Positioning aids used for extreme positions?

[justjenny]

Hello!

Just wondering what types of things/equipment is used to position patients safetly when they will be in extreme positions.

Example: today I circulated colo-rectal cases....pt will be in extreme trendelenburg and up in stirrups. The whole belly was involved in the surgery and the legs are up in the air, so no safetly belt (gulp!) and we used a beanbag and "pegboard" to secure the patient. My personal, "newbie" opinion is that it is not as secure as I would like. I was told "years ago we just taped them to the beds" as if that matters about what we do NOW....

Any examples of extreme positions and the SAFEST way to stabilize arms, legs, etc. to keep a patient from falling off the OR bed when it is tipped every which way?

I really want to investigate some of our current practices and present something to my manager on suggestions for ensuring patient safety when it comes to positioning.

Thanks!

Jenny

[MamaCheese]

We use 3" silk tape criss-crossed over the patients shoulders and securing them to the bed when they are positioned like that. We put a foam donut at each shoulder so the tape doesn't cut into them or irritate their skin. The 3" tape is usually my choice when we're doing strange positioning that doesn't allow for safety belts.

[openheartmary]

For extreme reverse trendelenburg such as used for bariatric surgery, we use a secured foot board, safety straps across calves, thighs; also wrap the arms on armboards with kerlex rolls. For trendelenburg position they have come out with a type of shoulder attachment for the bed to keep the patient from sliding. Check with your bed's manufacturer to find out what is available.