MEANS FOR ATTACHING INSTRUMENTS TO A SURGICAL TABLE

Abstract

MEANS FOR ATTACHING INSTRUMENTS TO A SURGICAL TABLE A mount (500, 602, 906, 1200, 1300) configured to attach to a mounting leg (502, 610, 902, 1202, 1302), the mount comprising an accessory mounting leg (516, 611, 905, 1216, 1316) comprising a mounting arm (507, 609, 1207, 1307) extending from the accessory mounting clamp means; and a fastener (511, 605, 1211, 1311, 1342, 1343, 1355) for connecting the accessory mounting clamp means to the mounting leg.

Description

Title of the invention: MEANS FOR ATTACHING INSTRUMENTS TO A SURGICAL TABLE Domain

[0001] The present invention relates generally to drainage systems for use in medical procedures, and particularly for use in medical procedures in which lithotomy stirrups are used. BACKGROUND

[0002] When performing a surgical procedure, and more specifically a urological or gynecological surgical procedure, clinicians may use fluids such as sterile saline for irrigation of the surgical site. It is necessary to collect these fluids and record the amount of fluid used during the procedure to ensure patient safety. Allowing such fluids to pool or accumulate on the floor could pose a hazard to the clinician and members of the surgical team. Many times, such procedures are performed with the patient in a supine position and with the patient's legs positioned up and away from the surgical site near the perineum. In order to gain access to the surgical site, the patient's legs may be positioned in lithotomy stirrups to optimize access to the surgical site.Such stirrups are attached to the surgical table by clamping means which are mounted at the distal end of the surgical table side rails.

[0003] Drainage bags, more particularly urology drainage bags, which collect fluids during the surgical procedure are known. There are systems of reusable flexible bands which connect to reusable clamping means which are mounted at the distal ends of side rails of surgical tables. The reusable flexible bands allow mounting of a disposable drainage bag which then collects fluids during the procedure. There are also systems which consist of a disposable drainage bag mounted on a flexible band which in turn connects to the surgical table by means of a reusable rail-mounted clamping means. These reusable clamping means are mounted at the distal end of the surgical table side rail.In the art, there are also disposable drainage bag systems that consist of a disposable drainage bag mounted on a flexible band to which are attached disposable clamping means that connect to the distal end of the surgical table side rails. These disposable clamping means will only fit one size of surgical table rails. The advantage of the bag system. The advantage of the fully disposable drainage system described above is that the clamping means do not need to be cleaned and sterilized after each procedure and then stored for possible reuse.

[0004] However, the clamping means of such a system, and all conventional clamping means used in the current art described in this application, occupy a portion of the distal end of the surgical table rail. According to the current art, when disposable or reusable clamping means of such systems are used with lithotomy stirrups, the clamping means with which the stirrups are mounted must be moved proximally toward the patient's head, since the disposable clamping means are mounted at the distal end of the surgical table rail. Failure to mount the lithotomy stirrups at the distal end of the surgical table rails may prevent the proximal locking joint of the stirrup from being positioned at the patient's hip joint as recommended by all stirrup manufacturers.

[0005] If the proximal locking joint of the stirrup is not mounted at the patient's hip joint, increased stress on the patient's hip may occur, which may lead to possible injury or post-operative pain.

[0006] Instruments such as eyeglasses, retractors, forceps are often used multiple times during procedures, such as procedures that require the patient to be placed in the lithotomy position with stirrups. These instruments may be attached by clamping means to the side rails of the surgical table. Since the distal end of the side rail of the surgical table may be occupied by clamping means securing the stirrups to the surgical table, other instruments may be difficult to access in cases where the clinician is operating on the perineum. SUMMARY

[0007] This disclosure generally relates to surgical drainage bag systems that are disposable (i.e., can be discarded after each use). In some embodiments, such a surgical drainage bag system may include a disposable clamping means, a disposable flexible band to which is attached a disposable drainage bag drape, all of which can be discarded after use. This system allows the user to secure the system to a surgical table and then discard it after each use.

[0008] As described in detail below, a surgical drainage bag system according to the present teachings can allow for the safe positioning of a patient because it allows the stirrup mounting clamping means to be positioned at the distal end of the side rail of a surgical table. When stirrups are not used, a surgical drainage bag system according to the present teachings allows the disposable clamping means to be mounted on the distal end of the surgical table rails to secure the disposable drainage bag system.

[0009] The surgical table rails to which the accessories are attached, including the drainage bag systems, are available in a variety of sizes, including different widths and heights and include, but are not limited to, American, European and British surgical table rails. In the current art, the reusable clamping means and the disposable clamping means of conventional drainage bag systems only fit one size of surgical table rail. This means that a facility with tables varying in terms of rail sizes would have to stock a number of conventional types of drainage bag systems, each with clamping means of a different size.The present invention allows a disposable clamping means to be engaged on a variety of rail sizes, meaning that hospitals with a variety of tables with different rail sizes only need to procure one type of drainage bag system.

[0010] In many urological and gynecological procedures, which require a fluid collection system, other accessories, equipment, and surgical aids may be attached via surgical rail clamping means to the side rails present on most surgical and procedure tables. Lithotomy stirrups are used to raise and hold the legs away from the operative site, but are only one example of commonly used surgical equipment accessories and / or surgical aids. Lithotomy stirrups, when attached to surgical table side rails via surgical rail clamping means, help provide the clinician with access to the operative site. These lithotomy stirrups frequently utilize gas-filled cylinders that provide an upward force reducing the effort or strain on the clinician when raising and positioning the patient's legs.Gas cylinders are typically attached at a distal mounting point on the stirrup support rod and at a proximal mounting lug on a mounting plate that is approximately flush with the surgical table rail.

[0011] In some embodiments, a surgical drainage bag system according to the present teachings may include a flexible band and a disposable drainage bag drape along with a disposable clamping means (which may be attached to the surgical table side rail), all of which may be discarded after each use plus an accessory mounting mechanism that allows the disposable drainage bag, flexible band, and clamping means to be attached to equipment or accessories. configured to be mounted on a medical table, such as procedure or surgical tables.

