Abstract:
The present invention relates generally to a support structure for fixating a patient to a treatment unit, and especially to a support structure for fixating the patient to a cardiopulmonary resuscitation unit. An embodiment of the support structure ( 10 ) comprises a back plate ( 100 ) for positioning behind said patient&#39;s back posterior to said patient&#39;s heart and a front part ( 200 ) for positioning around said patient&#39;s chest anterior to said patient&#39;s heart. Further, the front part ( 200 ) can comprise two legs ( 210, 220 ), each leg ( 210, 220 ) having a first end ( 212, 222 ) pivotably connected to at least one hinge ( 230, 240 ) and a second end ( 214, 224 ) removably attachable to said back plate ( 100 ). Said front part ( 200 ) can further be devised for comprising a compression/decompression unit ( 300 ) arranged to automatically compress or decompress said patient&#39;s chest when said front part ( 200 ) is attached to said back plate ( 100 ).

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates generally to a support structure for fixating a patient to a treatment unit, and especially to a support structure for fixating the patient to a cardiopulmonary resuscitation unit. 
       BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
       [0002]    When a person suffers from a cardiac arrest, the blood is not circulating to nourish the body, which can lead to death of or cause severe bodily damages to the person. To improve the person&#39;s chances to survive or to minimise the damages at cardiac arrest it is essential to take necessary measures as quickly as possible to maintain the person&#39;s blood circulation and respiration, otherwise the person will succumb to sudden cardiac death in minutes. Such an emergency measure is cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), which is a combination of “mouth-to-mouth” or artificial respiration and manual or automatic cardiac compression that helps the person to breathe and maintains some circulation of the blood. 
         [0003]    However, CPR does normally not restart the heart but is only used for maintaining the oxygenation and circulation of blood. Instead, defibrillation by electrical shocks is usually necessary to restart the normal functioning of the heart. Thus, CPR has to be performed until the person has undergone electrical defibrillation of the heart. Today, CPR is often performed manually by one or two persons (rescuers), which is a difficult and demanding task, i.e. different measures have to be taken correctly at the right time and in the right order to provide a good result. Further, manual cardiac compression is quite exhausting to perform and especially if it is performed during an extended period of time. Furthermore, it is sometimes necessary to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation when transporting the person having a cardiac arrest, for example when transporting the person by means of a stretcher from a scene of an accident to an ambulance. In such a situation it is not possible to perform conventional CPR using manual CPR and the apparatuses today providing automatic CPR are not stable enough or easy to position to provide CPR on a person laying on for example a stretcher. 
       PRIOR ART 
       [0004]    There are today several apparatuses for cardiopulmonary resuscitation available. For example, a cardiopulmonary resuscitation, defibrillation and monitoring apparatus is disclosed in the US patent document No. 4,273,114. The apparatus comprises a reciprocal cardiac compressor provided for cyclically compressing a patient&#39;s chest. U.S. Pat. No. 4,273,114 discloses further a support structure comprising a platform ( 12 ) for supporting the back of a patient, a removable upstanding column ( 13 ) and an overhanging arm ( 14 ) mounted to the column support ( 13 ) with a releasable collar ( 15 ). A drawback with the disclosed apparatus is that the patient is not secured to the apparatus and it is for example possible for the patient to move in relation to a compressor pad ( 19 ) whereby the treatment accuracy decreases. 
         [0005]    Another example of an apparatus for cardiopulmonary resuscitation is disclosed in the FR patent document FR 1,476,518. The apparatus comprises a back plate (X) and a front part (Y), the height of which front part (y) can be adjusted by means of two knobs. A drawback with this apparatus is that the front part (Y) may be obliquely fixated to the back plate (X), since the height of each leg of the front part (Y) is adjusted one by one using one of the knobs. Thus if the height of the leg is not equal, an oblique compression of the chest is provided. Yet another drawback is that the patient is not fixated to the apparatus whereby it is possible for the patient to move in relation to the compression means, which in the worst scenario causes a not desired body part to be compressed. 
