Protective device for general anesthesia in prone position surgery

By using an airbag sleeve to alternately inflate and deflate in the head frame during general anesthesia prone surgery, the problems of facial pressure injury and cumbersome cleaning and disinfection caused by traditional head frames are solved, achieving improvements in flexible support, safety, and convenience.

CN122140475APending Publication Date: 2026-06-05THE SECOND AFFILIATED HOSPITAL ARMY MEDICAL UNIV

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
THE SECOND AFFILIATED HOSPITAL ARMY MEDICAL UNIV
Filing Date
2026-04-28
Publication Date
2026-06-05

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The current head frame used in prone surgery under general anesthesia can cause facial pressure injuries to patients after prolonged use, and the cleaning and disinfection process is cumbersome and poses a risk of cross-infection.

Method used

Using an airbag sleeve instead of a traditional rigid pad, flexible support is achieved through alternating inflation and deflation. Combined with Velcro and pressure sensors, stability and safety are ensured. The airbag sleeve is for single use, simplifying the cleaning process.

Benefits of technology

It effectively reduces the risk of facial pressure injuries, improves surgical efficiency, reduces the risk of cross-infection, simplifies the cleaning and disinfection process, and enhances ease of use and safety.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of medical devices, in particular to a protective device for general anesthesia prone position surgery, which comprises a base, a mounting plate, a trachea and a disposable air bag sleeve, the air bag sleeve is communicated with the trachea, the mounting plate is fixed on the base through a support rod, a cushion block is connected to the mounting plate through a support block, the support block edge has a distance to the cushion block edge, a sliding slot is opened in the mounting plate, the support block is slidingly connected in the sliding slot, a limiting groove is opened in the side surface of the support block, a clamping bead capable of being clamped into the limiting groove is arranged at the top of the sliding slot, the clamping bead is connected with a spring, a tight binding opening is arranged at the opening of the air bag sleeve, a pressure sensor is arranged on the surface of the cushion block, the pressure sensor is electrically connected with a controller, the controller is electrically connected with a timer, the air bag sleeves are in pairs, and the controller is used for controlling the two groups of air bag sleeves to alternately inflate and deflate. The present application can solve the problem that the existing prone position surgery head frame is prone to causing facial pressure injury of the patient during long time surgery.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical device technology, specifically to a protective device for prone surgery under general anesthesia. Background Technology

[0002] In general anesthesia and prone positioning surgery, the patient lies prone on the operating table with their head placed on a special head frame, exposing the eyes, nose, and mouth to facilitate endotracheal intubation and intraoperative airway management. Currently, commonly used prone head frames mainly consist of a base and forehead and cheek pads fixed to the base. During use, the head frame is placed at the head of the operating table, with the patient's head resting face down on it. The forehead pad supports the forehead area, and the cheek pads support the cheeks, maintaining head stability and ensuring a hollow space between the head and face.

[0003] However, such traditional head frames have significant shortcomings in long-term surgical applications: First, support pads are mostly rigid or gel-fixed structures, which concentrate pressure in the area in contact with the patient's face. Prolonged and continuous pressure can easily lead to ischemia, redness, and even pressure sores on the forehead and cheeks. The risk of pressure injury is even more prominent for surgeries such as spinal surgery and neurosurgery, which require a long prone position.

