U.S. patent application number 13/969483 was filed with the patent office on 2013-12-19 for operating table patient positioner and method.
The applicant listed for this patent is Tamra West. Invention is credited to Tamra West.
Application Number | 20130333116 13/969483 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43029278 |
Filed Date | 2013-12-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130333116 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
West; Tamra |
December 19, 2013 |
OPERATING TABLE PATIENT POSITIONER AND METHOD
Abstract
A patient positioner for maintaining a patient's position during
a medical procedure including a body anchoring portion placeable
atop an operating table, chest straps, support base straps, upper
arm straps, wrist straps, a substrate backing substantially
concentrically disposed on and fixedly attached to the body
anchoring portion. In use, the body anchoring portion is positioned
under the patient's torso with a portion of the substrate backing
wrapped over each of the patient's arms while the chest straps are
brought over the patient's shoulders and criss-crossed over the
patient's chest and secured on an opposing side rail. The upper arm
and wrist straps are brought from underneath the patient's torso
and wrapped over the patient's arms. The support base straps are
placed through a break of the operating table and brought around
the support base and secured to each other to prevent the patient
from sliding in the Trendelenburg position.
Inventors: |
West; Tamra; (Rochester,
NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
West; Tamra |
Rochester |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
43029278 |
Appl. No.: |
13/969483 |
Filed: |
August 16, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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12722610 |
Mar 12, 2010 |
8539621 |
|
|
13969483 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
5/623 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61G 13/124 20130101;
A61F 5/3776 20130101; A61G 13/1235 20130101; A61G 13/122 20130101;
A61B 46/00 20160201 |
Class at
Publication: |
5/623 |
International
Class: |
A61G 13/12 20060101
A61G013/12 |
Claims
1. A method for maintaining a patient's position during a medical
procedure that occurs while the patient is supported on an
operating table, whereby the entire lower body and abdomen of the
patient is accessible, said method comprising: (a) providing a
patient positioner comprising: a generally rectangular body
anchoring portion having longitudinally disposed head and tail ends
and two transversely disposed opposing side ends, placeable atop
the operating table, said longitudinally disposed head and tail
ends of said generally rectangular body anchoring portion defining
a lengthwise direction; a pair of spaced apart chest straps, each
chest strap extending substantially in said lengthwise direction
from said head end of said body anchoring portion to a free end and
having a chest strap attaching means disposed on said free end of
said each chest strap; a pair of spaced apart support base straps,
each support base strap extending substantially in said lengthwise
direction from said tail end of said body anchoring portion to a
free end and having a base strap attaching means disposed on said
free end of said each support base strap; a pair of upper arm
straps, each upper arm strap extending substantially transversely
from one of said two transversely disposed opposing side ends of
said body anchoring portion to a free end and disposed
substantially adjacent said head end of said body anchoring portion
and having an upper arm strap attaching means disposed on said free
end of said each upper arm strap; a pair of wrist straps, each
wrist strap extending substantially transversely from one of said
two transversely disposed opposing side ends of said body anchoring
portion to a free end and disposed substantially adjacent said tail
end of said body anchoring portion and having a wrist strap
attaching means disposed on said free end of said each wrist strap;
and a generally rectangular substrate backing having longitudinally
disposed head and tail ends and two transversely disposed opposing
side ends, said generally rectangular substrate backing is
substantially concentrically disposed on said body anchoring
portion and at least a portion of said generally rectangular
substrate backing is fixedly attached to said body anchoring
portion; (b) positioning said patient positioner on the operating
table such that said tail end of said generally rectangular
substrate backing is positioned generally about at middle of the
operating table and each of said pair of wrist straps and each of
said pair of upper arms straps is disposed on a transverse side of
the operating table; (c) positioning the patient's torso on said
generally rectangular body anchoring portion, wherein the patient
is positioned in the supine position thereby creating two gaps,
each between the patient's torso and each of the patient's arms;
(d) positioning an arm support foam pad under each of the patient's
arms and wrapping said arm support foam pad around said each of the
patient's arms; (e) leading each of said pair of upper arm straps
through each of said two gaps, transversely away from the patient's
torso and over one of the patient's arms and securing the free end
of each said upper arm strap to a side rail of the operating table;
(f) leading each said wrist strap through said gap, transversely
away from the patient's torso and over one of the patient's arms
and securing the free end of each said wrist strap to a side rail
of the operating table; (g) positioning a chest and shoulder
support foam pad over the patient's chest and shoulders to minimize
the potential for pressure points to develop in the patient's chest
and shoulders by distributing pressure exerted by said chest straps
over a larger area; (h) leading each of said pair of chest straps
around and over the patient's shoulder and chest and securing the
free end of each said chest strap to one of a pair of side rails
disposed on opposing transverse side ends of the operating table;
and (i) leading each of said support base straps through a break in
the operating table that is disposed adjacent said tail end of said
substrate backing, securing the free end of each of said pair of
support base straps to each other such that a positive securement
against the patient's longitudinal and transverse movement with
respect to the operating table is achieved when the patient is
placed in one of the Trendelenburg, left and right tilt, supine and
lithotomy positions.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM AND RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This continuation application claims the benefit of priority
from provisional application U.S. Ser. No. 61/215,169 filed May 4,
2009 and U.S. Ser. No. 12/722,610 filed Mar. 12, 2010. Each of said
applications is incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. The Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention is directed generally to surgical aid
devices, and more particularly, to a patient positioner for
maintaining a patient's position while placed atop an operating
table in the Trendelenburg, supine, left or right tilt and
lithotomy positions.
