Abstract:
A patient positioning device provided to position, protect and secure a patient on a support surface for transfer to another support surface or for preparation for surgery. The positioning device includes a sheet with a first and second flexible substrate coupled to the sheet&#39;s top surface. The first and second flexible substrates may be padded. These substrates are capable of wrapping around an adjacent arm of the patient creating a wrapped engagement. This wrapped engagement may pad, protect, secure and elevate the arms from injury caused by pressure imparted thereon during surgery or transport. This positioning device may be lifted or slid from one support surface to another. Optionally, a third and fourth flexible substrate capable of wrapping around an adjacent arm of the patient creating a second wrapped engagement may be used for additional securing. Optionally, an inflatable support may be used with the device to aid when sliding or translating the device  10  with the patient thereon.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority benefit to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/351,769, entitled “Patient Transfer System With Arm Protector” filed Jun. 4, 2010 and, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein as if it was put forth in full below. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The transfer of a patient from one support platform to another is a difficult procedure for hospital staff. In a hospital setting, patients are constantly being moved. For example, a patient entering the hospital via ambulance is moved from the medical stretcher or ambulance gurney to a hospital gurney, a fixed hospital bed, an examination table, or an operating table. Also, patients already in a hospital need to be moved as well. For example, a patient having surgery may be moved from a fixed hospital bed to a hospital gurney then to an operating table and finally back to a fixed hospital bed. Each time a patient is moved a sliding or lateral movement of the patient from one support surface to another is required. 
     Difficulties for patients and hospital staff may arise from this lateral transferring of patients. Typically, the hospital staff acting in concert is responsible to position and move the patient to the new support surface by means of lifting, sliding or dragging. This action may cause injury to the patient if the patient accidently slides off of the support surface or if the patient is dropped. Also the hospital staff may be injured from the act of lifting, sliding or dragging a heavy patient. 
     For most surgical procedures, the patient is placed on the operating table with the patient&#39;s arms positioned at the patient&#39;s sides. The surgeon will typically stand adjacent to the patient&#39;s side and lean over the patient thus unintentionally leaning on the patient&#39;s arm. Many surgeries last several hours and the pressure of the surgeon&#39;s body on the patient&#39;s arm may cause damage to the patient&#39;s arm, wrist or hand. 
     Furthermore, leaning on the arm or hand of a patient for a long surgery may cause a restriction in blood flow as well as pressure on muscles and nerve tissue. Consequently, patients may awake from the procedure with sustained permanent damage to the muscles and/or nerves of the arm, hand, or wrist. Even if the surgeon doesn&#39;t lean on the patient&#39;s arm, the patient is at risk for ulnar nerve damage which may be caused from resting the arms on a surface for extended periods of time. 
     The prior art teaches various systems designed to move patients without actually lifting. These systems employ air rollers, pull straps and inflation as a means to drag patients to and from support surfaces. Many of these systems are intended for single-patient/single-use application, such that the devices stays with the patient from the hospital bed to the operating room table. 
     It is known in the art that patients in a hospital setting may be agitated, intoxicated or confused (such as when emerging from anesthesia), and may cause unintentional self-harm such as rubbing eyes or pulling out the intravenous lines. The prior art teaches arm protector devices used during surgeries but these designs are constructed of rigid materials and are not secured to the support surface. 
     Finally, the prior art teaches a patient mounted intravenous protector. This device employs a means to secure intravenous needles in a patient&#39;s arm from accidental or patient initiated removal. Although this device provides structural support about a patient&#39;s arm, its application is not desirable for surgical operations due to its bulk. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Described herein is a patient positioning device used to position, protect and secure a patient on a support surface for transfer to another support surface or for preparation for surgery. The positioning device includes a sheet with a first and second flexible substrate coupled to the sheet&#39;s top surface. The first and second flexible substrates may be padded. These substrates are capable of wrapping around an adjacent arm of the patient creating a wrapped engagement. This wrapped engagement may pad, protect, secure and elevate the arms from injury caused by pressure imparted thereon during surgery or transport. This positioning device may be lifted or slid from one support surface to another. Optionally, a third and fourth flexible substrate capable of wrapping around an adjacent arm of the patient creating a second wrapped engagement may be used for additional securing. Optionally, an inflatable support may be used with the device to aid when sliding or translating the device  10  with the patient thereon. 
     The present invention is better understood upon consideration of the detailed description below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  depicts a patient positioning device. 
         FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of a mode of the device. 
         FIG. 3  depicts an assembled view of the device also showing straps and foot securement restraints and an optional non-slip pad. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates an example the device in the as-used position with the patient&#39;s arms wrapped in the padded flexible substrates and lower legs secured. 
         FIG. 5  shows the device with a foam pad removably engaged. 
         FIG. 5   a  details a bottom view of the device with an optional inflation support. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a cut through view of the device ready for a patient and to be placed in an as-used position. 