[0004] In addition, the head frame comes into direct contact with the patient's face, and each support pad needs to be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected after each surgery. The operation is cumbersome and time-consuming, and repeated wiping and disinfection can easily cause the surface of the pads to age and break. At the same time, there is also pressure to control cross-infection. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a protective device for prone surgery under general anesthesia, in order to solve the problem that the existing prone surgical head frame can easily cause facial pressure injury to patients during prolonged surgery.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: A protective device for prone surgery under general anesthesia includes a base, a mounting plate, an endotracheal tube, and a disposable cuff. The cuff is connected to the endotracheal tube, which is used to connect to an external inflation mechanism. The mounting plate is fixed to the base by a support rod. A pad is connected to the mounting plate via a support block, with a distance between the edge of the support block and the edge of the pad. A vertical groove is formed inside the mounting plate, and the support block slides within the groove. A limiting groove is formed on the bottom side of the support block, and a retaining bead is provided on the top side of the groove, which can be engaged with the limiting groove. The retaining bead is connected to a spring. The cuff is opened... An elastic band is provided at the opening, and the airbag sleeve is used to fit onto the pad and is fixed by the elastic band. When the pad is raised, the airbag sleeve can be put on. When the pad is pressed down to abut against the mounting plate, the elastic band can be tightened. A pressure sensor is provided on the surface of the pad. The pressure sensor is electrically connected to a controller. The controller is electrically connected to a timer. The pad includes a forehead pad, a chin pad, and two cheek pads. The airbag sleeves on the forehead pad and chin pad are one set, and the airbag sleeves on the two cheek pads are another set. The controller is used to control the alternating inflation and deflation of the two sets of airbag sleeves.

[0007] Preferably, as an improvement, a first Velcro strap is provided around the bottom of the pad, and a second Velcro strap connected to the first Velcro strap is provided around the inner side of the airbag sleeve opening.

[0008] Preferably, as an improvement, the surface is provided with a tube connector, which is connected to the air tube, and the inner side of the second Velcro is provided with an insertion tube for mating and sealing with the tube connector.

[0009] Preferably, as an improvement, the pipe fitting is provided with an elastic sealing sheet at the pipe opening, and the elastic sealing sheet has a cross-shaped cut in the middle, so that the pipe can be inserted into the pipe fitting by squeezing the elastic sealing sheet through the cross-shaped cut.

[0010] Preferably, as an improvement, the trachea is built into the mounting plate.

[0011] Preferably, as an improvement, the support rod is a telescopic rod, which includes a sleeve fixed to the base and an insert rod slidably connected inside the sleeve. The sleeve is threaded with a locking bolt for locking the insert rod.

[0012] Preferably, as an improvement, the insertion rod is provided with length markings.

[0013] Preferably, as an improvement, the free end of the locking bolt is fixed with a handle, and a rubber sleeve is provided on the handle.

[0014] Preferably, as an improvement, the slide is a dovetail groove, and the bottom end of the support block is a dovetail shape that matches the dovetail groove.

[0015] The principles and beneficial effects of this solution are as follows: 1. Airbag sleeves are fitted onto the forehead pad, chin pad, and cheek pads. Inflating these sleeves creates flexible support, reducing localized pressure on the face and minimizing the risk of pressure sores from prolonged pressure. The airbag sleeves on the forehead and chin pads are grouped together, while those on the cheek pads form another group. These two groups work alternately to achieve zoned pressure relief in the face. During operation, one group of airbag sleeves inflates to the set support pressure, providing primary head support; the other group remains slightly inflated at low pressure, providing only auxiliary support without bearing the weight of the head, preventing head collapse or postural shift. The device uses a timer to periodically measure pressure. After the timer expires, a switching signal is sent to the controller, which automatically switches the working state of the two groups of airbag sleeves. Simultaneously, pressure sensors monitor the air pressure inside each group of airbag sleeves in real time. Inflation automatically stops once the preset pressure is reached, ensuring stable and precise support pressure.

[0016] 2. Set the airbag covers on the forehead pad and chin pad as one group, and set the airbag covers on the cheek pads as another group, so that when any group of airbags inflates to bear the weight of the head, it can form a symmetrical support form, ensuring that the head position is stable and does not shift or shake.

