System and method for rolling a patient

Abstract

A method and system for maneuvering (e.g., rolling) or restraining a person on a surgical table or in a bed.

Description

[0001] System and Method for Rolling a Patient

[0002] This application draws priority from GB Patent Application No. GB2310520.8, filed July 8, 2023, which application is incorporated by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein.

[0003] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention relates to a system and method for rolling a patient along his longitudinal axis, for example, during preparation for a surgery, during the surgical procedure, as a means of preventing bedsores, or for medical evaluation, e.g., in an emergency room.

[0005] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Certain surgical procedures, such as spinal operations, could be better performed with a multi-directional access to the operated area. For example, carrying out a procedure on a vertebra or vertebrae from the back and from the abdomen in alternate fashion, and, in addition, from the left or right side, may enable an enhanced and efficacious treatment.

[0007] The main reason why such multi-directional procedures are not common is the effort and time it takes to change the patient’s position. Turning the patient from lying on the back to the stomach and returning to the back again during the surgery requires precious time and manpower each time that the position has to be changed to the new position.

[0008] The operating table has not changed very much during the last centuries. The materials have changed to enable X-ray, to provide some comfort for the patient and for better sterilization. Articulation was added to the table for holding the patient in a predetermined posture, but little has been done to enable rolling the patient for concurrent multi-directional surgery. Some attempts have been made, like the surgical table provided in Figure 7. Such concepts are based on affixing the patient to the tabletop and rotating them together. Such solutions suffer from safety problems on one hand, and on the other hand instead of saving time in the surgery room, it requires more time to affix the patient in place.

[0009] Another example for the need to maneuver, turn, or rotate a person relates to care of the bedridden. Periodically changing the pressure points by turning the individual, or by elevating different parts of the support reduces the risk of bedsores. Additionally, inducing motion to the spine and joints may improve the physical condition of a patient.

[0010] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The subject matter disclosed in the present invention is a system designed to roll the patient along his long axis while in bed or while preparing for a surgical procedure and during the procedure itself.

[0012] The present invention may advantageously shorten the preparation time for a surgery and — during the surgery itself — by mechanizing or automating the tedious procedure of rolling a patient. The present invention may also maintain the sterility, throughout the entire procedure, of all body parts that need to remain in sterile condition. This also obviates the need for multiple sterilizations throughout the procedure. The inventive system may appreciably reduce the personnel needed for the preparation.

[0013] Aspects of the present invention include a system or mechanism for rolling a patient, comprising, in an assembled configuration: at least one ribbon for supporting a patient, each particular ribbon associated with a respective pair of bobbins; each particular bobbin of said pair of bobbins having a fixture affixing the particular bobbin to a supporting frame, such that each particular bobbin can rotate relative to its respective fixture; the fixtures being distributed along the opposite sides of the long side of the supporting frame; each respective pair of bobbins being connected to a drive unit associated with an electric motor, the drive unit adapted such that the electric motor, via the drive unit, can individually rotate each particular bobbin of said respective pair of bobbins; and a control unit for controlling the motion of each of the electric motors; wherein said control unit and said electric motors are adapted, with respect to each respective pair of bobbins, to: (i) rotate the pair of bobbins in an opposite direction and away from each other, so as to tighten the respective ribbon associated with the pair of bobbins, in a first operational mode; and (ii) rotate the pair of bobbins in an opposite direction and towards from each other, so as to loosen or relax the respective ribbon associated with the pair of bobbins, in a second operational mode; and wherein, in said first operational mode, with the patient lying on the at least one ribbon, and with the at least one ribbon tightly wound around its respective pair of bobbins, the at least one ribbon bears the weight of the patient.

[0014] In one embodiment, the system replaces the standard tabletop of the surgical table.

[0015] In another embodiment, the system is mounted on top of a standard surgical table.

[0016] Another exemplary application pertains to bedridden people, who suffer because of the lack of motion. Joints get stiff and continuous pressure on a particular area or particular points for a long time reduces the blood flow in the skin, which contributes to the formation of skin ulcers. The inventive system is designed to change pressure points of the subject by turning the subject from lying on his back to lying on one side or the other. As will be understood from the description hereinbelow, the system also enables changing pressure points by stretching (for example) the odd ribbons and loosening the even ribbons and vice versa. In addition, the system can turn the pelvis in one direction and the shoulders in the opposite direction, thereby performing a kind of physiotherapy.