         [0006]    Yet another example of an apparatus for cardiac massage is disclosed in the UK patent document GB 1,187,274. The cardiac massage apparatus comprises a base ( 1 ), two guide bushes ( 2 ) fixed in the base ( 1 ) and two upright members ( 3 ), the lower ends of which are mounted in the bushes ( 3 ). Further, a cross-piece ( 6 ) extends between the two upright members ( 3 ), to which cross-piece ( 6 ) a bar ( 9 ) is mounted. Furthermore, the height of the cross-piece ( 6 ) and the bar ( 9 ) is adjusted by means of a spring-loaded pin ( 8 ) and a stop ( 11 ), respectively. A drawback with the disclosed apparatus is that it is not easy to handle and position to provide a quick start of the cardiac massage. 
       OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    An object of the present invention is to improve the accuracy when providing external treatment to a patient by means of a treatment unit. An aspect of the object is to provide fixation of the patient in relation to a treatment unit. Another aspect of the object is to enable treatment to a patient when the patient is transported on for example a stretcher. Yet another aspect of the object is to enable simple, accurate and effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation of a person suffering from a cardiac arrest. 
         [0008]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a portable equipment. An aspect of the object is to provide a space-saving equipment requiring minimal space when not in use. 
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
       [0009]    These and other objects and aspects of the objects are fulfilled by means of a support structure according to the present invention as defined in the claims. 
         [0010]    The present invention relates generally to a support structure for fixating a patient to a treatment unit, and especially to a support structure for fixating the patient to a cardiopulmonary resuscitation unit. An embodiment of the support structure comprises a back plate for positioning behind said patient&#39;s back posterior to said patient&#39;s heart and a front part for positioning around said patient&#39;s chest anterior to said patient&#39;s heart. Further, the front part can comprise two legs, each leg having a first end pivotably connected to at least one hinge and a second end removably attachable to said back plate. Said front part can further be devised for comprising a compression/decompression unit arranged to automatically compress or decompress said patient&#39;s chest when said front part is attached to said back plate. 
         [0011]    In another embodiment of the invention, the support structure comprises a treatment unit, for example a compression and/or decompression unit. 
         [0012]    An embodiment of the invention refers further to a support structure for external treatment of a patient&#39;s body part. The support structure comprises a back plate for positioning posterior of said body part, a front part for positioning anterior of said body part, said front part comprising two legs having a first end pivotably connected to a hinge of said front part and a second end removably attachable to said back plate. The front part is further devised for comprising a module or treatment unit arranged to automatically and externally perform treatment of said patient&#39;s body part when said front part is attached to said back plate. 
         [0013]    The present invention refers also to a front part for use in a support structure for cardiopulmonary resuscitation of a patient having a cardiac arrest, comprising two legs each of which comprising a first end pivotably connected to at least one hinge of said front part and a second end removably attachable to a back plate, wherein said front part is arranged for positioning around said patient&#39;s chest anterior to said patient&#39;s heart and devised for comprising a compression/decompression unit arranged to automatically compress or decompress said patient&#39;s chest when said front part is attached to said back plate. 
         [0014]    Further, the invention refers to a back plate for use in a support structure for cardiopulmonary resuscitation of a patient having a cardiac arrest, comprising a shaft-like member arranged to be engaged by means of a claw-like member of a front part. 
         [0015]    The invention refers also to a compression/decompression unit for use in a support structure for cardiopulmonary resuscitation of a patient having a cardiac arrest, comprising a pneumatic unit arranged to run and control the compression and decompression, an adjustable suspension unit to which a compression/decompression pad is attached and a handle by means of which the position of said pad can be controlled. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0016]    The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures in which: 
           [0017]      FIG. 1   a  schematically shows a front view of an embodiment of the support structure according to the invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 1   b  schematically shows a top view of an embodiment of the support structure according to the invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 2  schematically shows a front view of an embodiment of a front part of the support structure according to the invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 3   a  schematically shows an embodiment of a securing member in an open position; 
           [0021]      FIG. 3   b  schematically shows an embodiment of a securing member in a closed position; 
           [0022]      FIG. 3   c  schematically shows another embodiment of a securing member in an open position; 
           [0023]      FIG. 3   d  schematically shows another embodiment of a securing member in a closed position; 
           [0024]      FIG. 4  schematically shows a view from above of an embodiment of a back plate of the support structure according to the invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 5  shows a side view of an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 6  shows schematically a top view in perspective of an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0027]      FIGS. 7   a  and  7   b  shows schematically side views of embodiments of the invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 8  shows schematically a treatment unit, which can be arranged at an embodiment of the support structure according to the invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 9  shows an exempliying situation of an embodiment of the invention in use; 
           [0030]      FIG. 10  shows schematically an embodiment of the upper part of the leg of the support structure according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0031]      FIG. 11  shows schematically an embodiment of a hinge comprised in an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0032]      FIG. 12  shows schematically an embodiment of the front part comprising two wedges or heels and an embodiment of the leg comprising two grooves or recesses; 
           [0033]      FIG. 13   a  shows schematically a cut away view of an embodiment of the leg rotated an angle of alpha degrees; 
           [0034]      FIG. 13   b  shows schematically a cut away view of an embodiment of the leg of the support structure in its minimum position; and 
           [0035]      FIG. 14  schematically shows an embodiment of a torsion spring. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION 
       [0036]    The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures. 
