Extremity stabilization system for medical procedures
View Patent ↗A system including method and device with attachments and elements as a means of enhancing vascular access or other medical procedures, such as wound care or diagnostics, or for general medical purposes by effectively stabilizing patients' upper or lower extremities in a safer, more reliable, less intrusive and less costly manner. One embodiment indicates a rigid device with attachments for securing and immobilizing the rigid device and a shape and inflatable pressure cuffs ( 211 ) or bands for stabilizing the extremity to the device by eliminating or reducing the number of involved medical personnel, reducing risk of injury or trauma such as medical adhesive related skin injuries or contusions and eliminating or reducing the need for sedation to accomplish the medical procedure especially in children, infants, neonates, and preemies. Other embodiments include multiple sizes, shapes, dimensions, materials and elements necessary to accomplish safe stabilization of an extremity.
1. A device configured to stabilize an extremity of a patient during a medical procedure comprising:
a rigid board having a top surface and a longitudinal axis extending from a proximal end to a distal end of the board, the board having a length configured to substantially match a length of the extremity;
at least one inflatable cuff secured to the board configured to encircle and secure a distal end of the patient's extremity;
a pneumatic bulb or pump for pressurizing the at least one inflatable cuff;
a slot extending through the distal end of the board; and
a strap extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the board and through the slot on the distal end, the strap configured for securing the device to a bed frame or bed rail.
2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the top surface of the board comprises a non-abrasive, slip-resistant surface configured to contact the patient.
3. A method of stabilizing an extremity of a patient for vascular access comprising:
providing the device of claim 1 ;
placing the board under the extremity of the patient such that extremity is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the board and body weight of the patient immobilizes the proximal end of the board;
securing the at least one inflatable cuff around the extremity;
using the pneumatic bulb or pump to inflate the at least one inflatable cuff to a desired pressure; and
securing the strap to the bed frame or bed rail.