Patient Holding System Maintains Trendelenburg Position

A new, single use positioning system provides operating room (OR) staff with a better alternative to foam solutions for positioning patients in Trendelenburg surgical procedures.

The key component of the Estape TrenMAX positioning system is an exclusive Phase 4 adhesive gel pad that sticks directly to the patient’s torso, preventing the patient from moving or sliding off the table during surgery. The system also includes eight straps, four on each side, extending from the base pad to lock the pad into place on the OR table rails; strips of Velcro to attach the pad to the base pad; and four patent-pending clamps that tightly secure the base pad straps affixed to the OR table.


The design of the system allows easy access to the intravenous (IV) drip by the anesthesiologist. A system of arm straps prevents potential neurological impairment caused by sheet tucking, as well as preventing nerve damage by eliminating pressure on the brachial plexus, often caused by shoulder-holder devices. In addition, the system does not require the use of a chest strap, therefore improving ventilation. The Estape TrenMAX is a product of Innovative Medical Products (IMP; Plainville, AL, USA).

“TrenMAX has the highest co-efficient of friction, or the minimalist amount of patient movement, compared to any other Trendelenburg positioning system in the market today,” said gynecologist and oncologist Ricardo Estape, MD, of South Miami Gynecologic Oncology Group (FL, USA), who helped develop the TrenMAX.

The Trendelenburg position, named after German surgeon Friedrich Trendelenburg (1844-1924), is a standard patient position used in abdominal and gynecological surgery that allows better access to the pelvic organs, as gravity pulls the intestines away from the pelvis. The body is laid in a supine position, with the feet higher than the head by 15-30 degrees. In the past, the Trendelenburg position was also used for patients in hypovolemic shock, with the thought that it would help maintain blood flow to the brain. This is no longer recommended because it has been found to be counterproductive.

Related Links:
Innovative Medical Products
South Miami Gynecologic Oncology Group