Name of the Procedure:

Power Wheelchair Component Replacement, Integrated Drive Wheel Motor, and Gear Box Combination (E2370)

Summary

This procedure involves replacing the integrated drive wheel motor and gear box combination on a power wheelchair. It ensures that the wheelchair continues to operate efficiently and safely for the user.

Purpose

The replacement is essential for maintaining the mobility and independence of individuals who rely on power wheelchairs due to severe physical disabilities or chronic conditions. The goal is to restore the wheelchair's functionality, ensuring the user can move around effectively.

Indications

• Notable decrease in wheelchair performance or mobility.
• Malfunctioning or broken drive wheel motor and gear box.
• Inefficiencies or noises coming from the wheelchair mechanism.
• User reports difficulty or inability to move the wheelchair as intended.

Preparation

• Ensure the patient understands the procedure and its purpose.
• No specific fasting or medication adjustments are typically required.
• Diagnostic tests may include performance assessments of the wheelchair and confirmation that the motor and gear box need replacement.

Procedure Description

1. Initial Assessment: Verify the need for replacement.
2. Preparation: Secure the wheelchair and ensure it's powered down.
3. Removal: Carefully detach the malfunctioning integrated drive wheel motor and gear box.
4. Installation: Install the new motor and gear box, ensuring proper fit and connectivity.
5. Testing: Power up the wheelchair and conduct thorough operational tests.
6. Final Adjustments: Make any necessary final adjustments for optimal performance.

Tools and Equipment: Replacement drive wheel motor and gear box, screwdrivers, wrenches, diagnostic tools.

Anesthesia or Sedation: Not applicable.

Duration

The procedure typically takes about 1-2 hours, depending on the wheelchair model and complexity.

Setting

This procedure can be performed in a hospital's outpatient department, specialized wheelchair service centers, or at home by a qualified technician.

Personnel

• Certified wheelchair technician or rehabilitation engineer.
• Occupational therapist may assist to ensure user comfort and proper fit.

Risks and Complications

• Common Risks: Minor adjustments might be needed post-replacement.
• Rare Risks: Potential for misalignment or improper installation causing temporary malfunction.
• Management involves follow-up adjustments and performance checks.

Benefits

• Significant improvement in wheelchair performance.
• Enhanced mobility and independence.
• Expected benefits can be realized immediately after successful installation and testing.

Recovery

• Post-procedure care involves monitoring the wheelchair's performance for a few days.
• Users should report any issues promptly.
• Typically, no specific physical recovery for the patient is needed.
• Follow-up appointment within a week may be advisable to ensure optimal function.

Alternatives

• Repair: Involves fixing the existing motor and gear box instead of full replacement.
• Manual Wheelchair: For some users, a manual wheelchair could be an alternative but may reduce independence.
• New Power Wheelchair: Considered if multiple components or severe issues are present.
  • Pros of alternatives: Potentially lower immediate cost (repair), higher reliability (new wheelchair).
  • Cons of alternatives: May not fully restore performance or independence (repair, manual wheelchair).

Patient Experience

• The patient will likely feel an immediate difference in wheelchair performance post-replacement.
• Ensure proper pain management from any associated discomfort during adjustments.
• Routine comfort measures involve providing clear operational instructions and ensuring the user feels confident with the newly installed components.