KR20120135481A - Patient positioning device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A patient positioning device is provided to protect and fix arms from injuries caused by pressure applied to a patient during surgery or movement because a first flexible plate and a second flexible plate can surround the arms of a patient. CONSTITUTION: A patient positioning device comprises a planar sheet, a first flexible plate and a second flexible plate. The planar sheet comprises a first and second end edges which comprise an upper side(24), and first and second side edges. The first flexible plate is combined to the sheet and is separated from the sheet. The sheet sets the position of a patient in a first position thereon. The patient is supported by the upper surface together with the first and second side edges which are adjacent to patient's arms. The first and the second flexible plates can surround the patients arms at the first position.

Description

Patient Positioning Device {PATIENT POSITIONING DEVICE}

The present invention claims priority to US Provisional Patent Application No. 61/351769, entitled “Patient Movement System with Arm Protector,” filed June 4, 2010, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety as set out below. Is incorporated.

Moving patients from one work-support platform to another is difficult for hospital staff. In hospitals, patients are moved frequently. For example, a patient who enters a hospital via an ambulance is moved from a medical stretcher or ambulance gurney to a hospital gurney, a fixed hospital bed, an examination table or a surgical table. Existing patients in the hospital also need to be moved. For example, a patient undergoing surgery may be moved from a fixed hospital bed to a hospital gurney, then to a surgery table and finally to a fixed hospital bed. Each time the patient is moved, sliding or lateral movement of the patient from one support surface to another is required.

This lateral movement of the patient can be very difficult for patients and hospital staff. In general, hospital staff working together are responsible for positioning and moving the patient to a new support surface by lifting, sliding or dragging. This operation can cause injury to the patient if the patient accidentally slides off the support surface or if the patient falls off. Hospital staff may also cause injuries when lifting, sliding or dragging heavy patients.

For most surgical procedures, the patient is placed on the surgical table with the patient's arm on the side. The surgeon will generally stand near the patient's side and lean on the patient and therefore unintentionally on the patient's arm. Many surgeries last several hours, and the surgeon's body may press on the patient's arm, causing damage to the patient's arm, wrist, or hand.

In addition, leaning on the arm or hand of a patient during long surgery results in limitations of blood flow as well as pressure on muscles and nerve tissue. As a result, persistent permanent damage to the nerves and / or muscles of the arm, hand or wrist can wake up the patient during surgery. Even if the surgeon does not lean on the patient's arm, the patient is at risk of ulnar damage, which may be caused by the arm lying on the surface for a long time.

The prior art teaches various systems designed to move a patient without actual lifting. Such systems employ air rollers, pull straps, and inflation as a means of dragging the patient to and from the support surface. Many such systems are intended for single-patient / single-use applications such that the device stays with the patient from the hospital bed to the surgical table.

In hospitals, patients may be anxious, excited or confused (such as when waking from anesthesia) and unintended self-damages such as rubbing eyes or pulling intravenous lines may occur. The prior art teaches arm protection devices used during surgery, but this design consists of hard material and is not fixed to the support surface.

Finally, the prior art teaches an intravenous protector mounted on a patient. The device employs a means to protect an intravenous needle in the arm of a patient from accidental removal or removal initiated by the patient. Although the device provides structural support for the arm of the patient, this application is undesirable for surgical operations because of its size.

Disclosed herein is a patient positioning device used to position, protect and secure a patient to a support surface for movement to another support surface or for surgical preparation. This positioning device includes a sheet having first and second flexible substrates bonded to an upper surface of the sheet. The first and second flexible substrates may be padded. Such substrates may be wrapped around near the arm of the patient to create a wrapped engagement. Such enclosed engagement can pad, protect, secure and raise the arm from injury caused by the pressure imposed on it during surgery or movement. Such positioning device may be lifted or slid from one support surface to another. Optionally, third and fourth flexible substrates that can be wrapped around the patient's adjacent arms to create a second enclosed bond can be used for further fixation. Optionally, an inflatable support may be used with the device to assist the device 10 as it slides or moves with the patient thereon.

The invention is further understood upon consideration of the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims.

