Patient support apparatus for ultrasound mammary scanning apparatus

摘要

There is disclosed a patient support system for orienting the patient's breast and adjacent axilla region with respect to an ultrasound mammary scanning apparatus while the breast is suspended. A patient support platform is supported on top of a cabinet enclosing the ultrasound system which includes a transducer tank in which a transducer and sonic lens is submerged in water. The platform includes an aperture to permit the patient's breast to suspend into a pool of water defined by a flexible bag supported about the aperture by means of a frame. The bag drapes down and contacts the surface of the water in the transducer tank to provide a continuous transmission medium for the ultrasound from the transducer to the breast. The platform is specially contained to comfortably support the patient and restrain the patient against rolling or sliding. An adjustable headrest extends over the aperture and a step platform, kneeling bench and vanity screen, which can be converted to a support platform extension, permit different sized patients to conveniently use the apparatus.