Importance

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Abstract

A patient-supporting bed (20) especially adapted for cardiac sonography is provided which includes a frame assembly (22) and mattress (24) which are configured to present a pair of marginal, axially offset access openings (49, 54) and a corresponding pair of shiftable bed filler sections (26, 28) disposed within the openings (49, 54). Each of the sections (26, 28) includes a latching assembly (86) serving to normally maintain each of the sections (26, 28) in an upper, generally horizontal position so that the bed (20) presents a generally horizontal and uninterrupted patient-supporting top surface. A patient is positioned on the bed with the patient's heart region located generally above the first filler section (26). The sonographer then manipulates the associated latching assembly (86), allowing the section (26) to pivot downwardly and thus expose an access opening (49). The second filler section (28) is similarly manipulated to expose the opening (54). The sonographer may then stand in the opening (54), or sit on mattress (24 ) with the sonographer's legs within the opening (54), and sonographic probe(s) can be readily positioned for rapid and accurate diagnosis. After the sonography is completed, the respective sections (26, 28) are returned to their horizontal positions. Pinching of the patient during return movement of the section (26) is precluded by provision of a flexible cover (82a) disposed over the juncture between the section (26) and mattress (24).

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First Claim