[0017] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The invention is herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present invention only, and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice. Throughout the drawings, like-referenced characters are used to designate like elements. In the drawings:

[0019] Fig. 1 shows surgical tables that are commercially available.

[0020] Fig. 2 illustrates a module comprising a ribbon and two bobbins, for use in conjunction with the present invention.

[0021] Fig. 3 illustrates one of many possible ways of attaching a fixture to the surgical tabletop frame.

[0022] Fig. 4 illustrates a person lying on an inventive array of ribbons disposed along the surgical tabletop frame according to the operation needs.

[0023] Fig. 5 presents an embodiment that combines the standard solutions of cushions on the surgical tabletop and the proposed turning system.

[0024] Figs. 6a-6c provide additional embodiments in which the turning system also fixes the patient’s body position as needed.

[0025] Fig. 7 presents a known concept for a special purpose surgical table, dedicated to spinal surgeries.

[0026] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] The system and mechanism of the present invention pertains to a tabletop or bed frame connected to a pedestal, and to a mechanism for turning the patient (e.g., while in bed or during surgical procedures). The system may advantageously maintain the sterility of operating areas during surgery. The frame may be elevated or tilted relative to the pedestal (as with many known surgical tables).

[0028] The system of the present invention may consist of several sections along the long dimensions of the bed or table, each section for supporting a different body part - chest, lower body part or legs, as well as for supporting the patient’s body in different desired postures. These sections may be aligned in a straight line or at an angle to each other to provide enhanced support and posture for the patient or subject.

[0029] In some embodiments, the mechanism of the present invention may be integrated with various known surgical tables. With reference now to the Figures, Fig. 1 shows exemplary, commercially available surgical tables. These surgical tables have a frame that can be elevated or tilted relative to the pedestal. Such tables may consist of several sections along the long dimensions of the surgical table, each supporting a different body part - chest, lower body part or legs, for supporting the patient’s body in different postures. These sections can be aligned in a straight line or at an angle to each other for providing the best support and posture for the surgical procedure.

[0030] Fig. 2 illustrates a module 200 for use in conjunction with the present invention. Module 200 includes a ribbon 201 and a pair of bobbins (first and second bobbins) 202, ribbon 201 being wound on the bobbins in opposite directions. Each pair of bobbins and the ribbon wrapped on them may be provided as a sterile, disposable module. Ribbon 201 may be wound or unwound from each bobbin independently of its paired bobbin.

[0031] The ribbon may be wound around the two bobbins. The ribbons between the pairs of bobbins support the patient body and turn him when needed. Figures 2a, 2b and 2c also illustrate how the rotation of the bobbins can be used for the purpose of supporting or turning the patient.

[0032] Fig. 2a illustrates how by turning the bobbins in opposite direction and away one from the other stretches the ribbon to form a substantially straight, taut surface, like a stretcher.

[0033] In some embodiments, the ribbon (or plurality of ribbons) is sufficiently strong such that when drawn taut, the body of the subject is supported, without tearing, without irreversible stretching, or without otherwise compromising the structure of the ribbon.

[0034] In some embodiments, the design weight to be supported by the ribbon (or plurality of ribbons) is 80 to 250 kg.

[0035] In some embodiments, the design weight to be supported by the ribbon (or plurality of ribbons) is 80 to 200 kg.

[0036] In some embodiments, the design weight to be supported by the ribbon (or plurality of ribbons) is 80 to 150 kg. In some embodiments, the design weight to be supported by the ribbon (or plurality of ribbons) is 80 to 120 kg.

[0037] Fig. 2b shows how by turning the bobbins in opposite directions and toward each other loosens the ribbon and the ribbon creates a U-shape 205 that embraces the patient’s body. Fig. 2c illustrates how in the loose or slack position (as in Fig. 2b), by turning the bobbins in the same direction in a synchronous speed, the ribbon unwinds from one bobbin and winds on the other bobbin. The ribbon is transferred from one bobbin to the other along the U-shape formed, causing the body inside the U-shape to roll. For example, if the two bobbins turn in direction 210 (clockwise), the ribbon moves in direction 220 and the body inside the U-shape will roll in direction 230 (substantially in the opposite direction).

