Operating Table Rail Cushion for Surgeon Pressure-Point Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional operating tables do not adequately address the discomfort or injury experienced by surgeons and supporting staff due to prolonged leaning against the lateral edges during surgical procedures, leading to potential discomfort or injury at pressure points.
Innovation Solution
A cushion is coupled to the lateral rail of the operating table, providing an attendant support surface oriented laterally outward, which can be formed from pliable materials like polyethylene foam, and is easily attachable and removable to alleviate pressure points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If surgeons and supporting staff lean against the lateral edges of the operating table for support during extended procedures, then they can maintain stability and reduce fatigue, but pressure points develop causing discomfort and potential injury
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by attaching a cushion to the lateral rail of the operating table before the surgeon leans against it. The cushion is made of pressure-redistributing material that prevents pressure point formation in advance, allowing the surgeon to lean against the rail for extended periods without discomfort or injury.
2Ease of operation
If a cushion is added to the lateral rail to provide attendant support, then surgeon comfort and endurance are improved, but the device complexity and installation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion is designed as a separate, modular component that can be attached to the lateral rail independently from the operating table structure. This segmentation allows the cushion to be easily installed and removed without affecting the core operating table functionality, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining surgeon comfort benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The cushion is designed as a relatively simple, replaceable component that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. This approach treats the cushion as a consumable or easily replaceable element rather than a permanent, complex integrated feature, reducing the overall complexity burden on the operating table system.
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 cushioned support surface minimizes discomfort and injury for surgical attendants by distributing weight more comfortably, enhancing their endurance and surgical efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The cushioned support surface minimizes discomfort and injury for surgical attendants by distributing weight more comfortably
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of providing an attendant support on an operating table include obtaining a cushion presenting an attendant support surface and coupling the cushion to a rail of the operating table such that the attendant support surface of the cushion is oriented at least partially laterally outward from the rail. The attendant support surface is operable to provide support to an attendant positioned adjacent to and leaning against the operating table.