According to research from the Journal of Medical Engineering & Technology, using a recliner for surgery is safe. The study also found that using a recliner can be cost-effective, eliminating the need to purchase and maintain expensive surgical tables.
But how do you adapt the recliner for surgery?
This guide highlights everything you need to know to adapt your recliner for right arm surgery.
Let’s dive in!
Adapting your Recliner for Surgery
Because of their adaptability and comfort, recliners are used for surgery.
Recliners provide a safe and comfortable alternative to the standard operating table for patients with mobility issues or those who cannot lie flat on their backs.
A few tweaks and modifications need to be made to the chair before it can be used for surgery.Â
To adapt a recliner:
- Pick a suitable chair.
- Keep it in the correct position.
- Prepare the patient for the operation.
Choosing the right recliner for surgery
Making a recliner suitable for surgical use begins with choosing the appropriate model. Selecting a chair is crucial because not all are safe for surgical operations.
Here are some things to think about when picking out a surgical recliner:
Dimensions and load limits: Patient size and weight must be considered when selecting a recliner. Picking a chair with a weight capacity higher than the patient’s is standard practice.
Customization: The recliner needs to be adjustable so that the patient can be in the best posture for the treatment. Choose a recliner that allows you to customize the back, footrest, and headrest angle.
Stability: The recliner must have a solid foundation and a well-built support system to ensure the user’s safety. For the sake of patient safety, this is important.
Ease of Use: Patient’s should not have trouble adjusting the recliner’s settings. Try to find a recliner that is easy to operate. Electric recliners are much easier to use than manual ones.
The recliner should also be simple to disassemble and disinfect to reduce the risk of spreading disease. Try to get a chair with a smooth, non-porous surface that can be easily cleaned with bleach or another disinfectant.
Comfort: The patient should be able to kick back and relax in the recliner. Recliners that have plush padding on the seat and arms are comfortable.
When choosing a recliner for a patient, it is crucial to consider the individual’s requirements and preferences. All this while also ensuring that it complies with regulations for clinical use.
Adjusting the recliner for optimal positioning
After deciding on the most suitable recliner, the next step is positioning the patient comfortably and safely. The patient’s comfort during surgery greatly depends on their position.
Here are some suggestions for achieving the most comfortable reclining position:
Please readjust the headrest: The headrest should support the patient’s neck and head. Neither the patient’s neck nor the headrest should feel any strain or pain.
The footrest should be set to provide adequate support for the patient’s legs and feet. The patient’s knees should feel no discomfort or pressure from the footrest.
The backrest should be set to provide adequate support for the patient’s spine and torso. It is important that the patient’s spinal column not be compressed by the backrest.
Pillows and cushions may help prop up the patient’s head and neck. They can be under the patient’s head or elsewhere if required.
Ensure everything is lined up correctly: The patient’s body needs to be in the right position for the operation to go smoothly. Avoid putting undue stress on muscles and joints by maintaining a neutral head, back, and leg position.
To ensure the patient is stable and doesn’t experience any discomfort during the treatment, it’s important to watch them. Look out for any pain or discomfort and address it right away.
Ultimately, a secure and effective surgical experience depends on the patient being properly positioned in the recliner.Â
Preparing the recliner for surgery
The recliner must be cleaned, sterilized, and stocked with surgical equipment before use. Here are a few things to do to get the chair ready for surgery:
To stop the spread of germs, it’s important to clean the recliner well. A disinfectant solution should be used to wipe down all surfaces after removing any stains or debris.
Throw a clean sheet over the rocker: A sterile drape should be hung over the recliner to ensure a sterile operating environment. All surfaces that will come into contact with the patient must be draped.
Prepare the operating table by placing all surgical equipment and supplies within easy reach of the chair user.Â
Also, make sure the surgery area is well-lit by placing the recliner in a well-lit area. There needs to be enough light for the surgeons to see clearly, but not so much that the patient is bothered by it.
Before beginning the procedure, the recliner should be inspected to ensure it is in good working order. Before starting surgery, all controls and adjustments must be tested, and any problems solved.
