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Claims  |
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We claim:
1. A resilient surgical pad for receipt and support of a surgery patient in
a prone position, said pad comprising an integral block of resilient foam
material having a defined lower side thereof adapted for being supported
on an operating table, and a defined upper side thereof adapted for
generally receiving and supporting the torso of a patient in a prone
position thereof, wherein said defined upper side has an opening formed
therein and said block defines a cavity beneath said opening and in
communication therewith so that the abdomen of a prone positioned patient
received on said pad is generally free to hang within said cavity, whereby
vascular system pressure is lowered for reduced patient bleeding during
relatively prolonged surgical procedures, said pad further including a
narrow slot formed through one end of said block and interconnecting with
said cavity so as to form two relatively movable members in said block for
adjustable positioning thereof to customize support of given patients, by
adjustable receipt of a patient's upper legs respectively on the upper
side of said two relatively movable members.
2. A resilient surgical pad as in claim 1, wherein said lower and upper
sides of said block each comprises a generally planar surface.
3. A resilient surgical pad as in claim 1, wherein said resilient foam
material has a density of at least about 1.4 pounds per cubic foot.
4. A resilient surgical pad as in claim 1, wherein said cavity comprises a
channel formed through said block and interconnecting between said lower
and upper sides thereof.
5. A resilient surgical pad as in claim 1, further including adjustable
strap means for varying the maximum separation of said two movable
members.
6. A resilient surgical pad as in claim 1, further including means for
supporting the patient's head.
7. A resilient surgical pad as in claim 1, further including means for
supporting the patient's lower limbs.
8. A resilient surgical pad as in claim 1, further including an air
permeable, liquid impermeable removable covering over said block, said
covering being disposable and replaceable so that said block can be
reused.
9. A resilient surgical pad as in claim 1, wherein:
said foam material has a density generally in a range from about 1.4 to
about 1.8 pounds per cubic foot;
said block is generally in a range from about 4 inches to about 8 inches
thick, depending on whether it is to be used for pediatric or adult
patient's; and
wherein means for adjustably supporting the patient's head and lower limbs
are further provided for association and use with said block.
10. A resilient surgical pad for receipt and support of a surgery patient
in a prone position, said pad comprising a block of resilient foam
material having a defined lower side thereof adapted for being supported
on an operating table, and a defined upper side thereof adapted for
generally receiving and supporting the torso of a patient in a prone
position thereof, wherein said defined upper side has an opening formed
therein and said block defines a cavity beneath said opening and in
communication therewith so that the abdomen of a prone positioned patient
received on said pad is generally free to hang within said cavity, whereby
vascular system pressure is lowered for reduced patient bleeding during
relatively prolonged surgical procedures, wherein said block upper side
includes contoured limb receipt surfaces defined therein.
11. A resilient surgical pad as in claim 10, wherein said limb receipt
surfaces include a pair of angled surfaces for support of a patient's
upper arms.
12. A resilient surgical pad as in claim 10, wherein said limb receipt
surfaces include a pair of curved surfaces for support of a patient's
upper legs.
13. A resilient surgical pad for receipt and support of a surgery patient
in a prone position, said pad comprising a block of resilient foam
material having a defined lower side thereof adapted for being supported
on an operating table, and a defined upper side thereof adapted for
generally receiving and supporting the torso of a patient in a prone
position thereof, wherein said defined upper side has an opening formed
therein and said block defines a cavity beneath said opening and in
communication therewith so that the abdomen of a prone positioned patient
received on said pad is generally free to hang within said cavity, whereby
vascular system pressure is lowered for reduced patient bleeding during
relatively prolonged surgical procedures, wherein said upper side includes
a relatively recessed support surface for supporting generally a patient's
upper chest.
14. A resilient surgical pad for receipt and support of a surgery patient
in a prone position, said pad comprising a block of resilient foam
material having a defined lower side thereof adapted for being supported
on an operating table, and a defined upper side thereof adapted for
generally receiving and supporting the torso of a patient in a prone
position thereof, wherein said defined upper side has an opening formed
therein and said block defines a cavity beneath said opening and in
communication therewith so that the abdomen of a prone positioned patient
received on said pad is generally free to hang within said cavity, whereby
vascular system pressure is lowered for reduced patient bleeding during
relatively prolonged surgical procedures, wherein said block includes a
plurality of cuts formed therein about the periphery of said upper side
opening for greater dispersion of pressure on the patient's torso adjacent
such opening.
