Project Description:

10 million cataract surgeries are preformed each year in the US where two different machines: a microscope and a phacoemulsification machine– each controlled by a corresponding foot pedal. Currently, there is no marketed system for the proper transfer of foot pedals between left and right-sided cataract surgeries in ambulatory health centers. In ophthalmology, cataract surgical teams need a device that quickly resets the position of their foot pedals to improve ergonomics and turnover efficiency. 76% of nurses complain of low back pain caused by bending and lifting heavy equipment. Additionally, with each procedure taking only 5-10 minutes, every second counts for pedals to be reset and adjusted to preferences of surgeons. To address the needs of surgical teams, we introduce a device that rotates added foot pedals in their original position and orientation guaranteeing precise pedal resets for every case. Since our platform is responsible for rotating the foot, the need for nurses to bend and orient each pedal manually is also eliminated reducing the risk of work-related lower back pain.