pressure relief valve 60. Because the plurality of air cells 30 are air cells having no loss of air pressure, once the desired air pressure set point within the patient support system is achieved within predetermined tolerances and the patient is lying on the patient support surface 34 having no loss of air pressure, it is contemplated that no further changes in the air pressure within the system will be required because the air pressure within the system will remain constant. In this regard, any additional load or pressure acting on the system at this time will therefore not cause the computer control circuit to make adjustments to the system air pressure.

In another aspect, computer 110 may automatically shut down once the desired patient support system air pressure set point without loss of air pressure is achieved within a predetermined tolerance. For example, in one aspect, if there is no change in the air pressure of the patient support system for a predetermined period of time without a loss of air pressure detected, the computer may automatically shut down so that no additional adjustments to the air pressure within the system are made. In another aspect, for example, the predetermined period of time may be, but is not limited to, 10 seconds, 20 seconds, 30 seconds, 40 seconds, 50 seconds, 1 minute, 2 minutes, 3 minutes, 4 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, and the like. In yet another aspect, once the desired patient support system air pressure set point without loss of air pressure is achieved within a predetermined tolerance, the user can manually shut down the computer so that no additional changes will be made to the air pressure within the system. In yet another aspect, the at least one fluid pump and the at least one pressure relief valve may be disengaged from the plurality of no-air-loss air bladder portions within a predetermined tolerance of a desired patient support system air pressure once a desired no-air-loss patient support system air pressure set point is achieved within the predetermined tolerance. Because the patient support system is under constant pressure, the surgeon can be assured that the patient support system 20 will not move the patient during the procedure.

While several embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in the foregoing specification, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind to which this invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. It is therefore to be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although specific terms are employed herein, as well as in the claims which follow, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, the invention being described and the claims which follow.

Claims (20)

1. A patient support system for reducing the formation of pressure sores on a patient positioned on an operating room table, the system comprising:

a plurality of no-air-loss air bags, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of no-air-loss air bags are configured to engage an operating table in an operating room, and wherein at least a portion of the plurality of no-air-loss air bags form a no-air-loss patient support surface;

at least one fluid pump connected to the plurality of no-air-loss air cells;

at least one pressure relief valve connected to the plurality of no-air-loss bladders;

at least one pressure sensor connected to the plurality of no-air-loss air cells;

a computer connected to the at least one fluid pump, the at least one pressure relief valve, and the at least one pressure sensor,

wherein the at least one pressure sensor is configured to send a signal to the computer representative of air pressure within at least a portion of the plurality of no-air-loss air cells, the computing mechanism being configured to determine whether to actuate at least one of the at least one fluid pump and the at least one pressure relief valve to adjust the air pressure within at least a portion of the plurality of no-air-loss air cells, the at least one fluid pump and the at least one pressure relief valve being operable to communicate with the portion of the plurality of no-air-loss air cells that is within a predetermined tolerance of a requested patient support system air pressure when the no-air-loss patient support surface is in a loaded condition in which an external force is applied to the no-air-loss patient support surface, and when the air pressure within the at least a portion of the plurality of no-air-loss air cells is within the predetermined tolerance of the requested patient support system air pressure Disengaged so that the air pressure within the patient support system is no longer adjusted.

2. The patient support system of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the no-air-loss air cells are at least partially inflated with the at least one fluid pump to inflate the patient support system to a desired air pressure.

3. The patient support system of claim 1, further comprising a housing, wherein the at least one fluid pump, the at least one pressure relief valve, the computer, and the at least one pressure sensor are contained within the housing.

4. The patient support system of claim 1, wherein each no-air-loss air cell of the plurality of no-air-loss air cells forms an opening in fluid communication with the at least one fluid pump and the at least one pressure relief valve.

5. The patient support system of claim 4, wherein the opening in each no-air-loss air cell of the plurality of no-air-loss air cells is located in a distal end of the no-air-loss air cell.

6. The patient support system of claim 4, wherein the opening in each no-air-loss air cell of the plurality of no-air-loss air cells is located in a proximal end of the no-air-loss air cell.

7. The patient support system of claim 4, wherein the opening in a first pair of no-air-loss air cells of the plurality of no-air-loss air cells is located in a proximal end of the no-air-loss air cells and the opening in an adjacent second pair of no-air-loss air cells of the plurality of no-air-loss air cells is located in a distal end of the no-air-loss air cells.

8. The patient support system of claim 1, further comprising at least one liquid impermeable cover configured to cover at least a portion of the plurality of no-air-loss air cells.

9. The patient support system of claim 1, wherein the at least one pressure sensor is interposed between the at least one fluid pump and the plurality of no-air-loss air cells.

10. The patient support system of claim 1, wherein the at least one fluid pump comprises a plurality of fluid pumps, wherein the at least one pressure relief valve comprises a plurality of pressure relief valves.