[0012] In many embodiments, the disposable clamping means allows for the acceptance of a wide variety of surgical table rail sizes eliminating the need to stock multiple drainage bag systems with different sized clamping means to accommodate such different rail sizes. The accessory mounting mechanism may be attached to certain surgical accessories or equipment used during medical procedures to secure the disposable drainage bag system for use. Such an accessory mount for the disposable drainage bag system eliminates the need to mount the drainage bag system to a rail when certain surgical accessories are used, thereby creating more space at the distal end of the surgical table rail.This additional space at the distal end of the surgical table rail may allow the proximal locking joint of a lithotomy stirrup to be properly mounted at a patient's hip joint location, reducing the risk of creating stress at the patient's hip joint, which could lead to injury during the procedure and / or post-operative pain in the patient's hip.

[0013] In embodiments, a disposable drainage bag system may include a disposable drainage bag, a flexible band coupled to and supporting the disposable drainage bag, and a disposable clamping means that is configured to accept a surgical table side rail or an accessory mounting arm, which may be sized similarly to a surgical table side rail.

[0014] The disposable clamping means may include a channel for accepting a surgical table rail, or an accessory mounting arm, and a band accepting slot, sized to accept the flexible band, on the other side of the disposable clamping means. In some embodiments, the band accepting slot may have indentations and / or holes in predetermined positions within the band accepting slot that may be sized to receive notches, knobs, protrusions, and projections that may be formed in the flexible band. In some embodiments, an upper rim and a lower rim may be formed in the disposable clamping means body. These rims may each have a stabilizing extension formed therein, which are substantially rigid and substantially parallel to the lower surface and the upper surfaces of the lower and upper rims.The term "substantially rigid" is defined herein as a deviation of less than 0.10 inches while substantially parallel means not deviating more than 10 degrees from the referenced surface. In some embodiments, the disposable clamping means may be . formed from a plastic, such as polyethylene, polyurethane, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS).

[0015] In some embodiments, a disposable clamp means for coupling a flexible band and a drainage bag to a surgical table side rail or an accessory mounting arm is disclosed. The disposable clamp means may include a rail accepting channel on one side thereof for accepting the side rail of a surgical table or an accessory mounting arm. In some embodiments, the rail accepting channel may be formed by the upper rim and the lower rim of the disposable clamp means while each rim may have lips formed in the distal edges of the upper and lower rims of the disposable clamp means. The clamp means may have a body including a proximal side in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the proximal side of the clamp means may have a notch cut or formed therein.The acceptance rail channel can be shaped and sized to fit over a surgical table rail or accessory mounting arm.

[0016] In some embodiments, the lower surface of the upper rim may have a groove cut therein, allowing for acceptance of different sizes of accessory rails; particularly rails that may have a narrower width, or a greater height, than the rail accepting channel of the disposable clamping means. In other embodiments, an upper rim groove may fit over at least one fin formed in accessory mounting arms to stabilize the disposable clamping means when so mounted. In some embodiments, the lower rim may be formed to include a threaded hole that may receive a threaded knob that may be engaged in and through the threaded hole.In some embodiments, the threaded hole is offset from the center of the clamp body and is aligned with the center axis of the groove formed in the lower surface of the upper rim of the disposable clamp. In some embodiments, a threaded screw may be engaged through a threaded hole in the lower platform, and a surgical rail may be inserted into the upper rim groove, thereby engaging the surgical table rail with the upper rim groove. In some embodiments, the lower surface of the upper rim lip is lower than the notch cut on the upper rim of the proximal clamp surface forming one side of the rail acceptance channel. In other embodiments, a threaded screw may be engaged through a threaded hole in the lower platform by engaging the clamp with an accessory mounting arm.In other embodiments, the upper rim may be formed to include a threaded hole that can receive a threaded knob that can be engaged in and through the threaded hole. In some embodiments, the . lower rim may include a distal lip and also include an extension stabilizer that projects from the lower rim opposite the band accepting slot side of the disposable clamp means. In one embodiment, the upper rim of the clamp means may include a lip on its distal side and may also have an engaging surface, which is lower than a notch in the proximal clamp wall and may also have a stabilizing extension that projects from the rim on the side opposite the band accepting slot of the disposable clamp means. In such an embodiment, the lips formed on the upper rim may project distally and downwardly and away from the upper surface of this rim to assist in engaging the surgical table rail or accessory mounting arms.In some embodiments, the lips formed on the lower rim may protrude distally and upwardly and away from the lower surface of the lower rim to assist in engaging the surgical table rail or accessory mounting arm. In some embodiments, the proximal side of the notched clamp body, the upper lower rim and the lower rim, the upper and lower edge lips, and the upper and lower stabilizing extensions of the rims may form a monolithic body formed, for example, of plastic.

[0017] The proximal side of the body of the notched clamping means, the lower surface of the upper rim, the lips of the upper rim including an engaging surface and the lower rim with lips, and the upper and lower stabilizing extensions of the rims constitute the rail acceptance channels into which a surgical table rail or accessory mounting arm may be engaged. In some embodiments, the lower surface of the upper rim may have a groove cut therein to accept rails that are narrower and / or taller than the width of the rail acceptance channel. In other embodiments, the components of the surgical rail acceptance channel may include separate plastic or metal parts or a combination of metal and plastic parts that may be assembled, for example, by interference fitting, welded, or glued together.In still other embodiments, the disposable clamp body, flanges, lips, and extension stabilizers may be formed of metal.

[0018] The disposable clamping means may be engaged to a surgical table rail or an accessory mounting arm using the clamp rail acceptance channel. In some embodiments, the upper portions of the surgical table rails are narrower and / or taller than the rail acceptance channel and may fit into the upper flange groove. In other embodiments, the upper surface groove may fit over a fin formed in the upper surface of an accessory mounting arm. The threaded knob may then be inserted and engaged into the threaded hole in the lower rim such that the distal portion of the threaded knob in turn engages the surgical table rail or an accessory mounting arm, thereby securing the disposable clamping means in place. In other embodiments, the threaded knob may be engaged into and through the threaded hole by pushing against rails narrower and / or taller than the rail engagement channel and engaging them in the upper rim groove, thereby securing that rail to the disposable clamping means.