1 shows a patient positioning device.
2 is a perspective view of one mode of the device.
3 also shows an assembly of the device, showing a strap and foot securing safety device and an optional non-slip pad.
4 is an illustration of an exemplary device in such a position as used to surround the patient's arm with a padded flexible substrate and secure the lower leg.
FIG. 5 shows an apparatus with a foam pad that is removably coupled. FIG.
5A shows a detail of the bottom of the device with an optional inflation support.
6 is a cross-sectional view of a device prepared for a patient and placed in such a used position.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the thus used position of the device prior to bonding the padded substrate. FIG.
FIG. 8 shows the device in such a mode that the arm of the patient is fixed while raising the arm to a distance “E” over the support surface with the padded substrate engaged;
9 is an illustration of the overlapping substrate enclosed above the arm of the patient.
10 shows an apparatus with an overlap substrate wrapped over the arm of the patient and pushed under the mattress pad.
11 is a top surface view of the device with an optional inflatable support.
12 shows an apparatus having a padded substrate, an overlap substrate and formed inflated member.
13 shows an inflatable support with an expanded tube member and a cross-sectional line 14.
14 is a cross-sectional view of 14-14 of the inflatable support device of FIG. 13.
FIG. 14A is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 14 showing an inflatable support with an expanded member; FIG.
15 is a bottom view of the device showing the cavity configured for insertion of the inflatable support member.

The following description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the present invention. Descriptions of specific materials, techniques, and applications are provided only as examples. Various modifications to the examples disclosed herein will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other examples and applications within the spirit and scope of the invention. have. Accordingly, the invention is not intended to be limited to the examples disclosed and shown, but is to be accorded the scope consistent with the appended claims.

Patient positioning devices are disclosed that can be used in a hospital to move or lift a patient from one surface to another. Examples of such devices are suitable for easily lifting the patient to and from the surgical table, providing ease of use for lifting the patient and protection of the patient's arms and legs during surgery and movement.

The subject matter and / or techniques disclosed herein may provide one or more of the following capabilities. Injuries to both the patient and the hospital staff can be reduced or avoided during transfer between one support surface and the other. Safe transport of the patient during movement between the support surfaces can be provided. Safety measures are provided to grip the patient movement device. In addition, in order to assist the prevention of injury to the hospital staff during this transfer of the patient, the patient positioning device provides a means for evenly distributing the weight that the person lifting the patient can bear. The patient positioning device also protects the patient's arm from being placed on the surgery table for a long time, and protects the patient's arm from damage if a doctor or other hospital staff member leans on the patient's arm during surgery, thereby Prevent injury to the patient.

Examples of patient positioning devices include safety lifting means to help prevent falls of the patient during movement or transport, and to easily slide the patient to and from the surface to limit the weight supported by any one of the patient's lateral movements. Provide means. Relatively inexpensive patient positioning devices are provided to help ensure widespread use to assist with all relevant injury prevention.

Means are provided that not only protect the patient's arm from being damaged during surgery, but also provide a choice of protection for either or both arms. Means are provided for protecting a patient's arm during surgery with means configured to be employed in conjunction with existing medical equipment, such as a patient mobility system. By means of multiple straps in the form of hook and loop fasteners or buckles, means are provided for attaching to the patient movement device along both sides of the central portion securing the seat to the support surface. In addition to protecting the patient's arm during surgery, a means for restraining the patient's arm to the patient's body is provided. By providing multiple handles for lifting or sliding the patient, the hospital staff can be prevented from getting back or other injuries when lifting the patient.

1 and 2 show the patient positioning device 10. Top surface 24 is positioned opposite the bottom surface 26. Top surface 24 and bottom surface 26 are formed of a flexible cloth sheet and consist of a central portion 12, a protrusion 11, an outer edge 22 of the center and an outer edge 15 of the protrusion. The central portion 12 is rectangular in shape and consists of a length and width that accommodate the shape and size of a person. In addition, the central portion 12 may be placed on an operating room table that varies between, for example, 20 to 24 inches (0.51 to 0.61 meters) or a stretcher or gunny that varies between 22 to 27 inches (0.56 to 0.69 meters). to be. The protrusion 11 extends from the side of the central portion 12. These protrusions can be pushed under a pad or mattress on a table or gunny that provides a means for the device 10 to act in place of the bed sheet, thereby reducing germs and costs. The outer edge 22 of the center is the point of attachment for the various configurations described below.

