Enhanced imaging head stabilization device

Abstract

A head stabilization device useful for stabilizing a patient's head during a medical procedure includes a tensioning assembly operable to increase or decrease an amount of force applied by the stabilization assembly to the patient's head. The head stabilization device includes an adjustment feature for adjusting the spacing between the frame members. The head stabilization device also includes features that facilitate enhanced imaging output when the head stabilization device is used during imaging.

Description

background

[0001] During certain medical procedures, it may be necessary or desirable to stabilize all or a portion of a patient so that the patient or a portion of the patient is immobile. In certain neurosurgical procedures, the portion being stabilized may include the patient's head and / or neck. Certain devices and methods may be used to stabilize a portion of a patient. For example, a skull clamp is a type of head stabilization device that can be used to stabilize the patient's head and / or neck. In addition, it may be necessary or desirable to use various imaging modes to obtain images of the patient before, during, and / or after surgery. In some cases, such imaging occurs when a head stabilization device is used to stabilize the patient. Although various head stabilization devices and methods of using them have been made and used, it is believed that no one before the inventor has made or used the invention described herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0002] While the specification concludes with claims which clearly point out and distinctly claim the invention, it is believed the invention will be better understood from the following description of certain examples taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like elements.

[0003] Figure 1 A front perspective view of an exemplary skull clamp is depicted.

[0004] Figure 2 Depicted Figure 1 Posterior perspective view of the skull clamp.

[0005] Figure 3 Depicted Figure 1 Bottom view of the skull clamp.

[0006] Figure 4 Depicted Figure 1 A partial top cross-sectional view of a skull clamp showing the locking release feature.

[0007] Figure 5A Depicted Figure 1 A partial front cross-sectional view of a skull clamp showing the skull clamp in a locked state in which the width of the frame cannot be increased.

[0008] Figure 5B Depicted along Figure 5A The line 5B-5B is intercepted Figure 5A Cross-sectional view of the skull clamp.

[0009] Fig. 6A Depicted Figure 1 A partial front cross-sectional view of a skull clamp showing the skull clamp in an unlocked state in which the width of the frame can be increased.

[0010] Figure 6B Depicted along Fig. 6A The line 6B-6B is intercepted Fig. 6A Cross-sectional view of the skull clamp.

[0011] Figure 7 Depicted along Figure 1 The line 7-7 is intercepted Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of the skull clamp.

[0012] Figure 8 Depicted along Figure 1 The line 8-8 is intercepted Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of the skull clamp.

[0013] Fig. 9 Depicted along Figure 1 The line 9-9 is intercepted Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of the skull clamp.

[0014] Fig. 10A Depicted Figure 1 A partial front view of a skull clamp showing the pinning force set to a starting or initial state.

[0015] Fig. 10B Depicted Fig. 10A Cross-sectional view of the skull clamp.

[0016] Fig. 10C Depicted along Fig. 10A The line 10C-10C is intercepted Fig. 10A Cross-sectional view of the skull clamp.

[0017] Fig. 10D Depicted along Fig. 10A The line 10D-10D is intercepted Fig. 10A Cross-sectional view of the skull clamp.

[0018] Fig.11A The pinning force is plotted after it is increased from the initial state or Figure 1 Partial front view of the skull clamp.

[0019] Fig. 11B Depicted Fig.11A Cross-sectional view of the skull clamp.

[0020] The drawings are not intended to be limiting in any way, and it is contemplated that various embodiments of the invention may be implemented in a variety of other ways, including those not necessarily depicted in the drawings. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of the specification, illustrate several aspects of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention; however, it is understood that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements shown. Detailed Description

[0021] The following description of some examples of the present invention should not be used to limit the scope of the present invention. Through the following description, other examples, features, aspects, embodiments and advantages of the present invention will become obvious to those skilled in the art, and the following description is by way of example, and is one of the best modes for implementing the present invention and envisioning. As will be appreciated, the present invention can have other different and obvious aspects, all of which do not depart from the present invention. Therefore, the drawings and description should be considered to be illustrative and non-restrictive in nature.

