Patent Description:
Teletherapy is defined as a treatment methodology in which an irradiation source is at a distance from the body to be treated. X-rays and electron beams have long been used in teletherapy to treat various cancers, and more recently the use of heavy particles in teletherapy, such as protons, has increased.

The radiation can be focused to a target volume of variable penetration depth. In this way the dose profile can be matched closely to the target volume with a high precision. In order to ensure complete irradiation of the target growth, i.e. the target volume, a plurality of beams arriving at the target growth from several different directions is preferred. The point at which the plurality of beams intersects, whether they are beamed sequentially or simultaneously, is termed the isocenter, and to maximize biological effectiveness the isocenter is to be precisely collocated with the target growth.

Irradiation treatment is performed on a target growth in a well-defined process. In a first stage, known as the treatment planning stage, the target growth is imaged and a treatment plan is defined, comprising dosage, patient position, and irradiation angles. Furthermore, placement markers are defined, so as to ensure that subsequent irradiation sessions are properly targeted. Irradiation is then performed, responsive to the developed treatment plan, at a plurality of treatment sessions over a period of time, each treatment session being known as a fraction. At each such fraction, care must be taken to ensure proper patient positioning, responsive to the placement markers, so as to avoid damage to organs in vicinity of the target growth. Positioning of the patient responsive to the markers is performed based on visualization of the patient, responsive to the defined markers.

Particularly, during each fraction, the patient is positioned on a patient support member, such as a bed, in a setup position. The setup position is preferably identical to the patient position during the imaging of the treatment planning stage, except that the setup position is in the treatment room and the center of the target growth is positioned at the isocenter of the irradiation source. The setup position of the patient is typically verified by imaging and/or positioning devices. What is desired, and not provided by the prior art, is a patient support that allows teletherapy and imaging at various angles, and in various patient positions.

patent S/N <CIT>, is addressed to a teletherapy positioning apparatus which is adapted to translate a patient support member along any of three orthogonal axes and rotate the patient support member at least <NUM> degrees about each of three axes so as to position the patient support member with respect to a fixed treatment beam, thus allowing a patient who is lying down to be treated at any desired angle. Although this allows treatment at a variety of angles, it is limited to a flat patient support member where the patient is lying down.

<CIT>, is directed to a patient positioning apparatus for teletherapy treatment. A first rotation mechanism is used to rotate a pelvis support member about a first rotation axis. A second rotation mechanism is used to rotate the pelvis support member about a second rotation axis orthogonal to the first rotation axis, by at least <NUM> degrees between a first position where the pelvis is supported by a first face and a second position where the pelvis of the patient is supported by a second face. The second rotation mechanism is coupled to the first rotation mechanism so as to rotate about the first rotation axis responsive to rotation of the first rotation mechanism. An angle between a first plane defined by the pelvis support member and a second plane defined by a torso support member is adjusted between a first angle, where the torso support member supports the torso when the pelvis is supported by the first pelvis support member face, and a second angle where the torso support member supports the torso when the pelvis is supported by the second pelvis support member face.

The technical solution of the present invention is provided by the features of the independent claims. Variations are as described by the dependent claims.

Accordingly, it is a principal object of the present invention to overcome disadvantages of prior art methods and arrangements of teletherapy. This is provided in one embodiment by a teletherapy patient support, the teletherapy patient support comprising: a pelvis support member exhibiting a first face and a second face opposing the first face; a torso support member extending from the pelvis support member and facing the first face of the pelvis support member; a first leg support extending from the pelvis support member and facing the second face of the pelvis support member; and a second leg support exhibiting at least one connection member, wherein the second leg support further exhibits at least one receptacle, the pelvis support member arranged to be alternately: attached to the pelvis support member by the at least one connection member being positioned within the at least one receptacle of the pelvis support member; and detached from the pelvis support member by the at least one connection member not being positioned within the at least one receptacle of the pelvis support member.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following drawings and description.