A handle 14 is attached to the outer edge 15 of the protrusion that allows for a secure grip on the device when used to lift and pull the device after the patient is secured. The orientation and quantity of the handles 14 are not limited by the figures shown, but are merely simplified for explanation.

Each of the top and bottom surfaces 24 and 26 may be different materials configured for a particular purpose. Top surface 24 may be comprised of a paper or woven fabric reinforced paper, or other woven or knitted fabric configured for use to support a patient thereon. The bottom surface 26 of the device may have a surface configured to have low friction as the device 10 slides during movement with the patient on board. The bottom surface 26 is made of a material that is slippery or has a low coefficient of friction to allow the medical staff to easily slide the patient to and from the support surface. One example for the top surface 24 is a paper cloth or similar woven or knitted surface. The exposed bottom surface is a microfiber based material or lip woven or knitted from a PTFE-infused or coated cloth, a spunbond or other cloth having a slippery surface when formed or woven, or a woven nylon, or polyester. Any low-friction material that can be found to one of ordinary skill in the art, including, but not limited to, one or a combination of materials from the group comprising a cloth, such as a rip-stop, or polyester. Can be formed. The slippery bottom surface 26 may be sewn, laminated or coated on the device 10 or on the opposite side of the material forming the top surface 24 of the central portion 12.

1, the strap 23 and the pocket 21 are described in detail. Strap 23 is fastened at one end to top surface 24 and incorporates a hook and loop fastener. A group 42 of hook and loop fasteners is coupled directly below the strap 23 and to the top surface 24. Strap 23 is fastened to group 42. The pocket 21 is coupled to the top surface 24 with one open end. Both the strap 23 and the pocket 21 can be used to secure a medical device, a venous tube, a catheter tube and / or a piece of medical equipment that is directly attached to the patient.

1 and 2 also show two substantially padded embedded padded substrates 16. This padded substrate 16 may be permanently fastened to the central portion 12 by sewing with flexible and durable threads or other suitable means, or hook and loop fasteners such as Velcro ^® or other such removable fasteners. Has an inner edge 17 which can be temporarily fastened to the central portion 12. In one embodiment, the padded substrate 16 may be temporarily removed from the device 10 such that it may be employed in an existing patient movement device as disclosed in the prior art, which lacks protection for the patient's arm.

The padded substrate 16 is positioned with respect to the upper edge of the central region of the central portion 12, with a length similar to the length of the human arm between the upper arm and the hand when placed on the side to the human head. Preferably, the padded substrate 16 has a padding layer that is joined or embedded to provide a means for padding the arm when coupled around the patient's arm. This protects the patient's arm from any pressing force imposed by the table or surgeon. The padded substrate 16 is also configured to engage around the patient's arm, keeping the arm relative to the patient's body and slightly raised from the underlying table or support surface. This places a gap between the table and the arm to help the patient's arm not be injured when supported on a hard table surface for a long time.

According to FIG. 3, the padded substrate 16 is shown attached to the central portion 12 at the inner edge 17. The backside of the padded substrate 16 has strips of hook and loop fasteners for fastening. Strap 40 is also attached to central portion 12 at one end of outer edge 22 of the central portion. The bottom side of the strap 40 has hook and loop fasteners for securing the padded substrate 16 when the padded substrate 16 is wrapped around the arm of the patient.

Optionally, the device 10 may employ a non-slip pad 28 that can be permanently or detachably coupled. This anti-skid pad 28 will provide a means to prevent sliding when the patient is positioned at an angle. In addition, in one embodiment, a foot restraint safety device 13 is provided. This foot lock safety device 13 is coupled to the upper surface 24 and can be held around the patient's leg and held by a hook and loop fastener. The foot restraint safety device 13 can keep the lower leg positioned and fixed during lifting or sliding of the device 10.

