WO2014178729A2

WO2014178729A2 - Anaesthetist workstation

Info

Publication number: WO2014178729A2
Application number: PCT/NZ2014/000071
Authority: WO
Inventors: John Edward FOY
Original assignee: Iac Ip Limited
Priority date: 2013-04-29
Filing date: 2014-04-23
Publication date: 2014-11-06
Also published as: WO2014178729A3

Abstract

The invention provides anaesthetist workstation which includes a substantially horizontal support surface which partially encloses a volume to be occupied by an anaesthetist. This workstation also provides at least one cabinet formed underneath the support surface. The support surface of the invention surrounds the sides and back of the anaesthetist while leaving a region in front of the anaesthetist open.

Description

Anaesthetist Workstation

Technical Field

This invention relates to an Anaesthetist Workstation arranged to provide the equipment used by the Anaesthetists in a compact yet readily available manner. Background art

The layout and arrangement of a work area is an important consideration in many activities. Bad work area arrangements can result in operator fatigue and a possible degradation in the performance of an operator. The tasks to be performed may be slowed by an improperly arranged work area, and tasks may not be performed as efficiently, safely or as

accurately as possible.

The ergonomic characteristics of the work area at least in part dictate how it performs in respect of the above issues in a wide range of applications. For example, the work areas in transport control applications, in process control stations or security stations are all important to the optimum performance of the tasks required of an operator. One particular application which places performance demands on the arrangement of a work area is the role performed by an anaesthetist.

An anaesthetist needs to closely monitor display screens showing the performance of their equipment and the condition of their patient. Ready access to treatment drugs and other equipment is also required by the anaesthetist, who may need to lay their hands on particular materials under urgency. The anaesthetist also uses a relatively large and bulky anaesthetic machine which incorporates gas supply and collection lines in addition to associated monitoring equipment. All of these tools and materials need to be accommodated within an operating theatre as close as possible to a patient without impeding the actions of the surgical team.

The work areas currently used by anaesthetists are generally of an ad hoc nature and provided by an assembly of tables and a chair, all mounted on wheels or castors. The various equipment and materials used by the anaesthetist are deployed on these tables and arranged as close as possible to the patient without impeding access for the surgical team. However, due to the ad hoc nature of how the work area is assembled it is difficult for all the equipment used to be kept in a confined area and still be easily accessible to the anaesthetist. Furthermore to gain access to all of the equipment requirement an anaesthetist needs to divert their attention from their patient - potentially moving their body away from facing the patient and towards the equipment they desire. In most cases the displays screens of an anaesthetic machine need to be positioned to one side of a patient, forcing an anaesthetist to face at 90 degrees to their patient and compromising their ability to monitor them closely.

It would therefore be of advantage to have an improved workstation which allowed ready access to the tools and equipment required by an operator working in an environment where space is at a premium. In particular it would be of advantage to have an improved anaesthetist's workstation which addressed any or all of the above issues or at least provided an alternative choice over the prior art.

Disclosure of Invention

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided an anaesthetist workstation which includes

a substantially horizontal support surface which partially encloses a volume to be occupied by an anaesthetist, and

at least one cabinet formed underneath the support surface,

wherein in use the support surface surrounds the sides and back of the anaesthetist while leaving a region in front of the anaesthetist open.

Preferably the support surface in use supports a plurality of items of equipment used by an anaesthetist. Preferably this equipment can be capable of deployment around the sides and back of the anaesthetist when the invention is used.

Preferably the support surface defines a plurality recesses arranged to locate articles of equipment used by an anaesthetist.

Preferably a cabinet formed underneath the support surface opens outwards away from the volume occupied by the anaesthetist. Preferably the volume partially enclosed by the support surface contains a chair. Preferably the workstation includes an anaesthetic machine deployed adjacent to the open front face of the workstation defined by the support surface.

Preferably the workstation includes an information presentation system linked to an anaesthetic machine, said presentation system being arranged to provide information to an anaesthetist from one or more patient monitoring sensors and/or one or more anaesthetic machine monitoring sensors.