For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, purely by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which like numerals designate corresponding elements or sections throughout.

With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present invention only, and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice. In the accompanying drawings:.

<FIG> illustrate various high level views of a teletherapy patient support <NUM>, <FIG> being described together. Teletherapy patient support <NUM> comprises: a pelvis support member <NUM>; an optional pelvis extension member <NUM>; a torso support member <NUM>; a first leg support <NUM>; a second leg support <NUM>; a control circuitry <NUM>; an optional booster <NUM>; a position rotation member <NUM>; and an optional base support <NUM>, exhibiting a first contact point <NUM>, a second contact point <NUM> and a base member <NUM> extending between first contact point <NUM> and second contact point <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a high level perspective view of teletherapy patient support <NUM> with second leg support <NUM> detached. <FIG> illustrates a high level perspective view of teletherapy patient support <NUM> with second leg support <NUM> attached. <FIG> illustrate side, front, back and perspective views, respectively, of teletherapy patient support <NUM> with second leg support <NUM> detached. <FIG> illustrate front, perspective and side views, respectively, of teletherapy patient support <NUM> with second leg support <NUM> attached. <FIG> illustrates a perspective view of second leg support <NUM>.

Pelvis support member <NUM> exhibits: a first face <NUM> and a second face <NUM>, second face <NUM> opposing first face <NUM>; a first side <NUM>; a second side <NUM>, second side <NUM> opposing first side <NUM>; a third side <NUM>; a fourth side <NUM>, fourth side <NUM> opposing third side <NUM>; and at least one receptacle <NUM>. Each of first face <NUM> and second face <NUM> extends from first side <NUM> to second side <NUM> and from third side <NUM> to fourth side <NUM>. In one embodiment, each receptacle <NUM> is a hole. In another embodiment (not shown), each receptacle <NUM> comprises a connection device arranged to receive a corresponding connection member. In one embodiment, a plurality of receptacles <NUM> is provided. In another embodiment, each receptacle <NUM> extends into second side <NUM> of pelvis support member <NUM> such that the respective receptacle <NUM> is sandwiched between first face <NUM> and second face <NUM>. In one embodiment, pelvis support member <NUM> is constructed such that the distance between first side <NUM> and second side <NUM>, denoted D20, is large enough to support the pelvis of a patient, yet small enough to allow the patient to be in a supine position when pelvis support member <NUM> and torso support member <NUM> are in a reclined position and to allow the patient to be in a standing position when pelvis support member <NUM> and torso support member <NUM> are in an upright position, as described below. In one further embodiment, distance D20 is less than <NUM> centimeters. In one yet further embodiment, distance D20 is between <NUM> - <NUM> centimeters.

Optional pelvis extension member <NUM> exhibits: a first face <NUM>; a second face <NUM>, second face <NUM> opposing first face <NUM>; a first end <NUM>; and a second end <NUM>, second end <NUM> opposing first end <NUM>; a first side <NUM>; and a second side <NUM>, second side <NUM> opposing first side <NUM>. Each of first face <NUM> and second face <NUM> extends from first end <NUM> to second end <NUM> and from first side <NUM> to second side <NUM>.

Torso support member <NUM> exhibits: a first face <NUM>; a second face <NUM>, second face <NUM> opposing first face <NUM>; a first end <NUM>; a second end <NUM>, second end <NUM> opposing first end <NUM>; a first side <NUM>; and a second side <NUM>, second side <NUM> opposing first side <NUM>. Each of first face <NUM> and second face <NUM> extends from first end <NUM> to second end <NUM> and from first side <NUM> to second side <NUM>. In one embodiment, torso support member further comprises an optional head support <NUM>, exhibiting a first side <NUM> and a second side <NUM>, second side <NUM> opposing first side <NUM>. In one embodiment, the distance between first side <NUM> and second side <NUM> of head support <NUM> is smaller than the distance between first side <NUM> and second side <NUM> of torso support member <NUM>. Head support <NUM> extends proximally from second end <NUM> away from first end <NUM>.

