Patent ID: 8269825
Filing Date: 2012-09-18
Classification: A61B,A61G

Abstract:
1. An apparatus that allows at least one feature of a patient's face to be observed while the patient is in a prone position, comprising: a facial cushion for providing cranial support for a patient in a prone position during a medical procedure, wherein the cushion has at least one frontal aperture that is dimensioned so that at least one facial feature of the patient wearing the facial cushion and in a prone position is visible through the at least one aperture from beneath the patient; a video camera having a lens for providing video signals representing images of the at least one facial feature that is visible through the at least one frontal aperture when the cushion is supporting the head of the patient in a prone position; wherein a portion of the cushion defines a tunnel through which at least the lens of the video camera can be inserted longitudinally with respect to the patient's face from outside the cushion to a position that is beneath the patient's face when a patient wearing the facial cushion is in the prone position; a tray that is dimensioned for carrying the video camera through the tunnel in the cushion, wherein the tray includes a compartment that is dimensioned for fitting a cartridge that contains the video camera within the compartment so that the camera cartridge does not slide and change position with respect to the tray when the camera cartridge is placed in the compartment of the tray; and a receptacle placed in relation to the cushion for receiving the camera beneath the at least one frontal aperture of the cushion when the cushion is disposed for providing said cranial support, said receptacle being adapted for enabling the lens of the camera to be disposed in a predetermined position beneath the face of the prone patient wearing the cushion when the tray is inserted through the tunnel in the cushion, wherein the camera is in a cartridge that includes a guide for engaging the receptacle to facilitate placement of the camera in said predetermined position.