Post-surgical care for the patient in the recliner
After the procedure, the patient has to relax and recover in the recliner. Appropriate post-surgical care is critical to guarantee a smooth and complete recovery.Â
Here’s what you should do in the post-surgical phase:
Monitor the patient: A watchful eye on the patient following surgery is necessary to ensure they are stable and feeling good. If there is any pain or discomfort, address it.
When necessary, administer medication: The patient may need pain medication to control their symptoms following the procedure. Make sure that the patient follows the required prescription.
Promote movement: The client should move about and stretch their legs and arms occasionally to minimize stiffness and blood clots. Nonetheless, they should reduce any intense activities such as heavy lifting.
Give support: The patient may need aid with getting up or adjusting the recliner. It’s crucial to offer assistance to avoid mishaps or injuries.
Provide a balanced diet to aid in the patient’s rehabilitation. It’s crucial to ensure the individual stays hydrated and receives appropriate nutrients.
Keep adequate hygiene: The patient should be urged to keep appropriate hygiene, such as cleaning their hands often and maintaining the recliner clean and sanitized.
The patient should be given all the help, support, and resources they need to have a speedy and comfortable recovery.
Safety considerations when adapting a recliner for surgery
Many precautions must be taken while modifying a chair for surgical use. While adjusting an existing recliner for use in an operating room, it is important to remember the following safety measures:
It is imperative that the recliner can safely support the patient’s weight. You should evaluate the recliner’s weight capability against the patient’s weight before purchasing. Keep note that recliners that suit big people may be harder to find.
Stability: The operating chair must be firmly anchored to the floor to avoid accidental movement that could cause injury to the patient. Be sure the recliner is not tilting, and the wheels are locked.
If the chair has a motor or heating system that uses electricity, check that they are both in good operating order. Verify the reliability of the power source and look for frayed or damaged cords.
To stop the transmission of infections during surgery, the recliner must be sterilized first. A sterile drape must be used to cover anything that will touch the patient.
The patient’s comfort during surgery relies heavily on how well they are positioned. Finding the perfect combination of adjustments for their head, feet, and back is important.
Advantages and disadvantages of using a recliner for surgery
There are pros and cons to using a recliner for surgical procedures. You should carefully weigh the following benefits and drawbacks:
Advantages:
Comfortable: Patients often feel more at ease when seated in recliners during surgical procedures.
Recliners are also a low-cost alternative to conventional surgical tables, though they may be cumbersome and expensive to set up.
If a patient has trouble getting out of a regular operating table, a recliner may be a more accessible alternative. Seniors and those with mobility issues can easily move in and out of a recliner.
Also, adjustable recliners may be placed in various positions, making them a flexible choice for surgical operations.
Disadvantages:
Recliners might obstruct the surgeon’s view of the surgical site, making it more challenging or necessitating more advanced techniques to complete the operation.
The danger of blood clots and other complications is increased when a patient is confined to a recliner before, during, and after surgery.
Concerns with sterilization mean that recliners may pose a greater risk of infection than conventional operating tables.
In general, there are many cases in which the patient and the surgeon benefit from using a recliner. Yet, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons and take precautions to make sure everything goes smoothly during surgery.
FAQS
How can I make my recliner easier to recline?
A recliner may not recline easily because of a variety of reasons. If yours doesn’t recline easily, ensure the reclining levers are lubricated and not worn out. If they are worn out, make sure to fix your recliner. It’s also worth noting that maybe you are above the weight your recliner can support.
How do you adjust a recliner back?
Turn the reclining levers on your chair clockwise to increase the tension and turn it anti-clockwise to release tension. If the back brackets are loose, ensure you tighten them to prevent accidents.
Can you convert a regular recliner to power?
Yes, you can. Professional firms can attach the mechanisms and internal structural bars necessary to convert a manual recliner to an electric one. Some even do this in just an hour. However, you should note that some manual recliners may be hard to convert.
Wrapping Up
The use of a recliner during surgery is debatable. Patients and their doctors should discuss the pros and cons of this practice before making a final decision.Â
Through this guide, you can easily adapt a recliner for surgery.
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