In use, the padded substrate 16 is employed to surround and support the patient's arm when the patient is placed on the central portion 12 surface. This enclosing of the arm by the padded substrate 16 is a potential for moving the patient's arm out of the table area during fatigue and from contact with the table that the surgeon leans on or under while on the surgical table. Provides protection against pressure damage. 4 shows the device 10 with a patient 20 positioned with both arms surrounded in a padded substrate 16. The patient 20 is positioned on the patient positioning device 10, and the strap 40 holds the flexible, padded substrate 16 in a configuration surrounding the arm of the patient and arms the arm to the patient's body. It may be employed to keep the arm close and outside the passage of the surgeon. The arm of the patient may be held in this position by the strap 40 or using the device's overlap mode (described below, FIGS. 5 and 12). While the arm is in the enclosed engaged state, minimal movement of the arm is allowed. Foot restraint devices 13 are also coupled. The present invention positions and protects the patient 20 during movement to prevent injury to the patient and the hospital staff when the device 10 is dragged by the handle 14. In addition, the patient is now more easily movable between the surgical table elsewhere on the one support surface, for example on the gurney. The handle 14 coupled around the periphery of the protrusion 11 provides a safe grip for personnel during sliding or lifting the patient from one surface to another.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the overlap system can be employed to further secure or elevate the arm of the patient. The overlap system employs a flexible, rectangular overlap substrate 18, vertically oriented across the width of the center portion 12 and attached to the center line 19, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 12. The bottom surface of the overlap substrate 18 has a strip of hook and loop fastener 44 that, when joined, is fastened to a hook and loop fastener on the padded substrate 16. The overlap substrate 18 provides a second means for protecting the patient's arm as shown and referred to in FIGS. 9 and 10, and the overlap substrate 18 is pushed under the pad or mattress.

FIG. 5 shows device 10 that is removably coupled to top surface 24 and optionally has soft foam pad 34. This foam pad 34 is strategically placed in the hip region to prevent pressure sores that may occur when the patient remains in the same position for long periods of time, such as during long surgery, or when the patient is confined to a hospital bed. The bond may be present by peel and stick adhesive or hook and loop cloth, or other means for removable bonding.

5A shows a view of the bottom surface 26 of the device 10. The belt 29 has a connector 33 attached to each end and is coupled to the handle 14. This belt 29 and connector 33 secure the device 10 to a support surface, for example a surgical table or bed. The orientation and quantity of the connector 33 and the belt 29 are not limited by the drawings shown, but are simplified for illustrative purposes only.

The bottom surface 26 consists of a slippery cloth, such as a vinyl or Teflon coated cloth or other cloth having a low friction coefficient. The slippery cloth provides a means to assist the sliding of the patient 20 during transfer. Also, dashed outlines are shown to indicate the location of the optional inflation support 30. This inflation support 30 is interposed between the top surface 24 and the bottom surface 26 and allows for easy sliding of the patient 20 upon inflation.

FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the device 10 ready for the patient 20 and placed in the position used as shown in the following figures FIGS. 7 to 10. FIG. 7 shows an end view of an exemplary use position of the device 10 prior to engagement to restrain the padded arm provided by the padded substrate 16. In use, the padded substrate 16 surrounds the arm of the patient 20 and is then secured by a strap 40 with a hook and loop fastener or other coupling means.

According to FIG. 8, the padded substrate 16 is secured by a strap 40 that surrounds the patient's arm and keeps the patient's arm comfortable close to the body. In addition, the arm is padded and protected from being placed on the support surface for too long or from damage due to the weight pressure of the surgeon. It also provides a means for raising the arm a distance "E" over the support surface with the padded substrate 16 engaged. This prevents tissue damage and nerve damage caused by placing the arm on the surface for too long during surgery.

9 and 10 illustrate the engagement of an overlap substrate 18 that can be wrapped over the patient's arm and pushed under a mattress or pad on a surgical table or gunny. This provides a safe positioning of the patient during transport or surgery.

FIG. 11 shows a top surface view of the device with an optional inflatable support, and FIG. 12 shows the device with a padded substrate, an overlap substrate and formed inflated member. 13, 14 and 14A are detailed views of the inflatable support 30. FIG. 13 shows a section line 14, FIG. 14 is a detail view of sections 14-14 and FIG. 14A shows an enlarged view of FIG. 14. According to these figures, the air source 31 draws compressed air to inflate the inflatable support 30, which is composed of a plurality of flexible ribs formed by channels 34 that expand between the sealed spaces 38. to provide. The inflated support 30 rests on the upper surface of the device 10 and provides an elastic support for the back of the patient 20.

