Friction-Enhanced Patient Securement for Steep Trendelenburg Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient securement devices fail to effectively stabilize patients in steep Trendelenburg positions, particularly during laparoscopic and robotic surgeries, leading to potential sliding and nerve injuries, and inadequate warming and arm protection, resulting in increased hypothermia risks.
Innovation Solution
The use of flexible and conformable heated underbody supports with friction-enhancing elements and securement overlays that anchor to the surgical table, combined with heated blankets for arm protection and warming, to maintain patient stability and prevent sliding, while providing effective warming and arm support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If foam surgical table overlays are taped or strapped to the side rails, then the connection between mattress and overlay is improved, but the adhesive fails or foam pulls away when patient weight is applied at 45° head-down angle
Solution Approach 1:
The overlay is divided into multiple high-friction panels or zones rather than relying on a single continuous adhesive bond. This segmentation distributes the mechanical stress from patient weight across multiple attachment points, preventing adhesive failure or foam delamination at any single location.
Solution Approach 2:
High-friction materials serve as an intermediary between the foam overlay and the patient's body. This intermediary layer creates sufficient friction to prevent sliding without requiring strong adhesive bonds to the mattress, thereby eliminating the adhesive failure problem while maintaining securement.
2Reliability
If thicker foam pads are used to create a depression for holding the patient, then the bolster effect is improved, but the device cannot handle excessive weight and rounded shoulders common with obesity
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes from relying on foam thickness (a single parameter) to using high-friction material properties and geometric configurations that can adapt to varying patient weights and body shapes. The friction-based mechanism scales with patient size rather than being limited by foam compression.
Solution Approach 2:
The securement system combines multiple materials with different properties: high-friction surface materials for grip, flexible foam for comfort and contouring, and structural support elements. This composite approach provides both the bolster effect for lighter patients and the necessary support for obese patients with rounded shoulders.
3Reliability
If conventional securement devices are used, then patient stabilization is attempted, but nerve injuries occur from stretch injuries to the brachial plexus
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful element (straps and bolsters that cause nerve stretch) is completely removed from the securement system. Instead, the patent uses friction-based surface materials that stabilize the patient through distributed contact pressure rather than focal points, eliminating brachial plexus stretch injuries.
4Reliability
If gel pads are used for securement, then patient stabilization is achieved, but the pads are cold and messy because everything sticks to them
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the surface property parameter from high adhesion (gel pads that everything sticks to) to high friction with controlled adhesion. This allows the securement surface to grip the patient effectively while preventing unwanted sticking of surgical materials and maintaining a clean, temperature-appropriate interface.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides reliable patient stabilization, reduces the risk of sliding and nerve injuries, and effectively addresses hypothermia by enhancing friction and warmth, especially in steep Trendelenburg positions.
Implementation Method 1
The sheet of fabric includes friction-enhancing elements applied to at least a portion of the upper surface
Implementation Method 2
flexible and conformable heated underbody supports... combined with heated blankets for arm protection and warming
Data Source
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AI summary
A patient securing overlay is provided that includes a sheet of fabric for supporting a patient's torso on a surgical table. The sheet of fabric has an upper surface configured to face the patient and a lower surface configured to face a surgical table mattress or underbody support. The sheet of fabric includes friction enhancing elements applied to at least a portion of the upper surface thereof. The sheet of fabric can include an extension at a foot end of the sheet of fabric that provides material to be tucked under a foot end of the surgical table mattress or underbody support for securing the foot end of the sheet of fabric to the surgical table mattress or underbody support. The extension can include one or more friction enhancing elements.