[0022] Figure 1 An exemplary head stabilization device or fixation device is shown. Throughout this specification, the term "HFD" may be used interchangeably with the terms "head stabilization device," "head fixation device," or "skull clamp." In the illustrated embodiment, the HFD has the shape or form of a skull clamp (10). In this regard, the skull clamp (10) includes a frame (100). The frame (100) includes a first frame portion (102) and a second frame portion (104). The frame portions (102, 104) include corresponding receiving portions (106, 108), which are configured to receive a stabilization component. In the illustrated embodiment, the stabilization component (200) is received by the receiving portion (106) of the frame portion (102). In addition, the stabilization component (300) is received by the receiving portion (108) of the frame portion (104).

[0023] The skull clamp (10) includes a frame adjustment feature (400) operable to adjust the relative spacing between the frame portions (102, 104). Additional components and operability of the frame adjustment feature (400) will be discussed in detail below. The skull clamp (10) also includes a tensioning assembly (500) operable to adjust the amount of force applied by the stabilization assembly to the stabilization feature that contacts the patient. Additional components and operability of the tensioning assembly (500) will be discussed in detail below. The skull clamp (10) is also configured for enhanced imaging. For example, the skull clamp (10) includes features that facilitate improved imaging output when the skull clamp (10) is used during imaging. Additional components and operability of the features that facilitate enhanced imaging will be discussed in detail below.

[0024] I. Exemplary Framework Adjustment Features When using the skull clamp (10) and stabilizing a patient at certain times during surgery, it may be necessary or desirable to adjust the spacing or width of the frame (100) of the skull clamp (10) to accommodate the patient's head. At the same time, it may be necessary or desirable to prevent inadvertent spacing or width adjustments. Figures 1 to 3The skull clamp (10) includes a frame (100) having a first frame portion and a second frame portion (102, 104). In some cases, the first frame portion and the second frame portion (102, 104) can be referred to as a first arm and a second arm. The first frame portion and the second frame portion (102, 104) each define a corresponding transverse portion (110, 112) and an upright portion (114, 116). The upright portions (114, 116) extend away from their corresponding transverse portions (110, 112). In addition, the transverse portions (114, 116) collectively define a base (118) of the skull clamp (10), and the base (118) defines a longitudinal axis (LA1). As will be further discussed below, the transverse portions (114, 116) can be moved relative to each other along the longitudinal axis (LA1) to adjust the spacing or width of the frame (100) of the skull clamp (10).

[0025] refer to Figure 2 , the skull clamp (10) includes a frame adjustment feature (400). The frame adjustment feature (400) includes an actuator assembly (402) having an upper portion (404) accessible by a user along the upright portion (116) of the frame (100). The actuator assembly (402) also includes a lower portion (414) as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, which will be discussed further below. Figure 2 As shown, the safety release member (406) is positioned along the upright portion (116) adjacent or proximate to the stabilizing assembly (300). Figure 4 , pressing the safety release (406) moves the blocking member (408) of the safety release (406) so that the blocking member (408) no longer interferes with the upper portion (404) of the actuator assembly (402). In this way, the upper portion (404) of the actuator assembly (402) can be actuated or pressed. When the safety release (406) is not pressed, it is biased by the spring so that the blocking member (408) contacts the upper portion (404) of the actuator assembly (402), thereby preventing the upper portion (404) of the actuator assembly (402) from being actuated or pressed.

[0026] Referring to FIG5 , the skull clamp (10) is shown in a locked state with respect to the ability to increase the pitch or width of the frame (100). In this example, in this configuration, the first and second frame portions (102, 104) can be moved closer together to reduce the pitch or width of the frame (100), thereby reducing the pitch or width of the skull clamp (10). However, the first and second frame portions (102, 104) are locked or prevented from moving apart, thereby not being able to increase the width of the frame (100) and, therefore, the skull clamp (10). More specifically, referring to FIG5 , the first frame portion (102) of the skull clamp (10) includes a first toothed engagement member (120), and the second frame portion (104) of the skull clamp (10) includes a second toothed engagement member (122). The engagement of the first and second toothed engagement members (120, 122) prevents the width or pitch of the skull clamp (10) from being increased.