15 is a bottom perspective view of a device 10 having a bottom 35 and a cavity 35 sized to enclose an inflatable support 30 that can be inserted into the cavity 35 through an elongated opening 37. Shows. The placement of the cavity 35 allows the device 10 to be used with or without the inflatable support 30. The exterior of the cavity 35 will have the same slippery surface material thereon as the peripheral bottom surface 26.

In one embodiment, the inflatable support 30 is fully inflated just before moving the patient 20 from one support surface to another. In addition to the slippery material on the outside of the bottom surface 26 and the cavity 35, the fully inflated inflatable support 30 slides the device 10 with the patient thereon into the device 10 due to a significant reduction in friction. Or greatly assist when moving. This means of facilitating sliding is provided by arranging the axes of the expandable channels 34 that are parallel to slide transverse to the positioning of the patient 20 on the top of the device 10. Thus positioned, the members formed by the expanded channel 34 slide in the same direction and facilitate this sliding as the patient 20 slides from one surface to another. During surgery and after lateral movement, the inflatable support 30 must be fully retracted.

In other embodiments, the inflatable support 30 may also be partially inflated. In this mode, the partially inflated inflatable support 30 helps to redistribute the weight of the patient, thus reducing the surface pressure on the patient's body during surgery. While features and fundamental characteristics of the apparatus have been shown and described herein, with reference to specific embodiments, the modifications, variations and modifications of the various variations and alternatives are intended in the disclosure, and in some cases, some characteristics of the invention It may be employed without corresponding use of other features within the scope of the present disclosure. Also, various alternatives, modifications, and variations may be made by those skilled in the art within the scope or spirit of the present disclosure. In conclusion, all such modifications and variations and alternatives are included within the scope of the disclosure contained in the claims that follow.

Claims (24)