[0004] 2. Background Art
[0005] Briefly, there are many devices and methods known in the art
for maintaining a patient's position on an operating table during
an operation. After the patient is positioned on an operating
table, the tilt angle and height of the operating table is
generally adjusted to facilitate the operating crew's access to a
surgical site or to gravitationally move organs out of the way such
as in the case of a laparoscopy procedure. When the operating table
is tilted in the lengthwise or widthwise direction, the operating
crew runs the risk of causing the patient to slide longitudinally,
roll laterally or otherwise undesirably change his/her position. A
corrective action is then required to move the patient to a
position or orientation favorable for access. Such action can be
tedious, time-consuming and especially hazardous if the surgical
operation is well in progress.
[0006] It is a common practice to position a pair of cushioned pads
in abutment with the shoulders to prevent the patient from sliding
toward the head end of the operating table when the patient is laid
flat on the back with the feet higher than the head (known as the
Trendelenburg position). In some cases, additional devices are used
in conjunction with the shoulder cushion pads to aid in securing a
patient in the Trendelenburg position. U.S. Pat. No. 6,622,324
discloses the use of padded hip braces to support a patient by the
hip in conjunction with a pair of shoulder pads in the
Trendelenburg position where a brace is disposed on each side of
the waist, above the hips. The padding provided on such devices is
generally minimal compared to the weight exerted on them, thereby
causing significant pressure to develop in the patient's body parts
that come in contact with the pads. For instance, prolonged contact
of a patient's shoulders and waist with the pads in the
Trendelenburg position can significantly increase the likelihood of
the patient developing bruising or nerve damage due to pressure
points in the shoulders and waist.
[0007] It is also a common practice to use a second combination of
apparatus to maintain a patient in the Trendelenburg position. A
generally rectangular draw sheet is first disposed atop an
operating table, substantially in alignment with the lengthwise and
widthwise direction of the operating table. A patient is then
positioned atop the draw sheet and a foam pad is placed under each
arm to cradle the arm. The draw sheet is then drawn taut, making
sure that there is sufficient sheet area adjacent to the arms such
that each lateral side of the sheet can be brought from under a
padded arm around and over the padded arm and eventually tucked
under the patient's torso. While not secured to the operating table
or other structure, the draw sheet used in this manner is believed
to provide additional restraining value of the patient to the
operating table and protection to the arms. However, the draw sheet
is not specifically configured for such an application and lends
itself to improper usage. Often times, wrinkles are formed with an
improperly sized or positioned draw sheet. When a draw sheet is
tucked under a patient's torso, pressure points can develop on the
back and in parts of the arms especially near a joint area such as
the armpit or the elbow. A foam pad is then placed over the
patient's chest before two large belts are placed criss-cross over
the foam pad, such that their ends are secured to the side rails of
the operating table in an attempt to compress the foam pad and
secure the patient to the operating table.
[0008] There are several drawbacks associated with using belt
tension alone to secure a patient by the chest and tucking the side
edges of a draw sheet over the arms and under the patient's torso
in an attempt to maintain the patient in the Trendelenburg
position. Conventional wisdom teaches that in order to prevent
downward sliding of a patient with tension exerted at right angle
to the direction of slide, one must apply a significant amount of
tension in the belts to create sufficient friction between the
belts and the foam pad and hence the patient. However, applying a
large amount of pressure on the chest can cause pressure points to
develop in the chest, and in certain cases, this causes difficulty
in breathing. Failing to apply sufficient tension in the belts
results in insufficient friction to retain the patient in the
Trendelenburg position.
[0009] U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 20090090370 discloses a patient restraint
system for preventing a patient's shoulders from rising or
"shrugging" during a medical procedure. The patient lies on a table
and wears a jacket. A number of straps are used to couple the
jacket to the table. Each strap has a first end and a second end.
The first end of each strap is coupled to the jacket and the second
end of each strap is coupled to the table. The straps have
sufficient tension to prevent the patient's shoulders from rising
or "shrugging" during the medical procedure. The patient's feet
rest on a foot plate to prevent the patient from sliding toward the
foot of the table due to the force exerted on the patient's
shoulders because of the tension of the straps. Even though the
foregoing disclosure provides a system capable of being used to
restrain a patient, it is not suitable for use with a surgical
procedure which requires abdominal and lower body access for the
surgical crew.
[0010] In view of the foregoing drawing drawbacks, there exists a
need for a safe and effective operating table patient positioner
capable of maintaining a patient's position with respect to the
operating table, which once deployed, allows unobstructed access to
the patient's abdominal and lower body while the patient is
positioned in the Trendelenburg, supine, left or right tilt or
lithotomy positions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] In accordance with the present invention, there is provided
an operating table patient positioner for maintaining a patient's
position during a medical procedure such that the entire lower body
and abdomen are accessible. A conventional operating table has side
rails, a break and a support base. The patient positioner includes
a generally rectangular body anchoring portion having a
longitudinally disposed head and tail ends and two transversely
disposed opposing side ends. There is provided a pair of spaced
apart chest straps, each strap extending substantially
longitudinally from the head end of the body anchoring portion.