15. A resilient pad for use with a prone positioned surgery patient to
reduce bleeding of such patient during relatively long surgical
procedures, said pad including:
resilient foam torso support means adapted for being received on an
operating table, and for generally supporting a patient's torso on an
upper surface thereof; and
cavity means, formed generally centrally in said torso support means and
upper surface thereof, for receiving in free suspension therein a
patient's abdomen when such patient assumes a prone position on said torso
support means;
wherein pressure on the patient's abdomen and vascular system is reduced so
that bleeding on the patient's side opposite the abdomen is relatively
reduced whenever the patient is placed on said pad in a prone position for
relatively long periods of time; and further including
resilient foam head support means for supporting the patient's head; and
resilient foam leg support means for supporting the patient's lower legs.
16. A resilient pad as in claim 15, wherein:
said torso support means comprises a block of foam material having a
density preferably of at least about 1.4 pounds per cubic foot and a
thickness preferably of at least about 4 inches; and
said cavity means comprises a generally vertically oriented channel formed
in said block of foam material.
17. A resilient pad as in claim 15, wherein:
said torso support means and said head support means include pressure
dispersion cuts formed in or adjacent upper support surfaces thereof for
improved support of a patient thereon; and
said leg support means generally comprises a wedge shaped member for
elevating a patient's feet relative the remainder of the patient's lower
legs; and
wherein said resilient pad may be adjusted for custom usage with different
patients by selectively arranging the relative distances and positions
among said torso support means, head support means and leg support means.
18. A resilient pad as in claim 15, wherein:
said head support means and leg support means each comprises an integral
foam member separate from said torso support means; and
wherein said cavity means generally comprises a channel formed through said
torso support means, and having a generally elongated cross-section, the
elongated axis of which generally runs parallel with the intended position
of the spinal axis of a patient received on said torso support means.
19. A resilient pad for use with a prone positioned surgery patient to
reduce bleeding of such patient during relatively long surgical
procedures, said pad including:
resilient foam torso support means adapted for being received on an
operating table, and for generally supporting a patient's torso on an
upper surface thereof; and
cavity means, formed generally centrally in said torso support means and
upper surface thereof, for receiving in free suspension therein a
patient's abdomen when such patient assumes a prone position on said torso
support means;
whereby pressure on the patient's abdomen and vascular system is reduced so
that bleeding on the patient's side opposite the abdomen is relatively
reduced whenever the patient is placed on said pad in a prone position for
relatively long periods of time; wherein
said torso support means further includes pressure dispersion cuts therein
about the periphery of said cavity means, at least one angled surface near
one end of said torso support means for support of a patient's upper arm,
a recessed generally planar area near said torso support means one end for
support of a patient's upper chest, and at least one curved surface near
an end of said torso support means opposite said one end thereof for
support of a patient's upper leg.
20. A resilient pad as in claim 19, including a pair of said angled
surfaces and a pair of said curved surfaces, and further including through
said torso support means a generally vertical slot between said curved
surfaces and interconnecting said cavity means with the outside periphery
of said torso support means, whereby lateral separation between said pair
of curved surfaces may be varied, and wherein said resilient pad further
includes strap means, interconnecting opposing portions of said torso
support means defined on either side of said slot therein, for limiting
the amount of lateral separation therebetween, whereby said resilient pad
may be adjusted for use with different sized patients.
21. A surgical kit for cushioning and supporting a patient in a prone
position during surgery, comprising:
resilient foam torso support means for resiliently supporting the torso of
a patient, said torso support means having abdominal channel means formed
therein for receiving a patient's abdomen generally in a free-hanging
condition while the remainder of such torso is resiliently supported;
head support means for supporting the patient's head; and
lower limb support means for supporting the patient's lower limbs;
wherein said head support means and lower limb support means comprise
respective foam members apart from said torso support means so as to be
adjustably positioned relative thereto on an operating table or other
primary support surface.
22. A surgical kit as in claim 21, wherein:
said torso support means comprises foam material generally having at least
about 1.4 pounds per cubic foot density and at least about 4 inches
thickness.
23. A surgical kit as in claim 22, wherein said torso support means is
about 8 inches thick, about 28 inches long, and about 22 inches wide so as
to resiliently support the full torso of a typical adult patient without
compression of said resilient foam torso support means to the point that
the patient's abdomen would engage a primary support surface below.