[0027] Referring to FIG6 , the skull clamp (10) is shown in an unlocked state in terms of the ability to increase the spacing or width of the frame (100) and, therefore, the spacing or width of the skull clamp (10). In this example, in this configuration, the first and second frame portions (102, 104) can be moved closer together to reduce the spacing or width of the frame (100), thereby reducing the spacing or width of the skull clamp (10). In addition, the first and second frame portions (102, 104) are unlocked so that they can be moved apart to increase the width of the frame (100), thereby increasing the width of the skull clamp (10). More specifically, referring to FIG6 , actuation of the actuator assembly (402) causes the disengagement of the first and second toothed engagement members (120, 122), which then allows the relative position of the first and second frame portions (102, 104) to be adjusted so that they are spaced further apart from each other.

[0028] Still referring to Figure 6, in this example, actuating the actuator assembly (402) includes pressing an upper portion (404) positioned along the upright portion (116) of the second frame portion (104). The upper portion (404) of the actuator assembly (402) has a pinned connection with the second frame portion (104) at a location such that pressing the upper portion (404) causes rotation about the pinned connection.

[0029] As described above, the actuator assembly (402) includes a lower portion (414) that is in mechanical communication with the upper portion (404) of the actuator assembly (402). More specifically, the upper portion (404) includes an end portion (410) that is received within a slot (412) of the lower portion (414). In this configuration, the upper portion (404) and the lower portion (414) of the actuator assembly (402) are in mechanical communication such that rotation of the upper portion (404) about its pinned connection with the frame (100) causes the end portion (410) to act on the lower portion (414). In particular, when the actuator assembly (402) is actuated, the end portion (410) of the upper portion (404) pushes the lower portion (414). Because the lower portion (414) includes a diagonal slot (416) and is connected to the second frame portion (104) via a pin (124) received in the slot (416), when the lower portion (414) is pushed by the upper portion (404), the lower portion (414) moves in a diagonally downward manner. When the actuator assembly (402) is released, the movement of the upper portion (404) and the lower portion (414) of the actuator assembly (402) is opposite to the above description. In particular, the lower portion (414) moves diagonally upward.

[0030] refer to Figure 5B and Figure 6B When the actuator assembly (402) is not actuated, the first toothed engagement member (120) and the second toothed engagement member (122) are engaged, as shown in FIG. Figure 5B When the actuator assembly (402) is actuated, the first toothed engagement member and the second toothed engagement member (120, 122) are disengaged, as shown. Figure 6B As shown in the comparison Figure 5B and Figure 6B As further seen in the figure, when the actuator assembly (402) is actuated, the first and second toothed engagement members (120, 122) are disengaged by the lower portion (414) of the actuator assembly (402) pushing downward on the first toothed engagement member (120) to separate the toothed portion of the first toothed engagement member (120) from the toothed portion of the second toothed engagement member (122). To facilitate this engagement and disengagement of the first and second toothed engagement members (120, 122), each toothed engagement member includes a recess (126, 128) to accommodate the lower portion (414) of the actuator assembly (402). In this example, the recess (126, 128) is located within the middle section of the respective first and second toothed engagement members (120, 122).

[0031] Also like FIG. 5A to FIG. 6BAs shown, the frame adjustment feature (400) includes a resilient member (418) that contacts the first toothed engagement member (120). The resilient member (418) is configured to bias the first toothed engagement member (120) into contact with the second toothed engagement member (122). However, when the actuator assembly (402) is actuated and the lower portion (414) of the actuator assembly (402) contacts the first toothed engagement member (120) as described above, the contact overcomes the bias of the resilient member (418), causing it to elastically deform, thereby allowing the first toothed engagement member (120) to disengage from the second toothed engagement member (122). When the actuator assembly (402) is released, the resilient member (418) again biases the first toothed engagement member (120) into contact and engagement with the second toothed engagement member (122).