There is also provided a pair of spaced apart support base straps,
each strap extending substantially longitudinally from the tail end
of the body anchoring portion, a pair of upper arm straps, each
strap extending substantially transversely from one side end of the
body anchoring portion and disposed substantially on the head end
of the body anchoring portion. There is also provided a pair of
wrist straps, each strap extending substantially transversely from
one side end of the body anchoring portion and disposed
substantially on the tail end of the body anchoring portion. A
generally rectangular substrate backing having a longitudinally
disposed head and tail ends and two transversely disposed opposing
side ends is disposed substantially concentrically on and fixedly
attached to the body anchoring portion.
[0012] A hook portion is disposed substantially on the free end of
the first support base strap while a loop portion is disposed
substantially on the free end of the second support base strap.
Each chest, upper arm or wrist strap comprises a complementary set
of hook and loop fastening portions disposed substantially on its
free end.
[0013] In a preferred embodiment, each upper arm strap or wrist
strap further comprises a reduced width free end. The portion of
the straps that is not directly used to exert downward pressure or
coming contact with the padded arms is reduced in size. Frequently
during a surgical procedure, the space available on the side rails
is limited as there may be stirrups, anesthesia screen or other
attachments competing for space on the side rails. Reduced width
straps facilitates anchoring of the same on such side rails.
[0014] In use, the present operating table patient positioner is
placed atop a section of an operating table, preferably the section
where the upper torso of a patient is to be positioned, such that
the tail end of its substrate backing is adjacent a break in the
operating table. A patient is then positioned over the patient
positioner such that the upper arm straps and the wrist straps are
substantially lined up with the upper arms and forearms of the
patient. A substantially rectangular arm support foam is placed
under each of the patient's arms and a chest and shoulder support
foam shaped to provide support to the chest and shoulders is placed
over the chest and shoulders of the patient. Each side end of the
substrate backing is wrapped around and over the exterior surface
of the arm support foam. The upper arm and wrist straps and their
corresponding reduced width free ends are then disposed over the
wrapped arms and secured to the side rails of the operating table,
thereby securing the arms while leaving the lower body and abdomen
of the patient clear of any obstructions. The upper arm and wrist
straps are preferably sufficiently large such that they provide
sufficient gripping surfaces on the substrate backing as it is
supported by its underlying arm support foam. Each of the chest
straps is brought from under the patient over a shoulder and the
chest protected by the chest and shoulder support foam and secured
to a side rail on the opposing side of the chest strap. When
installed, the chest straps form a criss-cross configuration over
the chest area, exerting slight compression on the chest and
shoulder support foam, thereby securing the patient to the
operating table.
[0015] In one embodiment, the straps and substrate backing are
generally made of launderable garment. In a preferred embodiment,
the substrate backing is made of a woven drapery netting fabric.
The straps are preferably made of webbing or other non-elastic
materials.
[0016] In another embodiment of the present invention, there is
further provided an integral drape capable of covering the entire
operating table surface on which a patient is positioned. In this
embodiment, the straps, substrate backing and drape are made of a
disposable material.
[0017] It is a primary object of the present invention to provide a
patient positioner that is effective in maintaining a patient's
position while placed atop an operating table in the Trendelenburg,
supine, left or right tilt and lithotomy positions.
[0018] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
patient positioner that is capable of being deployed easily and
with high likelihood of success.
[0019] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
a patient positioner that is low cost, simple to manufacture and
fabricable using conventional textile technology.
[0020] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
patient positioner that is less obstrusive than conventional
cushion pad type applications such that the lower body and abdomen
are fully accessible.
[0021] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
patient positioner that is safe to use and does not cause nerve
damage or other negative effects in the patient.
[0022] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
patient positioner that is applicable to patients of varying builds
and sizes.
[0023] Whereas there may be many embodiments of the present
invention, each embodiment may meet one or more of the foregoing
recited objects in any combination. It is not intended that each
embodiment will necessarily meet each objective. Thus, having
broadly outlined the more important features of the present
invention in order that the detailed description thereof may be
better understood, and that the present contribution to the art may
be better appreciated, there are, of course, additional features of
the present invention that will be described herein and will form a
part of the subject matter of this specification and claims. Also
it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology
employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not
be regarded as limiting.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] In order that the manner in which the above-recited and
other advantages and objects of the invention are obtained, a more
particular description of the invention briefly described above
will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which
are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these
drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are
not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the
invention will be described and explained with additional
specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings
in which:
[0025] FIG. 1 is a side orthogonal view of a prior art patient
positioner being used to support at the shoulder, a patient placed
in the Trendelenburg position.
[0026] FIG. 1A is a front orthogonal view of a prior art patient
positioner being used to support at the chest and arms, a patient
placed in the Trendelenburg position.
[0027] FIG. 2 is a front orthogonal view of one embodiment of the
present invention.
[0028] FIG. 3 is a partially transparent front orthogonal view of
one embodiment of the present invention illustrating the relative
position of a patient positioner of FIG. 2 with respect to the
placement of a patient and additional positioner aid.
[0029] FIG. 4 is a partially transparent front perspective view of
one embodiment of the present invention illustrating its use on a
patient placed in the Trendelenburg position.
[0030] FIG. 5 is an orthogonal sectional view taken along line AA
of FIG. 4 illustrating the relative position of an upper arm strap
with respect to the placement of a substrate backing and arm
support foam while in use.
