How To Keep Patients Secure in the Trendelenburg Position

Ensuring secure patient positioning is paramount for both patient safety and surgeon effectiveness during surgical procedures. AliMed’s Trendelenburg Stabilizer is a complete, quick, and secure positioning system. This innovative product eliminates the need for shoulder supports, bean bags, and tape, providing a more efficient and reliable solution. 

Features of the Trendelenburg Stabilizer

The Trendelenburg Stabilizer combines a draw sheet, straps, and foam to offer unparalleled stability for the surgeon and safety for the patient. Designed as a one-size-fits-all system, it simplifies the setup process, ensures the right equipment is always available in the right size, and boosts confidence in procedural outcomes. 

Components and Setup

The stabilizer is designed for use in all surgical procedures involving supine, left or right tilt, Trendelenburg, and lithotomy positions. It prevents the patient from sliding on the operating table by securely keeping them in place. The system is straightforward, focusing on protecting and securing the patient’s arms and chest.

Components

1. Draw sheet with attached hook-and-loop straps 
2. Foam arm pads (one pair) 
3. Foam chest pads (one pair) 

Setup Instructions

1. Prepare the Table: Place the stabilizer on the operating table with the blue AliMed label towards the head. Tuck the draw sheet sides under the table pad, leaving the arm wraps untucked. 
2. Stabilize Straps: Unfold the patient stabilizing straps and tuck them under the table pad at the head. Pass the bottom straps through the femoral break and secure them around the table base, ensuring a four-inch overlap of the strap closures. 
3. Position the Patient: Place the patient on the table over the draw sheet in the appropriate position for the procedure. 
4. Secure the Arms: Drape the arm straps over the patient’s abdomen, allowing the arm wraps to hang down. Apply the foam pads under the patient's arms (convoluted side down), then secure the arm with the arm wrap and pass the straps through the side rail. Ensure the straps are snug but not too tight. 
5. Protect Against Pressure Injuries: Ensure cables and tubing are on top of the patient’s arm to reduce the risk of pressure injuries.  
   Optional: Use a toboggan for additional arm support. 
6. Secure the Chest: Place the foam pads over the chest, tucking the pads behind the shoulder for full support. Crisscross the straps over the chest, pass them through the side rails, and fasten snugly, maintaining a four-inch overlap for secure closure. 
7. Secure the Legs: Secure the patient's legs according to the procedure's requirements. 

Important Considerations

• Personnel: Only individuals familiar with correct patient positioning and those who have reviewed the instructions for use should handle this device. 
• Patient Health: The stabilizer is intended for extreme Trendelenburg positioning and should not be used if the patient has health issues contraindicating extreme positioning. 
• Table Adjustments: Reassess and adjust the straps if any sliding occurs or if the patient is moved after being secured. 
• Proper Use: Ensure no pillows, blankets, etc., are between the straps and the patient. The device is not for use in reverse Trendelenburg position. 

Secure positioning in the Trendelenburg position is a critical aspect of patient safety and surgical success. AliMed's Trendelenburg Stabilizer offers a reliable solution for ensuring patients remain securely positioned, allowing surgeons to focus on performing procedures with confidence and precision.  

Want to learn more? Explore our additional resources on surgical patient positioning:  

• Surgical Patient Positioning Guide
• Patient Positioners 
• Patient Safety Straps 
• Patient Positioning Blogs 
• Surgical Table Pads in the Operating Room 
• Pressure Injury Prevention: Guidelines and Best Practices 
• Operating Room Safety: The Basics