Arm Support Device for Surgeons

arm support device for operating surgeons by mohamed youssef Cairo university
Millions of laparoscopic operations are performed yearly .Studies show that 10- 20% of laparoscopic surgeons suffer repetitive strain injury (musculoskeletal trauma effect following laparoscopic surgeries also it stated that resting operating arm during the procedure will increase both comfort and performance The overall objectives are:-
– Achieving better operative performance of surgeons in operation theatre.
– Decreasing (neck- arm – hand), pain and numbness which, is felt by surgeons – especially Laparoscopic- after lengthy operations.
– Increase number of operations performed by a surgeon per day by decreasing Fatigue.
Helping in prevention – or at least minimizing – surgery – related musculo-skeletal disorders, which surgeons – especially Laparoscopic – may have in their career life e.g. (arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, cervical disc prolapse and supraspinatous tendonitis).
– Decrease waste of time and money spent by surgeons for medication or physiotherapy to treat these cumulative surgical trauma disorders
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 So,The project aims at producing an arm support device and a disposable arm holding gown for operating laparoscopic surgeons-on commercial basis- meeting their needs ( decrease pain, fatigue and better performance) without compromising hand movement and sterilization in operation theatre ,the Device consists of : a truck which is fixed to the ceiling of the operation theatres by 2 channels which will allow movement – through 4 wheels attachment- in one direction and a string which is attached to a channel by a wheel which allow movement of the sting on a perpendicular plane to the truck . this string holds a disposable forearm hanger -made of cloth-                                                                                    .
During work the surgeon will use the disposable "sterile’ part s which will support his foearm and allow him to move his hands freely but without causing strains on his shoulders ‘cuff rotators" and neck.
A prototype was manufactured but clinical studies have not started yet
In CONCLUSION THE DEVICE –ALTHOUGH SIMPLE AND CHEAP- IS EXPECTED TO MINIMISE THE REPETITIVE STRAIN INJURIES OF THE UPPER ARM DURING LAPAROSCOPIC SURGERUY WITHOUT COMPROMISING EFFECIANCY AND ALLOW A SURGEON TO PERFORM MORE NUMBER OF SURGERIES WITHOUT FATIGUE
:it will be tested for its effectiveness on relief of pain and numbness felt by surgeons both subjectively and objectively using hand dynamometer to test strain and activity of used muscles