In a medical apparatus and method, the apparatus installation has a placement device for a patient, into which placement device is integrated at least one electromechanical sensor. A signal evaluation device is supplied with the measurement signals generated with the at least one electromechanical sensor, for evaluation. The medical apparatus is connected with the signal evaluation device, and the medical apparatus acquires measurement signals that relate to breathing and/or cardiac activity of the patient with the at least one electromechanical sensor upon support of the patient on said placement device. Trigger signals are generated with the signal evaluation device based on the measurement signals which relate to breathing cycle and/or cardiac cycle of the patient. The operation of the medical apparatus is controlled based on the trigger signals.
