Progress Report Patient Positioning Aid E. Vargas, E. Kordieh, M. Britan Department of Biomedical Engineering April 7, 2006

Outline Background Our Design Accomplishments Future protocol Acknowledgements

Background RERC : –Aim: Versatile, low-cost, easy-to-adjust patient positioning aid that works with a range of examination table…and meets the customer needs below. Patients with disabilities –Do not necessarily lack access; however, current conditions make it very difficult for the user and therapist/clinician to perform proper examinations.

Background (cont’d) Patient Specifications Bruce –Renal failure, manual wheelchair Joan –Heart failure, old, weak, hard of hearing Lloyd –Type II Diabetes, overweight Sophia –On heparin, limited right arm function, uses a cane Arnold –Parkinson’s, Diabetes, suffers from slight to moderate tremors Dave –Limited use to right arm and leg, may use a scooter.

Our Design RERC –“imaging technologies”…MRI, CT Scan, X- ray Our Choice: Phillips Achieva 3.0T

Our Design The foam contours to the user and the user’s weight is distributed over the surface of the cushion. Adjustments are made using two-way air valves that release air to immerse the user in the foam.

Accomplishments Reverse Engineering –Varilite ProFormNX –Analysis on: Foam Air valves Tubing Material Covering / Sealing

Accomplishments Discoveries 1.- Foam is terrible quality. 2.- Air valves are ok; hard to get. 3.- Tubing is good; diameter small 4.- Material covering is nylon; difficult to seal. Improve / Solution 1.- Use laminar foam (i.e., pudgee/sunmate combo. 2.- Use medically accepted open/close valves. 3.- Use more heavy-duty tubing 4.- Samples of neoprene; access to heat seal machine.

Accomplishments Raw material acquisition. –Foam – BioDynamics / Bella –Air valves - ProRhythm –Tubing - ProRhythm –Material Covering –ProRhythm. –Sealing Machine – BioDynamics / ProRhythm

Accomplishments Measurements –All measurements have been conducted (twice). –Second time, measurements were also conducted with Mr. R. Vargas, for secondary opinions on design and validity of measurements.

Future Protocol What’s Next? –Week of Spring Break  Test out samples of neoprene with heat sealer. Acquire neoprene/tubing interface (Qosina) Cut foam to specific dimensions. Encapsulate the foam. Create outer covering(s) of Naugahyde (vinyl).

Future Protocol (cont’d) If time remains… –Create patient restraints. Body / Chest/ Arm harness Wedges –Test out our product: Survey Demonstrations, etc.

Future Protocol (cont’d) URECA –Presentation: April 26 th, 2006 RERC –Website Final paper, Digital Images of Final Prototype, Video Clip of Prototype in Action, Design Alternative(s), Detailed Cost Analysis. –Presentation: ??? BME 440/441 – Senior Design –Final Paper: May 2006

Acknowledgements Special Thanks to: –Dr. Helmut Strey – Department of Biomedical Engineering, Stony Brook University –Mr. Raul Vargas - BioDynamics Ltd –Mr. David Rabbiner - Rabson Rehab Sales – Mr. Rob Pacheco - ProRhythm –Erin McCormack – PhD Student, Department of Biomedical Engineering.