[0019] In some embodiments, the disposable gripper side opposite the rail accepting channel may have a flexible tape accepting slot formed therein. The flexible tape accepting slot may have at least one indentation in one embodiment. The at least one indentation may have a variety of shapes including, but not limited to, rectilinear, square, cuboid, round, oblong, hexagonal, round, or obolidic shapes, or be formed into other shapes. In other embodiments, the gripper rail channel may have at least one through-hole. The at least one through-hole may have various shapes, including, but not limited to, rectilinear, square, cuboid, round / circular, obolidic, oblong, or hexagonal shapes.In other embodiments, the tape accepting slot may have at least two indentations, and each of the indentations may have the same or different shapes or sizes, including, but not limited to, the following shapes: straight, square, cubic, round / circular, oblong, oblong, or hexagonal. In other embodiments, the disposable clip tape accepting slot may have at least two through holes. The at least two through holes may have various shapes, including, but not limited to, the following: straight, square, parallelepiped, round / circular, oblong, oblong, or hexagonal.

[0020] In some embodiments, the side of the clamping means opposite the rail accepting channel may have a strip accepting slot formed therein. The strip accepting slot may have at least one indentation in one embodiment. The at least one indentation may be formed to accept protrusions or projections that are serrated or barbed, or other polygonal shapes. In other embodiments, the rail channel of the clamping means may have at least one through-hole or at least one indentation. The at least one through-hole or the at least one indentation may be formed to accept protrusions that are serrated or barbed projections, or other polygonal shapes.In other embodiments, the band slot of the clamping means may have at least two indentations or through-holes therein, and each of the at least two through-holes or at least two indentations may have the same or different shapes or sizes in any . combination that could accept barbed or serrated protrusions, or other polygonal shapes. In other embodiments, the at least one through-hole or the at least one indentation may be formed to accept a variety of shapes, including, but not limited to, barbed or serrated shaped protrusions.

[0021] In some embodiments, the side of the clamping means opposite the rail accepting channel may have a strip accepting slot formed therein. In some embodiments, the strip accepting slot may have at least one indentation and at least one through-hole. The at least one indentation and the at least one through-hole may be formed to accept protrusions that are serrated or barbed or otherwise shaped projections, and in any combination of shapes. The strip slot of the clamping means may have at least one indentation and at least one through-hole therein, and each of the at least one through-hole or the at least one indentation may have the same or different shapes or sizes in any combination that could accept barbed or serrated protrusions or shapes in any combination.

[0022] In some embodiments, the surgical drainage bag system may include a disposable drainage drape bag, a flexible band, a disposable clamping means, and an accessory mounting mechanism. This accessory mounting mechanism may be attached to an accessory or other equipment used in surgical procedures, particularly lithotomy stirrups, which are configured to be attached to a procedural or surgical table in some embodiments. In one embodiment, the accessory mounting mechanism may be discarded after use. In other embodiments, the accessory mounting mechanism may be semi-permanently attached to an accessory or other equipment configured to attach to a procedural or surgical table, particularly lithotomy stirrups.This accessory mounting mechanism may be formed or molded of plastic parts in one embodiment. In other embodiments, it may be formed or fabricated from metal. In still other embodiments, it may be fabricated or formed from a combination of plastic and metal parts. It is contemplated in some embodiments that the accessory mounting mechanism may be formed as a monolithic part of plastic or metal. In other embodiments, it may be comprised of two or more separate plastic or metal parts that may be press-fitted using indentations and counter-pressed protrusions or projections or held together by other mechanical means such as a fastener rod. In some embodiments, the accessory mounting mechanism may include a monolithic accessory mounting clamping means formed of . plastic or metal with at least two holes formed in the structure and at least one of the holes being threaded, plus a separate spacer formed of plastic or metal with a through hole and a threaded fixing rod at one end, with a flat head at the opposite end.

[0023] The accessory mounting mechanism, in some embodiments, may include a horseshoe- or "U"-shaped accessory mounting clamp means with holes formed in two of its arms, a separator with a through-hole, and a threaded attachment rod at one end with a flat head at its opposite end. In some embodiments, the separator is "T"-shaped, while in other embodiments, it is a straight block. In still other embodiments, it may be round or semicircular in shape. The accessory mounting clamp means is shaped and sized so that it fits tightly and tightly around the outer surfaces of a stapes gas cylinder mounting tab of a lithotomy stapes while the separator is attached to the accessory mounting clamp means.There are different sized proximal mounting tabs for gas cylinders for different brands of calipers. In some embodiments, there are different sized accessory mounting clamps and spacers that will fit and tightly and tightly fit around the outer surfaces of different sized gas cylinder gas mounting tabs for each brand of caliper.

[0024] In some embodiments, the accessory mounting clamp means may include an upper arm, a lower arm, and a semicircular section. The upper arm, lower arm, and semicircular section of the mounting clamp means are configured to closely and tightly fit the outer surface of the caliper gas cylinder mounting tab. In some embodiments, the upper arm, lower arm, and semicircular sections of the accessory mounting clamp means are formed or molded as a monolithic part made of plastic or alternatively formed or made of metal. In still other embodiments, the sections are made of plastic or metal and are press-fitted or bonded together using indentations with slots to accept barbed or serrated protrusions or projections.In one embodiment, the upper arm is formed with a threaded hole that can accept a threaded rod while the lower arm is formed with a hole that is opposite the corresponding hole in the upper arm. In other embodiments, the lower arm has a threaded hole while the upper arm has an unthreaded hole that is directly opposite the hole in the upper arm. In some embodiments, a mounting arm is formed and centered on the distal edge of the semi-section. circular and projects outward at substantially right angles from this section. The term "substantially right angles" is defined as plus or minus 5 degrees from 90 degrees. The mounting arm is about the size of a surgical table rail. In some embodiments, a fin that is sized to fit into the upper rim groove of the disposable clamping means is formed in the upper surface of the accessory mounting arm. A divider formed or molded from plastic or made of metal, the length of which is nearly twice the inner radius of the semicircular section of the accessory mounting clamping means in some embodiments, is made or formed of plastic or metal. The divider has a through hole extending from its top to its bottom in some embodiments.The separator fits over a portion of the surface of the caliper gas spring mounting tab and the through hole formed in the separator that aligns with the holes formed in the upper and lower arms of the accessory mounting clamp means. In one embodiment, a fastener rod (machined or formed of metal, plastic, or suitable materials) with one threaded end and a flat head at the opposite end is passed through the lower arm of the accessory mounting clamp means and into and through the through hole in the separator. The threaded end of the rod is adapted to fit into and engage the threaded hole in the upper arm of the accessory mounting clamp means in one embodiment.