11. The patient support system of claim 10, further comprising a plurality of gas supply subsystems, wherein each gas supply subsystem comprises at least one fluid pump of a plurality of fluid pumps in fluid communication with at least one no-air-loss air cell of the plurality of no-air-loss air cells.

12. The patient support system of claim 11, wherein each gas supply subsystem further comprises at least one pressure relief valve.

13. The patient support system of claim 1, wherein the computing mechanism is configured to:

comparing a signal representative of an air pressure within at least a portion of the patient support system to a desired patient support system air pressure.

14. The patient support system of claim 1, wherein the at least one pressure sensor sends a signal to the computer representative of the air pressure within at least one no-air-loss air cell of the plurality of no-air-loss air cells.

15. The patient support system of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of no-air-loss air cells are configured to laterally engage an operating table in the operating room.

16. A patient support system for reducing the formation of pressure sores on a patient positioned on an operating room table, the system comprising:

a plurality of no-loss-of-air bladders;

a housing;

at least one fluid pump;

at least one pressure relief valve;

at least one pressure sensor;

a computer operably connected to the at least one fluid pump, the at least one pressure relief valve, and the at least one pressure sensor; and

a plurality of conduits, wherein the plurality of conduits are operably connected to at least one no-air-loss air cell of the plurality of no-air-loss air cells, the at least one fluid pump, and the at least one pressure relief valve;

wherein the at least one fluid pump, the at least one pressure relief valve, the computer, and the at least one pressure sensor are all housed within the housing, wherein the plurality of no-air-loss air bags are configured to engage an operating table in the operating room, and wherein at least a portion of the plurality of no-air-loss air bags form a no-air-loss patient support surface, the computing mechanism being configured to actuate at least one of the at least one fluid pump and the at least one pressure relief valve when subjected to a loading condition in which an external force is applied to at least a portion of the plurality of no-air-loss air bags until the at least one pressure sensor first senses that the air pressure within the at least a portion of the plurality of no-air-loss air bags is within a predetermined tolerance of a desired patient support system air pressure, and upon first sensing that the air pressure within at least a portion of the plurality of no-air-loss air cells is within a predetermined tolerance of the required patient support system air pressure, the computer is configured to not actuate the at least one fluid pump and the at least one pressure relief valve.

17. The patient support system of claim 16, wherein the plurality of conduits are configured to form at least one air bladder manifold in fluid communication with at least one no-air-loss air bladder of the plurality of no-air-loss air bladders.

18. A patient support system for reducing the formation of pressure sores on a patient positioned on an operating room table, the system comprising:

a plurality of no-air-loss balloons, wherein each no-air-loss balloon has a longitudinal axis, a proximal end, and a distal end, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of no-air-loss balloons is configured to engage an operating table in the operating room, and wherein at least a portion of the plurality of no-air-loss balloons forms a no-air-loss patient support surface;

means for supplying air to and removing air from said plurality of no-air-loss air cells;

means for controlling the supply and removal of air to and from the plurality of no-air-loss air cells, wherein when the no-air-loss patient support surface is in a loaded condition with an external force applied to the no-air-loss patient support surface, and when the air pressure within at least a portion of the plurality of no-air-loss air cells is within a predetermined tolerance of the desired patient support system air pressure, the control means disengages at least a portion of the means for supplying air to and removing air from the plurality of no-air-loss air cells from the portion of the plurality of no-air-loss air cells that is within the predetermined tolerance of the desired patient support system air pressure so that no adjustment is made to the air pressure within the patient support system.

19. A patient support system for reducing the formation of pressure sores on a patient positioned on an operating room table, the system comprising:

a plurality of no-air-loss balloons, wherein each no-air-loss balloon has a longitudinal axis, a proximal end, and a distal end, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of no-air-loss balloons is configured to engage an operating table in the operating room, and wherein at least a portion of the plurality of no-air-loss balloons forms a no-air-loss patient support surface;

at least one fluid pump configured to supply air into at least one no-air-loss air cell of the plurality of no-air-loss air cells;

at least one pressure relief valve configured to remove air from within at least one no-air-loss air cell of the plurality of no-air-loss air cells; and

a computer programmed to selectively send an actuation signal to at least one of the at least one fluid pump and the at least one pressure relief valve to control air pressure within the plurality of no-air-loss air cells to within a predetermined tolerance of a selected air pressure,

when the measured air pressure within the plurality of no-air-loss air cells is within a predetermined tolerance of the selected air pressure, the computer is programmed to cease sending actuation signals to the at least one fluid pump and the at least one pressure relief valve such that the air pressure within the patient support system is no longer adjusted.

20. The patient support system of claim 19, wherein the computer is programmed to continuously monitor the air pressure within the plurality of no-air-loss air cells.