[0038] The width of the ribbon should preferably match the length of the bobbin so that the ribbon is fully supported. The width of the ribbon and the length of the bobbins accordingly can be chosen to meet the detailed design of the surgical tabletop or the bed frame. It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that support to the patient body can be provided by a small number of wide ribbons, the small number being, at the least, a single ribbon (as in a stretcher).

[0039] In some embodiments, the mechanism or system includes at least 2 ribbons.

[0040] In some embodiments, the mechanism or system includes at least 3 ribbons.

[0041] In some embodiments, the mechanism or system includes at least 4 ribbons.

[0042] In some embodiments, the mechanism or system includes at least 5 ribbons.

[0043] In all of the above embodiments, the mechanism or system may include at most 6 ribbons.

[0044] In all of the above embodiments, the mechanism or system may include at most 8 ribbons.

[0045] In all of the above embodiments, the mechanism or system may include at most 10 ribbons.

[0046] Most typically, the mechanism or system includes 2 to 5 ribbons. In an assembled mode, each bobbin within the pair of bobbins 202 is connected to a fixture attached to the frame of the tabletop or bedframe.

[0047] Each of the electric motors on the fixtures is controlled separately by the control unit and can be driven in a direction corresponding with the required patient’s body motion or the required setting of the bed or table. The control unit may also receive commands from a switching unit or operate automatically for turning left or right, for forming a U-shape in the ribbon, etc. The control unit control s / drives all motors accordingly.

[0048] For example, by turning the bobbins in opposite directions the length of the free ribbon increases or decreases, and the tension of the ribbon increases or decreases accordingly. By stretching the ribbon and increasing the tension it becomes a relatively firm surface like the surface of a mattress or a stretcher. By loosening the ribbon, it creates a U-shape like a hammock. In this U-shape mode, and as schematically shown in Fig. 2c, both bobbins in the bobbin pair may be turned in the same direction, such that the ribbon is transferred from one bobbin to the other, such that with the subject disposed on the ribbon(s), the subject is rolled in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the bobbins.

[0049] Fig. 3 presents one possible embodiment of a fixture assembly for connecting a bobbin to the tabletop or bed frame. Each fixture assembly may include a saddle or base 301 that can be located and tightened to the bed or tabletop frame (via a bed or tabletop frame portion, shown schematically as 101) in any chosen location. Each fixture assembly may further include, or may be associated with, a stator of the drive unit 303 and a rolling drum of the drive unit 302. Each such drive unit may be associated with at least one (typically one) electric motor for turning the drum with respect to the stator. The drum may be designed to fit into a bobbin such as bobbin 202. Both the bobbin and the drum may be shaped to transfer the torque of the drum to the bobbin.

[0050] According to one embodiment for fast removal or placement of the bobbin on the drum, the stator 303 ends with two wedges 304 that fit into their place in the saddle in a fixed angular position. When lifting the drive unit from the saddle, the bobbin can easily slide on or off the drum. The fixtures may be disposed along the longitudinal elements of bed or table frame portion 101 and attached to them in such a manner that the location of each module can be adjusted and set to fit each specific patient. Each fixture may be located along the frame so as to provide support to the patient’s body in a specific body area. The fixtures’ location may advantageously be suited to the length and weight of the patient. It is also possible to set the location of the fixtures to form a gap of predetermined length between the ribbons (see gap 410 in Fig. 4), for example, to maintain that a particular body section sterile and unobscured during a surgical procedure.

[0051] Fig. 4 illustrates how multiple ribbons support the patient’s body. The figure also shows that the spacings of or between the ribbons do not have to be equal. The location of the modules can be chosen to provide support to the body on chosen areas according to the weight distribution or other considerations. In addition, the ribbons can be spaced apart to create a gap 410 allowing a clear section of the patient’s body where nothing touches it, and nothing compromises its sterility. When turning the patient, the contact with the body of the patient is only above and below the operated section, allowing the operated section to remain sterile over the course of the entire procedure.

[0052] Fig. 5 represents another embodiment that combines traditional tabletop cushions and modules for turning the patient. The ribbons are set loose on the tabletop so that the patient’s body lays on the cushions. Mechanism with the bobbin and the motors extend from under the table upward on both sides of the table, to lift the patient’s body from the cushions and rotate him to the chosen direction by moving the ribbons from the bobbins on one side to the bobbins on the other side of the table.