24. A surgical kit as in claim 23, wherein said abdominal channel means
comprises a generally vertical channel formed through said torso support
means and having a generally elongated cross-section, the elongated axis
of which is generally about 12 to 16 inches and the lateral axis of which
is generally about 6 to 10 inches.
25. A surgical kit as in claim 21, wherein each of said support means is
respectively covered by removable, liquid resistant, air permeable drapes,
whereby such drapes may be replaced so that said surgical kit may be
reused for different patients.
26. A surgical kit for cushioning and supporting a patient in a prone
position during surgery, comprising:
resilient foam torso support means for resiliently supporting the torso of
a patient, said torso support means having abdominal channel means formed
therein for receiving a patient's abdomen generally in a free-hanging
condition while the remainder of such torso is resiliently supported;
head support means for supporting the patient's head; and
lower limb support means for supporting the patient's lower limbs;
wherein an upper support surface of said torso support means is contoured
for receipt and support of a patient's upper arms, upper chest, and upper
legs.
27. A surgical kit as in claim 26, wherein said upper support surface
includes a pair of curved surfaces for receipt and support of a patient's
upper legs.
28. A surgical kit as in claim 27, wherein said pair of curved surfaces
include pressure dispersion cuts formed therein.
29. A surgical kit as in claim 27, wherein said curved surfaces are
situated adjacent to an edge of said upper support surface.
30. A surgical kit as in claim 26, wherein said upper support surface
includes a relatively recessed support surface for supporting generally a
patient's upper chest.
31. A surgical kit as in claim 30, wherein said relatively recessed support
surface includes pressure dispersion cuts formed therein.
32. A surgical kit as in claim 26, wherein said upper support surface
further includes a pair of angled surfaces adjacent an edge thereof for
receipt and support of a patient's upper arms.
33. A surgical kit for cushioning and supporting a patient in a prone
position during surgery, comprising:
resilient foam torso support means for resiliently supporting the torso of
a patient, said torso support means having abdominal channel means formed
therein for receiving a patient's abdomen generally in a free-hanging
condition while the remainder of such torso is resiliently supported;
head support means for supporting the patient's head; and
lower limb support means for supporting the patient's lower limbs;
wherein said torso support means has an upper support surface with pressure
dispersion cuts formed therein.
34. A surgical kit as in claim 33, wherein said pressure dispersion cuts
are formed adjacent said abdominal channel means.
35. A surgical kit as in claim 33, wherein said upper support surface
includes a relatively recessed support surface for supporting generally a
patient's upper chest.
36. A surgical kit as in claim 35, wherein said relatively recessed support
surface includes pressure dispersion cuts formed therein and formed in
said upper support surface adjacent thereto. |
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Claims |
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Description |
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention in general concerns an improved patient support pad, and
more particularly concerns a resilient pad for use with prone positioned
surgery patients to reduce bleeding of such patients during relatively
longer surgical procedures.
Numerous positioning devices of various constructions have been provided in
foam materials. For example, SpanAmerica Medical Systems, Inc., of
Greenville, S.C., markets a number of different products, some of which
are intended for operating room use, and others which can be used in more
general patient care settings. Such products include an operating room
prone pillow and a physical therapy prone pillow which have foam
engagement support surfaces for receiving and supporting a patient's head
in a prone position while maintaining an open breathing space just below
the patient's nose.
Other operating room products of Span-America include support pads
comprising convoluted foam mattresses, and armboard pads, also formed of
convoluted material. Still, other products are intended for more specific
support and/or positioning functions. For example, a foam donut has an 8
inch diameter with a 4 inch diameter central hole, useful for dispersing
pressure such as on the ear of a laterally positioned patient. Another
device is a 5 inch diameter cylindrical positioning roll which may be
placed where desired for pressure dispersion. Various curved pad products
properly align a patient's head, neck, shoulders, spin, or legs.
While the foregoing products are tremendously useful for their intended
purposes, they generally are not specifically concerned with reducing the
level of bleeding by a patient supported in a prone position for rather
lengthy surgical procedures, such as 7 to 15 hours in length. It is
generally known that as a patient lies on his or her stomach in a prone
position for many hours, the added pressure to the abdominal region and to
the patient's vascular system results in a greater profusion of blood to
the side of the patient opposite the abdomen (i.e., the back or dorsal
side). Excessive bleeding (undesirable in any circumstance) is a
particular problem during treatment of certain conditions such as
scoliosis (spinal curvatures) during which the surgery patient is confined
to a prone position for many hours. The greater profusion of blood in the
spinal area is particularly problematic as the surgery progresses.
