Viscoelastic Pad for Trendelenburg Patient Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
During medical procedures, patients in the Trendelenburg position often experience discomfort and movement due to concentrated pressure on nerves and tissues, and existing solutions fail to adequately secure them on inclined operating tables, leading to potential injuries and disruptions.
Innovation Solution
A viscoelastic foam pad with specific properties, such as a coefficient of static friction greater than 0.2 and a thickness of 3/4 to 1.5 inches, is used to cushion and secure patients on inclined tables, minimizing pressure points and preventing unwanted movement through Velcro fasteners and body straps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the operating table is inclined to position the patient in Trendelenburg position, then the patient can be properly positioned for certain surgical procedures, but the patient experiences unwanted movement and discomfort due to concentrated pressure on nerves and tissues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing cushioning support at specific pressure points (head, shoulders, pelvis, knees) rather than uniformly across the entire table. The contoured cushion with recesses and raised portions creates localized zones of pressure relief and support, addressing harmful pressure concentrations while maintaining the inclined Trendelenburg position.
Solution Approach 2:
The contoured cushion acts as an intermediary element between the patient's body and the inclined operating table. It mediates the harmful effects of the incline by distributing pressure, preventing direct contact between pressure points and the hard table surface, while still allowing the table to maintain its therapeutic inclined position.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the operating table is inclined to position the patient in Trendelenburg position, then the patient can be properly positioned for certain surgical procedures, but the patient experiences unwanted movement on the table
Solution Approach 1:
The contoured cushion provides localized stabilization at key body regions through its recesses and raised portions. By conforming to the patient's anatomy at specific points (head, shoulders, pelvis, knees), it prevents unwanted movement while maintaining the overall inclined position, achieving both adaptability and stability.
3Device complexity
If a traditional operating table is used without additional cushioning, then the setup is simple, but the patient experiences concentrated pressure and discomfort during the procedure
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than replacing the entire operating table with a complex system, the invention adds a contoured cushion that provides localized pressure relief at critical body points. This maintains the simplicity of the basic table setup while eliminating concentrated pressure through strategically designed cushioning zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The contoured cushion is constructed from viscoelastic foam material that combines the properties of softness for pressure relief with structural integrity for support. This composite material approach allows the cushion to simultaneously conform to the patient's body for pressure distribution while maintaining its shaped structure for stabilization.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a thicker cushion is used to provide more cushioning, then pressure distribution improves, but the patient may slide or move more on the inclined table
Solution Approach 1:
The contoured cushion achieves optimal thickness distribution through its locally varied design. Thicker regions provide pressure distribution at pressure points, while thinner regions and recesses maintain stability by preventing excessive bulk that could cause sliding. The raised portions and anatomical contours create friction and mechanical interlocking to prevent movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The contoured cushion employs curved surfaces and anatomical contours that match the patient's body shape. These curved interfaces increase contact area and friction, preventing sliding while the varying thickness provides pressure distribution. The ergonomic shaping ensures the patient is cradled and stabilized rather than allowing movement on the incline.
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 viscoelastic foam pad effectively reduces pressure-related injuries, minimizes patient movement, and maintains a secure position during procedures, enhancing comfort and procedural stability.
Implementation Method 1
a pad comprising a thickness and a softness sufficient to permit deformation of the pad to a depth sufficient to assist in holding a patient on a medical procedure table during a medical procedure
Implementation Method 2
said pad comprising a coefficient of static friction sufficient to assist in minimizing movement of the body of the patient on the medical procedure table
Data Source
AI summary
A method of securing a patient onto an operating table when the patient is in a position such as the trendelenburg position and apparatus therefor including a kit. A viscoelastic pad is used to support and hold a patient on a medical procedure table during a medical procedure performed while the table, and thus the patient lying thereon, is in an inclined position, such as the Trendelenburg position. The viscoelastic pad has characteristics which promote a minimization of pressure forces on the patients body, as well as promote a secure cushioning and holding of the patient in a desired position on the table, in order to minimize injury to the patient.