[0017] 3. The airbag sleeve adopts a disposable sterile structure, ensuring one-patient-one-use. After use, it can be directly removed and disposed of as medical waste, effectively eliminating the need for cleaning and disinfection of the head frame support, reducing the risk of cross-infection, and improving the turnover efficiency of the operating room. The pressure sensor is integrated into the head frame body, rather than on the disposable airbag sleeve. This ensures real-time and accurate air pressure monitoring while avoiding waste of sensing elements when the airbag sleeve is discarded, meeting the design requirements of low-cost, disposable airbag sleeves.

[0018] 4. The airbag sleeve opening is equipped with an elastic band, which can be directly fitted onto the pad. The pad is slidably mounted on the mounting plate via the support block. When the pad is pulled upward, the support block slides upward to the top of the groove. The retaining ball at the top of the groove engages with the limiting groove on the support block under the action of the spring force, temporarily raising and locking the pad, which facilitates the smooth installation and removal of the airbag sleeve. Pressing the pad downward forcefully will cause it to fall back and fit tightly against the mounting plate, pressing the elastic band of the airbag sleeve between the pad and the mounting plate to form a clamping fixation, effectively preventing the airbag sleeve from shifting or falling off during use, and ensuring a stable and reliable installation.

[0019] 5. In addition to using a tight-fitting and compression-fixed fastener, this solution also sets a first Velcro strap on the surface of the pad and a second Velcro strap on the corresponding position inside the airbag sleeve. The bonding of the two sets of Velcro straps further enhances the installation firmness of the airbag sleeve, effectively preventing the airbag sleeve from loosening, curling, or shifting during inflation, and further improving the stability of use.

[0020] 6. After the airbag sleeve is placed on the pad, the Velcro is pressed manually to secure it. This pressing action will press the tube on the airbag sleeve into the pre-set tube connector on the pad, achieving rapid connection of the air circuit simultaneously. No separate tube connection operation is required, simplifying the assembly process and improving ease of use.

[0021] 7. The pipe fitting is sealed with an elastic sealing plate with a cross-shaped notch. When not inserted, the elastic sealing plate remains closed, which can effectively prevent dust and impurities from entering the pipe fitting and causing blockage. When inserted, the tube on the airbag sleeve is inserted from the cross-shaped notch. The elastic sealing plate is deformed by the compression of the tube and fits tightly between the outer wall of the tube and the inner wall of the pipe fitting, which can act as an elastic gasket and further improve the connection stability and airtightness of the tube and the pipe fitting.

[0022] 8. The air circuit connection adopts a quick-connection method for tubes and pipe fittings, which can embed the tubing inside the mounting plate. This avoids problems such as messy wiring, tangling, and interference with intraoperative operations caused by external tubing, making the overall structure of the head frame neat and safer and more reliable to use.

[0023] 9. The mounting plate is connected to the base via a sleeve-type telescopic rod, which consists of a sleeve and a plug rod. After loosening the locking screw, the length of the plug rod extending out of the sleeve can be adjusted, thereby changing the height of the mounting plate and its distance from the operating table to accommodate the positioning needs of patients of different body types. The plug rod has length markings for intuitive reference during adjustment, achieving precise height positioning. After adjustment, tightening the locking screw locks the plug rod. The overall structure is simple, easy to operate, and reliably locked. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a top view of Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a side view of Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a front view of the airbag sleeve of Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 4 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the forehead pad covered with an airbag cover in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 5 for Figure 4 An enlarged schematic diagram of part A in the middle.

[0029] Figure 6 for Figure 4 Enlarged schematic diagram of part B.

[0030] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the pipe opening of the pipe connector in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 8 This is a side view of Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0032] The reference numerals in the accompanying drawings include: base 1, chin pad 2, cheek pad 3, forehead pad 4, mounting plate 5, first Velcro 6, support rod 7, airbag sleeve 8, second Velcro 9, elastic drawstring 10, support block 11, slide groove 12, spring 13, mounting groove 14, retaining bead 15, pipe connector 16, insertion tube 17, elastic sealing sheet 18, insertion rod 19, locking bolt 20, handle 21, sleeve 22. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the embodiments.