Various efforts have been made to address this problem. Surprisingly,
reduced pressure on the abdomen resulting in less constriction of the
vascular system results in reduced bleeding rather than increased
bleeding. A so-called "Hall Frame" designed by Dr. John Hall of Boston,
Mass., comprises an open frame for receipt and support of a patient in a
prone position. Essentially, the frame has rubberized supports which
undersling the patient's chest and pubic or hip area so that the patient
is suspended (wherefore there is no patient abdominal contact with a
primary support surface). While direct pressure to the abdomen is
eliminated, such a framework disadvantageously permits the entire spine to
drop or sag into a concavity, which is undesired particularly for spinal
surgery patients. Also, space and access factors become involved during
use of a framework. Manipulation of both the framework and the patient is
also a potential negative factor regarding practicality of the Hall Frame.
Another prior attempt to reduce abdomen pressure during surgery is to
provide a so-called kneeling table. In general, the patient's upper chest
is received onto an operating table, and the patient's hip and knee joints
are at respective 90 degree angles to the upper chest so that in effect
the patient kneels across the operating table. The arrangement requires
the introduction of a board immediately behind the buttocks of the patient
for pushing the patient forward so that the abdomen will be suspended by
contact of the patient's upper chest with the operating table. Obviously,
there is a considerable amount of pressure by such arrangement to the
front of the patient's legs, and to the knees. The entire arrangement is
less than desirable.
Less extensive and less intrusive approaches to abdomen suspension have
been attempted. For example, two semicircles of hard rubber approximately
4 inches thick are available in the marketplace. The semicircles are
connected by a strap so that their relative placement is adjustable.
Generally the semicircles are positioned as a donut or circle underneath
the patient's abdomen to act as a surgical pad. Without any particular
contouring and without any particular resilient support of the patient,
the usefulness of such a positioning device is limited to relatively short
operations, such as of only 1 or 2 hours duration. Pressure problems due
to the relatively nonresilient nature of the support are problems in
longer operations. Also, with only 4 inches thickness and relative
compression of the device, an adult patient's abdomen still could come
into contact with an underlying primary support surface, and thereby
become compressed. Compression on the abdomen is precisely one of the main
problems being sought to be avoided. It has also been known to roll towels
or pads and simply place same under the top of the chest or beneath the
patient's hip area so as to somewhat suspend the abdomen.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention recognizes and addresses various of the foregoing
problems and others, concerning surgical pads. Thus, broadly speaking, a
principal object of this invention is improved surgical pads. More
particularly, a main concern is to provide an improved surgical pad for
receipt and support of a surgery patient in a prone position which acts to
reduce bleeding of such patient during relatively longer surgical
procedures.
Another present object is to support and cushion a patient during surgery
in the prone position, permitting the patient's abdomen to hang freely so
as to avoid or reduce abdominal pressure. Specifically, it is desired to
resiliently support and cushion the torso of a patient in a prone
position, while eliminating or at least greatly reducing abdominal
pressure.
Another more particular present object is to provide a surgical pad which
at least desirably supports the torso of the patient (either pediatric or
adult patients) with an adequate amount of support so that the patient's
abdomen will be received in a defined chamber or channel without
contacting (i.e., "bottoming out") an underlying primary support surface
such as an operating room table or the like.
Yet another more particular object is to alternatively provide respective
head and leg support members in addition to a torso support member, all of
which are adjustable relative one another by selective repositioning. It
is also a present object to provide various adjustability features of the
torso support member so that it may be used with a wide range of patients
having different physical characteristics. It is a present object to
provide a surgical pad generally adjustable for the size of the patient.
As a still further alternative object, it is desired to provide such an
improved surgical pad for reduced bleeding of a surgery patient with a
removable protective covering to be discarded after each use so that the
surgical pad may be reused with different patients.
Another object is to provide such an improved surgical pad made of foam so
as to prevent or reduce pressure over bony prominences such as at the
pelvis, hips, chest, and breast areas.
Additional objects and advantages of the invention are set forth, or will
be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, from the detailed
description which follows. Also, it should be appreciated that
modifications and variations to the specifically illustrated and discussed
features hereof may be practiced in various embodiments and uses of this
invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, by virtue
of present reference thereto. Such variations may include, but are not
limited to, substitution of equivalent means and features (or materials)
for those shown or discussed, and the functional or positional reversal of
various parts (features), or the like.