         FIG. 7  depicts an end view of the as-used position of the device, prior to engagement of the padded substrates. 
         FIG. 8  shows the device in an as-used mode, with the padded substrates engaged, securing the patient&#39;s arms, while elevating the arms a distance “E” above the support surface. 
         FIG. 9  shows the engagement of the overlap substrates which are wrapped over the patient&#39;s arms. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates the device with the overlap substrates wrapped over the patient&#39;s arms and are tucked under the mattress pad. 
         FIG. 11  depicts a top surface view of the device with optional inflatable support. 
         FIG. 12  shows the device with the padded substrates, overlap substrates, and formed inflated members. 
         FIG. 13  shows the inflatable support with inflated tube members and section line  14 . 
         FIG. 14  is sectional view  14 - 14  of the inflatable support device of  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 14   a  depicts an enlarged view of a portion of  FIG. 14  showing the inflatable support with member inflated. 
         FIG. 15  is a bottom view of the device showing a cavity configured for insertion of the inflatable support member therein. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following description is presented to enable a person of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention. Descriptions of specific materials, techniques, and applications are provided only as examples. Various modifications to the examples described herein will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other examples and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the examples described and shown, but is to be accorded the scope consistent with the appended claims. 
     A patient positioning device is described that can be used for moving and lifting a patient from one surface to another surface in a hospital setting. Examples of such a device are described that are adapted for easy lifting of a patient, to and from an operating table, which offers ease of use for lifting the patient and protection of the patient&#39;s arms and legs during surgery and transport. 
     Items and/or techniques described herein may provide one or more of the following capabilities. Injuries to both patient and hospital staff during transition between one support surface and another can be reduced or avoided. Secure transition of a patient during transfer between support surfaces can be provided. A secure means is provided to grip a patient transfer device. Further, in order to help prevent injuries to the hospital staff during such transitions of a patient, a patient positioning device provides means to evenly apportion an amount of weight a person lifting a patient will bear. A patient positioning device also protects the patient from injury during a surgical procedure by protecting the patient&#39;s arms from lying too long upon an operating table, and protecting the patient&#39;s arms from damage should a surgeon or other hospital staff member lean upon the patient&#39;s arm during the surgery. 
     Examples of a patient positioning device provide secure lifting means to help prevent dropping of the patient during a transfer or transition, and means to easily slide the patient to and from surfaces to thereby limit the amount of weight any one person supports during lateral transfer of the patient. Patient positioning devices are provided that are relatively inexpensive to help insure widespread use so as to help prevent injuries to all concerned. 
     Means are provided to protect a patient&#39;s arm from pressure damage while in surgery, as well as provide the choice of protection for either one or both arms. Means are provided to protect a patient&#39;s arm while in surgery with the means adapted to be employed with existing medical equipment, such as patient transfer systems. Means are provided to attach a patient transfer device using multiple straps, in the form of hook-and-loop fasteners or a buckle, along both sides of a central section to secure the sheet on a support surface. Means are provided to restrain a patient&#39;s arm to the patient&#39;s body along with protecting the patient&#39;s arm while in surgery. Back and other injuries to the hospital staff from lifting a patient may be prevented by providing multiple handles for lifting and sliding a patient. 
       FIGS. 1 and 2  show the patient positioning device  10 . A top surface  24  is positioned opposite the bottom surface  26 . The top surface  24  and bottom surface  26  are formed of flexible fabric sheet and composed of center section  12 , overhang sections  11 , outer edge of center section  22  and outer edge of overhang sections  15 . The center section  12  is of a rectangular geometry and adapted in length and width to accommodate the size and shape of a human being. Further, the center section  12  is sized to be laid on an operating room table which varies between, for example, 20-24 inches, or a stretcher or gurney with a width between, for example, 22-27 inches. Overhang sections  11  extend from the sides of center section  12 . These overhang sections may be tucked under the mattress or pad on a gurney or table providing a means for the device  10  to operate in place of a bed sheet thus reducing germs and cost. Outer edge of center section  22  is a point of attachment for various components described hereafter. 
     Handles  14  are attached to outer edge of overhang sections  15  which allow for a safe grip on the device when used for lifting and pulling the device after the patient is secured. The quantity and orientation of handles  14  is not limited by the drawing as shown but is merely simplified for illustrative purposes. 