First leg support <NUM> exhibits a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>. In one embodiment, first leg support <NUM> comprises a foot support <NUM> at second end <NUM>. In another embodiment first leg support <NUM> comprises a leg support <NUM> positioned between first end <NUM> and second end <NUM>.

Second leg support <NUM> exhibits: a first face <NUM>; a second face <NUM>, second face <NUM> opposing first face <NUM>; a first side <NUM>; a second side <NUM>, second side <NUM> opposes first side <NUM>; a third side <NUM>; a fourth side <NUM>, fourth side <NUM> opposing third side <NUM>; at least one connection member <NUM>; and an optional base support <NUM>. Each of first face <NUM> and second face <NUM> extends from first side <NUM> to second side <NUM> and from third side <NUM> to second side <NUM>. In one embodiment, each connection member <NUM> extends proximally from first side <NUM> away from second side <NUM>. Optional base support <NUM> is in contact with second face <NUM>, preferably at opposing ends of optional base support <NUM>, with a predetermined distance between optional base support <NUM> and second face <NUM> to add structural support to second leg support <NUM>, which reduces the possibility of second leg support <NUM> being bent if excessive force is applied thereto. In one embodiment, second leg support <NUM> is constructed as a single piece. In another embodiment, an opening <NUM> is situated between second face <NUM> and optional base support <NUM>.

In one embodiment (not shown), control circuity <NUM> comprises a processor and a memory, the memory having stored thereon instructions that when read by the processor cause the processor to perform one or more actions. In another embodiment, control circuitry <NUM> comprises, without limitation, a micro-processor, a micro-controller, a field programmable gate array (FPGA) and/or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

As illustrated in <FIG>, optional booster <NUM> exhibits a first face <NUM> and a second face <NUM>, second face <NUM> opposing first face <NUM>. In one embodiment (not shown), optional booster <NUM> comprises a plurality of boosters, stacked one on top of the other. In another embodiment, optional booster <NUM> comprises polyurethane.

In one embodiment (not shown), position rotation member <NUM> comprises a motor. In one further embodiment, the motor is in electrical communication with control circuitry <NUM>, and responsive thereto. Position rotation member <NUM> is arranged to rotate about a position rotation axis <NUM>. In another embodiment, position rotation member <NUM> is implemented as part of a robotic arm <NUM>, exhibiting <NUM> degrees of freedom, with position rotation member <NUM> providing <NUM> or more of the <NUM> degrees of freedom. In one further embodiment, robotic arm <NUM> is implemented as described in <CIT> and entitled "PATIENT POSITIONING APPARATUS AND METHOD". In one illustrated embodiment, position rotation member <NUM> comprises a pair of connection members <NUM>, each connection member <NUM> connected to a respective side of a base <NUM>. In such an embodiment, one or more motors are in mechanical communication with one, or both, connection members <NUM> and are arranged to rotate connection members <NUM> about position rotation axis <NUM>, which extends through base <NUM>. Position rotation member <NUM> is illustrated as being connected to optional base support <NUM>, however this is not meant to be limiting in any way. In another embodiment, position rotation member <NUM> is connected to: pelvis support member <NUM>; optional extension member <NUM>; and/or torso support member <NUM>.

In another embodiment (not shown) position rotation member <NUM> comprises a single rotational member connected to pelvis support member <NUM>, the single rotational member arranged to rotate pelvis support member about position rotation axis <NUM>. In one further embodiment, the single rotational member exhibits a spherical or elongated shape. In another embodiment (not shown), position rotation member <NUM> comprises a translatable mechanism arranged to be translated along a guide rail, the translatable mechanism connected to pelvis support member <NUM>. In such an embodiment, the guide rail is shaped and configured such that movement of the translatable mechanism along the guide rail causes pelvis support member <NUM> to be rotated about position rotation axis <NUM>. In one embodiment, position rotation axis <NUM> is substantially parallel to a floor <NUM>. Teletherapy patient support <NUM> is positioned on floor <NUM>.