[0031] FIG. 6 is a partially transparent side orthogonal view of
one embodiment of the present invention illustrating its use on a
patient placed in the Trendelenburg position.
[0032] FIG. 7 is a partially transparent front orthogonal view of
one embodiment of the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 8 is a partially transparent front orthogonal view of
one embodiment of the present invention.
[0034] FIG. 9 is a partially transparent front orthogonal view of
one alternate embodiment of the support base straps in use.
[0035] The drawings are not to scale, in fact, some aspects have
been emphasized for a better illustration and understanding of the
written description.
PARTS LIST
[0036] 2--operating table patient positioner
[0037] 4--body anchor portion
[0038] 5--head end of body anchor portion
[0039] 6--upper arm strap
[0040] 7--tail end of body anchor portion
[0041] 8--wrist strap
[0042] 9--side (transverse) end of body anchor portion
[0043] 10--chest strap
[0044] 11--substrate backing
[0045] 12--support base strap
[0046] 13--attachment line
[0047] 14--upper arm strap securing means
[0048] 15--tail end relief
[0049] 16--wrist strap securing means
[0050] 17--head end relief
[0051] 18--chest strap securing means
[0052] 19--side (transverse) end of substrate backing
[0053] 20--support base strap securing means
[0054] 22--operating table
[0055] 24--support base
[0056] 26--side rail
[0057] 28--operating table section
[0058] 30--break between operating table sections
[0059] 32--disposable positioner
[0060] 33--another embodiment of disposable positioner
[0061] 34--cuts for straps
[0062] 38--drape
[0063] 39--drape with cuts for straps
[0064] 40--prior art patient positioner
[0065] 42--cushioned pad
[0066] 43--shoulder of patient
[0067] 44--support structure
[0068] 45--waist of patient
[0069] 46--patient
[0070] 47--upper arm of patient
[0071] 48--length of chest strap
[0072] 49--length of support base strap
[0073] 50--length of upper arm strap
[0074] 51--length of wrist strap
[0075] 52--length of reduced upper arm strap
[0076] 53--length of reduced wrist strap
[0077] 54--distance between upper arm strap and wrist strap
[0078] 55--distance between chest straps
[0079] 56--distance between support base straps
[0080] 57--width of chest strap
[0081] 58--width of support base strap
[0082] 59--width of upper arm strap
[0083] 60--width of wrist strap
[0084] 62--arm support foam
[0085] 64--chest and shoulder support foam
[0086] 66--arm
[0087] 68--longitudinal dimension of substrate backing 11
[0088] 70--transverse dimension of substrate backing 11
[0089] 72--reduced upper arm strap
[0090] 74--reduced wrist strap
[0091] 76--chest of patient
[0092] 78--shoulder of patient
[0093] 80--forearm of patient
[0094] 82--tendency of patient to slide off operating table
[0095] 84--foam pad
[0096] 86--belt
[0097] 88--draw sheet
[0098] 90--edge where draw sheet is tucked under the patient
[0099] 92--prior art patient positioner
[0100] 94--drape length
[0101] 96--drape width
[0102] 98--attachment line to secure substrate backing to a chest
or support base strap
[0103] 100--shortened support base strap
[0104] 102--clasp securing one end of extender strap to one end of
a shortened support base strap
[0105] 104--extender strap
[0106] 106--securing means of extender strap to support base
[0107] Definitions of Terms Used in this Specification
[0108] The aforementioned flexible structure having a body
anchoring portion, a substrate backing and a plurality of straps
attached to the body anchoring portion adapted for maintaining a
patient's position on an operating table shall have equivalent
nomenclature including: the patient positioner, positioner, the
operating table patient positioner, the present invention, or the
invention. Also, the term rectangular is understood to include the
case where all sides of the geometric shape are of equal length,
also known as an equilateral rectangle or a square.
[0109] Particular Advantages of the Invention
[0110] The present invention provides an operating table patient
positioner that effectively secures a patient to an operating table
in the Trendelenburg, left and right tilt, supine and lithotomy
positions without causing bruising or nerve damage. In contrast to
existing patient positioners where cushioned pads are utilized that
can cause nerve damaging pressure points, the present invention
provides a positioner that secures a patient via friction created
over a substantially larger area afforded by a set of straps and a
body anchoring portion and positive securement of the straps to the
operating table. This provides sufficient retaining force to secure
the patient while reducing the pressure created at smaller areas
such as the joints.
[0111] In contrast to the patient positioner disclosed in U.S. Pat.
No. 6,622,324 where both padded shoulder and hip braces are used to
support a patient in the Trendelenburg position, the present
invention provides a patient positioner that does not cause
obstruction to access to the patient's lower body and abdomen while
in use.
[0112] The present invention provides a patient positioner that is
low cost, simple to manufacture and fabricable using conventional
textile technology or with disposable materials.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0113] Various devices have been adapted to support a patient 46
positioned on an operating table 22. FIG. 1 is a side orthogonal
view of a prior art device being used to support a patient 46
placed in the Trendelenburg position (feet elevated higher than the
head). Support is provided at the patient's shoulders. Patient
slipping occurs while the operating table 22 is adjusted in various
angles, however, problems associated with patient movement are most
pronounced in the Trendelenburg position. In the patient position
depicted in FIG. 1, if unrestricted by the prior art device 40, the
patient will most likely start sliding down toward the head even
when positioned with the slightest grade. The prior art device 40
has a pair of cushioned pads 42, each supported on a support
structure 44 which is in turn fixedly attached to a sturdy
structure such as a side rail 26 of the operating table 22. In use,
the cushioned pads are brought into abutment with the patient's 46
shoulders to prevent the patient from sliding down. If left or
right tilt is expected or if additional restraint is desired, a
cushioned pad can additionally be positioned against each side of
the patient's waist 45 to restrict the patient's lengthwise and
lateral slide or lateral roll movements.
