DEVICE FOR SUPPORTING A HUMAN BODY IN A LYING POSITION

Abstract

A device for supporting a human body in a lying-down position, notably in a prone position, is made up of at least one shoulder support module and at least one pelvis support module. The shoulder support module and the pelvis support module are made up of a first portion that comes into contact with the human body, the first portions forming a pneumatic cavity having a valve, and the first portion of the shoulder support module being kept at a pressure of less than 0.04 bar underneath the weight of the human body.

Claims

1.-15. (canceled)

16. A device (1) for supporting a human body (2) in a lying-down position, the device comprising at least one shoulder support module (4) and at least one pelvis support module (5), wherein the at least one shoulder support module (4) and the at least one pelvis support module (5) are made up of at least one first portion (9, 11) that comes into contact with the human body (2), wherein the at least one first portion (9, 11) each forms a pneumatic cavity, wherein the at least one first portion (9, 11) has a valve, and wherein the at least one first portion (9) of at least one shoulder support module (4) is kept at a pressure of less than 0.04 bar underneath a weight of the human body (2).

17. The device (1) for supporting a human body (2) in a lying-down position according to claim 16, wherein the at least one shoulder support module (4) has an asymmetry between a portion oriented toward a lower body and a portion oriented toward a head so as to optimize support of fixed parts of the human body surrounding a thorax during breathing.

18. The device (1) for supporting a human body (2) in a lying-down position according to claim 16, wherein the device has at least one head support module (3), wherein the at least one head support module (3) is made up of at least one first portion (7) that comes into contact with the human body (2), wherein the at least one first portion (7) of the at least one head support module (3) forms a pneumatic cavity, wherein the at least one first portion (7) of the at least one head support module (3) has a valve, and wherein at least the first portion (7) of the at least one head support module (3) is kept at a pressure of less than 0.04 bar underneath the weight of the human body (2).

19. The device (1) for supporting a human body (2) in a lying-down position according to claim 18, wherein the at least one head support module (3) supports a lateral side of the head.

20. The device (1) for supporting a human body (2) in a lying-down position according to claim 19, wherein the at least one head support module (3) is profiled to act as a bearing point for one side of the head, and wherein a cutout (13) is provided so as to leave an ear accessible.

21. The device (1) for supporting a human body (2) in a lying-down position according to claim 16, wherein the device has at least one leg support module (6), wherein the at least one leg support module (6) is made up of at least one first portion that comes into contact with the human body (2), wherein the at least one first portion of the at least one leg support module (6) forms a pneumatic cavity, wherein the at least one first portion of the at least one leg support module (6) has a valve, and wherein at least the first portion is kept at a pressure of less than 0.04 bar underneath the weight of the human body (2).

22. The device (1) for supporting a human body (2) in a lying-down position according to claim 16, wherein the at least one first portions (9, 11) of at least one support module for a part of the human body (2) are made up of at least one sheet of thermoplastic polymer.

23. The device (1) for supporting a human body (2) in a lying-down position according to claim 16, wherein at least areas of the at least one first portion (9, 11) of at least one support module for a part of the human body (2) that are intended to come into contact with skin are covered with a medical fabric.

24. The device (1) for supporting a human body (2) in a lying-down position according to claim 16, wherein at least one support module for a part of the human body (2) has a second portion (8, 10, 12) supporting the at least one first portion (9, 11).

25. The device (1) for supporting a human body (2) in a lying-down position according to claim 24, wherein the second portion (8, 10, 12) of at least one support module for a part of the human body (2) is made up of multiple stackable elements.

26. The device (1) for supporting a human body (2) in a lying-down position according to claim 24, wherein the second portion (8, 10, 12) of at least one support module for a part of the human body (2) is at least partially made up of a polymer foam with a compressive stiffness of between 5 KPa and 50 KPa.

27. The device (1) for supporting a human body (2) in a lying-down position according to claim 24, wherein the second portion (8, 10, 12) of at least one support module for a part of the human body (2) is at least partially made up of a cavity, wherein the second portion (8, 10, 12) of at least one support module for a part of the human body (2) has a valve, and wherein the second portion (8, 10, 12) of at least one support module for a part of the human body (2) is kept at a pressure of between 0.05 and 1 bar underneath the weight of the human body (2).

