Spinal immobilization device, system, and method of use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional long spinal boards for immobilization can cause injury and are used improperly, leading to increased risk of pain, compromised vascular function, and pressure ulcers, highlighting the need for a more judicious and effective immobilization method.
Innovation Solution
A spinal immobilization device comprising a base member with a curvate top surface and an expandable spinal support member, featuring a bladder with fluid-absorbing materials that inflate to conform to the patient's spine, providing a more natural and secure support surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid long spinal board is used for immobilization, then spinal stability is improved, but patient comfort and vascular function deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rigid spinal board with a flexible overlay that conforms to the patient's back contours. This flexible structure provides necessary spinal support while allowing natural body contours and blood flow, eliminating the vascular compromise caused by rigid boards.
Solution Approach 2:
The overlay's rigidity is dynamically adjusted through inflation of air chambers. The system transitions from a flexible state during application to a more rigid supportive state once inflated, providing spinal stability only when needed while maintaining comfort during positioning.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a long backboard is used for immobilization, then spinal support is improved, but pressure ulcer risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible overlay material distributes pressure evenly across the patient's back surface, preventing concentrated pressure points that lead to ulcers. The conformable nature of the flexible structure adapts to body contours, maintaining support while reducing pressure-related injuries.
3Reliability
If proper spinal immobilization is implemented, then spinal injury prevention is improved, but patient pain increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows gradual adjustment of support rigidity through controlled inflation. This enables the overlay to provide gentle initial support during application (reducing pain) while achieving adequate immobilization for injury prevention once fully inflated.
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 device offers a safer alternative to traditional spinal boards by reducing the risk of injury and improving patient transport by providing effective spinal immobilization without causing additional harm, aligning with guidelines for judicious use.
Implementation Method 1
a bladder, a valve controlling passage of fluid into the bladder, and a plurality of fluid absorbing members within the bladder
Data Source
AI summary
A spinal immobilization device including a base member and a spinal support member configured to overlay the base member. The base member includes an elongate board having a curvate top surface, a plurality of openings surrounding at least a portion of the elongate board, and a channel defined within the top surface. The spinal support member may include a bladder, a valve controlling passage of fluid into the bladder, and a plurality of fluid absorbing members within the bladder. The channel defines an impression within the top surface that matches a shape of a portion of the bladder.