CO:RE Surgical Chair

The CO:RE Surgical Chair was developed in partnership with Reliance Medical Products, and Michael E. Snyder, M.D. and Anup K. Khatana, M.D., of the Cincinnati Eye Institute. With unique insights into the daily ergonomic issues common to ophthalmologists, the surgical chair helps to maximize comfort and prolong the careers of surgeons. The curved backrest aligns the spine for added lumbar support, the armless design and narrow seat back allow for freedom of movement while reducing risk of contamination.

This design is part of an on-going development effort, marking the start of a new era that holistically considers the physician’s long term comfort and health.

Click here to learn more about the CO:RE Surgical Chair on the Haag-Streit website.

Haag-Streit USA manufactures and sells chairs into the ophthalmic surgery environment, as the need for updates became apparent they had the option to continue iterating on existing product in an attempt to address the issues identified.

However, Zukun saw the opportunity to lay out a thoroughly modern vision for the CO:RE surgical chair which prioritized the ergonomic needs of the surgeons and would help usher in the next era of medical equipment design.

No aspect of the design was left out in consideration for this new chair—from ergonomic enhancements, to intuitive use, attractive aesthetics and ease of cleaning.

It became immediately clear that this vision would create the chair that was truly needed by surgeons, Haag-Streit USA gave the green light and the CO:RE surgical chair was born.

Historically the ophthalmic surgeon used arm supports and had a tendency to look down through the microscope.

POSTURE While the surgeon was focused on the patient they were not focused enough their own ergonomic needs. There was a tendency to move their body to work around the patient and equipment, often times compromising their ergonomics by straining or hunching over.

PACE As practices have become busier places the day for a surgeon has become more and more packed. This means a day booked solid with surgeries back to back often moving from one operating room to the next where a patient has been prepared for the surgeon to take over at the exact time they are needed. This can lead to stress which carries through the body.

MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS Compromised posture, busy days and stress, which can and does occur, slowly compound themselves over the course of weeks and years. Many surgeons have chronic neck, shoulder and back issues requiring massage and other therapies and in the worst cases necessitating corrective surgery and early retirement.

The industry has taken notice of these significant concerns, good operating ergonomics are now a high-priority among ophthalmologists.

Surgery requires precision and focus, and often that comes at the cost of good posture. When a surgeons spend their career leaning, twisting, and reaching to get in just the right position, it can take a toll on their health.

A smoothly running surgical theater setup considers the following factors:

STATURE Height, depth, and lumbar support must be adjustable to be ergonomically inclusive for all ophthalmologists.

HAND INFLECTION Hands must be allowed to rest in a neutral position in order for ophthalmologists to work at the level of steadiness and dexterity required of them.

FOOT CONTROL The surgeon is seated and shoe-less, so all foot controls must be optimized for comfort and proximity.

SUPPORTING STAFF Often another doctor may observe through a secondary set of scopes while seated directly next to the primary surgeon. A successful design has a smaller footprint so that there is no interference between doctors. Supporting staff prepare materials, tools and other equipment so that the surgeon rarely takes their eyes of the patient. The surgeon’s chair should be adjusted and optimized to their preference before they even arrive to the room.

The industry leading chairs are reliable, smooth and familiar to almost every surgeon. However, when studied with fresh eyes, issues and opportunities to improve upon existing chairs become clear.

Constraining arm rests contribute to the neck and shoulder issues of ophthalmologists by blocking free movement and compromising ideal arm and wrist position.

Restricting seat cushions lack contouring for the back of legs and can cut off circulation along the sciatic nerve.

Oversized footprints make it difficult for a second surgeon to comfortably work in proximity to the first surgeon due to limited leg room.

Range of Motion Narrow seat back allows for full range of motion

Cleanable Upholstery Sculpted upholstery with minimal seams and crevices allows for easier cleaning

Lumbar Support Effective lumbar support is essential for long term good posture

Contoured Seat Edge Waterfall edge relieves pressure on sciatic nerve

Cleanable Base Single-piece housing provides smooth surfaces for cleaning

Caster Lock Locks both back wheels for increased stability

Height Adjustment Conveniently located without taking up foot space

Seat height, backrest depth and backrest height adjustments are numbered for easy repeatability.

Adjustable Seat Back Height A simple lift and latch mechanism allows for the user to make adjustments while seated

Adjustable Seat Back Depth The user can unlock, slide, and lock their seat back into place to get the right seat depth

Seat Height A ruler is provided on back of the hydraulic lifting column