Using Exoskeletons to Assist Medical Staff During Prone Positioning of Mechanically Ventilated COVID-19 Patients: A Pilot Study

Serena Ivaldi, Pauline Maurice, Waldez Gomes, Jean Theurel, Liên Wioland, Jean-Jacques Atain-Kouadio, Laurent Claudon, Hind Hani, Antoine Kimmoun, Jean-Marc Sellal, Bruno Lévy, Jean Paysant, Sergueï Malikov, Bruno Chenuel, Nicla Settembre

Abstract: We conducted a pilot study to evaluate the potential and feasibility of back-support exoskeletons to help the caregivers in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the University Hospital of Nancy (France) executing Prone Positioning (PP) maneuvers on patients suffering from severe COVID-19-related Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. After comparing four commercial exoskeletons, the Laevo passive exoskeleton was selected for use in the ICU in April 2020. The first volunteers using the Laevo reported very positive feedback and reduction of effort, confirmed by EMG and ECG analysis. Laevo has since been used to physically assist during PP in the ICU of the Hospital of Nancy, following the resurgence of COVID-19, with an overall positive feedback.