[0034] Example 1 like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the protective device for prone surgery under general anesthesia includes a base 1, a mounting plate 5, an endotracheal tube, and a disposable cuff 8. The mounting plate 5 is fixed to the base 1 by support rods 7. In this embodiment, there are four mounting plates 5. The number of support rods 7 is set according to the shape of the mounting plate 5 and the force required. For example, for a long strip, there is one support rod 7 at each end. The support rods 7 are fixed to the bottom of the mounting plate 5 by screws or other fasteners, and the bottom end of the support rod 7 is fixed to the base 1 by fasteners.

[0035] Pads are movably mounted on the mounting plate 5 via support blocks 11. These pads include a forehead pad 4, a chin pad 2, and two cheek pads 3. The four pads are respectively mounted on the four mounting plates 5, and each pad has a matching shape on its surface according to the shape of the face to improve support comfort and fit. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, specifically, the mounting plate 5 has a vertical sliding groove 12, which is a dovetail groove. The support block 11 is vertically slidably connected to the sliding groove 12. The support block 11 is also dovetail shaped and fits into the sliding groove 12 to prevent the support block 11 from loosening from the sliding groove 12. The bottom of the support block 11 has symmetrically symmetrical limiting grooves. The top side of the sliding groove 12 has a mounting groove 14. A spring 13 is fixed in the mounting groove 14. The free end of the spring 13 extends out of the mounting groove 14. A retaining bead 15 that can be inserted into the limiting groove is fixed to the free end of the spring 13. To improve the temporary fixing effect of the pad, multiple retaining beads 15 and limiting grooves can be provided. By sliding the support block 11, the pad can be raised and lowered. After the pad is raised, it is convenient to put on and take off the airbag sleeve 8.

[0036] Combination Figure 3As shown, an elastic band 10 is sewn at the opening of the airbag sleeve 8 to facilitate fixing the airbag sleeve 8 to the pad. When the pad is raised, the airbag sleeve 8 can be placed on the pad. The pad protrudes beyond the support block 11, so that when the pad is pressed down to abut against the mounting plate 5, the elastic band 10 can be pressed tightly between the pad and the mounting plate 5, improving the installation stability of the airbag sleeve 8. In addition, a first Velcro 6 is glued to the bottom of the pad around its perimeter, and a second Velcro 9 connected to the first Velcro 6 is sewn around the inner edge of the opening of the airbag sleeve 8. After the airbag sleeve 8 is placed on the pad, it can also be glued to the first Velcro 6 through the second Velcro 9, further improving the installation stability of the airbag sleeve 8.

[0037] Combination Figure 6 As shown, a pipe connector 16 is installed on the surface of the pad, which connects to the trachea. The trachea is built into the mounting plate 5, with a section extending out of the mounting plate 5 for connection to an external inflation mechanism. The inflation mechanism can be an air pump or an existing air source in the operating room. A cannula 17 is fixed inside the second Velcro 9 for sealing and connecting with the pipe connector 16. The pipe connector 16 and the cannula 17 are sized to match. An elastic washer can be glued to the inner wall of the pipe connector 16 to improve the sealing and stability of the connection. A conspicuous mark can be provided on the airbag sleeve 8 to indicate the position of the cannula 17, or the position of the cannula 17 can be made transparent to identify its location and facilitate connection with the pipe connector 16.

[0038] A surface-mount pressure sensor is installed on the pad surface. The pressure sensor is electrically connected to a controller, which can be connected by a wire. The controller can be integrated into the base 1, and the wire can be built into the mounting plate 5. A touch screen can be installed on the base 1 for inputting commands, and the touch screen is electrically connected to the controller. The controller is also electrically connected to a timer, which is also integrated into the base 1. The airbag sleeves 8 on the forehead pad 4 and chin pad 2 form one group, and the airbag sleeves 8 on the two cheek pads 3 form another group. The controller is used to control the alternating inflation and deflation of the two groups of airbag sleeves 8. The controller uses a microcontroller or PLC.