[0114] If the patient is positioned such that he/she is expected to
inadvertently slide down toward the feet (in the reverse
Trendelenburg position), a common practice is to position a
restraint in the form of a flat foot plate at the feet of the
patient to curb such a movement.
[0115] Thus, prior art common practice uses one set of individual
and dedicated positioners to restrict patient movement in one
particular direction. In accordance with the prior art, if the
patient is to be positioned such that sliding is restricted in the
Trendelenburg, reverse Trendelenburg, or left and right tilt
positions, all three sets of aforementioned devices would be
required. If access is required in the lower body or abdomen, the
positioner disposed at the waist or the positioner disposed at the
feet may pose a challenge to overcome and be a physical
obstruction. During a given medical procedure, a patient is
routinely moved through the various aforementioned positions.
[0116] The step of dismantling a patient positioner to allow access
during a medical procedure is time-consuming, distracting and
highly undesirable.
[0117] A more serious problem is associated with the use of prior
art cushioned pads on the shoulders. A prolonged exposure to the
cushioned pads in the Trendelenburg position can cause bruising
and/or nerve lesion to develop in the patient's shoulders due to
elevated pressure from the patient's own weight as it is exerted at
the shoulders. A similar hazard can develop in the waist if the
patient is tilted to one side at an angle sufficiently severe to
develop high pressure in the waist. There exists a need for a
positioner that is capable of maintaining a patient in the
Trendelenburg, left and right tilt, supine and lithotomy positions
while allowing access to the lower body and abdomen and without
causing such nerve injury in the patient.
[0118] FIG. 1A is a top orthogonal view of another prior art device
92 being used to support a patient placed in the Trendelenburg
position. This device provides support at the chest and arms. A
draw sheet 88 is placed under the patient's torso and a foam pad is
placed under each of the patient's arms 66. The transverse side
edges of the draw sheet 88 are then brought around and over the
foam pad-protected arms and tucked under the patient's torso at the
edge indicated as 90 on FIG. 1A. A foam pad 84 sized to cover
substantially the chest area is then positioned over the patient's
chest in the criss-cross fashion. Two large belts 86 are then
provided to secure the foam pad down on the patient's chest. Each
of the belts has two ends, wherein an attaching means is disposed
on each end. In this example, each end of each of the belts is
secured to the side rails (not visible) located at the bottom
periphery of the operating table 22. As previously described, this
device and method presents a risk of nerve damage at pressure
points created by body orientation during the medical
procedure.
[0119] FIG. 2 is a front orthogonal view of one embodiment of the
present invention illustrating an operating table patient
positioner 2 in its unfurled and spread out configuration. The
positioner 2 comprises a generally rectangular body anchoring
portion 4 having longitudinally disposed head 5 and tail 7 ends and
two transversely disposed side ends 9. The positioner 2 is
placeable atop an operating table during use. In the ensuing
description, the orientation of the positioner 2 and other parts of
the positioner 2 will be referenced to the orientation of the body
anchoring portion 4.
[0120] Four pairs of straps cooperate to secure the patient on the
operating table: chest straps 10, base support straps 12, upper arm
straps 6 and wrist straps 8. The pair of chest straps 10 are spaced
apart, extending outwardly from the head end of the body anchoring
portion 4 and disposed substantially longitudinally of the patient
positioner 2. The pair of spaced apart support base straps 12
extends outwardly from the tail end of the body anchoring portion 4
and is also disposed substantially longitudinally of the patient
positioner 2. Each of the upper arm straps 6 extends outwardly from
one side end 9 of the body anchoring portion 4 and is disposed
substantially transversely of the patient positioner 2 and
substantially adjacent the chest straps 10. Each of the wrist
straps 8 extends outwardly from each side end 9 of the body
anchoring portion 4 and is disposed substantially transversely of
the patient positioner 2 and substantially adjacent the support
base straps 12.
[0121] There is further provided a substrate backing 11 that is
fixedly attached to the body anchoring portion 4 substantially at
its outer periphery at attachment lines 13. The substrate backing
11 is a generally rectangular fabric disposed concentrically with
the body anchoring portion 4. First and second longitudinally
disposed semi-circular cutouts 17, 15 are made in the head 5 and
the tail 7 ends of the substrate backing 11, respectively, to
facilitate positioning and adjustment of the two transversely
disposed side ends 19 of the substrate backing 11 over the arms of
a user while in use and allow the use of the positioner on varying
sized patients. In addition, the second cutout 15 functions to
reduce possible contact with surgical contamination at the lower
body or abdomen which is particularly important for a reusable
patient positioner. The cutouts 15, 17 also reduce material costs.
As will be readily appreciated, cutouts 15, 17 may be formed in
various shapes and dimensions.