[0025] In some embodiments, a spacer rod (machined or formed of metal) with one threaded end and a flat head on the opposite end is passed through the hole in the upper arm of the accessory mounting clamp means into and through the through hole in the separator. The threaded end of the rod is engaged in and with the threaded hole in the lower arm of the accessory mounting clamp means, thereby securing the accessory mounting clamp means to the surfaces of the caliper gas cylinder mounting tab. In some embodiments, the separator is rectangular in shape. In other embodiments, it is "T" shaped with a clamp means. In some embodiments, the "T" shaped clamp means has one side having a semi-circular cutout while in other embodiments, this "T" shaped clamp means has a straight cutout.In other embodiments, the separator is circular, oblong, or semicircular in shape and may have a clamping means of various shapes, including, but not limited to, square, circular, or hexagonal. The separator, secured by the threaded rod to the upper and lower arms of the accessory mounting clamping means, also fits tightly to a surface of the caliper gas cylinder mounting tab.

[0026] It is contemplated that the mounting arm with a fin in the upper surface that projects from the distal side of the semicircular section of the accessory mounting clamp means is formed or molded as part of the monolithic plastic or metal structure of the accessory mounting clamp means in one embodiment. In other embodiments, the mounting arm and the fin may be formed from separate pieces of plastic or metal and connected to the accessory mounting clamp means by means of interference fit connections or gluing / welding, or any combination thereof. The mounting arm may be sized to conform to the size of a surgical table rail in some embodiments.

[0027] In some embodiments, the accessory mounting clamp means may be attached to the caliper gas cylinder mounting tab by fitting the upper arm, lower arm, and semicircular sections of the accessory mounting tab around the surface or surfaces of the caliper gas cylinder mounting tab. By passing the securing rod through the upper arm of the accessory mounting clamp means and into and through the through hole in the separator, it may be engaged in the threaded hole of the lower arm of the accessory mounting clamp means, thereby securing the separator to the accessory mounting clamp means and, in turn, securing the accessory mounting clamp means to the caliper gas cylinder mounting tab.The side of the disposable clamp means with the rail accepting channel can be slid onto the mounting arm with the fin of the accessory mounting clamp means with the upper flange groove fitting around the mounting arm fin. The upper and lower stabilizer extension arms of the disposable rail clamp means and the fit of the mounting arm fin over the upper flange groove help stabilize the disposable clamp means resisting any twisting forces. The threaded knob of the disposable clamp means can be engaged in the threaded hole in the lower flange of the disposable clamp means securing it to the mounting arm of the accessory mounting clamp means in some embodiments. The flexible band with the attached drainage bag drape can then be secured to the disposable clamp means.

[0028] The accessory mounting mechanism, in some embodiments, may include a horseshoe- or "U"-shaped accessory mounting clamp means with upper, lower, and curved arms with holes formed in its upper and lower arms, a divider with a through-hole, and a threaded attachment rod at one end, with a flat head at its opposite end. In some embodiments, the divider is "t"-shaped while in other embodiments, it is block-shaped. In still other embodiments embodiment, it may be round or semi-circular in shape. In some embodiments, the separator may have a rectilinear or circular clamping means, and the clamping means may have a semi-circular or rectilinear cutout. The accessory mounting clamping means is sized such that it fits closely and tightly around the surface or surfaces of a projection or extension of a surgical accessory or surgical equipment, such extensions having a diameter of between about 0.25 and about 4 inches (for circular projections) or a longest cross-sectional width (in rectilinear projections) of between about 0.25 and about 4 inches, and the projections extending from inch to eight inches in length from the surface of the equipment or accessory in some embodiments.The separator, when attached to the mounting accessory clamping means, fits tightly around the proximal surfaces of the protrusion of the surgical accessory or equipment when such protrusion has a diameter of between 0.25 and 4 inches or a cross-sectional width of between about 0.25 and about 4 inches, and extending outwardly from the surface of the accessory or equipment up to eight inches in length in some embodiments.

[0029] In other embodiments, there may be a mounting tab or protrusion that is formed in a surgical table accessory rail clamp means that is used to secure accessories to a surgical table. The rail clamp means mounting tab may be sized such that the accessory mounting clamp means may be fitted tightly and tightly around the outside of that tab. In some embodiments, the accessory mounting clamp means may be attached to the rail clamp means mounting tab of the surgical table rail accessory clamp means by fitting the upper arm, lower arm, and semicircular sections of the accessory mounting clamp means around the surface or surfaces of the stirrup gas cylinder mounting tab.By passing the securing rod through the upper arm of the accessory mounting clamp and into and through the through hole in the divider, it can be engaged in the threaded hole of the lower arm of the accessory mounting clamp, thereby securing the divider to the accessory mounting clamp and, in turn, securing the accessory mounting clamp to the surgical table rail clamp mounting tab. The side of the disposable clamp with the rail accepting channel can be slid onto the mounting arm with the fin of the accessory mounting clamp with the upper flange groove fitting around the mounting arm fin. The upper and lower stabilizer extension arms of the disposable rail clamp and the mounting arm fin fit over the groove. upper rim help stabilize the disposable clamping means resisting any torsional forces. The threaded knob of the disposable clamping means can be engaged in the threaded hole in the lower rim of the disposable clamping means securing it to the mounting arm of the accessory mounting clamping means in some embodiments. The flexible band with the attached drainage bag sheet can then be secured to the disposable clamping means.

[0030] In some embodiments, a surgical rail clamp may have a mounting arm with a fin formed in its distal end. The side of the disposable clamp with a rail accepting channel may be slid onto the mounting arm with the fin of the accessory mounting arm with the upper flange groove fitting around the mounting arm fin. The upper and lower stabilizer extension arms of the disposable rail clamp and the fit of the mounting arm fin to the upper flange groove help stabilize the disposable clamp resisting any twisting forces. The threaded knob of the disposable clamp may be engaged in the threaded hole in the lower flange of the disposable clamp securing it to the mounting arm of the accessory mounting arm in some embodiments.The flexible strip with the attached drainage bag sheet can then be secured using disposable clamps.

