Operating table conversion platform
View Patent ↗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.
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.