X-ray compatible, partially flexible patient support

Abstract

A patient support fashioned of a core of carbon-fiber material and a synthetic material for binding the carbon-fiber material. The carbon-fiber core has a greater proportion of carbon fibers oriented substantially in lengthwise directions than in other directions. As a result of this construction, the patient support is substantially inflexible along its longitudinal axis yet flexible along its lateral axis. The sides of the support can be drawn up and around the patient, to hold the patient immobile within the support, which is especially helpful when transporting trauma patients and those with back and neck injuries. The support is also transparent to radiation, making it particularly suited to use with radiation imaging devices. Finally, the exterior surface of the support is formed of low-friction material, further facilitating practical use thereof. The support can be fashioned as a backboard or a patient transfer device and has a wide range of advantageous applications in a hospital environment.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.