The present invention is arranged to provide a workstation to be used by anaesthetists. The majority of the space or volume occupied by this workstation will be determined by the profile or size of this support surface. The workstation provides this substantially horizontal surface to support and deploy various articles of equipment used by the

anaesthetist. The support surface has a form or profile which partially encloses a volume to be occupied by an anaesthetist using the invention. The support surface surrounds the sides and back of the anaesthetist while leaving an open region in front of the anaesthetist. This

arrangement of the invention provides an anaesthetist working within the centre of the support surface ready access to their patient when the support surface presents its open front region towards the head of the patient.

The support surface can therefore have various components of the anaesthetist's equipment laid out on its upper horizontal surface. Where each piece of equipment is located on the support surface will be dictated by the preferences of the anaesthetist, the frequency at which each article is needed, or whether specific articles of equipment need to be close at hand for access in emergency situations.

Preferably the support surface has two separated surfaces that are substantially parallel and are connected by a third surface substantially perpendicular to these two surfaces so as to define an enclosed

workspace. For example, if an anaesthetist seated at the workstation was centred at an imaginary circle, the open portion of the support surface not enclosing the anaesthetist in some preferred embodiments is typically represented by an arc of less than about 45 degrees, 40 degrees, 35 degrees, 30 degrees, 25 degrees, 20 degrees, or less relative the 360 degree arc about the anaesthetist.

In a preferred embodiment the inventions support surface may have a substantially U-shaped or horseshoe shaped top profile. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that this U-shaped profile may have curved or rounded corners at the intersection of the sides and the back of the support surface, or alternatively may have sharp square corners in various embodiments. In this arrangement the anaesthetist can work within the interior volume partially enclosed by this U-shaped form. In other embodiments the support surface may have a substantially V- shaped top profile.

This arrangement of the invention means that the anaesthetist attention can primarily be focused forward to the front of the workstation without needing to turn their body or divert the attention away to access various pieces of the equipment. Those skilled in the art - and in particular those with an appreciation of ergonomic design principles - will appreciate that this arrangement allows the anaesthetist to focus almost exclusively on their patient during an operation.

Preferably the support surface defines a plurality recesses arranged to locate items of equipment used by an anaesthetist. These recesses may be sunk into the upper face of the support surface to locate various articles of equipment and prevent the same from being knocked off the support surface. This feature of the invention can also ensure that important equipment is always located at one particular place on the support surface, allowing an anaesthetist to lay their hands on these articles without looking away from their patient.

In a preferred embodiment these recesses may be formed in the side arms or wings of the support surface, allowing an anaesthetist simply reached to the side to collect the article they need, or to glance sideways to confirm that they have selected the correct article of equipment.

In a preferred embodiment a recess formed in the support surface may have the same modular shape or form adapted to receive an insert tray. Insert trays may be formed with a number of complimentary surfaces to accommodate particular articles of equipment - with the trays being swapped out of the recess or recesses provided depending on the procedure being undertaken by the anaesthetist. In a preferred embodiment the interior volume partially enclosed by the support surface may receive or contain a chair or other equivalent support platform for an anaesthetist. This arrangement of the invention provides a comfortable seat for the anaesthetist which can be important during long operations to prevent fatigue and maintain alertness. However, in other alternative embodiments the workstation and associated support surface may be provided in a "standing desk" arrangement without any form chair, with the height of the support surface providing the anaesthetist with easy access to the equipment located by the support surface.

Reference in general throughout this specification will also be made to the support surface enclosing a chair for the anaesthetist, although those skilled in the art will also appreciate that other arrangements of the workstation are envisioned in alternative embodiments.

The invention also provides at least one cabinet formed underneath the support surface. Cabinets as referenced throughout this specification can be provided by any form of receptacle, shelves, drawers or compartments arranged to locate various elements of the anaesthetist's equipment. In some embodiments a cabinet may be formed from one or more drawers, whereas in other cases a cabinet may be formed by one or more shelves which do not include any intervening doors. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a wide variety of types of cabinets may be integrated into the workstation provided by the

invention. Reference in general throughout this specification will however be made to the invention including a cabinet formed by a series of drawers or shelves covered by an enclosing door. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other arrangements of cabinets are also envisioned in alternative embodiments.

