Abstract Design Criteria References Lee Linstroth 1, Malini Soundarrajan 1, Amanda Feest 1, Chelsea Wanta 1 Advisor: Kristyn Masters, Ph.D. 1, Client: Cynthia Carlsson, M.D, M.S. 2 1 Department of Biomedical Engineering, 2 Department of Medicine-VA Hospital Future Work Problem Definition Motivation – To facilitate proper positioning for lumbar puncture procedures. Client does not have ideal positioning device for maximum spinal curvature and patient comfort. Background – Client analyzes cerebral spinal fluid of individuals at risk for Alzheimer’s disease to study changes that occur in the brain. During the lumbar puncture procedure, spinal fluid is collected by inserting a needle into L4-5 interspace. Collection is easier if the patient curves his/her back, opening up the space between the lumbar backbones. Massage chairs have been used as a positioning device, however they do not provide sufficient spinal curvature. Final Design Patient sits on a hospital bed (30’’) with head and arms placed on table (40’’) and feet up on a chair (20’’). Current Set-up Limitations of current set-up: Uncomfortable for patient, components not adjustable, unstable head and arm rests. Figure 3: Dr. Carlsson performing lumbar procedure on patient [2] Figure 1: Insertion of needle into curved spine [3] Proper positioning of the back Maximize patient comfort Must cost less than $500 to produce Needs to be adjustable for varying patient heights Must be able to be used in conjunction with a hospital bed Must be portable and fit in hospital rooms Components: PVC, desktop massage unit, locking wheels, base of desk chair, polypropylene foot rest, and grip mats Dimensions from the ground: Foot rest- 18’’- 26’’ Arm rest- 41’’ Head rest- 49’’ Head, arm, and foot rests are all height adjustable to allow for maximum spine curvature and accommodate patients of varying heights Angled foot rest, cushioned arm and head rests for patient comfort Lockable wheels for easy transport Use in conjunction with grip mats on hospital floor for better traction Product can be cleaned using a cloth and sanitizing spray such as standard hospital disinfectant Total cost = $ Further testing may be needed on patients of varying heights for comfort and stability Testing may also be necessary to determine if the device is optimized to provide maximum spinal curvature Refine height adjustments for rest components for ease of use Lumbar puncture procedures are increasingly gaining significance in the scientific community in analyzing diseases of the brain and spinal cord. A device that increases patient comfort and maximizes curve of the spine is desired for the procedure. A portable unit to support patients during lumbar puncture procedures was designed by modifying a desktop massage unit to include an adjustable foot rest. Further testing of stability, comfort, and spine curvature may be needed to assure maximum functionality of the device. Figure 2: Massage chair used in spinal tap procedure [1] 1. Bare Paws Massage Co. (2005). Massage chair picture. Retrieved December 5, 2006 from 2. Carlsson, Cynthia M., M.D. M.S. Lumbar procedure pictures. Sept. 15, Lumbar Puncture. Picture of needle insertion into spine. Retrieved Oct. 15, 2006 from asp?p= Williams, Michael A. (2002). Spinal catheter insertion via seated lumbar puncture using a massage chair. Neurology 58 (12): Retrieved Sept. 15,2006 fromhttp:// /58/12/1859? cookietest=yes Figure 4: Side view of prototype