Synchronized Patient Positioning Apparatus for Prone-Supine Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical procedures face interruptions and complications when transferring patients between supine and prone positions on standard surgical tables, as these transfers often require multiple repositioning and can compromise the surgical site, especially during procedures like spinal surgery.
Innovation Solution
A patient positioning apparatus with head-end and foot-end lift subassemblies and a transfer table that can rotate up to ±180°, allowing for synchronized movement to maintain a level orientation, enabling seamless transfer from a supine to a prone position without interrupting the procedure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a standard surgical table is used for patient positioning, then the surgical procedure can be performed, but the patient must be transferred between the surgical table and another support which interrupts the procedure and compromises the surgical site
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical table is designed to perform multiple functions: it can support the patient in both supine and prone positions, and can be rotated 180 degrees to change patient orientation without requiring transfer to another support device. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for patient transfer while maintaining surgical site integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical table incorporates a rotation mechanism that allows dynamic changing of patient position from supine to prone and vice versa during the surgical procedure. This dynamic capability enables position changes without interrupting the procedure or compromising the surgical site.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the patient is transferred between surgical table and another support, then position change is achieved, but the procedure is interrupted and becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical table serves as a universal support device that can accommodate both supine and prone positions, eliminating the need for alternative support devices and maintaining procedural continuity while providing position flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation mechanism enables continuous position change during the surgical procedure without interruption. The patient remains on the same surgical table throughout, allowing the surgical procedure to continue uninterrupted while adapting patient position as needed.
3Strength
If a traditional closed patient support is used, then patient support is provided, but the abdomen cannot be accessed during surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical table can be rotated to position the patient's abdomen in an accessible orientation during prone position surgery. The dynamic rotation capability allows the stable support structure to be reoriented so that the abdomen becomes accessible to surgeons while maintaining patient support stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves from a two-dimensional flat support surface to a three-dimensional rotatable structure. By adding the rotation dimension, the table can reorient the patient's body in space, making the abdomen accessible during prone position surgery while maintaining stable support.
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
Facilitates smooth and efficient patient positioning, reducing procedural interruptions and maintaining the integrity of the surgical site by allowing for continuous operation during position changes, enhancing surgical access and patient safety.
Implementation Method 1
Each lift apparatus includes a gear mechanism, with a lead nut that engages a lead screw, for moving the transfer table toward and away from the patient support frame.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for transferring a supine patient to a prone position on a patient support structure, and for rotating such a prone patient between prone and supine positions without removing the patient from the patient support structure.