BIOBED WITH SURGICAL SUPPORT FRAME

	A key element of the medical intensive-care unit is the biobed sensor 
and support unit. This orthopedically designed hospital bed incorporates a 
basic array of biofunction sensors that can be tied into a variety of remote 
medical instruments including the medical tricorder. Also incorporated are a 
number of medical gas and fluid connect points for various devices, 
including the surgical support frame.
	A vital tool in nearly all surgical procedures is the surgical support 
frame (SSF), or ÒclamshellÓ as it is sometimes called. The SSF not only 
maintains a sterile environment for most surgical procedures, but also 
incorporates several vital diagnostic and life support tools. These include a 
battery of biofunction sensors, supplementing those provided by the biobed 
and by the overhead medical equipment array. The SSF is capable of 
automated administration of intravenous medication as well as 
cardiovascular support and emergency defibrillation. A variety of surgical 
support frame types are available for different procedures, as well as for 
different lifeform types. Most biobed units are designed to accept surgical 
support frames.  Æ