[0122] The dimensions of the substrate backing 11 are configured
such that the longitudinal 68 and transverse 70 dimensions are
sufficient to provide coverage and support to the upper arm 6 and
wrist straps 8. In a preferred embodiment, each chest strap 10 is
connected to a support base strap 12 and is integrally constructed
as a single strap. In a similar manner, the two upper arm straps 6
are integrally joined together and constructed as a single strap.
In a similar manner, the two wrist straps 8 are also joined
together and constructed of a single strap. In a preferred
embodiment, the chest 10, support base 12, upper arm 6 and wrist
straps 8 are fixedly attached (for example via stitching or
adhesive) at attachment lines 13 where the straps cross one
another. The attachment lines 13 are preferably disposed on the
inner edges of the chest/support base straps 10, 12 to allow more
flexibility in the range of motion on the upper arm and wrist
straps 6, 8. The substrate backing 11 is secured to the body
anchoring portion 4 at attachment lines 13 and attachment lines 98
disposed substantially at the longitudinal periphery of the
substrate backing 11 and on the inner edges of the chest/support
base straps 10, 12.
[0123] In one embodiment, the straps 6, 8, 10, 12 and substrate
backing 11 are constructed from a launderable material capable of
being reused repeatedly. In other aspects, the positioner 2 is
disposable.
[0124] In the preferred embodiment as depicted, the upper arm 6 and
the wrist 8 straps are terminated with strap portions of reduced
width 72, 74 at the free ends. As will be appreciated, the upper
arm 6 and wrist straps 8 do not have to be terminated with reduced
widths. In one embodiment not shown, the upper arm 6 and wrist 8
straps are constructed of straps of constant width throughout their
length. There is further provided a complementary hook and loop
attaching means on the free end of each of the chest 10, reduced
width upper arm strap portion 72 and reduced width wrist strap
portion 74 such that a loop can be formed at each of the free ends
for securing the patient positioner 2 to an operating table. The
length of the chest straps 48 preferably ranges from 65 to 70
inches while the width 57 preferably ranges from 3 to 5 inches.
[0125] The length of the support base straps 49 preferably ranges
from 44 to 48 inches while the width 58 preferably ranges from 3 to
5 inches. The dimensions 50, 52, 59 of the upper arm straps and the
reduced width upper arm strap portions are preferably substantially
similar to the dimensions 51, 53, 60 of the wrist straps and the
reduced width wrist strap portions, respectively. The length of the
upper arm straps 50 preferably ranges from 12 to 19 inches while
the width 59 preferably ranges from 2 to 4 inches. The length of
the strap portions with reduced width 52 preferably ranges from 14
to 18 inches. The chest straps are preferably spaced apart a
distance 55 ranging from 7 to 10 inches. The support base straps
are preferably spaced apart a distance 56 ranging from 7 to 10
inches. The upper arm and wrist straps are preferably spaced apart
a distance 54 ranging from 6 to 8 inches. The longitudinal
dimension of the support backing 68 preferably ranges from 24 to 36
inches while the transverse dimension of the support backing 70
preferably ranges from 27 to 40 inches.
[0126] FIG. 3 is a partially transparent front orthogonal view of
one embodiment of the present invention illustrating the relative
position of a positioner 2 of FIG. 2 with respect to the placement
of a patient and additional positioner aids such as arm supports
and chest and shoulders foam pads. In use, a positioner 2 is placed
on an operating table 22 having two sections 28 with the
longitudinal axis defined as substantially parallel to the
operating table's lengthwise direction. A patient 46 is then
positioned on top of the patient positioner 2 such that the torso
is placed over the body anchoring portion 4, effectively anchoring
the positioner 2 to the operating table 22. The patient 46 is also
positioned such that the patient's upper arms 47 are substantially
lined up with the upper arm straps 6 and the patient's forearms 80
are substantially lined up with the wrist straps 8. A substantially
rectangular arm support foam 62 is placed under each patient's arm
66 and a chest and shoulder support foam 64 shaped to provide
support to the chest and shoulders is placed over the chest 76 and
shoulders 78 of the patient 46. In use, the body anchoring portion
4 of the patient positioner 2 is preferably placed entirely on one
section 28 of the operating table 22 leaving the break 30 between
the two sections 28 close to but not covered by the tail end 7 of
the body anchoring portion 4.
[0127] FIG. 4 is a partially transparent front perspective view of
one embodiment of the present invention illustrating its use on a
patient placed in the Trendelenburg position. The operating table
22 is made up of two sections 28 forming a break 30 therebetween
and a side rail 26 disposed substantially at the longitudinal
bottom periphery of each section. One or both sections 28 are
directly supported on a support base 24. It is to be understood
that the positioner 2 is capable of being used on other types of
operating tables, provided that the straps 10, 12, 6, 8, 72, 74 are
sufficiently long and able to form securing loops around the
equivalent support structure.
[0128] Prior to deploying a patient positioner 2, the operating
table 22 is brought to a level configuration to prevent
gravitational tendency from causing the patient positioner 2 or
patient 46 to roll off the operating table 22. First, a patient
positioner 2 is placed atop a section 28, preferably the section 28
where the upper torso of a patient 46 is to be positioned such that
the tail end of its body anchoring portion 4 comes close to but not
over the break 30. A patient 46 is then positioned over the
positioner 2 such that the upper arm straps 6 and the wrist straps
8 are substantially lined up with the upper arms and forearms of
the patient 46. A substantially rectangular arm support foam 62 is
placed under each of the patient's arms 66, A chest and shoulder
support foam 64 shaped to provide support to the chest and
shoulders is placed over the chest 76 and shoulders 78 of the
patient 46. In FIG. 5, a cutaway view is provided to illustrate how
an upper arm strap 6 is used in conjunction with the substrate
backing 11 and arm support foam 62 to secure a part of a patient to
an operating table 22.