[0032] Another aspect of the frame adjustment feature (400) relates to a skull clamp (10) having a movable component of the frame adjustment feature (400) in each of the first frame portion (102) and the second frame portion (104). As described above, the first frame portion (102) includes a first toothed engagement member (120). The first toothed engagement member (120) is rotatable about a pinned connection with the first frame portion (102) and is movable in response to being contacted by a lower portion (414) of the actuator assembly (402) or in response to removing contact with the lower portion (414) and contact with the resilient member (418). In addition, the actuator assembly (402), particularly the lower portion (414) of the actuator assembly (402), is connected to the second frame portion (104). In this manner, when the skull clamp (10) is unlocked to increase the width of the skull clamp (10) by increasing the distance between the first frame portion and the second frame portion (102, 104), the skull clamp (10) includes movable components in both arms or portions (102, 104) of the skull clamp (10). In use, this configuration can provide smoother width adjustment compared to a configuration in which one arm or portion of the frame has only static components and the other arm or portion has all movable components.

[0033] Reference again Figure 5A and Fig. 6A , the first frame portion (102) includes a transverse portion (110). In some cases, the transverse portion (110) is configured as a guide sleeve or configured as a guide sleeve. In this manner, the transverse portion (110) includes a slot (130) configured to receive the second toothed engagement member (122). As described above, the first toothed engagement member (120) and the elastic member (418) are also connected to the transverse portion (110).

[0034] The second frame portion (104) includes a transverse portion (112). The second toothed engagement member (122) has a pinned connection with the transverse portion (112). In addition, the lower portion (414) of the actuator assembly (402) has a pinned connection with the second toothed engagement member (122) via the above-mentioned pin (124) and slot (416). In this way, the lower portion (414) of the actuator assembly (402) is at least indirectly connected to the transverse portion (112), as also described above.

[0035] The transverse portion (112) also includes a sleeve or ring member (132, 136) extending above and around the second toothed engagement member (122). Between the ring members (132, 136) is a separator (134) that keeps the ring members (132, 136) spaced apart from each other at a predetermined spacing. In this embodiment, the ring members (132, 136) are configured to control the degree of contact between the transverse portions (110, 112). In this way, the ring members (132, 136) act as spacers or sliding bushings. As shown, the lower portion of the ring members (132, 136) is located at the interface of the transverse portions (110, 112). In some embodiments, one or more of the ring members (132, 134, 136) can be made of a material that provides a lubricating effect or promotes low friction and allows the transverse portions (110, 112) to slide easily relative to each other. Likewise, in this manner, the ring members (132, 136) may be considered bushings or sliding bushings that facilitate the lateral portions (110, 112) to glide or slide relative to each other. Still in some embodiments, the ring members (132, 136) may be considered sleeves or sliding sleeves that facilitate sliding movement between the lateral portions (110, 112). While the illustrated embodiment shows two ring members (132, 136), in other embodiments, there may be a greater or lesser number of ring members.

[0036] In addition, if Figure 5A and Fig. 6AAs shown, associated with the transverse portion (112) is a pair of raised features (138). The raised features (138) are positioned along the top of the second toothed engagement member (122) and are positioned so that the raised features (138) contact the inner surface or inner wall of the transverse portion (112). Similar to the ring members (132, 136), the raised features (138) are configured to control or limit the amount or degree of contact between the transverse portions (110, 112), although in this case indirectly based on the raised features (138) controlling the degree of contact between the inner surface or inner wall of the transverse portion (112) and the second toothed engagement member (122). In some embodiments, the ring members (132, 136) and the raised features (138) are configured to jointly or cooperatively promote the ease with which the transverse portions (110, 112) slide or move relative to each other by controlling the amount or degree of contact between the transverse portions (110, 112). This control of the amount of contact can also be considered as controlling the amount of friction between the components.

[0037] II. Exemplary Base Configurations for Improved Imaging As described above, many surgeries use various forms of imaging, such as MRI, CT scans, X-rays, etc. When imaging a patient stabilized with a skull clamp, one concern is minimizing image artifacts that appear in the imaging output. The type and amount of material can be a factor that affects image artifacts. The skull clamp (10) incorporates these and other features that help minimize image artifacts and improve the overall quality of the imaging output. As will be described below, some of these other features include a curved shape of the base (118) about a longitudinal axis (LA1) defined by the base (118), and particularly a curved shape positioned along the top and bottom regions along the length of the base (118).