In a preferred embodiment the cabinet or cabinets provided by the workstation may be accessed from the exterior perimeter of the support surface. In such embodiments a cabinet will not be deployed and accessible along the interior perimeter of the workstation which would interfere with the performance of the anaesthetist working in this area. In such embodiments a cabinet provided in the workstation may be accessed by an anaesthetist's assistant, or maybe used to locate equipment which is only required infrequently by an anaesthetist. In a preferred embodiment the back or rear of the support surface may also provide a work area for the anaesthetist's assistant. The assistant may use this space to assemble articles of equipment which the

anaesthetist is likely to request and to pass these articles forward to them on demand.

In a preferred embodiment the workstation also integ rates an anaesthesia machine. Various arrangement and configurations of anaesthetic

machines are known from the prior art and can include features such as patient ventilators, suction units and also patient monitoring sensors. An anaesthetic machine requires the supply of a number of types of gases such as oxygen or nitrous oxide which it combines with anaesthetic vapour delivered to a patient in fixed concentrations and at controlled flow rates. Furthermore, in some instances an anaesthetic machine may include a carbon dioxide absorber or scrubber system and may implement a close circuit for gas flows. These arrangements of anaesthetic machines control the amounts of anaesthetic vapour delivered to a patient, with any anaesthetic not absorbed initially in the patient's lungs being recycled and redelivered.

Anaesthetic machines are complicated pieces of equipment which require the supply of pressurised carrier gases and anaesthetic, in addition to a power supply which preferably cannot be interrupted. These machines also provide the anaesthetist with a large amount of real time information relating to both the performance and operation of the machine and the vital signs of their patient. The anaesthetist must pay close attention to the feedback provided by the anaesthetic machine to perform their role effectively. Preferably the workstation includes an anaesthetic machine deployed adjacent to the open front face of the workstation defined by the support surface. This arrangement of the invention limits the extent of any gas supply lines travelling between the machine and the patient, or of cables used to carry signals between machine and the patient. As indicated above this characteristic of the invention minimises the overall footprint of the resulting workstation, providing all the anaesthetist's tools readily at hand without impeding access for a surgical team.

In a preferred embodiment the invention includes at least one anaesthetic machine connector. In a further preferred embodiment the invention includes a plurality of anaesthetic machine connectors. An anaesthetic machine connector can be used to deliver a consumable resource to the machine, to remove waste from the machine or to provide a source of vacuum pressure. In a preferred embodiment the workstation may provide a cluster of anaesthetic machine connectors in a localised region on a side or end wall of the workstation . This arrangement allows the invention to supply resources to an anaesthetic machine at one connection site. In a further preferred embodiment at least one additional set of

redundant anaesthetic machine connectors may be provided by the workstation. This workstation can include a number clusters of duplicate supply connectors at various locations around the side perimeter of the workstation, allowing the relative position of the anaesthetic machine to the workstation to be adjusted depending on the needs of a n

anaesthetist.

In a preferred embodiment the workstation may provide two sets of duplicate anaesthetic machine connectors, with each cluster of connectors being provided in the front end wall of the workstation. This arrangement of the invention allows the position of the anaesthetic machine relative to the workstation to be adjusted depending on whether the anaesthetist prefers a right-handed or left-handed anaesthetic machine position .

Furthermore, this arrangement of the anaesthetic machine connector clusters locates the anaesthetic machine close to the anaesthetist's patient, minimising the travel of any supply lines or sensor cables running from the anaesthetic machine to the patient.

In a preferred embodiment an anaesthetic machine connector integrated into a side of the workstation may be formed from a self sealing, push lock or snap lock connection system. In such embodiments the connector system used allows the anaesthetic machine to be pushed up against and into engagement with a complimentary anaesthetic machine connector provided by the workstation.

It is envisioned that a variety a different forms of complementary anaesthetic machine connectors may be employed in conjunction with the present invention. Various connectors - be they male or female in arrangement - can be used to provide a push lock self-sealing connection system for the delivery of pressurised gas, or to provide electrical current for example. In a preferred embodiment an anaesthetic machine connector employed by the invention may be implemented by the Staubli SCB 316 non-spill gas connector code SCB04 manufactured by Staubli and described at www.staubli.com. Those skilled in the art will however appreciate that other forms of anaesthetic machine connectors may also be used in conjunction with the invention.

Furthermore, in a number of embodiments the diameter or physical mating parts of connectors used for different resources may be varied. This feature of the invention ensures that each resource can only be routed to the correct port of an anaesthetic machine.

