Description:
Project ID: TECH2025-07
Background
Hand restraints are commonly used in medical settings to limit the movement of a patient’s hands or arms, particularly when there is a risk of self-harm, interference with medical procedures, or disruption of treatment. These devices are important in ensuring patient safety, preventing accidental removal of medical devices (such as intravenous lines or catheters), and maintaining control over patients who may be agitated or at risk of injuring themselves or others.
Conventional restraint devices, such as cloth or leather straps, are often used in medical environments; however, these restraints often have limitations related to patient comfort, east of application, and overall safety. Conventional restraints may lead to issues such as restricted circulation, bruising, skin irritation, or pressure ulcers if applied to tightly or left in place for extended periods. Additionally, many hand restraints, in particular, lack adjustable features to accommodate a wide range of hand sizes, which can be problematic in diverse patient populations including pediatric, elderly, or obese individuals. There is still a need for new and improved restraint systems
Invention Description
Researchers at the University of Toledo have developed a novel immobilizer device utilizing a plate and strap design. The restraint system circumvents issues with conventional immobilizers currently used for various hand/carpal tunnel, and other types of surgeries.
Applications
- Immobilization Device used for various arthroscopic surgeries.
Advantages
- Board can be made from any suitable material by any suitable process. ie. PEEK Plastic
- Device design has adjustable features to accommodate a wide range of hand sizes.
- Restraint system allows surgeon to focus less on appendages slipping out of a restraint than with the devices currently on market.
- The restraint system can be modified to assist with other body parts such as, but not limited to, knees, feet, torsos, and heads.
IP Status: Patent Pending w/USPTO
Key Words: Immobilizer, Plate, Strap, Arthroscopic, Surgery , Hand, Knee, Foot, Head.