[0038] refer to Figures 1 to 3 , the skull clamp (10) includes a base (118) as described above. As shown in the illustrative example, the base (118) is generally cylindrical in shape. The term "generally" here means that it is not completely cylindrical along its entire length. In addition, the base (118) is formed by the transverse portions (110, 112) of the corresponding first and second frame portions (102, 104). In this way, the transverse portion (110) having a generally cylindrical shape is received within the opening in the transverse portion (112). In addition, as described above, the transverse portions (110, 112) can slide relative to each other in a selectively locking manner to change the width or spacing of the skull clamp (10). In some embodiments, the transverse portion (110) is telescopic relative to the transverse portion (112). In some embodiments, the transverse portions (110, 112) are arranged concentrically.

[0039] refer to Figures 7 to 9, the base (118) includes an interface (140) having engagement features (142) facing both the front and rear of the skull clamp (10). In this manner, in the case of a base (118) defining a longitudinal axis (LA1) as described above, the interface (140) is oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis (LA1) such that the engagement features (142) of the interface (140) are oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis (LA1). With this configuration, the skull clamp (10) includes a generally cylindrical base (118) defining a longitudinal axis (LA1), and the base (118) includes an interface (140) oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis (LA1).

[0040] When reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 The skull clamp (10) in this example includes a base (118) and an interface (140) as described above. As shown, on each side of the interface (140), the base (118) has a circular cross-sectional shape along at least a portion of its length. Fig. 9 At a location along the base (118) having the interface (140), the base (118) has a curved shape along the top and bottom regions of the base (118) in cross section. In addition, at this location, the base (118) has a sawtooth shape along the front and rear regions of the base (118) in cross section.

[0041] III. Exemplary Tensioning Assemblies and Adjustments When a head fixation device such as a skull clamp (10) is used to stabilize a patient, part of the stabilization is regulating the pressure applied to the patient's head. One way to accomplish this is to regulate the amount of force that the stabilization assembly applies to one or more stabilizing features that contact the patient's head. The following paragraphs will describe an exemplary tensioning assembly (500) that is used to regulate the force applied to the stabilizing features and, therefore, the pressure at the patient's head.

[0042] refer to Figure 1 and Fig. 10A , the tensioning assembly (500) is shown as being at least partially housed within the upright portion (114) of the first frame portion (102). More specifically, the tensioning assembly (500) includes a stabilizing assembly (200), an actuator (504), and a tensioning feature (506). In this example, the tensioning feature (506) may also be referred to as a bending beam.

[0043] Fig. 10B A cross-sectional view of the tensioning assembly (500) is shown. The tensioning feature (506) is connected to the first frame portion (102). In this example, Fig. 10AAs shown, the tensioning feature (506) is pinned to the first frame portion (102) via a pin (508). The tensioning feature (506) includes a first end (510) and a second end (512), wherein a middle section (514) extends between the first end (510) and the second end (512). Fig. 10B As shown, near the second end (512), the first frame portion (102) contacts the tensioning feature (506), while near the first end (510), along the upper region of the tensioning feature (506), there is a gap or space (516) between the first frame portion (102) and the tensioning feature (506). With this configuration, the tensioning feature (506) is prevented from rotating about the pin (508) based on the impact or contact of the first frame portion (102) on the lower region of the tensioning feature (506). Fig. 10C , the first end (510) of the tensioning feature (506) has a split end configuration in which a pair of extensions (518) are separated by space. In some cases, the pair of extensions (518) may be referred to as a pair of arms or a pair of contacts.