Patient positioning device,
A planar sheet having first and second end edges having a top surface, first and second side edges,
A first flexible substrate bonded to the sheet and spaced from the sheet,
A patient positioning device comprising a second flexible substrate coupled to and spaced from the sheet,
The seat is configured to position the patient thereon in a first position, the patient being supported by the upper surface with the first and second side edges adjacent the arm of the patient,
The first flexible substrate and the second flexible substrate can be wrapped around the patient's adjacent arm in a first position to create an enclosed bond,
The enclosed bond protects the arm from injury caused by pressure imposed upon it during surgery or movement,
And the patient lying on the flat sheet at a first position on a first support surface is lifted by the flat sheet or slides with the flat sheet. The method of claim 1,
One or a pair of straps each having a first end, a distal end and a first fastener,
Further comprising a second fastener positioned and accessible on the surface of each planar substrate when the substrate is in engagement with each arm,
The first end of the strap is coupled to the flat sheet,
When the one or a pair of the straps are in the engaged position, the first fastener connects with the second fastener and the strap connects each arm of the patient with respect to each side of the patient in a fixed position. To maintain, patient positioning device. The method of claim 2,
While in the engaged position, the straps hold each of the arms in an elevated position spaced above the flat sheet,
The raised position prevents injury to the arm due to prolonged contact with the flat sheet and the underlying support surface. The method of claim 1,
Further comprising a foot fixation strap positioned on the upper surface of the flat sheet for removably mating with the lower leg of the patient when in the first position,
And the foot fixation strap retains the lower leg of the patient positioned adjacent to the upper surface during the lifting or sliding of the flat sheet. The method of claim 1,
And the bottom surface has a material of low friction coefficient to assist in sliding of the planar sheet. The method of claim 5,
The material may be a PTFE-infused or coated fabric, a spunbond or other fabric having a flexible and slippery surface when woven or formed, a rip-stop woven or knitted with woven nylon or polyester, or A patient positioning device, formed of one material or a combination of these materials from the group comprising a cloth, such as a microfiber based material. The method of claim 1,
Further comprising an inflatable support adjacent said seat,
The inflatable support provides an elastic support for the patient's back when in the inflated state,
And the inflatable support redistributes the patient's weight when in the partially inflated state. The method of claim 7, wherein
And said inflatable support is a rectangular shape sized to approximately 20 inches (0.51 meters) times 40 inches (1.02 meters). The method of claim 7, wherein
A cavity positioned at the bottom surface,
And the cavity is configured to engage the inflatable support therein. The method of claim 7, wherein
And the inflatable support forms a plurality of flexible ribs when in the expanded state. The method of claim 1,
Further comprising at least two grip handles positioned along at least the first and second side edges,
And the grip handle can be used to lift or slide the planar seat. The method of claim 10,
And the flexible rib is positioned in a direction toward the side edge to lower resistance to sliding of the seat. The method of claim 1,
The patient positioning device, wherein the first and second flexible substrates are substantially planar. The method of claim 1,
Further comprises one or more straps coupled to the seat,
And the strap may facilitate attachment of at least one of a medical device, an intravenous tube, a catheter tube, and a piece of medical equipment to the patient. The method of claim 1,
Further comprising a pocket having one open end,
The pocket is coupled to the upper surface of the flat sheet, the pocket capable of storing at least one of a medical device, a suction tip, a suction tubing and a piece of medical equipment,
And the medical device, suction tip, suction tubing or medical equipment is attached to the patient. The method of claim 1,
While the arm is in the enclosed engaged state, minimal movement of the arm is permitted. How to set patient location,
Placing a positioning device on the flat surface comprising a sheet having a top surface, a first flexible substrate bonded to and spaced from the planar sheet, and a first strap coupled to the sheet;
Placing the patient on the upper surface of the positioning device;
Substantially surrounding the first arm of the patient with the first flexible substrate;
Engaging the first strap to maintain the first arm of the patient relative to each side of the patient in a fixed position,
And when the patient is in the fixed position, the first arm of the patient is located in an elevated position spaced above the flat sheet. 18. The method of claim 17,
Substantially surrounding the second arm of the patient, surrounding a second flexible substrate bonded to and spaced from the sheet;
Engaging the second strap to maintain the second arm of the patient relative to each side of the patient in a second fixed position,
And when the patient is in the second fixed position, the second arm of the patient is located in an elevated position spaced above the flat sheet. Manufacturing method of the patient positioning device,
Providing a flat sheet having a first side edge, a second side edge and an upper surface, the flat sheet configured to position the patient thereon in the first position;
Coupling a first flexible substrate to the planar sheet adjacent to the first side edge;
Coupling a second flexible substrate to the planar sheet adjacent to the second side edge,
The first flexible substrate and the second flexible substrate may wrap around the adjacent arm of the patient in a first position to create an enclosed bond,
The enclosed bond protects the arm from injury caused by pressure imposed upon it during surgery or movement,
A patient lying on the flat sheet in a first position is lifted by the flat sheet or sliding with the flat sheet. The method of claim 1,
A third flexible substrate bonded to the sheet,
Further comprising a fourth flexible substrate bonded to the sheet,
The third flexible substrate and the fourth flexible substrate may be wrapped around an adjacent arm of the patient in a first position to create a second enclosed bond,
And the second enclosed engagement further secures the arm during surgery or movement. 21. The method of claim 20,
A third fastener located on the surface of each third substrate and accessible when the third substrate is in the second enclosed coupled state with each arm;
Further comprising a fourth fastener located on a surface of each said fourth substrate and accessible when said fourth substrate is in said enclosed coupled state with each arm,
When the third substrate is in the engaged position, the third fastener retains each arm of the patient relative to each side of the patient in the second fixed position; Connected to the fasteners,
When the fourth substrate is in the engaged position, the fourth fastener connects with the second fastener of the second substrate to maintain each arm of the patient relative to each side of the patient in a fixed position. Patient positioning device. The method of claim 1,
Further comprising a pad coupled to the upper surface,
The pad is composed of a soft foam,
And the pad is positioned below the hip region of the patient. The method of claim 1,
And the positioning device is capable of lifting and moving the patient. 24. The method of claim 23,
The positioning device provides patient lifting during transport.

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