Optional pelvis extension member <NUM> extends (e.g., proximally) from second side <NUM> of pelvis support member <NUM>. In one embodiment, first end <NUM> of optional pelvis extension member <NUM> is connected to second side <NUM> of pelvis support member <NUM>. In another embodiment, optional pelvis extension member <NUM> and pelvis support member <NUM> are constructed such that first end <NUM> of optional pelvis extension member <NUM> and second side <NUM> of pelvis support member <NUM> are the same. In one embodiment, each of first side <NUM> and second side <NUM> of optional pelvis extension member <NUM> exhibits an angle with second side <NUM> of pelvis support member <NUM> between <NUM> - <NUM> degrees. In one further embodiment, the angle with second side <NUM> is between <NUM> - <NUM> degrees. These acute angles allow for improved support of the thighs of a patient supported by pelvis support member <NUM>. In one embodiment, first face <NUM> of pelvis support member <NUM> and first face <NUM> of optional pelvis extension member <NUM> form together a general T shape. Advantageously, the T shape allows a patient's legs to span sides <NUM> and <NUM> of optional pelvis extension member <NUM>, which provides superior pelvic support. Additionally, the abdomen and pelvis of the patient are more exposed when in such a position, i.e. when the patient is standing, with their legs supported by first leg support <NUM>. This allows improved access for a teletherapy irradiation beam to the abdomen/pelvis of the patient. In one embodiment, the distance between first side <NUM> and second side <NUM> of optional pelvis extension member decreases from first end <NUM> to second end <NUM>. This allows more comfortable positioning of the patient's legs. In another embodiment, the distance between first side <NUM> and second side <NUM>, at first end <NUM>, is approximately <NUM>/<NUM> of the distance between third side <NUM> and second side <NUM>, however this is not meant to be limiting in any way.

In another embodiment, optional pelvis extension member <NUM> separates second side <NUM> of pelvis support member <NUM> into a first section <NUM> and a second section <NUM>. In one further embodiment, a pair of receptacles <NUM> is provided, a first receptacle <NUM> extending into first section <NUM> of second side <NUM> of pelvis support member <NUM> and a second receptacle <NUM> extending into second section <NUM> of second side <NUM>. In another further embodiment, the distance between first section <NUM> and second section <NUM>, i.e. the distance between first side <NUM> and second side <NUM>, denoted D30, is less than a length of each of first section <NUM> and second section <NUM>. Particularly, the distance between first side <NUM> of optional pelvis extension member <NUM> and third side <NUM> of pelvis support member <NUM>, denoted D28, is less than D30. Similarly, the distance between second side <NUM> of optional pelvis extension member <NUM> and fourth side <NUM> of pelvis support member <NUM>, denoted D29, is less than D30.

In one embodiment, as illustrated in <FIG>, pelvis support member <NUM> exhibits a hole <NUM> extending from first face <NUM> to second face <NUM>. In another embodiment (not shown), optional pelvis extension member <NUM> exhibits hole <NUM> extending from first face <NUM> to second face <NUM>. Hole <NUM> allows access to a patient supported by teletherapy patient support <NUM>, including access for rectal devices.