[0044] Now also refer to Fig. 10C and Fig. 10D , at the first end (510), the tensioning feature (506) contacts a portion of the stabilizing assembly (200). Fig. 10D As best shown in , the stabilization assembly (200) includes a threaded sleeve (520) having a pair of protrusions (522). A pair of extensions (518) are located proximal to the pair of protrusions (522). The stabilization assembly (200) also includes a calibration sleeve (524) threadedly connected to the threaded sleeve (520). The stabilization assembly (200) also includes a centering ring (526) configured to receive the calibration sleeve (524). In this example, the calibration sleeve (524) and the centering ring (526) have a keying arrangement such that the calibration sleeve (524) can translate relative to the centering ring (526) when received by the centering ring (526), ​​but the calibration sleeve (524) cannot rotate relative to the centering ring (526) when the calibration sleeve (524) is received by the centering ring (526). In this example, the calibration sleeve (524) includes recesses (528) around its circumferential outer surface, while the centering ring (526) includes a complementary protrusion around its inner surface that is receivable within one of the recesses (528). In this manner, the calibration sleeve (524) can be received by the centering ring (526) in a plurality of rotational orientations or positions.

[0045] like Fig.11AAs shown, the calibration sleeve (524) also includes a marking, engraving or other indicating feature (530) that indicates the amount of force associated with the force applied to the patient's head by one or more stabilizing features. In some embodiments, the indicating feature (530) is a force gauge. In one example, the notch (528) and the indicating feature (530) are arranged so that when the calibration sleeve (524) is positioned within the centering ring (526), ​​positioning the protrusion of the centering ring (526) with different notches (528) orients the indicating feature (530) differently, thereby allowing it to be used as a calibration structure for the tensioning assembly (500).

[0046] As described above, the receiving portion (106) of the skull clamp (10) is configured to receive a stabilization assembly, and in this example, a stabilization assembly (200). In one example, the receiving portion (106) is configured to have a keyed orientation with the threaded sleeve (520) such that the threaded sleeve (520) can translate relative to the receiving portion (106), but is prevented from rotating relative to the receiving portion (106).

[0047] The tensioning assembly (500) further includes an actuator (504). The actuator (504) is threadedly connected to the threaded sleeve (520). In the present example, the actuator (504) is located at an upper portion of the skull clamp (10) and is also coaxial with the stabilization assembly (200). The actuator (504) includes a first end (532), and in one example, the first end (532) is configured to be grasped to rotate the actuator (504). The actuator (504) also includes a second end (534), which is configured to receive one or more stabilization features, which may be in the form of a pin or a pad. In the example of Figure 1 In one example shown, the second end (534) receives a skull pin, while the opposing stabilization assembly (300) includes a rocker assembly having two skull pins. In this configuration, three-point fixation or stabilization is achieved. In some other embodiments, the use of Figure 1 to Figure 2 Instead of a single pin with a stabilizing assembly (200), a rocker arm assembly identical or similar to the one shown in FIG. 2 is used. In this configuration, there are four pins on each side, thus achieving a four-point fixation or stabilization.

[0048] When using the tensioning assembly (500) to adjust the stabilizing force applied to the patient, use FIG. 10A to FIG. 10DAn initial setting is shown in which the calibration sleeve (530) is flush with the proximal side of the receiving portion (106). In this particular example, this configuration generally equates to a stabilizing force of 0 Newtons. After the width of the skull clamp (10) has been adjusted so that the stabilizing feature is in contact with the patient, the actuator (504) is rotated to apply a desired amount of stabilizing force, sometimes referred to as a pinning force when the stabilizing feature is a pin. Based on the contact of the stabilizing feature with the patient and the threaded connection between the actuator (504) and the threaded sleeve (520), when the actuator (504) is rotated, the threaded sleeve (520) translates proximally away from the patient and the stabilizing feature. At the same time, based on the threaded engagement of the calibration sleeve (524) with the threaded sleeve (520), the calibration sleeve (524) translates together with the threaded sleeve (520) of the stabilizing assembly (200).

[0049] If compared Fig. 10D and Fig. 11B As best shown, when the threaded sleeve (520) translates proximally, the protrusion (522) pushes against the extension (518) of the first end (510) of the tensioning feature (506), causing the first end (510) to deform or bend. This deformation or bending may occur in part because the second end (512) of the tensioning feature (506) is fixed relative to the first frame portion (102), but a space (516) exists proximal to the first end (510) of the tensioning feature (506). The bending or deformation of the tensioning feature (506) creates a bending moment that applies a force distally toward the patient. More specifically, the bending moment and the force due to the bending moment are transmitted to one or more stabilizing features held by the second end (534) of the actuator (504), where one or more of the stabilizing features are in contact with the patient. This increases the stabilizing force applied and, therefore, increases the stabilizing pressure at the location where the stabilizing feature contacts the patient. Based on the proximal movement of calibration sleeve (524), a marking or indicator feature (530) is displayed and corresponds to the amount of force applied.