[0129] FIG. 5 is an orthogonal sectional view taken along line AA
of FIG. 4 illustrating the relative position of an upper arm strap
6 with respect to the placement of the substrate backing 11 and arm
support foam 62 while in use. As depicted, a portion of a patient
46 is positioned on top of a portion of the positioner, i.e., an
upper arm strap 6 and part of the substrate backing 11. An arm
support foam 62 is wrapped around the arm 66 at the upper arm,
substantially covering the entire circumference of the arm 66 in
order to cradle the arm 66. One side end of the substrate backing
11 is then wrapped around and over the exterior surface of the arm
support foam 62. A reduced width upper arm strap portion 72 is
pulled through the gap between the patient 22 and his/her arm 66
and wrapped over the arm 66 and eventually pulled through a gap
made between the operating table 22 and the side rail 26 to form a
loop around the side rail 26 and secured using attaching means 14.
As depicted, hook and loop fastening portions are used.
[0130] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, each side end of the substrate
backing 11 is shown wrapped around and over the outside of the arm
support foam 62 and the upper arm and wrist straps 6, 8 and their
corresponding reduced width end portions 72, 74 are disposed over
the arms and secured to the side rails of a section 28, thereby
securing the arms while leaving the lower body of the patient clear
of any obstructions. The upper arm and wrist straps 6, 8 are
preferably configured sufficiently large such that they provide
sufficient grip on the substrate backing 11 as it is supported by
its underlying arm support foam 62. Each of the chest straps 10 is
brought from under the patient 46 over a shoulder 78 and the chest
76 protected by the chest and shoulder support foam 64 and secured
to a side rail 26 on the opposing side of the chest strap 10. When
installed, the chest straps form a criss-cross across the chest
area, exerting slight compression on the chest and shoulder support
foam 64, thereby securing the patient 46 to the operating table 22.
Unlike the cushioned pads 42 used in the prior art positioner 40,
the novel straps 10, 6, 8 provided by the present invention enable
the patient to be secured using friction effected over a wider area
across the chest and arm surfaces, thereby eliminating pressure
points experienced with prior art cushioned pads. The chest,
reduced width upper arm and wrist strap portions 10, 72, 74
comprise securing means 18, 14, 16 at their free ends respectively.
In a preferred embodiment, each of the securing means 18, 14, 16
comprises hook and loop fastening portions. Alternatively, each
strap may be secured to the side rail 26 by tying its free end to
the side rail 26. In contrast to the prior art positioner disclosed
in FIG. 1A, the present invention provides enhanced grip by having
a significantly larger contact area between the patient and the
positioner due to the increased surface areas afforded by the
support base straps, upper arm, wrist and chest straps, securement
of the upper arm, wrist and chest straps to the operating table at
the side rails and a positive securement at the support base
straps. In addition, the present invention includes a pair of chest
straps that are brought around and over the shoulders which further
provides securement of the patient.
[0131] FIG. 6 is a partially transparent side orthogonal view of
one embodiment of the present invention illustrating its use on a
patient placed in the Trendelenburg position. Referring to FIGS. 4,
5 and 6, each of the support base straps 12 is slid through the
break 30 in the operating table 22 and passed around from opposite
directions and secured around the support base 24 underneath the
operating table 22 in a manner such that the tendency for the
patient 46 to slide down head first is partially prevented by
tension exerted in the support base straps 12. In a preferred
embodiment, the support base straps 12 are secured by means of
attaching the two support base straps 12 together using a hook
portion disposed on a first support base strap 12 and a loop
portion disposed on a second support base strap 12. It is
understood that other securing means may be used, provided that the
support base straps 12 are secured such that the tendency for the
patient 46 to slide down toward the head is prevented. When used on
an operating table without a break 30 between sections 28, the
support base straps 12 may alternatively be secured by tying each
strap 12 to a side rail 26. In this latter case, the support base
straps 12 may also be intermediately secured to side rail 26
leaving the free ends to be wrapped from opposite directions and
secured around the support base 24.
[0132] In view of the foregoing descriptions, it is apparent that
the patient's tendency to slide off of the head end of the
operating table as indicated by arrow 82 is curtailed by providing
the present novel patient positioner having greater patient
engaging surfaces. The present novel patient positioner provides
benefits in many areas. By having all of the straps fixedly
attached as a single unit, all patient contacting surfaces are
connected together and cooperate to provide sufficient friction to
retain the patient in the Trendelenburg position. Since the
effective contact area between the patient 46 and the positioner 2
is large, the potential to develop pressure points in the patient
46 is greatly reduced or eliminated. An added benefit of having
multiple straps connected as a single unit is in the fail safe
aspect of the patient positioner 2. In circumstances where one or
more straps become detached during use, there are remaining straps
which are still secured to the operating table. In contrast to the
practice of using only two straps secured over the chest area of a
patient, the present patient positioner provides a positive
securement of the positioner and the patient by securing the
positioner 2 around the support base 24 with the support base
straps 12 of the operating in the direction opposing the tendency
to slide.
