Whatcha call it?

Typical acrylic "Toboggan" from a slew of medical equipment manufacturers

Ever tried to search for replacement arm boards for your IR/Cath lab? Arm boards used in Interventional Radiology (IR) and Cardiac Catheterization (Cath) labs are often referred to by various terms, such as toboggans, arm sleds, imaging arm boards, and more. Despite the varied terminology, a

consistent issue exists: many arm boards on the market fail to adequately support the entire arm, from the elbow to the fingertips. The standard length of these devices typically ranges from 12 to 20 inches, which often results in inadequate coverage and support for the patient’s arm during procedures. This limitation is problematic, as many images portraying the use of arm boards depict patients with their fingertips awkwardly positioned next to their body, which does not reflect true containment of the arm. This lack of support can lead to discomfort and anxiety for patients, as they may feel unstable, insecure and unable to fully relax during procedures. Moreover, the lack of proper arm containment presents safety concerns, as mechanical components of imaging systems are often positioned directly under the patient’s hands, potentially causing injury.

In addition to safety issues, failure to fully contain the arm can interfere with procedural efficiency, as patients may need to be repositioned or readjusted. This becomes even more critical when patients are sedated or unconscious, which is common in many IR and Cath lab procedures. In these cases, patients may not be able to notify staff if their fingers or arms are not properly positioned inside the arm boards, increasing the risk of unnoticed injury or discomfort. Technologists, Invasive Specialists and RN's who are on the front lines of patient care, must advocate for more ergonomic and patient-centered solutions. By emphasizing the importance of comprehensive arm support, healthcare professionals can ensure a higher standard of care for patients undergoing complex IR and Cath lab procedures. Products like the Stratus Dovetail arm boards are specifically designed to address these shortcomings, offering a larger surface area to support the arm from the elbow to the fingertips. These boards not only enhance patient safety but also contribute to greater procedural precision by keeping the arm securely positioned throughout the procedure. By adopting more tailored solutions, such as the Stratus Dovetail and ET Cetera arm boards, healthcare providers can improve both patient comfort and procedural outcomes, ensuring a safer and more efficient clinical environment.

Stratus Dovetail arm boards are extraordinarily light, yet extremely durable. Offered in multiple sizes and can be custom ordered in any size. Standard 22" length is compatible with Stratus V.I.S work surface.

The Stratus ET Cetera arm board is a CRNA's best friend! Features two ET tube circuit slots for securement and a large cable/IV tubing guide for neat bundling during IR procedures that require Anesthesia to be at the side of the patient away from the head. Also serves as an Art. line board as the shoulder wing will allow abduction of the arm.