[0050] In view of the above description and the accompanying drawings, a skull clamp (10) for stabilizing a patient using two or more stabilizing features configured to contact the patient has been shown to include a frame (100), a stabilizing assembly (200) connectable to the frame (100), a tensioning feature (506), and an actuator (504). The tensioning feature (506) includes an elongated member having a first end (510), a second end (512), and an intermediate section (514) extending between the first end (510) and the second end (512), wherein the first end (510) is configured to contact a portion of the stabilizing assembly (200), and the second end (512) is configured to be directly or indirectly fixed to the frame (100). The actuator (504) is configured to adjust an amount of a first force applied to the patient by the stabilization feature, wherein actuating the actuator (504) causes the portion of the stabilization assembly (200) to apply a second force on the tensioning feature (506), the second force generating a bending moment in the tensioning feature (506), the bending moment applying the first force to the portion of the stabilization assembly (200) in a direction toward the patient at a first end (510) of the tensioning feature (506).

[0051] In a similar manner, a skull clamp (10) for stabilizing a patient using two or more stabilizing features configured to contact the patient has been shown to include a frame (100), a stabilizing assembly (200) connectable to the frame (100), a tensioning feature (506), and an actuator (504). The tensioning feature (506) includes an elongated member having a first end (510), a second end (512), and an intermediate section (514) extending between the first end (510) and the second end (512), wherein the first end (510) is configured to contact a portion of the stabilizing assembly (200), and the second end (512) is configured to be directly or indirectly fixed to the frame (100). The actuator (504) is configured to translate a portion of the stabilizing assembly (200), wherein the translation of the portion of the stabilizing assembly (200) causes the first end (510) of the elongated member to bend, thereby generating a bending moment in the tensioning feature (506) that applies a first force in a direction toward the patient.

[0052] Also in a similar manner, a skull clamp (10) for stabilizing a patient using two or more stabilizing features configured to contact the patient has been shown to include a frame (100), a stabilizing assembly (200) connectable to the frame (100), a tensioning feature (506), and an actuator (504). The tensioning feature (506) includes an elongated member having a first end (510), a second end (512), and an intermediate section (514) extending between the first end (510) and the second end (512), wherein the first end (510) is configured to contact a portion of the stabilizing assembly (200), and the second end (512) is configured to be directly or indirectly fixed to the frame (100). The actuator (504) is configured to bend the first end (510) of the elongated member, thereby generating a bending moment in the tensioning feature (506), which applies a first force in a direction toward the patient.

[0053] iv. Other instructions It should be understood that any one or more of the teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described herein may be combined with any one or more of the other teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described herein. Therefore, the above teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. should not be considered isolated from each other. In view of the teachings herein, various suitable ways in which the teachings herein can be combined will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the claims.

[0054] Various embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, and further adjustments to the methods and systems described herein may be achieved by appropriate modifications by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. Several such potential modifications have been mentioned, and other modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, the examples, embodiments, geometries, materials, dimensions, ratios, steps, etc. discussed above are illustrative and not required. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be considered in light of the appended claims, and should be understood not to be limited to the details of the structures and operations shown and described in the specification and drawings.

Claims

1. A skull clamp for stabilizing a patient, comprising a frame having a base defining a length and a longitudinal axis extending along the length between a first upright portion and a second upright portion, wherein: The base includes a generally cylindrical shape having a circular shape in a cross-section taken transverse to the longitudinal axis along at least a portion of the length.

2. The skull clamp according to claim 1, wherein: The base also includes an interface configured to directly or indirectly attach the skull clamp to a patient support structure.