In a preferred embodiment the present invention also includes at least one alignment prong which extends from a side of the workstation adjacent to one or more anaesthetic machine connectors. In such embodiments an alignment prong can be used to correctly align complimentary anaesthetic machine connectors when moved into engagement with each other. This alignment is completed as the prong slides into a complimentary cavity in the surface mounting a mating connector or connectors.

However, in an alternative embodiment a side of the workstation may form an alignment recess arranged to receive an alignment prong substantially as described above. In such embodiments the side wall of the workstation may define a recesses adjacent to one or more anaesthetic machine connectors which receives an alignment prong to assist in the alignment of anaesthetic machine connectors as they are brought together.

In a preferred embodiment the workstation may include or provide at least one gas supply reservoir for an anaesthetic machine. In a further preferred embodiment the workstation may provide a plurality of gas reservoirs for an anaesthetic machine. A gas reservoir may be located underneath the inventions support surface, potentially being enclosed behind the door of a cabinet or sitting available on a shelf accessible from the exterior perimeter of the workstation. In such embodiments gas supply lines may be provided by the invention running from a gas reservoir underneath the support surface through to a connection to an anaesthetic machine. In a preferred embodiment the workstation may include or provide at least one uninterruptible power supply. This power supply may include energy storage elements such as batteries, fuel cells or similar

components capable of providing a source of electrical engine energy when mains power utility connections are not available.

In a preferred embodiment the workstation may also include a variety of supply line connections allowing the workstation to receive electrical energy or gas flows from external sources. For example in some embodiments the workstation may include at least one supply line connection allowing the workstation to receive electrical energy from an external source. In a yet further embodiments the workstation may include at least one supply line connection allowing the workstation to receive one or more gas flows from external sources. In a further preferred embodiment supply line connectors may be provided in the upper face of the support surface or a side wall of the workstation.

Preferably the workstation includes an information presentation system linked to the anaesthetic machine, this presentation system being arranged to provide information to an anaesthetist from one or more patient monitoring sensors and/or one or more anaesthetic machine monitoring sensors. As indicated above anaesthetic machines are capable of providing a significant amount of important real-time information relating to the machines performance and the vital signs of a patient. The presentation system provided by the workstation may provide an anaesthetist with easy access to this information without them having to divert their attention or gaze from the patient. Preferably the information presentation system presents information within the view of the anaesthetist when they are attending to their patient.

In a further preferred embodiment an information presentation system may be implemented by one or more display screens positioned or located to one side of the workstation adjacent to the front face of the workstation. This arrangement of display screens present the information they supply automatically within the view of the anaesthetist when they are attending to their patient.

However in alternative embodiments an information presentation system need not necessarily be implemented through a display screen mounted to be support surface. For example, in one alternative embodiment an information presentation system may be implemented by a set of interface glasses, headset, hat or other similar form of apparel capable of projecting a heads up display for an anaesthetist. In such embodiments the information available from an anaesthetic machine may be presented to the anaesthetist at all times irrespective of their angle of view relative to a patient.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention an information presentation system may also implement a user interface system, allowing commands to be received from an anaesthetist. For example, in one preferred embodiment where the presentation system is provided by one or more displays located to one side of the workstation adjacent to the front face of the workstation, these displays may be touch sensitive to allow an anaesthetist to interact with the presentation system without diverting their gaze from a patient.

In a preferred embodiment the various components of the workstation may be mounted on castors or wheels. This arrangement of the invention gives the workstation a portable character, allowing it to be rolled between different operating theatres if required.

The present invention may provide many potential advantages over the prior art.

The present invention allows a compact anaesthetist workstation to be provided where the majority of the equipment used by the anaesthetist is preferably contained within the footprint of substantially U-shaped support surface. This U-shaped form presents an open face towards the anaesthetist's patient with the anaesthetist working from the centre of the workstation. Various articles of equipment can be made available to the anaesthetist without them having to divert their gaze or attention from the patient.

The invention can also interface with or include an anaesthetic machine and in various embodiments can provide gas reservoirs or an energy supply for the machine. Furthermore, in a number of embodiments the invention can integrate an information presentation system, allowing an anaesthetist to easily view all information presented in this component without diverging their attention or gaze from a patient. The present invention can provide a workstation implemented in

accordance with ergonomic principals to assist an anaesthetist in performing their role efficiently and safely. In a variety of embodiments the invention may meet the standards of ISO 11064-4 : 2004 "Ergonomic design of control centres", IEC 62366 : 2007 "Medical devices - Application of usability engineering", and/or ISO 13485 : 2003 "Medical devices - Quality management systems".