Still further, it should be understood that different embodiments, as well
as different presently preferred embodiments, of the present invention may
include various combinations of presently disclosed features, or their
equivalents (including combinations thereof not expressly shown or
stated). One exemplary such embodiment of the present invention relates to
a resilient surgical pad for receipt and support of a surgery patient in a
prone position. Such pad comprises a block of resilient foam material
having a defined lower side thereof adapted for being supported on an
operating table, and a defined upper side thereof adapted for generally
receiving and supporting the torso of a patient in a prone position
thereof. Furthermore, the defined upper side preferably has an opening
formed therein and such block defines a cavity beneath such opening and in
communication therewith so that the abdomen of a prone positioned patient
received on the pad is generally free to hang within such cavity. With
such an arrangement, vascular system pressure is lowered for reduced
patient bleeding during relatively prolonged surgical procedures.
Another present exemplary embodiment concerns a resilient pad for use with
a prone positioned surgery patient to reduce bleeding of such patient
during relatively longer surgical procedures. Such a pad includes
resilient foam torso support means in accordance with this invention, as
well as cavity means in accordance therewith, so that pressure on the
patient's abdomen and vascular system is reduced so that bleeding on the
patient's side opposite the abdomen is relatively reduced whenever the
patient is placed on such pad in a prone position for relatively longer
periods of time. Such resilient foam torso support means preferably are
adapted for being received on an operating table, and for generally
supporting the patient's torso on an upper surface thereof. Such cavity
means are preferably formed generally centrally in such torso support
means and upper surface thereof, for receiving in free suspension therein
a patient's abdomen when such patient assumes a prone position on the
torso support means.
Yet another construction comprising a present exemplary embodiment includes
a surgical kit for cushioning and supporting a patient in a prone position
during surgery. Such kit preferably includes resilient foam torso support
means with abdominal channel means formed therein, head support means for
supporting the patient's head, and lower limb support means for supporting
the patient's lower limbs. The resilient foam torso support means are for
resiliently supporting the torso of a patient while the abdominal channel
means formed therein are for receiving a patient's abdomen generally in a
free hanging condition while the remainder of such torso is resiliently
supported.
Those of ordinary skill in the art will better appreciate the features and
aspects of such embodiments, and others, upon review of the remainder of
the specification.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best
mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth
in the remainder of the specification, which makes reference to the
appended figures, in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention; and
FIG. 2 is a generally side elevational view of the present invention in use
on a conventional operating table with a patient received in a prone
position thereon.
Repeat use of reference characters throughout the present specification and
appended drawings is intended to represent same or analogous features or
elements of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary surgical kit 10 in accordance with this
invention. Briefly, such arrangement includes a combination of resilient
foam torso support means 12, head support means 14 for supporting a
patient's head, and lower limb support means 16 for supporting a patient's
lower limbs. Cavity means or abdominal channel means 18 are formed in
association with torso support means 12. Preferably, support means 14 and
16 (or equivalents or substitutions thereof) are included for improved
support of a patient, but an embodiment of this invention may include
torso support means 12 and cavity means 18 by themselves, or used in
combination with other structures or arrangements for supporting a
patient's head or legs.
It is to be understood that the illustration of present FIG. 1 is drawn
generally, but not necessarily exactly, to scale, and that features of the
present invention are not strictly limited to any given set of dimensions.
However, preferred dimensions for certain embodiments are nonetheless
disclosed herewith for the sake of providing specific examples after
overview of the general construction of the presently preferred
embodiments.
Torso support means 12 preferably comprises resilient foam material, such
as polyurethane foam, for resiliently supporting the torso of a patient.
FIG. 2 illustrates in side elevational view receipt and support of an
exemplary adult patient 20 on such a torso support means which itself is
supported on a primary support surface 22 of a conventional operating
table 24. Details of such exemplary conventional operating table are not
required for a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention.
Moreover, this invention may be practiced not only with operating tables
but with virtually any form of primary support surface.