3. The skull clamp according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The first upright portion and the second upright portion are each configured to receive a stabilization assembly configured to hold one or more stabilization features configured to contact a head of a patient.

4. The skull clamp according to any one of claims 2-3, wherein: The interface is oriented transverse to the longitudinal axis.

5. The skull clamp according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The width of the frame is adjustable based on the relative positions of the first and second upright portions with respect to each other.

6. The skull clamp according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The base includes a first generally cylindrical portion and a second generally cylindrical portion, wherein the first generally cylindrical portion and the second generally cylindrical portion are adjustable by sliding relative to each other.

7. The skull clamp according to claim 5, wherein: The base includes one or more spacers configured to maintain a spacing between the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion while also reducing a contact surface area between the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion.

8. A skull clamp for stabilizing a patient using two or more stabilizing features configured to contact the patient, the skull clamp comprising: (a) Framework; (b) a stabilizing assembly connectable to the frame; (c) a tensioning feature comprising an elongated member having a first end, a second end, and an intermediate section extending between the first end and the second end, wherein the first end is configured to contact a portion of the stabilization assembly and the second end is configured to be secured directly or indirectly to the frame; and (d) an actuator configured to adjust an amount of a first force applied to the patient by the stabilization feature, wherein actuating the actuator causes the portion of the stabilization assembly to apply a second force on the tensioning feature, the second force generating a bending moment in the tensioning feature that applies the first force to the portion of the stabilization assembly at the first end of the tensioning feature in a direction toward the patient.

9. The skull clamp of claim 8, comprising a force meter configured to indicate the first force applied to the patient by the stabilizing feature.

10. The skull clamp according to any one of claims 8-9, wherein: The actuator is rotatable to an appropriate position to adjust the amount of the first force.

11. The skull clamp according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein: The first end of the elongated member of the tensioning feature bends in response to the second force exerted on the first end by the portion of the stabilization assembly.

12. The skull clamp according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein: The actuator is configured to maintain at least one of the two or more stabilizing features.

13. The skull clamp according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein: The first end of the tensioning feature includes a pair of contact portions separated by a space therebetween.

14. The skull clamp according to any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein: The first force comprises a distal force extending toward the patient, and wherein the second force comprises a proximal force extending away from the patient.

15. A skull clamp for stabilizing a patient, comprising: (a) a frame having a first arm and a second arm, wherein the first arm and the second arm are selectively engageable, and wherein a width of the frame is adjustable based on a relative position of the first arm and the second arm; and (b) a locking assembly configured to selectively lock the relative position of the first arm and the second arm to prevent the width of the frame from increasing, wherein the locking assembly comprises: - (i) a first engagement feature, the first engagement feature being connectable to the first arm, - (ii) a second engagement feature, the second engagement feature being connectable to the second arm, and - (iii) an actuator assembly connectable to the first arm, wherein the actuator assembly is movable relative to the first arm to contact the second engagement feature connectable to the second arm, wherein the second engagement feature is movable relative to the second arm.

16. The skull clamp according to claim 15, wherein: The locking assembly also includes a safety release configured to prevent movement of the actuator assembly when the safety release is in a first engaged position and configured to allow movement of the actuator assembly when the safety release is in a second disengaged position.

17. The skull clamp according to any one of claims 15-16, wherein: A portion of the actuator assembly is positioned along an upright portion of the first arm proximate a stabilization assembly configured to hold one or more stabilization features for contacting a patient.

18. The skull clamp according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein: The first engagement feature is immovable relative to the first arm, and wherein the second engagement feature is movable relative to the first arm and the second arm.

19. The skull clamp according to any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein: The locking assembly also includes a resilient member configured to apply a bias on the second engagement feature to a locked position.

20. The skull clamp of claim 19, wherein: Contact between the actuator assembly and the second engagement feature deforms the resilient member to overcome the bias and move the second engagement feature to an unlocked position.

21. The skull clamp according to any one of claims 15 to 20, wherein: The actuator assembly includes a first portion configured to rotate relative to the first arm, wherein the actuator assembly includes a second portion configured to move diagonally relative to the first arm in response to the rotation of the first portion.

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