         [0037]      FIGS. 1   a  and  1   b  show a front view and a top view, respectively, of an embodiment of a support structure  10  according to the invention. The support structure  10  comprises a base or back plate  100  arranged to be positioned posterior of the patient, e.g. behind the back of a patient to be treated. More specifically, the back plate  100  is arranged to be positioned posterior to the body part to be treated. The support structure  10  comprises further a front part or upper part  200  arranged to be positioned around the patient anterior of the body part to be treated. Further, the front part  200  of the support structure  10  comprises a central part  205  and two legs  210 ,  220 , which legs are arranged to be removably attached or secured at the base plate  100  by means of snap locking or spring latch. 
         [0038]    An embodiment of a back plate  100  is schematically shown in  FIG. 4 . The back plate  100  comprises two shafts  130 ,  140  or shaft-like members arranged for securing the front part  200  to the back plate  100 . The back plate  100  can further comprise one or several handles  110 . 
         [0039]    In an embodiment of the invention, the legs  210 ,  220  of the front part  200  are pivotably or turnably attached to the central part  205  of the front part  200  by means of a hinge  230 ,  240  or the like, confer  FIG. 2 . However, as understood by the person skilled in the art, it is also possible to pivotably attach the legs  210 ,  220  at the front part  200  by means of only one hinge or the like. 
         [0040]    In one embodiment of the invention, a first end  212 ,  222  of the legs  210 ,  220  are pivotably arranged at the hinges  230 ,  240  in such a way that the legs  210 ,  220  resiliently pivot or turn due to a resilient member  232 ,  242  of the hinges  230 ,  240 . In an embodiment of the invention, the resilient member  232 ,  242  is comprised in the inside of the hinge  230 ,  240  and comprises a torsion spring, cf.  FIGS. 11 and 14 . Further, when the legs  210 ,  220  are not forced together, the legs  210 ,  220  resiliently pivot, by means of a resilient member, from a minimum position having a minimal distance between second ends  214 ,  224  of the legs  210 ,  220  to a maximum position having a maximal distance between the second ends  214 ,  224  of the legs  210 ,  220 . 
         [0041]    In an embodiment of the invention, the front part  200  of the support structure  10  is arranged in such a way that the second end  214  of the leg  210  abut against the second end  224  of the leg  220  when the legs  210 ,  220  are in their minimum positions, i.e. when the support structure  10  is in its folded position. Due to this arrangement of the folded position, the durability of the support structure  10  is increased since the ability of the legs  210 ,  220  to stand up to an external force is increased. Further, this folded arrangement also protects a possible comprised treatment unit  300 . 
         [0042]    In one embodiment of the invention, the maximum positions of the second ends  214 ,  224  of the legs  210 ,  220  are controlled by means of a stop means provided at the hinge  230 ,  240 , e.g. by means of heels arranged at the first ends  212 ,  224  of the legs  210 ,  220  and at the axis of the hinge  230 ,  240 , which heels will stop the legs  210 ,  220  from turning further apart. 
         [0043]    In an embodiment of the invention, the hinge  230 ,  240  is arranged as a through shaft passing through the first end  212 ,  222  of the leg  210 ,  220 . The through shaft as well as the first ends  212 ,  222  is provided with heels arranged to stop the turning of the legs  210 ,  220 . 
         [0044]    In  FIG. 12  an embodiment of a through shaft  231 ,  241  is shown. The through shaft  231 ,  241  is provided with two heels or wedges  233 ,  243  arranged at the ends of the through shaft  231 ,  241 . Further, the through shaft  231 ,  241  comprises one or several channels or passages  235 , 245  arranged for fixating the through shaft  231 ,  241  to the central part  205  by means of for example pins. 