[0031] In some embodiments, a surgical table accessory rail clamp may have a mounting arm with a fin formed therein with the mounting arm projecting distally. In other embodiments, the mounting arm with a fin formed therein may be attached by mechanical fasteners to the surgical table accessory rail clamp. The side of the disposable clamp with the rail accepting channel may be slid onto the mounting arm with the fin of the accessory mounting arm with the upper flange groove fitting around the mounting arm fin. The upper and lower stabilizer extension arms of the disposable rail clamp and the fit of the mounting arm fin to the upper flange groove help stabilize the disposable clamp resisting any twisting forces.The threaded knob of the disposable clamping means may be engaged in the threaded hole in the lower rim of the disposable clamping means securing it to the mounting arm of the accessory mounting arm in some embodiments. The flexible band with the attached drainage bag sheet may then be secured to the disposable clamping means.

[0032] The flexible strip may be formed from commonly available plastic or other suitable materials. The flexible strip may have at least one tooth formed in each of its ends in one embodiment. The at least one tooth may have at least one projection or protrusion which may be formed in different shapes. In some embodiments, the at least one protrusion or projection in the tooth may have, but are not limited to, the following shapes: straight, square, cuboid, round, oblong, oblong, hexagonal, or round in any combination, but sized to fit into the at least one indentation in the flexible band accepting slot. In other embodiments, the shapes of the at least one protrusion or projection in the at least one tooth may be serrated or barbed and in any combination, but sized to fit into the at least one indentation in the flexible band accepting slot. In some embodiments, the flexible band may have at least one notch cut into its ends forming at least one tooth with at least one protrusion on the tooth of the flexible band.

[0033] The flexible strip may be formed from commonly available plastic or other suitable materials. The flexible strip may have at least two teeth formed in each of its ends in some embodiments. The at least two teeth may have at least one protrusion or protrusions, each of which may be formed into different shapes. In some embodiments, the at least one protrusion or projection in the at least two teeth may have, but are not limited to, the following shapes: straight, square, cuboid, round, oblong, oblong, hexagonal, or round in any combination, but sized to fit into the at least two indentations in the flexible strip accepting slot.In other embodiments, the shapes of the at least one protrusion or projection in the at least two teeth may be serrated or barbed and in any combination, but sized to fit into the at least two indentations in the flexible band accepting slot. In some embodiments, the flexible band may have at least one notch cut into its ends forming at least two teeth with at least one protrusion on the at least two teeth of the flexible band.

[0034] In some embodiments, the distance between the at least one protrusion on the different teeth of the flexible band is slightly larger than the height of the disposable band accepting slot formed in the side of the disposable clamping means. The term "slightly larger" is defined herein as about 0.1 to about 0.15 inches larger. When the flexible band is fitted into the disposable band accepting slot, the at least two teeth are depressed by the force exerted on the at least two prongs as they are engaged in the band accepting slot. When the end of the flexible band is slid into the accepting band slot, the at least two protrusions engage the at least two indentations or through-holes in the flexible band accepting slots, thereby connecting the flexible band to the disposable clamping means.

[0035] The flexible band may be formed from commonly available plastic or other suitable materials in one embodiment. At least one notch may be cut into the ends of the flexible band, forming at least two teeth. The at least two teeth may each have at least one projection or protrusion formed therein in one embodiment. The at least one projection or protrusion of each of the at least two teeth may have different shapes, and they are formed in the at least two teeth at each end of the flexible band. In other embodiments, the shapes of the at least one protrusion or protrusion on each of the at least two teeth may have a serrated or barbed shape, or any suitable shape but sized to fit into the at least two through holes or indentations in the band slot of the clamping means.In other embodiments, two notches are cut into the end of the disposable band forming upper, middle, and lower teeth, the at least two teeth each having at least one protrusion. The at least one protrusion on each of the middle and upper teeth, in some embodiments, are sized to engage the at least two indentations or at least two through holes in the band accepting slot formed in the side of the body of the disposable clamping means.

[0036] The maximum distance between the at least one protrusion on the upper tooth and the at least one protrusion on the lower tooth is slightly larger than the height of the tape acceptor slot. The term "slightly larger" is defined herein as about 0.01 to about 0.15 inches larger. When the flexible band is engaged in the disposable tape acceptor slot, the at least two prongs are depressed when engaged in the tape acceptor slot. When the end of the flexible band is slid into the acceptor band slot, the at least one protrusion engages the at least two indentations or the at least two through holes in the flexible band acceptor slots, thereby connecting the flexible band to the disposable clamping means.

[0037] In some embodiments, the disposable clamping means may be molded or formed from plastic, metal, or both as a monolithic part. In other embodiments, the clamping means may be assembled from separate pieces, such pieces being press-fitted using barbed or serrated indentations and protrusions. These separate pieces could also be glued or welded together.

[0038] The drainage bag sheet may be made of a flexible impermeable polymer and may be circular or semi-circular in shape in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the drainage bag sheet is clear, the portion the top of the drainage bag drape being coupled to the flexible band which in turn may be attached to the disposable clamping means. The disposable clamping means may be attached to a surgical table rail or, alternatively, attached to the mounting arm of the accessory mounting clamping means. The drainage bag drape may be "V" shaped and larger at the top than at the bottom, with the bottom of the drape terminating in a hole to which a threaded tube is attached. In some embodiments, the threaded tube may be attached, via mechanical means or via gluing means, to the hole in the bottom of the drape. The threaded tube may be attached to another threaded tube which in turn is connected to a fluid collection system which stores the fluid. In some embodiments, the drape has a filter between the top of the drape and its bottom.The filter may be in the form of a mesh, which in turn may be made, for example, of a cross-woven thread of flexible polymer materials.

[0039] In a related aspect, a drainage bag system configured to be coupled to a medical procedure table includes a drainage bag, a band attached to and supporting the drainage bag, the band having at least one protrusion positioned at at least one end thereof, and at least one mounting clamping means including a receiving slot configured to receive the at least one protrusion of the band. The clamping means has a receiving channel that is configured to receive a procedure table accessory rail or accessory mounting arm thereof. The clamping means has a threaded member configured to secure the clamping means to a procedure table accessory or accessory mounting arm.

[0040] In some embodiments of the above drainage bag system, the at least one protrusion includes two protrusions each located at one of the two ends of the strip, and the at least one mounting clamp means includes two mounting clamp means each configured to receive one of these protrusions.