     The top and bottom surface,  24  and  26  respectively, may be of different material each of which is adapted for a specific purpose. The top surface  24  may be made of textile or paper reinforced with textile fabric, or another woven or knitted fabric adapted to the task of supporting a patient thereon. The bottom surface  26  of the device may have a surface configured to have low friction when the device  10 , with patient aboard, is slid during a transition. The bottom surface  26  is composed of material which is slippery or has a low coefficient of friction, so as to allow the medical staff a means to easily slide the patient to and from a support surface. One example for a top surface  24  is a paper cloth or similar woven or knitted textile surface. The bottom surface which is exposed, may be formed of any low friction material as would occur to those skilled in the art including but not limited to one or a combination of materials from a group including PTFE impregnated or coated fabric, spunbond or other fabric when woven or formed has a slippery surface, or fabrics such as rip-stop or micro fiber-based materials woven or knitted from woven nylon, or polyester. The slippery bottom surface  26  may be sewn or laminated or coated to the device  10  or on the opposite side of the material forming the top surface  24  of the center section  12 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , equipment straps  23  and pocket  21  are detailed. Equipment Straps  23  are fastened to top surface  24  at one end and contain hook and loop fasteners. Directly under equipment straps  23 , and coupled to top surface  24 , is a group  42  of hook and loop fasteners. The equipment straps  23  are fastened to group  42 . Pocket  21  is coupled to top surface  24  having one open end. Both equipment straps  23  and pocket  21  may be used to secure a medical device, an intravenous tube, a catheter tube and/or a piece of medical equipment that is attached directly to the patient. 
       FIGS. 1 and 2  also show two disengaged padded substrates  16  which are substantially planar. These padded substrates  16  are flexible and have an inner edge  17  that may be permanently fastened to center section  12  by sewing with durable thread or another suitable means, or temporarily fastened with a hook and loop fastener, such as Velcro® or other such removable fasteners. In one embodiment, padded substrates  16  are temporarily removed from device  10  so they may be employed on pre-existing patient transfer devices as described in the prior art which lack protection for the patient&#39;s arms. 
     Padded substrates  16  are positioned with respect to the top edge of the central area of the center section  12  at a distance comparable to the distance of a human arm, between the upper arm and hand, when placed to the side, to the human head. Preferably, padded substrates  16  have a layer of padding imbedded or engaged such that when engaged around the arm of a patient, a means to pad the arm is provided. This protects the patient&#39;s arm from any pressure forces imparted by the table or by a surgeon. Padded substrates  16  also are configured to engage around the arms of the patient, and hold them against their body and slightly elevated from the underlying table or support surface. This helps eliminate injury to the patient&#39;s arm when it is supported on a hard table surface for a long duration by placing a gap between the table and arm. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , padded substrates  16  are shown attached at inner edge  17  to the center section  12 . The back surface of padded substrates  16  have strips of hook and loop fasteners for securing. Straps  40  are also attached to the center section  12  at outer edge of center section  22  at one end. The bottom side of straps  40  have hook and loop fasteners for securing to padded substrates  16  when padded substrates  16  are wrapped around a patient&#39;s arm. 
     Optionally, device  10  may employ a permanent or removably engageable non-slip pad  28 . The non-slip pad  28  will provide a means to prevent sliding when the patient is positioned on an angle. Also, in a one embodiment, foot securement restraint  13  is provided. The foot securement restraint  13  is coupled to top surface  24  and is wrapped around the legs of the patient and may be held by hook and loop fasteners. This foot securement restraint  13  enables the lower leg to remain positioned and secured during lifting or sliding of device  10 . 
     In use, padded substrates  16  are employed to encircle and support a patient&#39;s arm when a patient lays on the center section  12  surface. This arm wrapping by the padded substrates  16  provide protection against the patient&#39;s arm moving outside the table area during fatigue and a potential pressure injury from contact with the underlying table or with a leaning surgeon while on an operating table.  FIG. 4  illustrates the device  10  with the patient  20  positioned with both arms encircled within padded substrates  16 . Patient  20  is positioned on the patient positioning device  10  and straps  40  are employable to hold the flexible, padded substrates  16  in wrapped configuration around the patient&#39;s arms and maintain the arms close to their body and out of the way of the surgeon. The patient&#39;s arms may be held in this position by the straps  40  or using the overlap mode of the device (described hereafter,  FIGS. 5 and 12 ). While arm is in said wrapped engagement, minimal movement of said arm is permitted. Foot securement restraint  13  is also engaged. The present invention positions and secures patient  20  during transfer preventing injury to the patient and hospital staff when dragging the device  10  by handles  14 . Furthermore, the patient is now more easily transferable between one support surface to another, for example, a gurney to an operating table. The handles  14 , engaged around the perimeter of the overhang sections  11 , provide personnel a secure grip while sliding or lifting a patient from one surface to another. 
     In an example embodiment of the invention, an overlap system may be employed to further secure and elevate the patient&#39;s arms. The overlap system employs flexible, rectangular overlap substrates  18  oriented lengthwise across the width of the center section  12  and attached at the centerline  19  as depicted in  FIGS. 5 and 12 . The bottom surface of the overlap substrates  18  have strips of hook and loop fasteners  44  which fasten to the hook and loop fasteners on the padded substrates  16  when engaged. The overlap substrates  18  provide a secondary means to secure the patient&#39;s arms and as noted and shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the overlap substrates  18  are tucked under a pad or mattress. 