Brief description of the drawings

An example embodiment of the invention is now discussed with reference to the drawings in which :

• Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an anaesthetist workstation as provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, and

· Figure 2 shows a top view of the workstation illustrated with respect to figure 1, and

• Figure 3 shows a front view of the workstation illustrated with

respect to figures 1 and 2, and

• Figure 4 shows a rear view of the workstation illustrated with

respect to figures 1 to 3, and

• Figure 5 shows a side view of the workstation illustrated with

respect to figures 1 to 4, and

• Figures 6a, 6b show two different forms of anaesthetic machine connector clusters as provided in accordance with further

embodiments of the invention, and

• Figures 7a, 7b, 7c show comparative test results obtained from

clinical trials completed using a prior art anaesthetic machine and the workstation of the embodiment shown in figures 1-5, and

• Figures 8a, 8b and 8c show schematic forms of workstation shapes used in various embodiments.

Best modes for carrying out the Invention

Figures 1 through 5 show an anaesthetists workstation 1 as provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of invention.

The footprint or space occupied by the workstation 1 is primarily defined by the profile or shape of a support surface 2. The support surface 2 defines a horizontal surface with a substantially U shaped profile or configuration, as can clearly be seen from the top view provided as a figure 2. The U shaped profile for the support surface 2 defines a central region 3 which is to be occupied by an anaesthetists when the workstation 1 is used. The sides and back of the anaesthetist are surrounded by the support surface 2 while an open front area 4 is provided which can face towards and be in close proximity to the anaesthetist's patient.

The centre 3 of the workstation 1 is also used to receive a chair 5. The chair 5 provides a comfortable support for the anaesthetist, positioning the anaesthetist centrally within the workstation and preventing fatigue during long operations.

The workstation 1 is mounted on a number of wheels 6. These wheels 6 provide the workstation 1 with a portable character, allowing it to be rolled from one operating theatre to another if required.

As can clearly be seen from the top view of figure 2 the support surface 2 is arranged to support and locate a number of articles of equipment used by the anaesthetist. A number of recesses (not shown) are provided sunk into the side arms of the workstation 1 which receive trays 7 used to locate equipment. These trays are formed with a number of depressions which define complimentary surfaces to particular types of equipment, allowing the tray and associated recess to securely locate this equipment.

As can be clearly seen from the rear view of figure 4 and side view of figure 5 the workstation 1 provides a number of cabinets formed underneath the support surface 2. These cabinets take a variety of forms from the drawers 8 provided in the side of the workstation shown in figure 5, to a support shelf 9 and sliding baskets 10 provided in the rear of the workstation, as shown in figure 4.

These various forms of shelves, baskets and drawers provide an array of cabinets accessible from the outside perimeter of the workstation 5.

Cabinets can be used to store and locate various articles of equipment in a compact and readily available manner. Furthermore, the rear surface of the support surface can also be used as a work area by an anaesthetist's assistant. The assistant can pre-empt requests for equipment by the anaesthetist, removing articles from the cabinets and placing them on the rear of the support surface in anticipation of a request being made. In the embodiment shown the workstation 1 also incorporates an anaesthetic machine 11. The anaesthetic machine 11 is located at the front of the workstation 1 and extends from one of the side arms of the workstation. This arrangement of the workstation places the anaesthetic machine in close proximity to the patient, minimising the distance cables and gas transmission lines need to travel to reach the patient.

As can also be seen from the rear view provided as a figure 4, the support shelf 9 is used to support an oxygen gas canister 12. The gas canister 12 can be connected to the anaesthetic machine 11 by anaesthetic machine connectors 15 and transmission conduits (not shown) integrated into the workstation 1 underneath the support surface 2.

The workstation 1 also includes a support post 13 which allows

intravenous fluids to be hung at an elevated location and to provide a site for infusion pumps to be bolted in place.

The workstation also includes an uninterruptible power supply (not shown) within one of its cabinets. This uninterruptible power supply is connected through to electrical power supply lines running underneath the support surface and can supply electrical energy to the anaesthetic machine 11 in the event of a power failure.

