Patient positioning system and method for positioning a patient during a surgical procedure

A method for positioning a patient in a desired orientation during a procedure, comprising the steps of:

• placing a patient on a surgical platform having a first side and a second side;
• manipulating the patient into a desired orientation;
• placing a positioning device over the patient, wherein the positioning device has an elongated and flexible central portion covered by a resiliently deformable pad;
• connecting a first end of the positioning device to the first side of the platform using a first connection strap and a second connection strap disposed at an angle to the first connection strap;
• connecting a second end of the positioning device to the second side of the platform;
• reducing a length of the first connection strap or second connection strap to increase a tension in the device to pull the deformable pad down against the patient to maintains the patient in a desired position and orientation during a surgical procedure;
• performing a surgical procedure after the step of reducing the length of the first connection strap or second connection strap while the patient remains in the desired position;
• changing the tension in the positioning device while the device remains engaged with the patient;
• and
• increasing the length of the positioning device to decrease the tension in the device to decrease retentive force provided by the positioning device.

An apparatus for positioning a patient in a desired orientation on a surgical platform during a procedure, comprising:

• a web, wherein the web comprises an elongated flexible webbing, wherein the web comprises a central portion;
• a plurality of extension straps extending from the web, wherein first and second extension straps extend from a first end of the web and a third extension strap extends from a second end of the web;
• adjustment mechanisms connecting the extension straps to the web, wherein the adjustment mechanisms are operable to adjust a length of the extension straps while the extension straps are tensioned;
• a connector connected to a distal end of each extension strap, wherein the connector for each strap is configured to attach the extension straps to the surgical platform;
• and
• a deformable pad releasably connected with the web that is deformable to mold to a contour of the patient when the extension straps are adjusted to tighten the extension straps to retain the patient in a desired position;
• wherein each extension strap is independently operable, so each extension strap can be selectively manipulated to control a direction and amount of tension through each extension strap independently to alter a direction and orientation of retention forces provided against the patient by the device during a surgical procedure.

An apparatus for positioning a patient in a desired orientation on a surgical platform during a procedure, comprising:

• an elongated flexible web having a central portion, wherein the central portion is covered by a deformable pad;
• a plurality of extension straps extending from the elongated flexible web, wherein first and second extension straps extend from a first end of the web and a third extension strap extends from a second end of the web;
• adjustment mechanisms connected to the extension straps, wherein the adjustment mechanisms are operable to reduce a length of one of the extension straps to increase tension in the web;
• a connector connected to a distal end of each extension strap, wherein the connector for each strap comprises a rail engagement shape for engaging a tube or rail connected to the surgical platform
• wherein each extension strap is independently operable, so each extension strap can be selectively manipulated to control a direction and amount of tension through each extension strap independently to alter a direction and orientation of retention forces provided against the patient by the device during a surgical procedure.