28. The device (1) for supporting a human body (2) in a lying-down position according to claim 16, wherein the human body (2) is in a prone position.

29. A method for supporting a human body (2) implementing the device according to claim 16, the method comprising: in a first step, partially filling the cavity of at least one first portion of at least one support module for a part of the human body (2) with air; in a second step, disposing the human body on the at least one support module for a part of the human body; and in a third step, regulating a pressure of the cavity of at least one first portion of at least one support module for a part of the human body to a pressure less than 0.04 bar.

30. The method for supporting a human body (2) according to claim 29, wherein the at least one support module for the human body (2) has a second portion supporting a first portion of the support module for the human body (2) and at least partially forms a pneumatic cavity, further comprising a fourth step of regulating a pressure of the cavity of the second portion of the support module for the human body (2) to a pressure of between 0.05 and 1 bar.

Description

[0083] Further details and advantageous features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 12, in which:

[0084] FIG. 1 shows an overall schematic view of a human body resting in a prone position on a support device according to the invention,

[0085] FIG. 2 shows a schematic depiction, in perspective, of two head support modules,

[0086] FIG. 3 shows a schematic depiction, in perspective, of a shoulder support module,

[0087] FIG. 4 shows a schematic depiction of three embodiment variants of a shoulder module,

[0088] FIG. 5 shows a schematic depiction, in perspective, of the second portion of a pelvis support module,

[0089] FIG. 6 shows a schematic depiction, in perspective, of a first portion of a pelvis support module,

[0090] FIG. 7, shows a schematic depiction, in perspective, of a pelvis support module combining the first and second portions of FIGS. 5 and 6,

[0091] FIG. 8 shows a schematic depiction, in perspective, of a leg support module,

[0092] FIG. 9 shows an overall schematic view of a human body resting in a prone position on a support device according to one embodiment variant of the invention,

[0093] FIG. 10 shows a schematic depiction, in perspective, of the second portion of a pelvis support module according to a particular embodiment of the embodiment variant presented in FIG. 9,

[0094] FIG. 11 shows a schematic depiction, in perspective, of the second portion of a pelvis support module according to another particular embodiment of the embodiment variant presented in FIG. 9,

[0095] FIG. 12 shows an overall schematic view of a human body resting in a prone position on a support device according to another embodiment variant of the invention.

[0096] In order to make them easier to understand, the figures have not been drawn to scale.

[0097] FIG. 1 schematically shows the support device 1 for a human body 2 with its four support modules 3, 4, 5 and 6.

[0098] The head support module 3 is made up of a first portion 7 forming a pneumatic cavity in the form of a cushion or buoy. This first portion 7 is supported by a second portion 8.

[0099] The shoulder support module 4 is made up of a first portion 9 forming a pneumatic cavity in the form of a cushion. This first portion 9 is supported by a second portion 10.

[0100] The pelvis support module 5 is made up of a first portion 11 forming a pneumatic cavity in the form of a tube or bead folded in its centre. This first portion 11 is supported by a second, V-shaped portion 12.

[0101] The leg support module 6 is made up of a tube forming a pneumatic cavity on which the shins of the human body 2 rest.

[0102] The first portions 7, 9, 11 and the leg support module 6 are made from sheets of thermoplastic polyurethane sold under the name Tuftane TFL-1E exhibiting a secant modulus of elongation equal to 9.8 MPa at 10% elongation.

[0103] The second portions 8, 10, 12 are produced from a foam sold by the company Recticel under the trade name “Situseal” with the reference T 46065, exhibiting a compressive stiffness of between 8 and 12 KPa.

[0104] The patient thus supported by the device 1 in a prone position is fully accessible to realize the necessary connections in terms of catheters and electrodes, and the lateral position of their head easily permits respiratory assistance to be given to them. The device 1 moreover makes it possible to make breathing easier, since the movable parts of their thoracic cage and abdomen are free to move for breathing purposes.