The workstation 1 also provides an information presentation system, implemented through the provision of a pair of touch sensitive display screens 14. The screens 14 are connected to the anaesthetic machine 11 and can display information to the anaesthetist regarding the

performance of the machine 11 and the vital signs of their patient. The screens used to provide this presentation system are located at the front and to the side of the workstation and will be in close proximity to the patient. Therefore the anaesthetist will have the information presented on the screens within their field of view when they are monitoring the patient. This feature of the invention ensures that the anaesthetist does not need to look away from their patient to check on information provided by the anaesthetic machine, allowing the patient to be monitored closely during an operation.

As indicated above each of these screens 14 is touch sensitive and provides an element of a user interface system for the anaesthetist. The touch sensitive characteristic of these display screens 14 can be used to receive commands from the anaesthetist to modify the form or type of information presented to them. As indicated above the workstation also includes a localised cluster of anaesthetic machine connectors 15 located on the end walls of the front of the workstation. Figure 3 shows the left-hand side set of one of these clusters of anaesthetic machine connectors 15, with the second cluster provided on the right-hand side of the workstation being connected to the anaesthetic machine 11.

Each cluster of anaesthetic machine connectors 15 is arranged to provide a resource to the anaesthetic machine 11. In the embodiment shown each of the four connectors illustrated provide medical oxygen, medical air, a supply of vacuum pressure, and a supply of anaesthetic gas. An

alternating current electrical energy supply is also provided by an additional electrical supply port (not shown) sited on the front interior face of each side of the workstation. This positions a single electrical supply port in the same horizontal plane as the other connectors but also at a safe distance from each cluster of flammable gas supplies.

Figures 6a, 6b show two different forms of anaesthetic machine connector clusters as provided in accordance with further embodiments of the invention.

In the embodiment shown with respect to figure 6a number of male push fit connectors 16 are provided to supply an anaesthetic machine with a supply of vacuum pressure (16a), anaesthetic gas (16b), medical air (16c) and medical oxygen (16d).

A further set of male electrical current delivery connectors (16e) are also provided in this embodiment. In other embodiments a single electrical current delivery connector may be vertically separated from the

flammable gas supplies while still being located on the same side of the workstation and in approximately the same horizontal plane as the other anaesthetic machine connectors.

A pair of alignment prongs 17 are also shown with respect to figure 6a positioned to either side of the anaesthetic machine connectors when mounted on a side wall of the workstation. In the embodiment show the left hand prong also serves as an anaesthetic machine connector by providing a further connection to an Active Gas Scavenging System

(AGSS). The embodiment shown with respect to figure 6b is implemented with a number of female push fit connectors 18 which again supply an

anaesthetic machine with medical oxygen (18a), medical air (18b), anaesthetic gas (18c) and a supply of vacuum pressure (18d).

A further set of female electrical current delivery connectors (18e) are also provided. As indicated above with respect to the embodiment illustrated in figure 6a, in other embodiments a single electrical current delivery connector may be vertically separated from the flammable gas supplies. Again in this configuration the electrical connector can still be located on the same side of the workstation and in approximately the same horizontal plane as the other anaesthetic machine connectors.

A pair of alignment recesses 19 are also shown with respect to figure 6b positioned to either side of the anaesthetic machine connectors when mounted on a side wall of the workstation. In the embodiment shown the right hand recess also serves as an anaesthetic machine connector by providing a further connection to an Active Gas Scavenging System

(AGSS).

Figures 7a, 7b, 7c show comparative test results obtained from clinical trials completed using a prior art anaesthetic workstation and machine and the workstation of the embodiment shown in figures 1-5. Two separate simulation activities were undertaken at the Auckland University Tamaki Campus, Patient Safety Simulation Centre, New

Zealand. The basis for the activities was IEC Standard 62366, Medical devices - Application of usability engineering to medical devices.

(General) Date of Standard : 2007.

The embodiment of the invention shown with respect to figures 1-5 was used to simulate anaesthesia delivery for routine use, emergency use and extreme use. These procedures were:

• Routine general anaesthesia for an entire low risk surgical care

episode.

