Viscoelastic Patient Pad for Trendelenburg Pressure Relief and Stability
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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 there is a need for effective stabilization on inclined operating tables to minimize disruptions.
Innovation Solution
A viscoelastic foam pad with specific properties, including a coefficient of static friction greater than 0.2, is used to cushion and support patients, combined with fasteners like Velcro straps for secure attachment to the operating table, ensuring minimal movement and pressure points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a patient is placed in the Trendelenburg position on an inclined operating table, then surgical access to lower body organs is improved, but the patient experiences discomfort and unwanted movement due to concentrated pressure on nerves and tissues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using a viscoelastic foam pad with specific material properties (coefficient of static friction greater than 0.2, specific density and compression set) that provides differentiated support across the patient's body. The pad creates a cavity conforming to the patient's anatomy, distributing pressure locally rather than concentrating it on nerves and tissues, while maintaining the Trendelenburg incline for surgical access.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining the viscoelastic foam pad with securing straps featuring Velcro fasteners. This composite system integrates the pressure-distributing properties of the viscoelastic foam with the mechanical securing capability of the straps, creating a unified solution that addresses both comfort and stabilization requirements in the Trendelenburg position.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the operating table is inclined at a steep angle for Trendelenburg position, then surgical access is enhanced, but patient stabilization becomes difficult and movement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-attaching the securing straps to the operating table rails before positioning the patient. The straps are configured with fasteners that engage with the rails in advance, creating a stable anchor system that prevents patient movement during steep Trendelenburg positioning. The viscoelastic pad is also pre-positioned to conform to the patient's body contours.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the viscoelastic foam pad as an intermediary between the patient's body and the operating table. This intermediary material provides both pressure distribution and friction-based stabilization (coefficient of static friction greater than 0.2), reducing direct contact and movement while allowing the table to maintain the required steep incline for surgical access.
3Ease of operation
If conventional padding is used on operating tables, then some cushioning is provided, but concentrated pressure points still cause nerve and tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by specifying precise material properties for the viscoelastic foam pad, including coefficient of static friction greater than 0.2, specific density ranges, and compression set parameters. These controlled parameter changes ensure the pad provides adequate cushioning while distributing pressure evenly across the patient's body, eliminating concentrated pressure points that cause nerve and tissue damage.
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 and minimizes patient movement, maintaining a stable position during procedures, even at inclined angles, thereby enhancing surgical conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The viscoelastic foam will minimize or can eliminate brachial plexopathy, including pain, decreased movement, or decreased sensation in the arm and shoulder by minimizing pressure to a patient's neck, arms, and/or shoulders
Implementation Method 2
A viscoelastic foam pad with specific properties, including a coefficient of static friction greater than 0.2, is used to cushion and support patients
Data Source
AI summary
A method of securing a patient onto an operating table when the patient is in 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 patient's 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.