Title :
Assisted leg holding device for medical procedures
Author :
Kleinhans, J.A. ; Carvalho, N. ; Riscica, J.
Author_Institution :
Biomed. Eng. Program, Univ. of Connecticut, Storrs, CT
Abstract :
A leg holder is an essential tool for physicians, especially in gynecology. Devices currently used in clinical practice solely support the feet of patients and are thus not equipped to accommodate people with disabilities, such as amputations, Parkinson´s disease, or spinal cord injuries. Foot supports alone may also pose a challenge to elderly patients. The assisted leg holding device supports the entire limb and uses a spring-based anti-gravity mechanism, thus allowing effortless and safe adjustment of the leg position according to leg length and weight, while accommodating a patient´s disabilities such as amputations and movement disorders. Physically impaired staff can operate the leg holder with ease, ensuring inclusiveness and non-discrimination not only with regard to patients but also staff, thus maximizing usability in clinical settings. Optionally, straps can restrict involuntary movement of patients, such as tremors.
Keywords :
handicapped aids; amputations; assisted leg holding device; gynecology; leg length; leg position; leg weight; medical procedures; movement disorders; spring-based antigravity mechanism; Aluminum; Bars; Foot; Gynaecology; Leg; Parkinson´s disease; Senior citizens; Spinal cord injury; Springs; Usability;
Conference_Titel :
Bioengineering Conference, 2009 IEEE 35th Annual Northeast
Conference_Location :
Boston, MA
Print_ISBN :
978-1-4244-4362-8
Electronic_ISBN :
978-1-4244-4364-2
DOI :
10.1109/NEBC.2009.4967786