• Emergency use with a cardiac arrest requiring advanced life support including external cardiac massage, and defibrillation, during a trauma laparotomy that had required advanced airway

instrumentation prior to induction. Extreme use with a drape fire and intra-operative conflagration during an otherwise routine surgical care episode, requiring extreme and immediate response from all staff present. Results captured in relation to this embodiment are shown in figures 7a, 7b and 7c as reference 21. Comparison simulations were also completed using a conventional prior art Boyles table workstation utilising the same scenarios. Results captured in relation to this prior art workstation are shown in figures 7a, 7b and 7c as reference 20.

Video footage from 4 locations in the room, of all activities, was recorded to quantify exactly when the anaesthetist had their back fully to the patient. As can be seen from figure 7a, using the Boyle table the anaesthetist spent 28% of their time with their back to the patient, compared with only 2.5% with the use of the invention. The 'back to patient' measurements were calculated by scoring off the simulation's video footage, to ensure it was only scored when the anaesthetist was fully turned 180 degrees away from the patient. This was scored in seconds for accuracy.

The anaesthetist's response to a simulated on-table drape fire was 3 seconds for the invention compared to 10 seconds for the prior art Boyle table. During those simulations, the Auckland University of Technology RFID team mapped the movements of the anaesthetist and the anaesthesia assistant with radio frequency identification transponders on the limbs and bodies of the staff involved. This measurement technique allowed quantitative measurements to be undertaken of the distance travelled by those persons, the distances between those two persons, and

anaesthetist hand excursion. Hand excursion measurements referenced relate to the cumulative vertical and horizontal distance travelled by the anaesthetist's hands interfacing with the control points on the respective machines used. The movement measurements referenced relate to the horizontal cumulative distance walked by the anaesthetist and assistant as they interface with their machine, and /or any other drawers, storage receptacles, trolleys, and the patient.

Figure 7b shows a comparison of the movements undertaken by the anaesthetist and their assistant when the prior art equipment (20) or the invention (21) was used. As can be seen from this figure the users of the invention only walked 56% of the distances walked by users of the prior art workstation.

Figure 7b shows a comparison of the movement excursions undertaken by the anaesthetist when the prior art equipment (20) or the invention (21) was used. This figure illustrates that the hands of the user of the invention only moved 44% of that required by the user of the prior art workstation. Figures 8a, 8b and 8c show schematic forms of workstation shapes used in various embodiments. All three of the embodiments shown define a substantially horizontal support surface which partially encloses a volume to be occupied by an anaesthetist. Figures 8a and 8c illustrate embodiments where the support surface presents a substantially U-shaped profile with the anaesthetist residing in the centre of the U-shaped form. As can be seen from figure 8a this U- shaped form can have a squared off set of corners or intersections between the sides and back of the workstation. Conversely the form illustrated with respect to figure 8c employs continuous rounded curves to transition between the sides and back of the workstation.

Figure 8b shows a variation of the invention where the support surface defines a substantially V-shaped profile. In this embodiment the support surface still partially encloses the volume to be occupied by the

anaesthetist without the support surface defining a face or wall orientated substantially parallel to the back of the anaesthetist.

It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein and further and additional embodiments within the spirit and scope of the invention will be apparent to the skilled reader from the examples illustrated with reference to the drawings. In particular, the invention may reside in any combination of features described herein, or may reside in alternative embodiments or

combinations of these features with known equivalents to given features. Modifications and variations of the example embodiments of the invention discussed above will be apparent to those skilled in the art and may be made without departure of the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. It is also understood that the term 'comprises' as used herein has the same meaning as 'includes'.

Claims

What we claim is:

1. An anaesthetist workstation which includes

at least one cabinet formed underneath the support surface, wherein in use the support surface surrounds the sides and back of the anaesthetist while leaving a region in front of the anaesthetist open.

2. An anaesthetist workstation as claimed in claim 1 wherein the

support surface in use supports a plurality of items of equipment used by an anaesthetist,

3. An anaesthetist workstation as claimed in claim 1 wherein the

support surface presents its open front region towards the head of the patient to provide an anaesthetist working within the centre of the support surface ready access to their patient.

4. An anaesthetist workstation as claimed in claim 1 wherein the

support surface has a substantially U-shaped shaped top profile.

5. An anaesthetist workstation as claimed in claim 1 wherein the

support surface has a substantially V-shaped shaped top profile.

6. An anaesthetist workstation as claimed in claim 1 wherein the rear of the support surface provides a work area for the anaesthetist's assistant.