[0053] Figs. 6a-6c provide additional embodiments in which the turning system also fixes the patient’s body orientation as needed, positively and precisely. Each ribbon creates a loop around the patient’s body. This embodiment is an extension of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 5. Fig. 6a shows how the patient’s body is rotated with the mechanisms extended above the bed frame or tabletop. Fig. 6b shows that by tensioning the ribbons when the mechanisms are under the table, a firm fixation in the chosen position of the patient’s body on the tabletop cushions is provided. Fig. 6c shows how by transferring the ribbons between the bobbins, the patient’s body angle of the subject may be advantageously adjusted.

[0054] In some embodiments, the system described herein may be attached to a bed. In some embodiments, the system may be controlled by a controller.

[0055] In some embodiments, the controller may be programmed to automatically operate according to a predetermined protocol.

[0056] For example, a bedsore-preventing or treating protocol may include turning or changing the posture of the patient at predetermined times of day, or at regular time intervals (e.g., every two hours).

[0057] In some embodiments, by elevating the fixture assembly, the taut ribbons suspend the patient above the tabletop cushions and in this position the ribbons rotate the patient to the new position. In the new position the mechanism may lower the patient to the cushions of the surgical table.

[0058] It will be appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

[0059] Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims. All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS1. A system for rolling a patient, comprising, in an assembled configuration: a plurality of ribbons for supporting a patient, each particular ribbon of the ribbons associated with a respective pair of bobbins; each particular bobbin of said pair of bobbins having a fixture affixing the particular bobbin to a supporting frame, such that each particular bobbin can rotate relative to its respective fixture; the fixtures being distributed along the opposite sides of the long side of the supporting frame; each respective pair of bobbins being connected to a drive unit associated with an electric motor, the drive unit adapted such that the electric motor, via the drive unit, can individually rotate each particular bobbin of said respective pair of bobbins; and a control unit for controlling the motion of each of the electric motors; wherein said control unit and said electric motors are adapted, with respect to each respective pair of bobbins, to:(i) rotate the pair of bobbins in an opposite direction and away from each other, so as to tighten the respective ribbon associated with the pair of bobbins, in a first operational mode; and(ii) rotate the pair of bobbins in an opposite direction and towards from each other, so as to loosen or relax the respective ribbon associated with the pair of bobbins, in a second operational mode; and wherein, in said first operational mode, with the patient lying on the plurality of ribbons, and with each ribbon tightly wound around its respective pair of bobbins, the plurality of ribbons bear the weight of the patient.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein said control unit and said electric motors are further adapted, in a third operational mode, to(iii) rotate the pair of bobbins in the same direction, with the plurality of ribbons in a slack or untensioned disposition, so as to transfer the respective ribbon associated with the pair of bobbins from a first bobbin to a second bobbin of the pair, thus causing the patient, when lying on the plurality of ribbons, to roll.

3. The system of claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising said supporting frame.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein each said fixture is integral to said supporting frame.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein said supporting frame is a surgical table.

6. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein each said fixture is adapted to be affixed to a or said surgical table.

7. The system of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each said fixture is adapted to be affixed to a bed, or to said bed.

8. The system of any one of claims 1 to 4 or claim 7, wherein said supporting frame is a bed.

9. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said fixture is adapted to attach to a mechanism adapted to elevate and lower said fixture with respect to the supporting frame.

10. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein, in an additional operational mode, said control unit is adapted to control the motion of at least one of the electric motors such that at least one of the ribbons winds around the patient to hold the patient in a set position.

11. The system of any one of the previous claims, wherein the control unit is adapted to control the motion of at least one of the electric motors such that said ribbons are tensioned in an alternating order, to support the patient at different body sections.

12. The system of any one of the previous claims, wherein the control unit is adapted to activate at least a first of the electric motors such that some of the ribbons move in a first direction, and is further adapted to activate at least a second of the electric motors to simultaneously move at least one of the other ribbons in the opposite direction.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the control unit is adapted to perform the activations whereby a displacement is proportional to the longitudinal location of each ribbon.

14. The system of any one of the previous claims, wherein the control unit is adapted to activate at least one of the electric motors such that only some of the ribbons are tensioned.

15. The system of any one of the previous claims, wherein the drive units are designed for facile replacement of the bobbins.

16. A method of rolling a patient using the system of any one of the above claims.

17. A method of rolling a patient, substantially as described herein.

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