[0041] In some embodiments, the receiving slot is configured to provide at least one receptacle extending into a body of the mounting clamp means for receiving the at least one protrusion so as to prevent the band from releasing from the receiving slot. In some of these embodiments, the at least one mounting clamp means includes an upper platform, a lower platform, and a wall of the clamp means. The upper platform may include an upper projecting lip, and the lower platform may include a lower projecting lip. The mounting clamp means may further include at least one upper arm that extends from a proximal side of the upper platform. upper form and at least one lower arm extending from a proximal side of the lower platform.

[0042] In some embodiments, the upper and lower arms are substantially parallel to the surfaces of the upper and lower platforms. In some embodiments, the lower platform includes a threaded hole and a threaded knob for engaging the hole. The upper platform may also include a threaded hole and a threaded knob for engaging the hole.

[0043] In some embodiments, the upper platform includes a threaded hole and a threaded knob for engaging a rail accessory channel formed by a lower surface of the upper platform and the lip projecting therefrom, the upper surface of said lower platform and the lip projecting therefrom, the arm extending from the upper and lower platforms, and the at least one side of the body of the clamping means.

[0044] In some embodiments, the bottom surface of the upper platform includes at least one groove or channel formed therein. In some of these embodiments, the at least one groove may have a width in a range of about 0.9 inches to about 1.6 inches, and a height in a range of about 0.05 inches to about 0.25 inches.

[0045] The rail accessory channel is shaped and sized to receive a surgical table accessory rail or an accessory arm. In some embodiments, the rail accessory channel has a groove cut or formed therein, the groove being configured to accept a protrusion extending out of the upper surface of an accessory mounting arm. In some embodiments, the protrusion includes a fin. In some embodiments, the upper platform with the chase and the protruding lip, the lower platform and its protruding lip, the extension arms, the clamping means wall, and the clamping means body are formed as a monolithic unit.By way of example and without limitation, such a monolithic unit may be formed of a plastic (e.g., polyethylene, polyurethane, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), a metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel, cast iron, titanium, or brass or other copper alloys), or a combination thereof.

[0046] In some embodiments, the upper platform with the groove and the projecting lip, and the lower platform and its associated projecting lip, the extension arms, the clamping means wall, and the clamping means body are formed as a combination of separate parts, e.g., metal parts, plastic parts, or a combination of metal and plastic parts. plastic, which have been joined, for example, by press fit and / or gluing and / or welding.

[0047] In some embodiments, the band of a drainage bag system according to the present teachings is configured to be received via a projection thereof in a predetermined position within the clamping means so as to engage the clamping means. In some embodiments, the band may have a width in a range of about 0.5 inches to about 3 inches, although other widths may also be used. Further, in some embodiments, the receiving channel of the clamping means may have a width in a range of about 0.2 inches to about 0.45 inches, and a height in a range of about 0.9 inches to about 1.6 inches.

[0048] In a related aspect, a drainage bag system configured to be coupled to a device that is configured to be coupled to a procedure table or other equipment is disclosed, which includes a drainage bag, a band attached to and supporting the drainage bag, a mounting clamping means including a receiving slot configured to receive one end of the band, the band having at least two opposing protrusions at said end thereof configured to extend into the receiving slot, and the receiving slot includes a pair of receptacles configured to receive the band protrusions to engage the band with the mounting clamping means. The clamping means further includes a receiving channel for receiving any one of an accessory rail and an accessory mounting arm of said procedure table.

[0049] In some embodiments, the clamping means may include a threaded member for securing the clamping means to the procedure table.

[0050] In some embodiments, the accessory rail and / or accessory bracket have a width in a range of about 0.2 inches to 0.45 inches, and a height in a range of about 0.9 inches to 1.6 inches.

[0051] The drainage bag system may further include a device mounting mechanism configured to secure the drainage bag system to any one of an accessory, and a device that is coupled to the procedure table. In some embodiments, the accessory mounting mechanism may include at least one arm that is shaped and sized to fit within the receiving channel.

[0052] Additional features, alone or in combination with these and any other features, may fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0053] In other embodiments, the attachment rod may be passed through the upper arm of the accessory mounting clamp means and into and through the hole in the separator, and then passed through a hole in the lower arm of the accessory mounting clamp means. In this embodiment, the attachment rod may have a cap on the upper end of the rod and a hole in its lower end through which a pin may be placed securing the separator to the accessory mounting clamp means, and in turn securing the accessory mounting clamp means to the gas cylinder. In yet another embodiment, the upper end of the attachment rod may have a cap thereon and be passed through the upper arm of the accessory mounting clamp means, and passed through the hole in the lower arm of the accessory mounting clamp means. A cap may then be welded, glued, or mechanically secured to the lower end of the attachment rod securing the separator to the accessory mounting clamp means.

[0054] Some embodiments relate to a mount configured to attach to a mounting leg, particularly a proximal mounting leg, the mount comprising: an accessory mounting clamp means comprising a mounting arm extending from the accessory mounting clamp means, and a divider comprising a hole extending through the divider through which a rod can be passed to secure the divider to the accessory mounting clamp means, thereby connecting the accessory mounting clamp means to the mounting leg.

[0055] Some embodiments relate to a mount configured to attach to a mounting leg, the mount comprising: an accessory mounting clamp means comprising a mounting arm extending from the accessory mounting clamp means; and an attachment for connecting the accessory mounting clamp means to the mounting leg.

[0056] The accessory mounting clamping means may comprise an upper arm having a hole formed therein, a semi-circular section, and a lower arm having a hole formed therein.

[0057] The mounting tab, particularly the proximal mounting tab, may be disposed on a caliper support. The separator may include a semicircular cutout that is configured to mate with a proximal surface of the mounting tab.

[0058] In some embodiments, the mounting arm is configured to attach to a disposable clamping means on which an accessory can be mounted. In some embodiments, the disposable clamping means may include a rail receiving channel that is configured to engage the mounting arm.

[0059] Some embodiments provide a mount including a cap that attaches to the upper end of the rod to secure the rod using accessory mounting clamps.

[0060] Some embodiments may include a key that is configured to extend through a hole formed in the rod to secure the clamping means. accessory mounting means to the separator, thereby securing the accessory mounting clamping means to the proximal mounting tab. The mount may further include a securing pin that secures the key to the rod.