         [0045]    An embodiment of a first end  212 ,  222  of a leg  210 ,  220  is also shown in  FIG. 12 , which first end  212 ,  222  comprises two cavities or openings  211 ,  221  and two grooves or recesses  213 ,  223  constituting a rotation limiting structure. The grooves  213 ,  223  can be arranged to be wedge-shaped. Further, when the leg  210 ,  220  is mounted on the central part  205  of the front part  200 , the ends of the through shaft  231 ,  241  is arranged to be positioned in said cavities  211 ,  221  in such a way that the heels  233 ,  243  are positioned in the recesses  213 ,  223 . 
         [0046]    In  FIGS. 13   a  and  13   b , a cut away view of the hinge  230 ,  240 , as previously described with reference to  FIG. 12 , is schematically shown. The turning of the leg  210 ,  220  is delimited by means of the recess  213 ,  223 . As illustrated in  FIG. 13   a  the leg  210 ,  220  has turned an angle alpha corresponding to its unfolded position and in  FIG. 13   b  the leg  210 ,  220  is in its folded position. 
         [0047]    In another embodiment of the invention, the hinge  230 ,  240  is configured of two shafts, wherein a first shaft having a heel is arranged at the first end  212 ,  222  of the leg  210 ,  220  and second shaft having a heel is arranged at the central part  205  of the front part  200 . Further, when the leg  210 ,  220  is mounted on the central part  205  of the front part  200 , the first and second shaft will be mounted to each other to form the hinge  230 ,  240  in such a way that the heels will control the maximum position of the leg  210 ,  220 . 
         [0048]    In  FIG. 10  an embodiment of a first end  212 ,  222  of a leg  210 ,  220  is shown. In this embodiment, a first part of the hinge  230 ,  240  is comprised in the leg  210 ,  220 , which part comprises a first shaft  216 ,  226 , a first shaft supporting structure  217 ,  227  and a heel  218 ,  228 . 
         [0049]      FIG. 11  shows an embodiment of a hinge  230 ,  240  when the leg  210 ,  220  is mounted to the central part  205  of the front part  200 . In this embodiment, the hinge  230 ,  240  comprises a first shaft  216 ,  226 , and a first shaft supporting structure  217 ,  227  and a heel  218 ,  228 . Further, the hinge  230 ,  240  comprises a second shaft  234 ,  244 , a second shaft supporting structure  238 ,  248  and a heel  236 , 246 . 
         [0050]    In this embodiment, the first shaft  216 ,  226  is pivotably attached to the first shaft supporting structure  217 ,  227 , which is rigidly attached to the first end  212 ,  222  of the leg  210 ,  220 . Further, the first shaft  216 ,  226  is rigidly attached to the central part  205  of the front part  200  by means of a pin  219 ,  229  or the like. However, the first shaft  216 ,  226  can also be rigidly attached to the central part  205  by means of a groove or a recess (not shown) in the first shaft  216 ,  226  and a rib or a protrusion (not shown) in the surface of the central part  205  facing the shaft  216 ,  227 . The second shaft  234 ,  244  is rigidly attached to the second shaft supporting structure  238 ,  248 , which is pivotably attached to the first end  212 ,  222  of the leg  210 ,  220 . Further, the second shaft  234 ,  244  is pivotably attached to the central part  205  of the front part  200 . Furthermore, the first  218 ,  228  and second  236 ,  246  heels are arranged in such a way that they abut against each other when the leg  210 ,  220  has turned to its maximum position. Heels can also be arranged to abut against each other when the leg  210 ,  220  has turned to its minimum position. That is, the heels are arranged in such a way that they delimit the turning of the legs  210 ,  220 . 
         [0051]    In  FIG. 11 , an embodiment of a resilient member  232 ,  242  is also shown, which resilient member  232 ,  242  for example is arranged as a torsion spring, cf.  FIG. 14 . 
         [0052]    Further, the hinge  230 ,  240  is configured in such a way that the maximum position of the legs  210 ,  220 , i.e. the maximum distance between the second ends  214 ,  224  of the legs  210 ,  220 , corresponds or approximately corresponds to the distance between the shaft-like members  130 ,  140  of the back plate  100 , cf.  FIGS. 2 and 4 . Thus, in for example an emergency situation when the support structure  10  is removed from its folded position in a bag or when securing means securing the folded position is withdrawn, the legs  210 ,  220  turn to their maximum position and the front part  200  can quickly and easily be attached to the back plate  100  by means of the snap locking without requiring any manual securing measures. 