Torso support member <NUM> extends from pelvis support member <NUM>. In one embodiment, torso support member <NUM> extends from first side <NUM> of pelvis support member <NUM>. In one further embodiment, first end <NUM> of torso support member <NUM> is connected to first side <NUM> of pelvis support member <NUM>. In another further embodiment, torso support member <NUM> and pelvis support member <NUM> are constructed such that first end <NUM> of torso support member <NUM> and first side <NUM> of pelvis support member <NUM> are the same. In one embodiment, first face <NUM> is concavely curved, the concave curve extending from first side <NUM> to second side <NUM>, such that a midline of first face <NUM> extending from first side <NUM> is further away from optional pelvis extension member <NUM> than a plane defined by first side <NUM> and second side <NUM>. In one further embodiment, second face <NUM> is convexly curved, the convex curve extending from first side <NUM> to second side <NUM>, such that a midline of second face <NUM> extending from first side <NUM> is further away from optional pelvis extension member <NUM> than the plane defined by first side <NUM> and second side <NUM>. First face <NUM> of torso support member <NUM> faces first face <NUM> of pelvis support member <NUM>, i.e. there is an angle of less than <NUM> degrees between first face <NUM> and first face <NUM>. In one embodiment, the angle between first face <NUM> of torso support member <NUM> and first face <NUM> of pelvis support member <NUM> is greater than <NUM> degrees and less than <NUM> degrees. In one further embodiment, the angle between first face <NUM> of torso support member <NUM> and first face <NUM> of pelvis support member <NUM> is between <NUM> - <NUM> degrees. In one yet further embodiment, the angle between first face <NUM> of torso support member <NUM> and first face <NUM> of pelvis support member <NUM> is about <NUM> degrees.

First contact point <NUM> of optional base support <NUM> is in contact with pelvis support member <NUM>, optionally at second side <NUM> thereof, and second contact point <NUM> of optional base support <NUM> is in contact with optional pelvis extension member <NUM>, optionally at second end <NUM> thereof. In one embodiment, pelvis support member <NUM>, optional pelvis extension member <NUM> and optional base support <NUM> are constructed as a single piece. In another embodiment, pelvis support member <NUM>, optional pelvis extension member <NUM> and optional base support <NUM> are constructed such that: first contact point <NUM> of optional base support <NUM> and second side <NUM> of pelvis support member <NUM> are the same; and second contact point <NUM> of optional base support <NUM> and second end <NUM> of optional pelvis extension member <NUM> are the same. In one embodiment, pelvis support member <NUM>, optional pelvis extension member <NUM> and optional base support <NUM> are constructed such that an opening <NUM> is created between base member <NUM> and a surface defined by second face <NUM> of pelvis support member <NUM> and second face <NUM> of optional pelvis extension member <NUM>.

First leg support <NUM> extends from pelvis support member <NUM> at first end <NUM> thereof. In one embodiment, first leg support <NUM> extends from base member <NUM> of optional base support <NUM>. First leg support <NUM> faces second face <NUM> of pelvis support member <NUM>, i.e. there is an angle less than <NUM> degrees between first leg support <NUM> and second face <NUM>.

The at least one connection member <NUM> of second leg support <NUM> is arranged to be alternately: positioned within the at least one receptacle <NUM> of pelvis support member <NUM>; and not positioned within the at least one receptacle <NUM> of pelvis support member <NUM>. Specifically, each connection member <NUM> is shaped and sized so as to fit within a respective receptacle <NUM>, and be removable therefrom. In one embodiment, connection members <NUM> and respective receptacles <NUM> are shaped and sized such that second leg support <NUM> is secured to pelvis support member <NUM>. In another embodiment (not shown), additional fastening elements are provided. In one further embodiment, these fastening elements include: spring controlled elements within receptacles <NUM>; and/or bolts or other locking mechanisms external to pelvis support member <NUM> and second leg support <NUM>.

In operation, control circuitry <NUM> controls position rotation member <NUM> to rotate pelvis support member <NUM> and torso support member <NUM> about position rotation axis <NUM> by: an upright angle range as illustrated in <FIG>; and a reclined angle range, as illustrated in <FIG>, the upright angle range different than the reclined angle range. The upright angle range and the reclined angle range are respective defined in relation to a vertical plane <NUM> extending vertically from floor <NUM>, and a horizontal plane <NUM> extending parallel to floor <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. Vertical plane <NUM> is generally perpendicular to position rotation axis <NUM> and horizontal plane <NUM> is generally parallel to position rotation axis <NUM>. The upright angle range as shown in <FIG> contains the angles of torso support member <NUM> in relation to vertical plane <NUM>. The angles of torso support member <NUM> in relation to vertical plane <NUM> in the upright angle range are smaller than the angles of torso support member <NUM> in relation to vertical plane <NUM> in the reclined angle range. Similarly, the reclined angle range, as shown in <FIG>, contains the angles of torso support member <NUM> in relation to horizontal plane <NUM>. The angles of torso support member <NUM> in relation to horizontal plane <NUM> in the reclined angle range are smaller than the angles of torso support member <NUM> in relation to horizontal plane <NUM> in the upright angle range.

