Method and apparatus for supporting an element to be supported, in particular the body of a patient for a support for a depth of penetration controlled.

摘要

The invention relates to a method and apparatus of the support. & br / this apparatus for supporting an element to be supported, in particular the body of a patient p, comprises a support device (12, 112), comprising at least one chamber (14, 114a, 114b, 114c) closed or controlled-release flexible, inflatable under an adjustable predetermined initial inflation pressure; the said chamber having an upper face (15, 115) serving to support the element to be supported, and a lower face (16, 116); the means (18, 118) for servo-controlling the inflation pressure of the chamber as a function of the distance of penetration in the support device of the element to be supported, comprising the filling means (20, 120) or evacuation (22, 122) of a filling fluid; means (30, 130) for measuring the distance (d) separating the upper face of the chamber with respect to the lower face and the control means (40) of the means for controlling the pressure, characterized in that the means (18, 118) of control of the filling pressure are provided for controlling the initial pressure at a distance (dc) of relatively low value of the upper face of the chamber screw - to - screw of the lower face of the chamber, and the control means (40) acting on the means for servo-controlling the inflation pressure of said chamber in order to maintain, in the course of the support, the distance (dc) separating the upper face of the lower face of the chamber is essentially constant.