Lateral Spine Positioning System with Modular Bolsters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional patient positioning systems for spine surgery, particularly in the lateral decubitus position, are inadequate due to limitations such as time-consuming setup, lack of reusability, and potential for nerve damage from improper positioning, leading to complications like perioperative peripheral nerve injury.
Innovation Solution
A patient positioning system comprising a base section with head, axillary, and hip bolsters, a lateral arm support, and a leg bolster with a knee flexion structure, designed to securely position patients in the lateral decubitus position, utilizing adjustable and customizable components to minimize nerve compression and improve surgical access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional positioning methods (tape, towels, pillows) are used, then the setup is simple and inexpensive, but the positioning stability is poor and procedure time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system is divided into multiple independent components including head support, torso support, leg support, and arm support elements. Each component can be individually positioned and adjusted to provide stable support while maintaining ease of setup through modular assembly
Solution Approach 2:
Positioning pads and bolsters are introduced as intermediary elements between the patient's body and the operating table. These intermediaries distribute pressure, prevent direct contact with hard surfaces, and maintain stable positioning throughout the procedure
2Ease of manufacture
If tape is used for positioning, then it is inexpensive and readily available, but it is time-consuming to apply and not reusable
Solution Approach 1:
Positioning components are pre-assembled into complete positioning systems before the surgical procedure. The modular design allows for rapid deployment and configuration in the operating room, eliminating time-consuming application processes while maintaining reusability through durable construction
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning system is designed for recovery and reuse after the surgical procedure. Durable materials and modular construction enable easy cleaning and sterilization, allowing the same positioning components to be used across multiple procedures, thereby reducing overall time and material consumption
3Ease of operation
If patients are positioned in lateral decubitus position, then access to lateral spine approach is improved, but risk of peripheral nerve injury increases due to improper positioning
Solution Approach 1:
Different positioning components are designed with specific local properties to address different anatomical regions. Head supports provide cranial stabilization, torso supports maintain spinal alignment, leg supports prevent knee hyperextension, and arm supports protect peripheral nerves. Each component's localized design ensures proper support while minimizing nerve compression risks
Solution Approach 2:
Positioning pads and bolsters are placed in advance at critical pressure points including the axilla, knee, and lateral aspects of the body. These pre-positioned cushioning elements prevent direct pressure on nerves and soft tissues during the lateral decubitus positioning, thereby reducing the risk of peripheral nerve injury before the surgical procedure begins
Data Source
AI summary
A patient positioning system for positioning a patient in the lateral decubitus position in preparation for a lateral approach spinal procedure. The patient positioning system includes a base section having a head bolster, an axillary bolster, and a hip bolster. The system also includes a lateral arm support configured to support the arms of the patient in a generally parallel position extending in the anterior direction away from the torso of the patient, and a leg bolster positionable between the legs of the patient and configured to support the legs of the patient and space the legs of the patient from one another.