Patient positioning system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Patients tend to slide down inclined operating tables in the Trendelenburg position, necessitating improved systems for secure positioning and immobilization during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A positioning pad with a compressible material and slip-resistant surface, increasing in thickness from one end to the other, equipped with tethers and straps for secure attachment to the operating table, along with a transverse cut to accommodate a sheet for additional patient immobilization, and optional comfort strips and headrest for enhanced support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operating table is inclined for Trendelenburg position, then gravity pulls intestines away from pelvis for better surgical access, but the patient's body slides down the inclined table
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning pad features a thickness gradient, being thicker at the head end and thinner at the foot end, to provide localized support that maintains patient positioning on the inclined table while allowing the necessary tilt for surgical access
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning system is divided into multiple components including the positioning pad, tethers, straps, and transverse cut sections, allowing each element to address specific aspects of patient stabilization independently
2Reliability
If conventional positioning products are used to minimize patient slippage, then some stabilization is achieved, but secure positioning and immobilization is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning pad integrates multiple functions into a single component: the pad body provides cushioning and positioning, the tethers provide anchor points, the transverse cut accommodates sheets for additional immobilization, and the slip-resistant surface prevents patient movement, combining what were previously separate products into one integrated 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
Effectively secures patients in the Trendelenburg position by distributing weight evenly and preventing slippage, ensuring stable positioning during surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a positioning pad is disclosed for positioning a patient on an operating table which comprises a body formed from a compressible material
Implementation Method 2
a body formed from a compressible material having a slip-resistant surface
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are disclosed for positioning a patient on an operating table. The patient positioning system includes a positioning pad having a body formed from a compressible material including a slip-resistant surface. The body has a thickness which increases from a first end of the positioning pad to a second end of the positioning pad. A plurality of tethers are fixedly secured to the body. Each of the tethers includes a fastening member adapted to secure the body to an operating table.