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An occipital air support for use with the ellis ‘halo’
AN OCCIPITAL AIR S U P P O R T FOR U S E WITH T H E ELLIS 'HALO'
H. CHARLTON, L.I.B.S.T.
Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle-upon-Tyne O~E of the problems found using the Ellis 'halo' is the discomfort patients experience when resting their heads on pillows. Pain is caused by the appliance being pushed inwards into the skull or being subjected to lateral stress. It is found that this discomfort can be eliminated by supporting the occiput and lifting the 'halo' clear of the pillows. An air cushion has been designed in this unit which is a simple, efficient and cheap method of occipital support. The cushion is constructed of poly-vinyl chloride, I/IO,Oooth in. thick which is sealed by a Radyne high-frequency welder.
7"
FIG. I
The air pillow.
Figure I demonstrates the air cushion which measures 24 cm. along the base, I o c m . high, 8 cm. wide. The height of the neck recess is 5 cm. from the base with the shoulders being 4 cm. wide.
CONSTRUCTION P.V.C. is cut to the required pattern and the upper surface is welded first. A length of P.V.C. tubing 6 ram. outside diameter is then welded on to either of the lateral walls, the latter then being sealed. The resulting five surfaces are then reversed to bring the inflating tube on to the outer aspect. The base is then welded. A satisfactory plug for the inflating tube is a plastic container of a disposable Gillette scimitar needle. x67
168
B R I T I S H J O U R N A L OF ORAL SURGERY
The air cushion is covered with a suitable absorbent material, e.g. tube gauze or a towel in order to prevent irritation from perspiration, and is inflated to a pressure which allows the nape of the neck to fit comfortably.
1:716. 2
Demonstrates that the 'halo' is lifted clear of the supporting pillow. The air pillow may be obtained from J. C. Peacock & Son Ltd., Surgical Appliance Manufacturers, Friar House, Clavering Place, Newcastle-upon-Tyne I. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT S Russell Hopkins, M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P., B.D.S., F.D.S.R.C.S.; A. Collins, Medical Photographer; the Technicians, Department of Surgery; and Mrs. S. Buglass, for secretarial assistance.
H. CHARLTON, L.I.B.S.T.
Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle-upon-Tyne O~E of the problems found using the Ellis 'halo' is the discomfort patients experience when resting their heads on pillows. Pain is caused by the appliance being pushed inwards into the skull or being subjected to lateral stress. It is found that this discomfort can be eliminated by supporting the occiput and lifting the 'halo' clear of the pillows. An air cushion has been designed in this unit which is a simple, efficient and cheap method of occipital support. The cushion is constructed of poly-vinyl chloride, I/IO,Oooth in. thick which is sealed by a Radyne high-frequency welder.
7"
FIG. I
The air pillow.
Figure I demonstrates the air cushion which measures 24 cm. along the base, I o c m . high, 8 cm. wide. The height of the neck recess is 5 cm. from the base with the shoulders being 4 cm. wide.
CONSTRUCTION P.V.C. is cut to the required pattern and the upper surface is welded first. A length of P.V.C. tubing 6 ram. outside diameter is then welded on to either of the lateral walls, the latter then being sealed. The resulting five surfaces are then reversed to bring the inflating tube on to the outer aspect. The base is then welded. A satisfactory plug for the inflating tube is a plastic container of a disposable Gillette scimitar needle. x67
168
B R I T I S H J O U R N A L OF ORAL SURGERY
The air cushion is covered with a suitable absorbent material, e.g. tube gauze or a towel in order to prevent irritation from perspiration, and is inflated to a pressure which allows the nape of the neck to fit comfortably.
1:716. 2
Demonstrates that the 'halo' is lifted clear of the supporting pillow. The air pillow may be obtained from J. C. Peacock & Son Ltd., Surgical Appliance Manufacturers, Friar House, Clavering Place, Newcastle-upon-Tyne I. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT S Russell Hopkins, M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P., B.D.S., F.D.S.R.C.S.; A. Collins, Medical Photographer; the Technicians, Department of Surgery; and Mrs. S. Buglass, for secretarial assistance.