7. An anaesthetist workstation as claimed in claim 1 wherein the

interior volume partially enclosed by the support surface receives a chair.

8. An anaesthetist workstation as claimed in claim 1 wherein the

support surface defines a plurality recesses arranged to locate equipment used by an anaesthetist.

9. An anaesthetist workstation as claimed in claim 8 wherein recesses are sunk into the upper face of the support surface

10. An anaesthetist workstation as claimed in claim 8 wherein recesses are formed in the side arms of the support surface.

11. An anaesthetist workstation as claimed in 8 wherein recesses

formed in the support surface have the same modular shape adapted to receive an insert tray.

12. An anaesthetist workstation as claimed in 11 wherein insert trays are formed with a number of complimentary surfaces arranged to accommodate particular articles of equipment.

13. An anaesthetist workstation as claimed in claim 1 wherein a cabinet is accessed from the exterior perimeter of the support surface

14. An anaesthetist workstation as claimed in claim 1 wherein a cabinet is formed by a series of drawers and/or shelves covered by an enclosing door.

15. An anaesthetist workstation as claimed in claim 1 wherein the

workstation includes an anaesthetic machine deployed adjacent to the open front face of the workstation.

16. An anaesthetist workstation as claimed in claim 15 which includes a plurality of anaesthetic machine connectors.

17. An anaesthetist workstation as claimed in claim 16 which includes a cluster of anaesthetic machine connectors in a localised region on a side or end wall of the workstation.

18. An anaesthetist workstation as claimed in claim 17 which includes at least one additional set of redundant anaesthetic machine connectors may be provided by the workstation.

19. An anaesthetist workstation as claimed in claim 18 which includes two sets of duplicate anaesthetic machine connectors with a cluster of connectors being provided in each front end wall of the

workstation.

20. An anaesthetist workstation as claimed in claim 16 wherein an

anaesthetic machine connector integrated into a side of the workstation is formed from a self sealing, push lock or snap lock connection system.

21. An anaesthetist workstation as claimed in claim 16 which includes at least one alignment prong which extends from a side of the workstation adjacent to one or more anaesthetic machine

connectors.

22. An anaesthetist workstation as claimed in claim 16 which includes an alignment recess adjacent to one or more anaesthetic machine connectors arranged to receive an alignment prong.

23. An anaesthetist workstation as claimed in claim 1 which includes at least one gas supply reservoir for an anaesthetic machine.

24. An anaesthetist workstation as claimed in 23 wherein a gas

reservoir is located underneath the support surface.

25. An anaesthetist workstation as claimed in 24 which includes at least one gas supply line running from a gas reservoir located underneath the support surface to a connection to an anaesthetic machine.

26. An anaesthetist workstation as claimed in claim 1 which includes at least one uninterruptible power supply.

27. An anaesthetist workstation as claimed in claim 1 which includes at least one supply line connection allowing the workstation to receive electrical energy from an external source.

28. An anaesthetist workstation as claimed in claim 1 which includes at least one supply line connection allowing the workstation to receive one or more gas flows from external sources.

29. An anaesthetist workstation as claimed in claim 27 or claim 28

wherein a supply line connector is provided in the upper face of the support surface

30. An anaesthetist workstation as claimed in claim 27 or claim 28

wherein a supply line connector is provided in a side wall of the workstation.

31. An anaesthetist workstation as claimed in claim 1 which includes an information presentation system linked to an anaesthetic machine, said presentation system being arranged to provide information to an anaesthetist from one or more patient monitoring sensors and/or one or more anaesthetic machine monitoring sensors.

32. An anaesthetist workstation as claimed in claim 31 wherein the

information presentation system presents information within the view of the anaesthetist when they are attending to their patient.

33. An anaesthetist workstation as claimed in claim 32 wherein the

information presentation system includes one or more display screens located to one side of the workstation adjacent to the front face of the workstation.

34. An anaesthetist workstation as claimed in claim 31 wherein the

information presentation system includes a user interface system adapted to receive commands from an anaesthetist.

35. An anaesthetist workstation as claimed in 34 wherein the user

interface system is implemented using one or more touch sensitive display screens located to one side of the workstation adjacent to the front face of the workstation.

36. An anaesthetist workstation as claimed in claim 1 said workstation being mounted on castors or wheels.