[0105] FIG. 2 first of all schematically illustrates, in perspective, two second portions 8.sub.D and 8.sub.G of the head support module 3, one being intended to support the right-hand lateral part of the head and the other the left-hand lateral part of the head.

[0106] The second portion 8.sub.D, intended to support the right-hand lateral portion of the head, has a cutout 13 to let the ear through and not crush it. The second portion 8.sub.D is designed to best support the head and distribute the bearing points over part of the forehead, around the ear, and the jaws.

[0107] The portions F and M of the second portion 8.sub.D, intended to support the forehead and the chin, respectively, are provided with an overthickness to form the wedges and prevent the natural rotation of the head in returning to a position facing the ground.

[0108] The second portion 8.sub.G, which is intended to support the left-hand lateral part of the head, is produced as identical to the portion 8.sub.D, but symmetrically.

[0109] These two second portions 8.sub.D and 8.sub.G of the head support 3 are alternatively used to support the head of the patient, it being necessary that the head is not held in a lateral position for excessively lengthy periods of time on one and the same side.

[0110] FIG. 2 also illustrates the first portion 7 of the head support module 3. Its shape is similar to the second portions 8.sub.D and 8.sub.G so that it can be stacked on them and, in the same way, it has a cutout 13C to let the ear through and not crush it. This first portion 7 that forms a pneumatic cavity with the shape of a cushion or buoy can be used with the two second portions 8.sub.D and 8.sub.G provided that the two sheets of thermoplastic polyurethane used are indeed intended to come into contact with the skin.

[0111] FIG. 3 schematically shows, in perspective, a shoulder support module 4 made up of a first portion 9 forming a pneumatic cavity in the form of a cushion and a second portion 10 supporting the first portion 9. In this FIG. 3, the reference 15 indicates a flare for limiting the extent of bearing against the top part of the abdomen and the sternum to enable breathing. The reference 16 indicates a flare for limiting the extent of bearing against the neck and the windpipe.

[0112] It is also possible to observe that the shoulder support module 4 has an asymmetry between the portion oriented towards the flared area 15 and the portion oriented towards the flared area 16. The areas surrounding the flared portion 16 are designed to bear against the shoulders and free up the neck.

[0113] FIG. 4 shows three embodiments of this shoulder support module 4.

[0114] The shoulder support module 4A has a relatively elongate shape and will be particularly suitable for a person with a very large build. The shoulder support module 4B has a shape relatively similar to that of the module 4A and will be particularly suitable for a person with a smaller build.

[0115] In these two depictions, it is possible to observe an area 17 which indicates a passage for the inflation gases, whereas the area 18 indicates a heat sealed portion. This area 18 is intended to limit the extent of bearing against the sternum and the area 17 makes it possible to equalize the pressure exerted on the body 2.

[0116] The last embodiment of the shoulder support module 4C corresponds to an embodiment in two symmetrical portions 19 and 20. As mentioned above, such an embodiment can enable facilitated access for certain connections of the electrode type for an electrocardiogram. By contrast, the placement of the human body 2 on these modules is awkward and makes uniform distribution of the bearing points more complex.

[0117] FIG. 5 shows, in perspective, the second portion 12 of the pelvis support module 5. This second portion 12, in its upper portion intended to receive the first portion 11, has a V shape forming two arms 21 and 22 separated from one another by a flat base 23. Each of the arms 21 and 22 has wedges 24 that are provided to wedge the first portion 11.

[0118] Provided underneath this V shape are multiple additional elements 25 for adjusting the height and the volume of this second portion 12. The number of additional elements 25 will be adapted depending on the build of the human body 2.

[0119] As explained above, the second portions 8 and 10 of the head support module 3 and shoulder support module 4 may also have additional elements for adapting the height of the said second portions 8 and 10.

