Adaptive Ergonomic Positioning Device for Prone Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard surgical tables and chairs lack adjustability for prone patient positioning, leading to patient discomfort, nerve damage, and ergonomic challenges for healthcare providers, particularly due to the 'superman' position which is not anatomically neutral for many individuals, and existing specialized tables are expensive and impractical for non-spinal procedures.
Innovation Solution
The Adaptive Ergonomic Positioning Device (AEPD) is designed to be interchangeable with standard surgical tables and chairs, featuring highly adjustable components made of aluminum and stainless steel, with cushioning and arm supports that can be customized to accommodate various patient morphologies, allowing for neutral head and shoulder positioning without compromising provider access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If standard arm board attachments are used to increase table width for patient arm positioning, then the table width is increased, but the adjustability for neutral anatomical positioning is minimal and practitioner access is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The arm support assembly incorporates multiple degrees of freedom with adjustable components including height adjustment mechanism, angle adjustment mechanism, and lateral movement capability. This allows the arm support to dynamically adapt to different patient anatomies and surgical requirements, transforming the static arm board into a versatile positioning system that maintains neutral anatomical alignment while providing extensive adjustability
Solution Approach 2:
The arm support assembly is divided into multiple independent adjustable segments including the arm support surface, positioning mechanisms, and mounting components. Each segment can be independently adjusted to optimize positioning, allowing fine-tuning of arm elevation, angle, and lateral position to achieve neutral anatomical alignment without compromising practitioner access
2Ease of operation
If the patient is positioned in the standard 'superman' position with arms abducted and externally rotated, then the surgical site is accessible, but brachial plexus nerve damage and patient discomfort occur
Solution Approach 1:
The arm support assembly is designed to pre-position the patient's arms in a neutral anatomical alignment before surgery begins, counteracting the harmful effects of abduction and external rotation that lead to brachial plexus injury. The positioning mechanisms maintain the arms in a safe, neutral position throughout the procedure, preventing traction and extension injuries to the brachial plexus while still providing surgical accessibility
3Reliability
If specialized surgical tables are used to improve prone patient positioning, then patient comfort and safety are improved, but the cost is extremely high and the tables are highly specialized for spinal surgery only
Solution Approach 1:
The arm support assembly is designed as a universal attachment system that can be integrated with various standard surgical tables and chairs, not just specialized expensive tables. The modular design with standardized mounting mechanisms allows the same positioning system to be used across different surgical settings and table types, providing improved patient safety and comfort without requiring highly specialized equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The arm support assembly serves as an intermediary device that bridges the gap between standard surgical tables and the need for advanced positioning capabilities. Rather than requiring a completely specialized table, this intermediate attachment system provides the necessary positioning functions when integrated with existing standard tables, reducing overall system complexity and cost
4Stability of the object's composition
If the patient's arms are abducted and externally rotated during surgery, then the surgical position is maintained, but surgeon reaching distance increases leading to fatigue and potential injury
Solution Approach 1:
The arm support assembly incorporates dynamic positioning capabilities that allow the arms to be positioned in a neutral anatomical alignment while maintaining surgical stability. The adjustable mechanisms enable optimization of both patient positioning stability and practitioner ergonomics, reducing reaching distance and bending requirements without compromising the stability of the surgical position
Data Source
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AI summary
The herein described Adaptive Ergonomic Positioning device ("AEPD") relates generally to the field of surgery and other medical or healthcare procedures. The AEPD can be adapted for use with most standard surgical tables and surgical chairs where the patient must be positioned prone during a particular procedure. The AEPD may also be used for certain procedures where the patient may be positioned supine. The AEPD support assemblies are highly adjustable and deliver improved ergonomics for both patients and providers. Patients of different morphology can be comfortably positioned in prone with their head and neck in a neutral position, and shoulders in a forward flexed, slightly internally rotated position. The AEPD can be adjusted to accommodate patients with neck and shoulder mobility restrictions, without any effect on provider accessibility to the surgical or treatment site.