[0039] Application process: Pull the pad upwards, and the support block 11 moves to its highest position. The retaining bead 15 pops out under the action of the spring 13 and locks into the limiting groove on the support block 11, thus fixing the support block 11 in place. At this time, the pad is raised, leaving space between it and the mounting plate 5. The airbag sleeve 8 is then placed on the pad, with the elastic band 10 at its opening naturally positioned at the bottom of the pad, completing the initial positioning of the airbag sleeve 8.

[0040] Then press the airbag sleeve 8 along the preset position to align and stick the second Velcro 9 on the airbag sleeve 8 with the first Velcro 6 on the pad to achieve further fixation; for ease of operation, a colored marking line can be set on the outside of the airbag sleeve 8 to mark the pasting area of ​​the Velcro to ensure accurate pasting.

[0041] During the pressing and fastening of the Velcro, the insertion tube 17 fixed at the second Velcro 9 can be pressed into the tube connector 16 on the pad, thereby automatically completing the connection of the air circuit without the need for additional pipe connection operations.

[0042] After the pressing and bonding are completed, press the pad down so that its bottom surface fits tightly against the mounting plate 5. This will press and clamp the elastic opening 10 of the airbag sleeve 8 between the pad and the mounting plate 5, further enhancing the installation stability of the airbag sleeve 8 and preventing displacement or loosening during use.

[0043] After the airbag sleeves 8 are installed and secured, the device is activated via the touchscreen. The controller inflates one set of airbag sleeves 8 to a preset support pressure (20-30 mmHg in this embodiment), allowing it to bear the main weight of the head. The other set of airbag sleeves 8 remains under low pressure (5-10 mmHg), serving only as an auxiliary support and not bearing the main load, thus preventing head collapse or positional shift. The entire head frame is then placed at the head of the operating table. When the patient lies prone, their head rests on the device, with the forehead, cheeks, and chin supported by the airbag sleeves 8 on the forehead pad 4, cheek pad 3, and chin pad 2, respectively. The airbag sleeves 8 provide flexible support, preventing direct contact between the face and the hard pads that could cause pressure sores. After the device is started, the timer that works synchronously with the inflation group begins to count. After the counting cycle ends, a switching signal is sent to the controller. The controller controls the original high-pressure support group to depressurize to low pressure, and the original low-pressure group to inflate to the preset support pressure. The two sets of airbags 8 alternately inflate and deflate in this way to achieve alternating pressure relief and load bearing in different support areas of the face, effectively relieving local tissues from prolonged pressure and reducing the risk of skin redness, ischemia and pressure sores.

[0044] Example 2 Combination Figure 7 As shown, the difference between this embodiment and embodiment 1 is that an elastic sealing sheet 18 is provided at the pipe opening of the pipe joint 16. The elastic sealing sheet 18 has a cross-shaped cut in the middle, that is, the elastic sealing sheet 18 is composed of multiple fan-shaped sealing sheets. In this embodiment, there are four sheets. The outer edges of the four fan-shaped sealing sheets are glued and fixed to the inner wall of the pipe joint 16.

[0045] In this embodiment, when the pipe is not connected, the elastic sealing sheet 18 seals the opening of the pipe joint 16, which can prevent dust to a certain extent. When the Velcro is pressed, the insert 17 can squeeze the elastic sealing sheet 18 from the cross-cut and insert it into the pipe joint 16. The squeezed elastic sealing sheet 18 is pressed between the inner wall of the pipe joint 16 and the insert 17, which can act as an elastic gasket to improve the connection stability of the two.

[0046] Example 3 Combination Figure 8As shown, the difference between this embodiment and embodiment 2 is that the support rod 7 is a telescopic rod. The telescopic rod includes a sleeve 22 fixed on the base 1 and an insert rod 19 slidably connected in the sleeve 22. The insert rod 19 is marked with a length scale. The sleeve 22 is threaded with a locking bolt 20 for locking the insert rod 19. The free end of the locking bolt 20 is fixed with a handle 21, and a rubber sleeve is provided on the handle 21.