         [0053]    As schematically shown in  FIG. 1   b  an opening or a cut-out  202  is provided at the central part  205  of the front part  200  for enabling arrangement of a treatment unit  300 , cf.  FIG. 5 , at the central part  205  of the front part  200 . The treatment unit  300  can for example be a unit providing compression and/or decompression of the chest or sternum of a patient suffering from a cardiac arrest. Further, the treatment unit  300  can comprise or be realised as a monitoring unit, such as an electrocardiograph registering the cardiac activity. Such a unit can comprise necessary electrodes, a control unit and interaction means such as a display unit and/or a command unit. The treatment unit  300  can further comprise or be realised as a sphygmomanometer arranged to measure the blood pressure. The treatment unit can in this case comprise necessary cuffs, pressure means, a control unit and an interaction means. The treatment unit  300  can further comprise or be realised as a means for measuring the oxygen saturation in blood. 
         [0054]    When fastening or securing the legs  210 ,  220  of the front plate  200  to the back plate  100 , the shaft-like member  130 ,  140  will exert a force on a heel  286  of a claw-like member  280  of the second end  214 ,  224  of the leg  210 ,  220 , as illustrated in  FIG. 3   a , causing the claw-like member  280  to turn or rotate around its suspension axis  282  until a hook  284  partly or totally encircles the shaft-like member  130 ,  140  and a pin or cotter  288  falls down to secure the position of the claw-like member  280 , as illustrated in  FIG. 3   b , whereby the front part  200  is secured to the back plate  100 . The second end  214 ,  224  of the leg  210 ,  220  comprises further a locking support structure  285  having a locking protrusion  287  arranged to further secure the shaft  130 , 140 . However, the locking protrusion  287  can also be integrated with the second end  214 ,  224  of the leg  210 ,  220 . In the shown embodiment, the pin  288  is spring-loaded by means of a resilient member  289 , e.g. a spring or the like, to enable a quicker fall down and to provide a quick fastening of the front plate  200  to the back plate  100 . 
         [0055]    In another embodiment of the invention, the pin  288  is arranged to fall down into a hole or recess  281  of the claw-like member  280  when the hook  284  totally or partly surrounds the shaft-like member  130 ,  140 , cf.  FIGS. 3   c  and  3   d.    
         [0056]    Further, the support structure  10  comprises a disengagement member  290 ,  292 , as schematically illustrated in  FIGS. 6 ,  7   a  and  7   b , which is arranged at said leg  210 ,  220  to disengage said legs  210 ,  220  from said back plate  100 . In an embodiment of the invention, the disengagement member  290 ,  292  is arranged to draw up or lift the pin  288 , whereby the claw-like member  280  is caused to turn back to its open position, i.e. the claw-like member  280  is disengaged from the shaft-like member  130 ,  140 , and whereby said leg  210 ,  220  is removable from said back plate  100 . The disengagement member  290  can further be arranged to stretch the resilient member  289 . 
         [0057]    As illustrated in the  FIGS. 4 ,  6 ,  7   a  and  7   b , an embodiment of the support structure  10  can also be provided with a handle  110  comprised in the back plate  100  and a handle  226  comprised in the front part  200 , which handles  110 ,  226  provide an easy way of carrying the parts of the support structure  10 . In an embodiment of the invention the handles  110 ,  226  are preferably provided by means of openings or cut-outs whereby the weight of the support structure  10  is decreased. However, other embodiments of the invention can also comprise a handle in the shape of a belt, a knob, a strap or the like. 
         [0058]      FIG. 9  shows schematically a patient lying in the support structure  10  comprising a treatment unit  300  according to an embodiment of the invention. In the figure an arm fastening means  250  is also shown, which arm fastening means  250  is arranged for fixating the patient&#39;s arm or wrist when for example the patient is transported on a stretcher, whereby it is almost impossible for the patient to move in relation to the treatment unit  330 . Thus it is possible to provide for example CPR with a negligible or reduced risk of providing treatment on a not desired body part. Further, when the patient&#39;s arms are secured by means of the arm fastening means  250 , the patient can more easily be transported on e.g. a stretcher from a scene of an accident to an ambulance or from an ambulance to an emergency room at a hospital, since the arms will not be hanging loose from the stretcher. Furthermore, the patient can more easily be transported through doorways or small passages. 