[0133] FIG. 7 is a partially transparent front orthogonal view of
an alternate embodiment of the present invention. In this
embodiment, the positioner 32 is made from a disposable material
comprising an additional drape 38, wherein the drape 38 is a
generally rectangular sheet disposed substantially concentrically
with the body anchoring portion 4. The relative positioning and
sizes of all of the straps 10, 12, 6, 8, 72, 74, substrate backing
11 and the body anchoring portion 4 and attachment lines 13, 98 are
substantially similar to the positioner 2 disclosed in FIG. 2. The
positioner 32 is constructed by first laying down a drape 38,
followed by a pair of unitary chest/support base straps 10, 12, a
substrate backing 11 and lastly a pair of unitary upper arm 6 and
wrist straps 8 and their corresponding reduced width free ends 72,
74. All layers are then fixedly attached at attachment lines 13, 98
such that the flexibility of all of the straps 10, 12, 6, 8, 72, 74
and the side ends 19 of the substrate backing 11 is unimpeded. The
length 94 of the drape 38 preferably ranges from 55 to 65 inches
while the width 96 of the drape 38 preferably ranges from 35 to 45
inches. In use, the drape 38 provides protection to an operating
table on which a patient is positioned negating the necessity of
providing a separate drape underneath a positioner 32, thereby
simplifying room preparation.
[0134] FIG. 8 is a partially transparent front orthogonal view of
an alternate embodiment of the patient positoner 32 disclosed in
FIG. 7. In this embodiment, the positioner 33 is made from a
disposable material comprising also an additional drape 39, wherein
the drape 39 is a generally rectangular sheet having a cut 34 made
for each strap 10, 12, 6, 8 and each cut 34 is positioned
substantially at right angle to and at the root of each strap where
each strap is attached to the body anchoring portion 4. Each strap
10, 12, 6, 8 is routed through the opening created by each of the
cuts 34 and pulled taut before it is secured to the drape 39 at
attachment lines 98 and 13 such that the positioner 33 is disposed
substantially concentrically with the body anchoring portion 4 and
further strengthened. The length 94 of the drape 39 preferably
ranges from 55 to 65 inches while the width 96 of the drape 39
preferably ranges from 35 to 45 inches. In use, the drape 39
provides protection to an operating table on which a patient is
positioned negating the necessity of providing a separate drape
underneath a positioner 33, thereby simplifying room
preparation.
[0135] FIG. 9 is a partially transparent front orthogonal view of
one alternate embodiment of the support base straps in use with the
patient and other parts of the positioner removed for clarity. In
this embodiment, each support base strap 100 is a shortened strap
with a preferred length ranging from 6 to 25 inches. In this
embodiment, a complementary set of hook and loop fastening portions
is disposed substantially on the free end of each support base
strap 12. An additional support base strap, hereinafter referred to
as extender strap 104, is provided to secure the free ends of the
support base straps 12 to a support base 24 of an operating table
22. The extender strap 104 comprises a strap having two ends, each
end being terminated with and fixedly secured to a clasp 102. As
depicted in FIG. 9, the extender strap 104 is looped around and
fixedly attached to the support base 24 via securing means 106. In
one aspect, securing means 106 comprises stapling two portions of
the looped extender strap 104 together, thereby securely disposing
the clasped ends of the extender strap 104 at a desired height and
location. It should be appreciated that there are various other
equivalent ways to secure the extender strap 104 to the support
base or an equivalent structure. Each support base strap 12 is slid
through a break 30 in the operating table 22 with its free end
looped through a clasp 102 such that the support base strap 12 is
secured to the extender strap 104. The length of the extender strap
104 preferably ranges from 45 to 100 inches while the width
preferably ranges from 2 to 3 inches. The extender strap 104 is
preferably constructed of a non-elastic webbing material. Since the
extender strap 104 does not come in direct contact with a patient
or other contaminants such as surgical wastes, the extender strap
104 can be reused indefinitely. The use of such an extender strap
104 eliminates the necessity for having a surgical room preparation
personnel crawl under the operating table 22 to secure the support
base straps 12 per each use of the patient positioner. One further
benefit of using this support base strap embodiment is the savings
associated with a disposable patient positioner. A disposable
positioner constructed with support base straps of reduced length
will yield savings in materials which would otherwise be discarded
after single use.
Other Embodiments
[0136] In one embodiment not shown, the straps are constructed
individually such that there are two separate chest straps, two
separate support base straps, two separate upper arm straps and two
separate wrist straps. In this embodiment, the body anchoring
portion 4 is constructed of a separate rectangular sheet
sufficiently strong to hold one end of each strap while the strap
is placed under tension.
[0137] In yet another embodiment not shown, the upper arm and wrist
straps have consistent widths across their entire lengths and do
not comprise reduced width sections.
[0138] In yet another embodiment not shown, foam pads are
functionally and operatively built into the straps, thereby
eliminating the need to separately shape and form loose pieces of
foam pads and secure them to be used in conjunction with the
patient positioner.
[0139] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
while the invention has been described above in connection with
particular embodiments the invention is not necessarily so limited
and that numerous other embodiments, uses, modifications and
departures from the embodiments, and uses may be made without
departing from the inventive concepts.
* * * * *