[0061] In some embodiments, the accessory mounting clamping means is a monolith or made up of separate parts.

[0062] Some embodiments provide a mechanism for attaching a first accessory to a second accessory attached to a surgical table, comprising an accessory mounting clamp means configured to engage a proximal mounting leg, the accessory mounting clamp means having a hole formed therein, a mounting arm disposed adjacent the accessory mounting clamp means, a separator connectable to the accessory mounting clamp means, and a rod configured to pass through holes formed in an upper portion and a lower portion of the accessory mounting clamp means and configured to pass through holes formed in the separator, thereby connecting the separator and the accessory mounting clamp means around the proximal mounting leg.

[0063] In some embodiments, the second accessory may be a leg support accessory.

[0064] first accessory can be a surgical bag.

[0065] In some embodiments, the mounting arm may be configured to attach to a disposable clamping means to which the accessory may be mounted.

[0066] In some embodiments, the disposable clamping means may include a rail receiving channel that is configured to engage the mounting arm.

[0067] Some embodiments relate to a mechanism for attaching a first accessory to a second accessory attached to a surgical table comprising an accessory mounting clamp means configured to engage a proximal mounting leg, the accessory mounting clamp means having a hole formed therein, a mounting arm disposed adjacent the accessory mounting clamp means, and a fastener for connecting the accessory mounting clamp means to the proximal mounting leg.

[0068] In some embodiments, the second accessory may be a leg support accessory. The first accessory may be a surgical bag.

[0069] In some embodiments, the mounting arm may be configured to attach to a disposable clamping means on which the accessory may be mounted. The disposable clamping means may include a rail accepting channel that is configured to engage the mounting arm.

[0070] Some embodiments relate to an accessory clamping means configured to be secured to a surgical table rail of a surgical table comprising an accessory slot configured to receive a mounting member, a channel formed therein configured for attachment to the surgical table rail, and an accessory mounting arm formed in a distal surface of the accessory clamping means on which an accessory can be mounted.

[0071] In some embodiments, the accessory mounting arm may include an extended portion. The extended portion may include a fin. The accessory clamping means may include an upper arm, a lower arm, a circular portion, and a rod configured to secure an adapter, particularly the accessory clamping means, to the mounting tab.

[0072] Some embodiments relate to an accessory clamp means configured to be secured to a surgical table rail of a surgical table comprising an accessory slot configured to receive a mounting member, a channel formed in the accessory clamp means configured for attachment to the surgical table rail, and a mounting arm attached to the accessory clamp means and configured to receive a disposable clamp means mounted thereon.

[0073] In some embodiments, the mounting arm may include an extended portion. The extended portion may include a fin.

[0074] In some embodiments, the mounting arm may include a cutout portion for receiving an upper portion of the mounting arm. The mounting arm may include holes formed therein for receiving bolts that are configured to secure the mounting arm by means of accessory clamping.

[0075] In some embodiments, the mounting arm may include a knob configured to secure the mounting member by means of accessory clamping.

[0076] In some embodiments, the accessory clamping means may extend at least partially around a proximal mounting tab.

[0077] In some embodiments, the accessory clamping means may include a leg and an accessory mounting leg configured to attach to the leg, wherein an accessory mounting adapter, particularly the accessory mounting clamping means, includes an extended portion configured to accept an accessory.

[0078] In some embodiments, the mounting element may be an accessory blade. Brief description of the drawings

[0079] Drawings and figures are disclosed to aid in a description of the invention and various embodiments of the invention. The drawings and figures are attached and are referenced below.

[0080] [Fig.lA] is a view of a stirrup mounted on a surgical table with a conventional drainage bag system.

[0081] [Fig.lB] is a view of a stirrup mounted on a surgical table without such a system.

[0082] [Fig.2A] illustrates a view of a disposable drainage bag system according to a mode of realization of these teachings, which is mounted on a surgical table.

[0083] [Fig.2B] illustrates a view of a disposable drainage bag system according to one embodiment of the present teachings, which is mounted on a surgical table.

[0084] [Fig.2C] is a partial perspective view of various components of the disposable drainage bag system mounted on a surgical table with a rail and a fluid storage system.

[0085] [Fig.3] shows a perspective of the disposable strip with a drainage bag sheet disposable, disposable clamping means and details of reusable accessory mounting clamping means.

[0086] [Fig.4] shows another perspective view of the disposable strip with a sheet of disposable drainage bag, disposable clamping means and details of reusable accessory mounting clamping means.

[0087] [Fig.5] shows a perspective view of the disposable strip with a drainage bag disposable, disposable clamping means and details of reusable accessory mounting clamping means.

[0088] [Fig.6] shows details of a caliper mounting bracket, clamping means disposable, disposable band and accessory mounting clamp.

[0089] [Fig.7] shows another detail view of a caliper mounting bracket, of the means of disposable clamp, disposable band and accessory mounting clamp.

[0090] [Fig.8] show the details of the disposable clamping means, the disposable band and the surgical table rail.

[0091] [Fig.9] illustrates an accessory mounting mechanism coupled to a tab making protrusion from medical equipment, especially a stirrup mounting bracket.

[0092] [Fig. 10] illustrates a cutaway view of a section of the disposable clamping means, the strip accepting slot, the flexible strip with flexible teeth engaged in through holes within the strip accepting slot, the disposable rail clamping means being engaged with an accessory mounting arm.

[0093] [Fig. 11 A] illustrates a cutaway section of a disposable clamping means and rail accepting channel of a system according to one embodiment of the present teachings.

[0094] [Fig. 1 IB] illustrates a cutaway section of a disposable clamping means and rail accepting channel of a system according to one embodiment of the present teachings.

[0095] [Fig. 12] illustrates an embodiment in which a mount is attached to the proximal caliper gas cylinder mounting tab.

[0096] [Fig. 13] illustrates an embodiment in which a mount is attached to the proximal caliper gas cylinder mounting tab.

[0097] [Fig.l4A] illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment where a mount is attached to a support leg formed in an accessory clamping means.

[0098] [Fig.l4B] illustrates a cross-sectional view of an embodiment where a mount is attached to a mounting tab formed in an accessory clamping means.

[0099] [Fig. 15] illustrates an embodiment of a mount arm for a mount that is attached to an accessory clamping means.

