Described herein are exemplary embodiments of patient positioning systems for supporting and positioning a patient in an inclined position during medical treatment, such as in the Reverse Trendelenburg position. Some embodiments comprise a flexible, air-impermeable shell having a torso portion configured to support the patient's torso and secure the positioner to the support surface, an intermediate portion integrally coupled to an inferior end of the torso portion, and a suprapubic portion integrally coupled to an inferior end of the intermediate portion opposite the torso portion and configured to extend along the patient's perineal-pubic region when the shell is evacuated of air. When evacuated of air, the positioner is configured to hold the patient in an inclined position on an inclined support surface with the patient's head above the patient's hips such that the intermediate and/or suprapubic portions physically block the patient from sliding feet-first down the inclined support surface.

A device for assessing laxity of a joint is disclosed. The device comprises a trial component comprising a base plate configured to couple to a tibia of the joint and a superior spacer coupled to the base plate. The base plate and the superior spacer define a cavity therebetween that may receive a portion of a tensioner tool. When force is applied via the tensioner tool, the superior spacer is configured to be selectively moved from a first position in contact with a superior surface of the base plate to a second position separated from the superior surface. A system for assessing laxity of a joint including a first bone and a second bone is also disclosed. The system comprises the trial component, the tensioner tool, and a processor configured to determine a gap distance associated with the first bone and the second bone during tensioning.

A shoulder hold-down is provided for use in securing at least a shoulder of a patient in position relative to a surgical frame. The shoulder hold-down includes a locking mechanism that is adjustable to afford positioning of a shoulder engaging portion for contacting the patient.

An integrated bed for oriental medicine therapy according to an embodiment of the present invention is an integrated bed for oriental medicine therapy on which oriental medicine therapy for a patient is performed. The integrated bed for oriental medicine therapy comprises: a base bed body; a movable bed body which is coupled to the top of the base bed body so as to be rotatable about one side thereof so that the slope thereof with respect to the base bed body can be adjusted; and a driving part for generating a driving force for rotating the movable bed body with respect to the base bed body. The base bed body is partitioned into a plurality of spaces, and a therapy apparatus for treatment of a patient may be disposed in at least one space among the plurality of spaces.

An elevation device used in the performance of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) includes a base and an upper support pivotably coupled to the base. The upper support is configured to elevate the individual's upper back, shoulders and head when pivoted. The upper support is expandable lengthwise. The upper support includes a neck support that is configured to support the individual's spine in a region of the individual's C7 and C8 vertebrae throughout elevation of the upper back, shoulders and head.

A patient-positioning system, computer-control and data-integration system, and surgical componentry are provided. The patient-positioning system can be used to manipulate the patient prior to, during, and after surgery to globally or regionally articulate the patient's body to facilitate stabilization of the patient's spine. And the computer-control and data-integration system can be used to facilitate operation of the patient-positioning system and enabling technologies use to perform surgery. Furthermore, the surgical componentry can be used to locally articulate the patient's body and/or the stabilize patient's spine. Surgical methods of using the patient-positioning system, the computer-control and data-integration system, and the surgical componentry for improving patient health outcomes are also provided.

A medical apparatus for extending the neck of a patient without manually lifting the patient. This apparatus has a gel pad assembly encapsulating an inflatable bag connected to two hoses for inflation and deflation purposes. The inflatable bag is positioned beneath the shoulders, thereby lifting the shoulders and hence extending the neck when the inflatable bag is inflated.

An improved active head/shoulder and neck positioning device for positioning a patient undergoing endotracheal intubation, including: (1) a horseshoe-shaped torso support bladder adapted to be positioned underneath the torso of a patient that provides added stability, (2) a head support bladder affixed to a top surface of the torso support bladder, (3) at least one source of compressed air, and (4) a combined joystick/controller for selectively conducting pressurized air from the source to the torso support bladder and the head support bladder. The torso support bladder expands as it is inflated and it can be vented to an atmosphere for deflation. The head support bladder is positioned for placement beneath the patient's head, and it is operative to elevate the patient's head as the head support bladder is inflated and the headrest thereby expands. The at least one source of compressed air is in fluid communication with the torso support bladder and the head support bladder. The combined joystick/controller can be used to achieve optimal anatomical alignment of the patient's larynx for intubation.

A method for performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) includes elevating the heart of an individual to a first height relative to a lower body of the individual. The lower body may be in a substantially horizontal plane. The method may also include elevating the head of the individual to a second height relative to the lower body of the individual. The second height may be greater than the first height. The method may further include performing one or more of a type of CPR or a type of intrathoracic pressure regulation while elevating the heart and the head. The first height and the second height may be determined based on one or both of the type of CPR or the type of intrathoracic pressure regulation.

A patient-positioning system and method of using same are provided. The patient-positioning system can be used to manipulate the patient prior to, during, and after surgery to globally or regionally articulate the patient's body to facilitate stabilization of the patient's spine, and the surgical methods using the patient-positioning system can be used in improving patient health outcomes.