       FIG. 5  shows the device  10  as optionally having a soft, foam pad  84  removably engaged to the top surface  24 . This foam pad  84  is strategically placed in the buttock area to prevent pressure ulcers that may occur when a patient remains in the same position for an extended period of time such as during a long surgery or when a patient is confined to a hospital bed. Engagement may be by peel and stick adhesive or hook and loop fabric, or other means for removable engagement. 
       FIG. 5   a  shows a view of the bottom surface  26  of the device  10 . Belt  29  has connector  33  attached at the respective ends and is coupled to handles  14 . This belt  29  and connector  33  secure device  10  to the support surface, for example, an operating table or bed. The quantity and orientation of belt  29  and connector  33  is not limited by the drawing as shown but is merely simplified for illustrative purposes. 
     The bottom surface  26  is constructed of a slippery fabric such as vinyl or Teflon coated fabric or another fabric which has a low coefficient of friction. The slippery fabric provides a means to aid in sliding the patient  20  in transitions. Also, a dotted line outline is depicted illustrating the position of an optional inflation support  30 . This inflation support  30  is sandwiched between the top surface  24  and bottom surface  26  surfaces and when inflated, allows for an easier sliding of the patient  20 . 
       FIG. 6  shows a cut through view of the device  10  ready for a patient  20  and to be placed in an as-used position as noted in the following figures,  FIGS. 7-10 .  FIG. 7  depicts an end view of the as-used position of an example of the device  10  prior to engagement of the padded arm restraints provided by the padded substrates  16 . In use, the padded substrates  16  encircle the arm of the patient  20 , and are then secured by straps  40  having hook and loop fasteners or other means of engagement. 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , the padded substrates  16  encircle the patient&#39;s arms and are secured by straps  40  which comfortably hold the patient&#39;s arms close to the body. Additionally, the arms are padded and protected from injury from laying on the support surface too long or from the pressure of the surgeon&#39;s weight. Also, with the padded substrates  16  so engaged, it provides a means to elevate the arms a distance “E” above the support surface. This helps prevent nerve damage and tissue damage caused by an arm sitting on a surface too long during surgery. 
       FIGS. 9-10  shows the engagement of overlap substrates  18  which may be wrapped over the patient&#39;s arms and tucked under the pad or mattress of the gurney or operating table. This provides secure positioning of the patient for surgery or transport. 
       FIG. 11  depicts a top surface view of the device with optional inflatable support, and  FIG. 12  shows the device with the padded substrates, overlap substrates, and formed inflated members.  FIGS. 13 ,  14  and  14   a  detail the inflatable support  30 .  FIG. 13  shows section line  14 ,  FIG. 14  details section  14 - 14  and  FIG. 14   a  depicts an enlarged view of  FIG. 14 . Referring to these figures, an air supply  31  provides compressed air to inflate the inflatable support  30  which is composed of a plurality of flexible ribs formed by inflated channels  34  between sealed spaces  38 . The inflated support  30  provides a resilient support against the back of patient  20  while laying on the top surface of the device  10 . 
       FIG. 15  shows a bottom perspective view of the device  10  having the bottom surface  26  and a cavity  35  sized to surround the inflatable support  30  which may be inserted within the cavity  35  through an elongated aperture  37 . 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  would have the same slippery surface material thereon as the surrounding bottom surface  26 . 
     In one embodiment, the inflatable support  30  is fully inflated just before moving patient  20  from one support surface to another. The fully inflated inflatable support  30  along with the slippery material of the exterior of the cavity  35  and bottom surface  26  greatly aids when sliding or translating the device  10  with the patient thereon due to significant reduction in friction. This means to ease sliding is provided by the placement of the axis of the parallel inflatable channels  34  running traverse to the position of the patient  20 , on the top of the device  10 . So positioned, members formed by the inflated channels  34  run the same direction as the sliding of the patient  20  from one surface to another and make such sliding easier. During surgery and after a lateral transfer, the inflatable support  30  should be fully deflated. 
     In another embodiment, the inflatable support  30  can also be partially inflated. In this mode, the partially inflated inflatable support  30  helps redistribute the weight of the patient thus reducing the surface pressure on the patient&#39;s body during surgery. While fundamental characteristics and features of devices have been shown and described herein, with reference to particular embodiments thereof, a latitude of modification, various changes and substitutions are intended in the foregoing disclosure and it will be apparent that in some instances, some features of the invention may be employed without a corresponding use of other features without departing from the scope of the disclosure. It should also be understood that various substitutions, modifications, and variations may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. Consequently, all such modifications and variations and substitutions are included within the scope of the disclosure including the following claims.