         [0059]    In an embodiment of the invention, the arm fastening means  250  is arranged at the front part  200  and more specifically an arm fastening means  250  is arranged at each leg  210 ,  220 . In one embodiment of the invention, the arm fastening means  250  is arranged at the legs  210 ,  220  at a distance approximately corresponding to the length of a forearm from the second end  214 ,  224 . Further, to enable quick and simple fastening and unfastening of the patient&#39;s arms, the arm fastening means  250  is configured as straps  250  manufactured of Velcro tape. But another suitable fastening means  250  can of course also be used. 
         [0060]    In  FIG. 8  an embodiment of a treatment unit  300  for compression and/or decompression is shown. The treatment unit or the compression/decompression unit  300  comprises a pneumatic unit  310  or another unit arranged to run and control the compression and/or decompression, an adjustable suspension unit or bellows unit  320  to which a compression and/or decompression pad  330  is attached. Further, the treatment unit  300  comprises a handle or a lever  340  by means of which the position of said pad  330  can be controlled, i.e. by means of which handle  340  the pad  330  can be moved towards or away from for example the chest of a patient. The suspension unit  320  is thus adjustably arranged to provide positioning of said pad  330 . Further, the suspension unit  320  can comprise a sound absorbing material whereby the sound due to the compression and/or decompression is reduced. 
         [0061]    The compression/decompression unit  300  is further arranged to provide a compression of the chest or sternum of the patient. In an embodiment of the invention, the treatment unit  300  is arranged to provide compression having a depth in the range of 20-90 millimetres, preferably in the range of 35-52 millimetres. 
         [0062]    Furthermore, an embodiment of the invention comprises a compression pad  330  which is attachable to the chest, for example a compression pad  330  in the shape of a vacuum cup or a pad having an adhesive layer, the compression/decompression unit  300  can then also be arranged to provide decompression. That is the treatment unit  300  is able to expand the patient&#39;s chest to improve induced ventilation and blood circulation. In such an embodiment, the treatment unit  300  is configured to provide decompression having a height in the range of 0-50 millimetres, preferably in the range of 10-25 millimetres. 
         [0063]    An embodiment of the treatment unit  300  is further arranged to provide compression and/or decompression having a frequency of approximately 100 compressions and/or decompressions per minute. 
         [0064]    Due to the increased stability and the improved the fixation of the patient provided by the support structure  10  according to the invention, increased treatment accuracy is accomplished. 
         [0065]    The compression force is in an embodiment of the invention in the range of 350-700 Newton, preferably approximately 500-600 Newton. The decompression force is in the range of 100-450 Newton depending on the kind of pad  330  used. That is, the need decompression force depends on for example if a vacuum cup or a pad having an adhesive layer is used but it also depends on the type of vacuum cup or adhesive layer. In an embodiment of the invention the decompression force is approximately 410 Newton but in another embodiment a decompression force in the range of 100-150 Newton is used. 
         [0066]    The support structure  10  according to the invention is preferably manufactured of a lightweight material whereby a low weight of the support structure  10  is achieved. However, the material should be rigid enough to provide a support structure  10  that is durable, hard-wearing and stable. In some embodiments of the invention it is also desirable that the material of the support structure  10  is electrically insulating. To decrease the weight further, the support structure  10  can be provided with a selectable number of cavities or recesses. 
         [0067]    In an embodiment of the support structure  10  according to the invention, the front part  200  are manufactured of a material comprising glass fibre and epoxy and has a core of porous PVC (polyvinyl chloride). The back plate  100  is in this embodiment manufactured of material comprising PUR (polyurethane) and has a core of porous PVC. In an embodiment of the invention comprising a treatment unit  300 , the housing of the treatment unit is manufactured of PUR. 
         [0068]    An embodiment of the support structure  10  comprising a compression and/or decompression unit  300  has a weight less than 6.5 kilogram. In an embodiment, the diametrical dimension in folded position is approximately 320×640×230 millimetres (width×height×depth) and in unfolded position approximately 500×538×228 millimetres (width×height×depth). 
         [0069]    The present invention has been described by means of exemplifying embodiments. However, as understood by the person skilled in the art modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.