In one embodiment, a first end of the upright angle range coincides with second face <NUM> of pelvis support member <NUM> generally facing floor <NUM>. Thus, first face <NUM> of torso support member <NUM> exhibits an angle of <NUM> - <NUM> degrees with vertical plane <NUM>, depending on the angle between torso support member <NUM> and pelvis support member <NUM>. For example, if first face <NUM> of torso support member <NUM> exhibits an angle of <NUM> degrees with first face <NUM> of pelvis support member <NUM>, the first end of the upright angle range coincides with first face <NUM> exhibiting a <NUM> degree angle with vertical plane <NUM>. In one further embodiment, a first end of the reclined angle range coincides with torso support member <NUM> being parallel with horizontal plane <NUM>. In another further embodiment, a second end of the upright angle range and a second end of the reclined angle range are both approximately <NUM> degrees from vertical plane <NUM> and <NUM> degrees from horizontal plane <NUM>, with second face <NUM> of torso support member <NUM> facing floor <NUM>. In another embodiment, the upright angle range and the reclined angle range partially overlap.

In one embodiment, robotic arm <NUM> is arranged, responsive to control circuitry <NUM>, to rotate pelvis support member <NUM> about an axis <NUM> by a predetermined range, optionally <NUM> degrees to either side of axis <NUM>. Axis <NUM> is perpendicular to vertical plane <NUM> and parallel to horizontal plane <NUM>. In another embodiment, robotic arm <NUM> is arranged, responsive to control circuitry <NUM> to rotate pelvis support member <NUM> about an axis <NUM> by a predetermined range, optionally <NUM> degrees. Axis <NUM> is parallel to vertical plane <NUM> and perpendicular to horizontal plane <NUM>.

Second leg support <NUM> is detachable from pelvis support member <NUM> by removing connection members <NUM> from the respective receptacles <NUM>. When desired, second leg support <NUM> is again attached by positioning connection members <NUM> within the respective receptacle <NUM>. In one embodiment, first face <NUM> of pelvis support member <NUM> defines a plane <NUM> and the attached second leg support <NUM> extends along plane <NUM> when connection members <NUM> are positioned within the respective receptacles <NUM> of pelvis support member <NUM>. Having second leg support <NUM> extend along plane <NUM>, defined by pelvis support member <NUM>, allows the patient to sit in a more comfortable position when a portion of the torso is being irradiated. When pelvis support member <NUM> is rotated about position rotation axis <NUM> to be within the reclined angle range, i.e. a patient supported by teletherapy patient support <NUM> is lying down, second leg support <NUM> is detached from pelvis support member <NUM> and the patient's legs are supported by first leg support <NUM>. When pelvis support member <NUM> is rotated about position rotation axis <NUM> to be within the upright angle range, the patient supported by teletherapy patient support <NUM> can either be in a sitting position or a standing position. In the event that the patient is in a standing position, second leg support <NUM> is detached from pelvis support member <NUM> and the patient's legs are supported by first leg support <NUM>. In the event that the patient is in a sitting position, second leg support <NUM> is attached to pelvis support member <NUM> and the patient's legs are supported by second leg support <NUM>.