[0120] FIG. 6 shows, in perspective, the first portion 11 of the pelvis support module 5. This first portion 11 forms a cylindrical tube which has been closed at its two ends 26 by heat sealing. This embodiment makes it possible to produce the cylinder by heat sealing a sheet of thermoplastic polyurethane, the sealing being performed on the inside of the cylinder. In this way, no noticeable seal comes into contact with the human body. In its central portion, the first portion 11 retains a passage area 27 for ensuring equalization of the pressures and an area 28 is flattened by suitable heat sealing to obtain the desired shape.

[0121] The combination of this area 28 of the first portion 11 with the area 23 of the second portion 12 will make it possible to centre the portion 11 on the portion 12, as illustrated in FIG. 7, and especially create an area 29 that is not in contact with the human body 2 in order to protect its genital areas and avoid any contact and bearing at this level of the body 2.

[0122] FIG. 8 illustrates one embodiment of the leg support module 6. It is made up of a cylindrical pneumatic cavity closed at its two ends 30.

[0123] The cylinder is produced as for the first portion 11 of the pelvis support module 5. The ends 30 of the cylinder are then heat sealed to give the appearance of a sachet shape.

[0124] FIG. 9 schematically illustrates an embodiment variant of a support device 21 for a human body (2) in a prone position.

[0125] This device 21 differs from the device 1 of FIG. 1 in terms of the pelvis support module 5. According to this embodiment variant, the second portion 12a is an inflatable element produced in a similar way to the first portion 11. By contrast, its pressure underneath the weight of the human body during use will be greater than that of the first portion and be between 0.05 and 1 bar.

[0126] According to a preferred embodiment variant of the invention, illustrated in FIG. 10, in such an embodiment according to which the second portion of the pelvis support module is an inflatable element, this second portion 12b is designed to have a shape similar to the second portion 12 shown in FIG. 1 once it is maintained under pressure underneath the weight of the human body. FIG. 10 thus describes a second portion 12b having a V shape with two arms 21b and 22b that are separated by a flattened area 23b. Such an inflatable element 12b can be produced easily with sheets of thermoplastic polyurethane by heat sealing the sheets and adding heat sealed sheets of thermoplastic polyurethane to each of the arms 21b and 22b so as to form internal walls in the cavity of each of the arms to obtain relatively flat surfaces for receiving the first portion 11 of the pelvis support. These heat sealed walls are put in place before each of the arms 21b and 22b are closed off by other heat sealed sheets of thermoplastic polyurethane.

[0127] FIG. 11 illustrates yet another embodiment variant similar to that shown in FIG. 10. The second portion 12c is once more an inflatable element with arms 21c and 22c that are produced by a succession of beads forming a V-shaped structure intended to receive the first portion 11 of the pelvis support. Such a bead-shaped structure is easily produced by heat sealing the internal walls.

[0128] FIG. 12 schematically illustrates another embodiment variant of a support device 31 for a human body 2 in a prone position.

[0129] This device 31 differs from the device 1 of FIG. 1 in terms of the pelvis support module 5. According to this embodiment variant, there is no second portion of this support module. Such an embodiment variant is more particularly suited to the case of a human body with a small build, for which the pelvis support module 5 is made up of the single first portion 11, which constitutes a sufficient volume to avoid contact between the abdomen and the bed and to enable the patient to breathe correctly in a prone position.

[0130] Tests have been performed with a device 1 in accordance with that shown in FIG. 1.

[0131] The human body 2 put in place on the four support modules has a mass of 90 kg.

[0132] Before the placement of the human body, the first portions 7, 9 and 11 of the head support module 3, shoulder support module 4, pelvis support module 5 and leg support module 6 are partially filled with inflation gas so as to detach the walls of the pneumatic cavities.

[0133] The human body 2 is put in place on the support modules and each of the pneumatic elements mentioned above is brought to and kept at the desired support pressure.

[0134] The determined pressures in this scenario for providing optimum support that make it possible to reduce the risks of bedsores appearing and ensure pneumatic support are as follows.

[0135] The pressures are given in the following table for each of the support modules:

TABLE-US-00001 Pressure (bar) First portion 7 of the head support module 3 0.014 First portion 9 of the shoulder support module 4 0.033 First portion 11 of the pelvis support module 5 0.054 Leg support module 6 0.024