Method and apparatus for positioning the arm of a patient while on a table for a medical procedure on a breast

Abstract

A table is provided for positioning a patient for a medical procedure on a breast, the table comprising: a supporting platform having a back end for supporting the patient's legs and a front end for supporting the patient's torso while the patient is in a prone position, and a cavity at the front end for allowing the breast and a surrounding axilla region to be pendantly suspended therethrough; and an armrest for positioning and supporting a forearm such that a shoulder adjacent to the axilla region is at a desired height, wherein the armrest is lower than the platform.

1 - 14 . (cancelled)  
     
     
         15 . A method for positioning a patient on a table for a medical procedure on a breast, the method comprising: 
 placing said patient face down in a prone position on a supporting platform such that at least said patients torso is supported;    providing a cavity in said supporting platform such that said breast and a surrounding axilla region are pendantly suspended therethrough; and    positioning an arm of said patient adjacent to said breast such that a shoulder is supported at a desired position and such that said patient is comfortable while a maximum volume of said axilla region is exposed through said cavity.    
     
     
         16 . A method as claimed in  claim 15 , wherein said positioning an arm comprises positioning said shoulder by positioning an elbow of said arm.  
     
     
         17 . A method as claimed in  claim 15 , wherein said positioning an arm comprises placing a forearm and elbow of said arm on an armrest.  
     
     
         18 . A method as claimed in  claim 17 , wherein said positioning an arm comprises positioning said elbow with respect to said armrest.  
     
     
         19 . A method as claimed in  claim 17 , wherein said positioning an arm comprises changing a relative position between said armrest and said supporting platform.  
     
     
         20 . A method as claimed in  claim 17 , wherein said positioning an arm comprises immobilizing said arm on said armrest such that it remains in a fixed position once it has been placed.