In one embodiment, when a patient is in a sitting position, first face <NUM> of optional booster <NUM> is in contact with first face <NUM> of pelvis support member <NUM> and the patient sits on second face <NUM> of optional booster <NUM>. The height of optional booster <NUM>, i.e. the distance between first face <NUM> and second face <NUM>, is sized such that the head of the patient rests against head support <NUM>. Advantageously, by providing optional booster <NUM>, a non-adjustable head support <NUM> can be used. This provides a stronger structure for torso support member <NUM> and head support <NUM>.

In another embodiment, in order to position the patient in a sitting position, control circuitry <NUM> controls position rotation member <NUM> to rotate pelvis support member <NUM> about position rotation axis <NUM> by a predetermined angle within the reclined angle range, e.g. <NUM> degrees away from vertical axis <NUM>. Subsequent to rotating pelvis support member <NUM> by the predetermined angle within the reclined angle range, the patient is positioned on first face <NUM> of pelvis support member <NUM>. Optionally, prior to positioning the patient, optional booster <NUM> is positioned on first face <NUM> of pelvis support member <NUM> and the patient is positioned on optional booster <NUM>. Subsequent to positioning the patient on pelvis support member <NUM>, control circuitry <NUM> controls position rotation member <NUM> to rotate pelvis support member <NUM> about position rotation axis <NUM> to a predetermined angle within the upright angle range. For example, pelvis support member <NUM> is first rotated <NUM> degrees from vertical axis <NUM>. The patient is then loaded onto pelvis support member <NUM> in a supine position and pelvis support member <NUM> is rotated <NUM> degrees towards vertical axis <NUM>. Pelvis support member <NUM> is thus positioned such that torso support member <NUM> exhibits an angle of about <NUM> degrees with vertical axis <NUM> and the patient is in a semi-standing position and supported by first leg support <NUM>. The patient's legs are then raised and second leg support <NUM> is attached to pelvis support member <NUM> to thereby transition the patient to a sitting position.

Teletherapy patient support <NUM> is thus arranged to support a patient for teletherapy in multiple positions, including reclined, sitting and standing. Advantageously, the patient can be irradiated by a treatment beam and imaged by a 3D imager, including a computed tomography (CT) imager. For example, in order to irradiate a growth in the pelvis of patient, the patient can be imaged by a CT imager in a standing position, which allows full access to the pelvis. The irradiation can then be performed in a sitting position, which is more comfortable for the patient.

The above has been described in an embodiment where teletherapy patient support <NUM> is switched between <NUM> positions: standing; sitting; and supine. However, this is not meant to be limiting in any way. In another embodiment, pelvis support member <NUM> isn't rotated into a supine position. In such an embodiment, teletherapy patient support <NUM> exhibits <NUM> positions: a standing position, where second leg support <NUM> is detached from pelvis support member <NUM>; and a sitting position, where second leg support <NUM> is attached to pelvis support member <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a high-level flow chart of a first teletherapy patient support method, in accordance with certain embodiments. The method of <FIG> may be conducted using teletherapy patient support <NUM>, disclosed herein above. In stage <NUM>, a pelvis support member and a torso support member are alternately rotated about a position rotation axis to be within an upright angle range and a reclined angle range, the reclined angle range is different than the upright angle range. As described above, in one embodiment the upright angle range and the reclined angle range partially overlap. The pelvis support member exhibits a first face and a second face, the second face opposing the first face. A torso support member extends from the pelvis support member and faces the first face of the pelvis support member. Optionally, the torso support member exhibits a first end and a second end, the second end opposing the first end.

The pelvis support member further exhibits a first side and a second side, the second side opposing the first side. In one embodiment, the distance between the first side and the second side of the pelvis support member is less than <NUM> centimeters. In another embodiment, the distance between the first side and the second side of the pelvis support member is large enough to support the pelvis of a patient, yet small enough to: allow the patient to be in a supine position when the pelvis support member and the torso support member are rotated about the position rotation axis by an angle within the reclined angle range; and allow the patient to be in a standing position when the pelvis support member and the torso support member are rotated about the position rotation axis by an angle within the upright angle range. Additionally, the pelvis support member further exhibits at least one receptacle.