Preferably, torso support means 12 includes a defined lower side 26 adapted
for being supported on operating table 24 or some other primary support
surface. Defined upper surface or side 28 is adapted for generally
receiving and supporting the torso of a patient in a prone position. Both
sides 26 and 28 are preferably generally planar, though individual
features of each such side or surface may be nonplanar. For example, upper
side 28 may be provided with various limb receipt surfaces, such as a pair
of angled surfaces 30 and 32 for support of a patient's upper arms 34 as
represented in present FIG. 2. Other limb receipt surfaces may be formed,
such as a pair of curved surfaces 36 and 38 for support of a patient's
upper legs 40 (see FIG. 2). Still further, upper surface 28 may be
provided with a recessed generally planar area 42 for support of a
patient's upper chest 44.
Cavity means 18 includes both a channel (or cavity) 48 formed generally
centrally (preferably) in torso support means 12, as well as an opening 46
defined in upper surface 28 and interconnecting with such channel or
cavity 48. With such an arrangement, a patient (such as 20 in FIG. 2)
received in a prone position on upper support surface 28 of torso support
means 12 is positioned for receipt of the patient's abdomen within cavity
means 18. With proper selection of the overall dimensions and density of
the foam material comprising torso support means 12 (specific examples of
which are disclosed herewith), a patient's abdomen is free to hang within
such cavity without contact with or compression by a primary support
surface, such as 22 of present FIG. 2. The free hanging condition of the
abdomen while the remainder of the patient's torso is resiliently
supported and cushioned in a prone position results in lowered vascular
system pressure which in turn reduces patient bleeding during relatively
prolonged surgical procedures. In particular, the back side 50 of the
patient (i.e., dorsal side) opposite the abdominal cavity is one region
which benefits from a reduced profusion of blood so that less bleeding in
such area results.
For further improved resilient support, various pressure dispersion cuts
may be formed in or adjacent upper surface 28. For example, cuts 52 may be
formed about the periphery of cavity means 18, and likewise about the
periphery of an opening 54 leading to recessed planar area 42. Such planar
area 42 may itself have cuts 56 defined in its upper surface. For ease of
manufacture, the entire recessed area 42 and its underlying foam material
support may be separately formed from the remainder of torso support means
12, as represented by dotted line 58. In other words, initially a channel
the size of opening 54 may be formed entirely through the block of
material comprising torso support means 12 (i.e., between sides 26 and 28
thereof). Thereafter, a separate piece of foam with recessed support area
42 defined in an upward surface thereof, may be glued or otherwise secured
to means 12.
It is not necessary, but preferred, that the cavity or channel 48 formed in
torso support means 12 comprise a generally vertical channel
interconnecting between lower side 26 and upper side 28 thereof. A partial
cavity in place of a complete channel may be used in certain embodiments.
However, for maximum adjustability of the present invention, a complete
channel is preferred so that, in cooperation with a longitudinal,
generally vertical slot 60 formed in one end of torso support means 12, a
pair of relatively movable members or portions 62 and 64 of means 12, may
be formed. By relatively separating members 62 and 64 from one another,
upper leg support surfaces 36 and 38 may be properly positioned to
accommodate patients of different sizes. Such upper leg support surfaces
may also be provided with pressure dispersion cuts 68. Strap means 66 may
comprise a Velcro type (i.e., hook and pile fasteners) arrangement of the
like for limiting the amount of separation of members 62 and 64, thereby
contributing to the overall stability of torso support means 12.
Head support means 14 and lower limb support means 16 are preferably
separate members from torso support means 12, so that selective relative
positioning of members 12, 14, and 16 permits further adjustability of the
overall surgical kit 10 to accommodate different size patients. Similarly,
the size of one means can be changed as needed without having to change
the size of the others.
Head support means 14 preferably comprises a block of foam material
generally of the same density as that of torso support means 12. Lower
limb support means 16 is likewise preferably of the same density, though
exact densities of all components may vary. Block 70 may assume various
shapes, but preferably has a generally flat bottom surface 72 adapted for
being supported on an operating room table of the like. Upper surface 74
thereof for receipt of a patient's head may optionally be provided with
pressure dispersion cuts 76 of various depths, placements, etc.
Lower limb support means 16 is preferably wedge shaped, as represented in
both FIGS. 1 and 2, so that a patient's feet are relatively elevated to
prevent the occurrence of phlebitis. An inclined surface 78 receives a
patient's lower legs, while a preferably flat, planar surface 80 supports
the patient's knees, all as illustrated in present FIG. 2. A lower planar
surface 82 is adapted for receipt on a primary support surface such as the
operating room table, also as illustrated in present FIG. 2.
