Leg holder system for simultaneous positioning in the abduction and lithotomy dimensions

Abstract

A leg holder system for simultaneously positioning in the abduction and lithotomy dimensions including a support device for supporting a leg cradle; a clamping device for mounting the proximate end of the support device to a mounting device having a first axis and selectively clamping and releasing motion of the support device about the first axis and about a second axis transverse to the first axis. An actuator device for actuating the clamp to selectively clamp and release simultaneously the support device and the mounting device; and an operator device remote from the clamping device and actuator device for operating the actuator device to enable the support device to move simultaneously about the first and second axis in both the lithotomy and abduction dimensions.

Description

[0001]This application is a Reissue of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08 / 813,708, filed on Mar. 7, 1997 and now U.S. Pat. No. 5,802,641.FIELD OF INVENTION[0002]This invention relates to an improved leg holder system and more particularly to such a system in which adjustment in both the lithotomy and abduction dimensions can be made simultaneously with a single action.BACKGROUND OF INVENTION[0003]In recent years many newer surgical procedures have required interoperative positioning of patients legs. Until recently such positioning typically required adjusting the leg holder's mounting clamp located on the surgical table siderail, beneath the sterile drape. This raised concerns about possible violation of the sterile field and it limited the performance of such adjustments to non-sterile personnel. Recent attempts to solve this problem yielded leg holders that could be raised and lowered through the drapes, however, they have several limitations. First, when adjusted upwardly they ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes an improved leg holder system that allows for simultaneous positioning in both the abduction and lithotomy dimensions. The system includes a support device for holding a leg cradle and a clamping device for mounting the support device to a mounting device. An actuator device is used to simultaneously release and clamp the support device and mounting device. The system also includes a biasing device that normally produces friction between the support device and the mounting device to clamp them in position. The actuator device can be remotely operated using an operator device, and the support device can be counterbalanced to reduce the load on the user. The system allows for full abduction and lithotomy range adjustment with a single action and prevents unintentional movement. The clamping device can be locked to prevent movement in all directions, and the system includes a fail-safe design. The system also allows for independent adjustment of the abduction and lithotomy dimensions.

Problems solved by technology

This raised concerns about possible violation of the sterile field and it limited the performance of such adjustments to non-sterile personnel.

Recent attempts to solve this problem yielded leg holders that could be raised and lowered through the drapes, however, they have several limitations.

First, when adjusted upwardly they lock by means of a ratchet mechanism; this mechanism does not prevent further unintended upward movement of the legs that could result from tilting the patient in the extreme head down direction “Trendelenburg” or from surgical staff leaning against the leg holder.

Secondly, abduction is predetermined and cannot be adjusted without accessing the mounting clamp.

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