A first leg support extends from the pelvis support member and faces the second face of the pelvis support member. A second leg support exhibits at least one connection member. In one embodiment, a pelvis extension member extends from the second side of the pelvis support member. In one further embodiment, the torso support member exhibits an angle with the pelvis extension member between <NUM> - <NUM> degrees.

In stage <NUM>, when the pelvis support member and torso support member of stage <NUM> are rotated about the position rotation axis to be within the upright angle range, the at least one connection member of the second leg support is alternately: positioned within the at least one receptacle of the pelvis support member; and not positioned within the at least one receptacle of the pelvis support member. In stage <NUM>, when the pelvis support member and torso support member of stage <NUM> is rotated about the position rotation axis to be within the reclined angle range, the at least one connection member of the second leg support is not positioned within the at least one receptacle of the pelvis support member.

<FIG> illustrates a high-level flow chart of a method of positioning a patient on the patient support member (e.g., patient support member <NUM> disclosed herein above) of stage <NUM>. In stage <NUM>, the pelvis support member and torso support member of stage <NUM> are rotated about the position rotation axis to a predetermined angle within the reclined angle range of stage <NUM>. In optional stage <NUM>, a booster is positioned on the first face of the pelvis support member. Optionally, the positioned booster comprises polyurethane. In stage <NUM>, subsequent to the rotation of stage <NUM>, the patient is positioned on the pelvis support member, optionally on the positioned booster of optional stage <NUM>. In such an embodiment, the height of the positioned booster is defined responsive to a difference between a height of the patient and a position of a head support, the head support extending from the second end of the torso support member of stage <NUM>. In stage <NUM>, subsequent to the positioning of the patient of stage <NUM>, the pelvis support member and torso support member are rotated about the position rotation axis to a predetermined angle within the upright angle range.

<FIG> illustrates a high level flow chart of a second teletherapy patient support method, in accordance with certain embodiments. The method of <FIG> may be conducted using teletherapy patient support <NUM>, discussed herein above. In stage <NUM>, at least one connection member of a second leg support is alternately: positioned within at least one receptacle of the pelvis support member; and not positioned within the at least one receptacle of the pelvis support member. As described above in relation to stage <NUM>, the pelvis support member exhibits a first face and a second face, the second face opposing the first face. As further described above, a torso support member extends from the pelvis support member and faces the first face of the pelvis support member. The pelvis support member further exhibits a first side and a second side, the second side opposing the first side. As further described above, a first leg support extends from the pelvis support member and faces the second face of the pelvis support member.

Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as are commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods similar to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods are described herein.

The materials, methods, and examples described herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

The terms "include", "comprise" and "have" and their conjugates as used herein mean "including but not necessarily limited to".

Claim 1:
A teletherapy patient support (<NUM>) comprising:
a pelvis support member (<NUM>) exhibiting a first face (<NUM>) and a second face (<NUM>) opposing said first face (<NUM>);
a torso support member (<NUM>) extending from said pelvis support member (<NUM>) and facing said first face (<NUM>) of said pelvis support member (<NUM>);
a first leg support (<NUM>) extending from said pelvis support member (<NUM>) and facing said second face (<NUM>) of said pelvis support member (<NUM>);
characterized in that the teletherapy patient support (<NUM>) further comprises:
a second leg support (<NUM>) exhibiting at least one connection member (<NUM>),
wherein said pelvis support member (<NUM>) exhibits at least one receptacle (<NUM>), said second leg support (<NUM>) arranged to be alternately:
attached to said pelvis support member (<NUM>) by said at least one connection member (<NUM>) being positioned within said at least one receptacle (<NUM>) of said pelvis support member (<NUM>); and
detached from said pelvis support member (<NUM>) by said at least one connection member (<NUM>) not being positioned within said at least one receptacle (<NUM>) of said pelvis support member (<NUM>).