By providing a substantial upper side or surface 28 for support of a
patient's torso, torso support means 12 provides resilient support
generally to the entirety of such torso region (except the abdomen), while
at the same time greatly reducing or eliminating pressure on the abdominal
region of the patient. Any undesired sagging of the patient's spinal
process is avoided, and at the same time undesired pressure to the back of
the patient's legs or to the periphery of the patient's abdomen is
eliminated. With such an arrangement, both comfort and care of the patient
are improved, particularly for longer duration for surgical procedures of
for example 7 to 15 hours, or longer. Also, relatively reduced patient
bleeding is another beneficial result from practice of the present
invention.
As referenced above, various embodiments of this invention may comprise
structures with different dimensions and material densities. When embodied
for use with adult patients, preferably the overall thickness of torso
support means 12 is generally about 8 inches, with the length (the
direction of arrow 84) thereof approximately 28 inches, and its width
approximately 22 inches.
With FIG. 1 being drawn generally to scale, such an embodiment for an adult
patient has a preferred cavity means dimension in the longitudinal axis
(along arrow 84) of approximately 14 inches, and a lateral dimension
(perpendicular to the direction of arrow 84) of approximately 8 inches.
Arrow 84 is also positioned generally parallel with the spinal axis of a
patient as intended to be received on support means 12. The exact
dimensions of opening 46 may, of course, be varied, and in particular
would preferably be larger for heavier patients (generally having larger
abdominal cavities). One possible range of longitudinal lengths is about
12 to 16 inches, while one possible range of lateral lengths is about 6 to
10 inches. Different shaped openings, such as rectangular, or angled, may
also be practiced.
For the typical adult patient (for example, of approximately 200 pounds) an
8 inch thick surgical pad provides adequate support if the foam material
has a density of at least about 1.4 pounds per cubic foot. To provide
desirable cushioning and resilient supporting of the patient, while at the
same time ensuring free hanging support of the abdomen, a range of foam
densities generally from about 1.4 pounds per cubic foot to about 1.8
pounds per cubic foot is preferred. Heavier adult patients might require
increases in either or both of the foam thickness or the foam density.
Those of ordinary skill in the art will also appreciate that relative
increases in the foam density (either within the above preferred range or
greater than such range) can permit some relative decreases in the overall
thickness of the foam pad without detriment to overall performance.
Conversely, relative increases in the thickness of the foam pad can permit
relative decreases of the foam density for a given embodiment. All such
modifications and variations are intended to come within the spirit and
scope of the present invention, so long as the resulting surgical pad
embodiment generally provides for free hanging support of a given
patient's abdomen.
For the typical adult patient, a head support means 14 may comprise a block
of foam of approximately 14 inches by 8 inches by 6 inches. The leg
support means 16 preferably comprises dimensions of approximately 20
inches by 10 inches by 16 inches. A range of dimensions about each of the
preferred values stated is also permissible. Foam density ranges stated
above for torso support means 12 are applicable to head support means 14
and leg support means 16, though each foam member is not required to have
the same densities.
The present invention may also be used in relative reduced sizes for
pediatric patients or the like. For example, one preferred pediatric
version of torso support means 12 may have a thickness of approximately 4
inches, with a longitudinal length (in the direction of arrow 84) of about
20 inches and a lateral width (perpendicular to arrow 84) of about 14
inches. A head support means 14 of such an embodiment preferably has
dimensions of approximately 10 inches by 4 inches by 3 inches, while leg
support means 16 has preferred dimensions of approximately 12 inches by 10
inches by 5 inches. Again, ranges about such values are permitted, and the
above stated preferred densities are applicable.
FIG. 2 represents the addition of removable coverings 86 to each of the
respective support means, as discussed above. In particular, such
removable coverings may comprise a variety of protective materials, but an
air permeable, liquid impermeable material is preferred.
Another present advantage due to resilient supporting and cushioning of a
patient is improved breathing during prolonged prone positioning. Also,
use of the presently described embodiments may be beneficial in
nonsurgical settings. For example, due to burns or other localized
injuries, it may be desired to relieve abdominal pressure (or contact)
while at the same time otherwise resiliently supporting the torso of the
patient as much as possible for maximum protection and comfort. All such
alternative uses and additional advantages of the above-described
constructions likewise are included within the spirit and scope of this
invention by virtue of present reference thereto. Similarly, it is to be
understood that the foregoing discussion is by way of description and
example only and is not intended as adding limitations to the invention,
which is set forth more particularly in the appended claims.
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