X-ray-optimized device for supporting a patient

An apparatus for supporting a patient, comprising:

• a first structural member having a first end portion and a second end portion, the second end portion of the first structural member being attached to an operating table;
• a second structural member having a first end portion and a second end portion, the second end portion of the second structural member being attached to the operating table;
• a first connecting member that connects the first end of the first structural member to the first end of the second structural member, the first structural member being disposed at a predetermined distance from the second structural member;
• a first support member supported on the first structural member, the first support member configured to support a body part of the patient;
• and
• a second support member supported on the second structural member;
• wherein the first support member and the second support member are spaced apart from one another, a material-free x-ray area being formed between the first support member and the second support member;
• wherein the first support member includes a first overhanging portion and the second support member includes a second overhanging portion;
• and
• wherein the first overhanging portion and second overhanging portion are made of a radiolucent material.

An apparatus for supporting a patient, comprising:

• a first rail having a first end portion and a second end portion, the second end portion of the first rail being attached to an operating table;
• a second rail having a first end portion and a second end portion, the second end portion of the second rail being attached to the operating table;
• a first connecting member that connects the first end of the first rail to the first end of the second rail, the first rail being disposed at a predetermined distance from the second rail;
• a first support member disposed on the first rail, the first support member configured to support a body part of the patient;
• and
• a second support member disposed on the second rail;
• wherein the first support member is supported exclusively by the first rail and the second support member is supported exclusively by the second rail;
• and
• wherein the first support member and the second support member are spaced apart from one another, a material-free x-ray area being formed between the first support member and the second support member.