[0047] In this embodiment, after loosening the locking bolt 20, the length of the insert rod 19 extending out of the sleeve 22 can be adjusted to adjust the distance between the pad and the base 1, so as to adapt to the head support of patients of different body types. For example, when a fatter patient lies prone, the distance between the head and the mounting plate 5 is larger, and the height of the pad needs to be adjusted upward.

[0048] The above descriptions are merely embodiments of the present invention, and common knowledge such as specific technical solutions and / or characteristics are not described in detail here. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the technical solutions of the present invention, and these should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention. These modifications and improvements will not affect the effectiveness of the implementation of the present invention or the practicality of the patent. The scope of protection claimed in this application should be determined by the content of its claims, and the specific embodiments described in the specification can be used to interpret the content of the claims.

Claims

1. A protective device for prone surgery under general anesthesia, characterized in that: The system includes a base, mounting plate, air hose, and disposable airbag sleeve. The airbag sleeve is connected to the air hose, which is used to connect to an external inflation mechanism. The mounting plate is fixed to the base by a support rod. A pad is connected to the mounting plate via a support block, with a distance between the edge of the support block and the edge of the pad. A vertical groove is cut into the mounting plate, and the support block slides within the groove. A limiting groove is cut into the bottom side of the support block, and a retaining bead is set on the top side of the groove that can be engaged with the limiting groove. The retaining bead is connected to a spring, and the opening of the airbag sleeve has a tension adjustment mechanism. The airbag sleeve is used to fit onto the pad and is secured by the elasticated elastic. When the pad is raised, the airbag sleeve can be fitted. When the pad is pressed down to abut against the mounting plate, the elasticated elastic can be tightened. A pressure sensor is provided on the surface of the pad. The pressure sensor is electrically connected to a controller. The controller is electrically connected to a timer. The pad includes a forehead pad, a chin pad, and two cheek pads. The airbag sleeves on the forehead pad and chin pad form one group, and the airbag sleeves on the two cheek pads form another group. The controller is used to control the alternating inflation and deflation of the two groups of airbag sleeves.

2. The protective device for prone surgery under general anesthesia according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom of the pad is provided with a first Velcro strap around the perimeter, and the inner side of the airbag sleeve opening is provided with a second Velcro strap that connects to the first Velcro strap.

3. The protective device for prone surgery under general anesthesia according to claim 2, characterized in that: The surface is provided with a tube connector, which is connected to the air tube. The inside of the second Velcro is provided with an insertion tube for connecting and sealing with the tube connector.

4. The protective device for prone surgery under general anesthesia according to claim 3, characterized in that: The pipe fitting has an elastic sealing plate at the pipe opening, with a cross-shaped notch in the middle. The pipe can be inserted into the pipe fitting by squeezing the elastic sealing plate through the cross-shaped notch.

5. The protective device for prone surgery under general anesthesia according to claim 4, characterized in that: The trachea is built into the mounting plate.

6. The protective device for prone surgery under general anesthesia according to claim 5, characterized in that: The support rod is a telescopic rod, which includes a sleeve fixed on the base and an insert rod slidably connected inside the sleeve. The sleeve is threaded with a locking bolt for locking the insert rod.

7. The protective device for prone surgery under general anesthesia according to claim 6, characterized in that: The insertion rod has length markings.

8. The protective device for prone surgery under general anesthesia according to claim 7, characterized in that: A handle is fixed to the free end of the locking bolt, and a rubber sleeve is provided on the handle.

9. The protective device for prone surgery under general anesthesia according to claim 8, characterized in that: The slide is a dovetail groove, and the bottom of the support block is a dovetail shape that matches the dovetail groove.