| WO1997018778A1 | 1997-05-29 | |||
| WO2005036971A1 | 2005-04-28 |
| GB2423978B | 2008-05-21 | |||
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| US6113956A | 2000-09-05 | |||
| AU2004281184A1 | 2005-04-28 | |||
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| US4873098A | 1989-10-10 | |||
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| EP1388287A1 | 2004-02-11 |
| CLAIMS What we claimed is: 1. We claim a foldable, compact, portable limb-positioner device for use duringplastic and general surgery procedures made of mild steel or any other appropriate material comprising a vertical pillar on an extended base with wheels; one or more angulation adjustable horizontal arms; 2. We claim a foldable, compact, portable limb-positioner device for use during plastic and general surgery procedures made of mild steel or any other appropriatematerial comprising a vertical pillar on an extended base with wheels; one or more angulation adjustable horizontal arms; wherein the device is an electro-mechanical one with electronic controls for maneauverablity and adjustment; 3. The electro-mechanical device in Claim 2 wherein, the angulation of the adjustable horizontal arm is controlled by an electrical motor using gear-sprocketsystem operated by a foot-operated switch in control of the Operating surgeon. 4. The eletro mechanical device in claim 2 and 3 wherein the angulation of the horizontal arm extends from 0 to 130 degrees on the y-axis and along a range of 180 degrees on the x-axis. 5. The electro mechanical device in claim 2 and 4 wherein the angulationadjustment of the horizontal arm is enable with a speed reduction gear box to control the speed of movement of the limb. 6. The portable limb-positioner claimed in claim 1 , wherein the base with wheel is enabled with brakes to halt movement and achive stability. 7. The portable limb-positioner device, claimed in claim 1 , wherein the basecan be of various shapes including horse shoe and extended rectancles; in another embodiment the base can also be permanently affixed to the floor for better stability and restricted movement; 8. The vertical pillar claimed in claim 1 wherein, an foldable, detachable, adjustable secondary horizontal arm is provided for elevation of an another limbsimultaneoulsy, either for ease of access in one procedure or for two independent plastic, general, orthopaedic procedures; 9. The vertical pillar claimed in claim , wherein limit swithces are provided for limiting the elevation enabled by the device in claim 1 ; 10. The adjustable horizontal arm claimed in claim 1 wherein the angulation can be adjusted in relation to the operating table and the operating surgeon's requirement. 11. The adjustable horizontal arm claimed in claim 1 and 2, wherein the freeend of the horizontal arm(s) is enabled with S-hooks to which limb holders including disposable finger/toe holders, padded stainless steel limb holders, stirrups, moulded thermo plastics foot and hand holders etc., can be hooked on the S-hooks for suspension of the required limb(s). 12. The electro-mechanical device in Claim 1 and 11 wherein, the limb lifterand stirrups are adjustable for height and angulation controlled by an electrical motor operated by a foot-operated switch. 13. The device in Claim 1 , wherein, in yet another embodiment the said device can be used with a plurality of limb positioners controlled by a series of electrical motors. 14. The device in Claim 1 , wherein, in yet another embodiment the said device can be used in conjunction with immobilisers for toes and fingers thereby providing further stability during procedures. 15. The device in Claim 1 , wherein, in yet another embodiment the said device canbe used for elevation of limb(s) during post operative phase to reduce theswelling in the limbs during recovery which is a natural process of wound healing. |
SURGICAL LIMB POSITIONER
TECHNICAL FIELD
(01) The present invention relates generally to the surgical support field and, more particularly to devices for elevating, supporting and stabilising limbs during surgery and during recuperation.
BACKGROUND
(02) Surgical procedures on limbs and particularly crucial steps in surgery such as incisions and suturing require that the limb be positioned in a manner that is comfortable for the surgeon as well as safe for the patient. Surgeons generally achieve positioning and stability of the limb/s in an ad hoc manner using elevators such as pillows, sand bags, IV fluid stands, the use of an assistant to hold up the limb or padded elevating devices. The possibility of risks such as deep vein thrombosis, skin tears, bruising and nerve injuries due to the pressure in improper positioning during anaesthesia are very high. Assistants handling patients also frequently suffer from back, knee, shoulder & other joint pains, due to holding and stabilising limbs for surgery in unnatural and strenuous positions for long duration.
(03) Accordingly, one purpose of this invention is to disclose an electro-mechanical device for elevating, supporting and stabilising limbs for surgery that is easy to operate and adjustable. Another purpose of this invention is to provide a method for elevating, supporting and stabilising limbs during surgery and in the post-operative recuperation period that is safe for the patient and reduces risks of improper handling under anaesthesia, while reducing physical stress and injury to the surgical team.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
(04) An electro-mechanical device comprising a portable vertical stand connected to a horizontal rotatable arm which can also be adjusted for elevation; the horizontal arm supports stirrups for limb/s counterbalanced by weights and an electro-mechanical pulley system for elevation of limbs. The device is controlled by means of a foot-operated switch. PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
(05) The surgical limb Positioner disclosed in this application comprises a portable vertical stand (1 in Fig.1) of approximately 1.8 m height made of mild steel or any other appropriate material. The stand is made portable by the use of wheels with brakes to halt movement (2 in Fig.1). The vertical stand is also supported by an additional support to prevent tilting (3 in Fig.1). To this stand is attached an Angulation adjustable horizontal arm approximately 1 m in length, whose angulation can be adjusted in relation to the operating table, the required elevation of the limb and the comfort of the surgeon (6 in Fig.1). The horizontal arm is enabled with stirrups for two limbs (8 in Fig.1).
(06) During the surgical procedure, the patient on the operating table (8 in Fig .4) is anaesthetised and stabilised using the limb lifter (7 in Fig.4). The surgeon operates the limb positioner after turning on the power supply (5 in Fig.1) using the foot-operated switch (4 in Fig.1).The Horizontal arm is elevated to or greater than 90 degrees from zero degree or rest position by manual operation. The limb/s on which procedure is to be done is fixed to the stirrup affixed to the steel rope (3 in Fig.2) and elevated to the desired height using the foot-operated switch. The signal is given to the motor and it starts rotating clockwise and anti-clockwise according to the foot switch pressed up/down respectively, with the help of sprocket gear system. When the foot is removed releasing the switch power to the motor is halted, and the limb is locked in the desired position.
(07) In yet another embodiment, the limb positioner can be used with a plurality of limb positioners and padded limb holders instead of stirrups to provide more comfort to the patient. It can also be used in conjunction with immobilisers for toes and fingers thereby providing further stability during procedures.
(08) In yet another embodiment, the limb positioner can be used to elevate limbs during dressing, to reduce oedema, recuperative physiotherapy and recuperation during post-operative period. The limb positioner can provide automatic user-assisted exercise facility for bed-ridden patients during convalescence. It can also be used in relieving sports-related injuries particularly for immobilisation.