[0100] [Fig. 16] illustrates a mount arm for a mount arm that is attached to an accessory clamping means.

[0101] [Fig.l7A] illustrates a side view of a blade attachment (a leg holder / stirrup) mounted via an attachment clamping means to the side rail of a surgical table.

[0102] [Fig.l7B] illustrates a cross-sectional view of a blade attachment (a leg holder / stirrup) mounted via an attachment clamping means to the side rail of a surgical table.

[0103] [Fig. 17C] is a top view of a blade attachment (a leg holder / stirrup) mounted via an attachment clamping means to the side rail of a surgical table. Detailed description

[0104] The present disclosure relates generally to a drainage bag system configured to be coupled to a surgical table. Various terms are used herein in accordance with their ordinary meanings in the art. The term "about" as used herein is intended to indicate a variation of no more than 10% around a numerical value. The term "surgical table" is used herein to generally refer to a medical table that is used when a medical procedure, such as a urological or gynecological procedure, is performed on a patient.

[0105] The term "semi-rigid component" means an element or component formed or constructed such that when a force is applied at its center, the elongation of the unloaded length of the element (change in length) is greater than 0% but less than 0.10% before failure.

[0106] The term "flexible component" means a component or element formed or constructed such that when a force is applied at its center, the elongation of the unloaded length of the element is equal to or greater than 0.10%.

[0107] Figures 1A and 1B illustrate a stirrup mounted on a surgical table without a drainage bag system and with a drainage bag system using conventional systems. A stirrup 02A of [Fig.lA] is mounted on a surgical table 11A via a rail clamping means 07A. The patient's legs 01A are held in place by stirrup boots 03A which are supported by a stirrup gas cylinder 04A attached to the stirrup at the distal stirrup mounting point 14A and the proximal stirrup gas cylinder mounting tab 05A attached to the stirrup bracket 00A. As shown in [Fig.lA], a disposable clamping means 12A holds the flexible band 13A to which a drainage bag 14A is attached.The mounting point on the surgical table rail 10A of the disposable clamping means 12A can move the mounting point of the table clamping means 07A and the stirrup 02A proximally down the surgical table rail 10A, toward the patient's head, by a distance equal to "x". The center of rotation of the proximal stirrup locking joint 09A in [Fig. 1A] is offset from the center of rotation of the patient's hip point 08A. This offset is caused by mounting the disposable rail clamping means 12 on the distal end of the surgical table rail 10A at a distance "x". [Fig. 1B] illustrates the mounting of stirrups without using the disposable drainage bag system of the current art. In [Fig.lB], the patient's hip rotation point 08B and the proximal stirrup locking joint rotation point 09B are co-terminal in the horizontal plane and thus aligned by the rail clamping means 07B positioned correctly at the distal end of the table rail 10B of the surgical table 1 IB. The patient's legs 01B are held in the stirrup boots 03B of the stirrup 02B and supported by the stirrup gas cylinder 04B with the distal stirrup mounting points 14B and the proximal stirrup gas spring mounting bracket 05B attached to the stirrup mounting bracket 00B.

[0108] Figures 2A and 2B schematically illustrate a disposable drainage bag system 110 according to one embodiment of the present teachings, which is attached to side rails 106 of a surgical table 107. The drainage bag system 110 includes a flexible band 105 to which the drainage bag 101 having a mesh filter 104 is attached, a first disposable clamping means 100A and a second disposable clamping means 100B which are shown as being attached to the distal ends of the surgical table side rails 106. A drainage tube 103 and a fluid storage system 102 are attached to the drainage bag 101. A drainage bag drape 110 is supported and held open by a flexible band 105 during the surgical procedure. The flexible band 105 is coupled to disposable clamping means 100A and 100B which can in turn be attached to the distal ends of side rails 106 of the surgical table 107.A 103 threaded tube attached to the . Fluid reservoir 102 is engaged with and attached to a flap 111 to allow fluid to flow from the drainage bag 101 into the fluid storage system 102.

[0109] The illustrated drainage bag 101 is constructed from flexible sheets of thin translucent plastic materials and has a flap 111 attached thereto. In this embodiment, the drainage bag 101 is substantially V-shaped with the mesh filter 104 constructed from thin, flexible strips of polymeric material arranged in alternating or crisscrossing patterns and includes a flap 111 attached at a hole 101a (not shown) in the bottom of the drainage bag 101 to allow fluid to flow out of the system and into a reservoir 102. The mesh filter 104 collects waste materials that may be byproducts of surgical procedures and, if not trapped in the mesh filter, could prevent fluid from being collected in the fluid reservoir 102 by plugging the threaded tube 111. In other embodiments, there is no mesh filter

[0110] A plurality of different polymeric materials may be used to construct the drainage bag. Some examples of such polymeric materials include, but are not limited to, high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene polypropylene, medium density polyethylene, or degradable olefinic materials.

[0111] As shown in [Fig.2B], the flexible band 105 has two notches 116 cut into its end to form upper and lower teeth 115. Two protrusions 113 are formed in the upper and lower teeth 115. In this embodiment, the disposable drainage bag 101 has a sleeve 112 into which a flexible band 105 with teeth 115 and their associated serrated distal protrusions 113 can be inserted. It is understood that the serrated protrusions are illustrative only. In other embodiments, these protrusions may be circular, serrated or barbed, straight knobs, hooks, pegs, or other shapes. The sleeve 112 of the disposable drainage bag 101 fits around the flexible band 105 and couples the disposable drainage bag 101 to the flexible band 105. The flexible band 105 supports and holds the disposable drainage bag 101 open, as shown in [Fig.2A].

[0112] The flexible strip 105 is flexible in the horizontal direction and semi-rigid in the vertical direction. Because it is flexible in the horizontal direction, the flexible strip 105 is capable of flexing in response to clinicians moving against or contacting the strip, allowing the clinician to approach the surgical table 107 without blocking the disposable drainage bag system 110. In this embodiment, the disposable support strip 105 is made from plastic that has flexible properties, although in other embodiments, it may be made from other suitable materials. The disposable clamping means 100A and 100B are substantially equivalent, being mirror images of each other. As described in more detail below, the disposable clamping means 100A and 100B may be attached to the distal end of the surgical table rail 106 of the surgical table 107.

[0113] [Fig. 2C] shows detailed aspects of embodiments of the above flexible strip 105 (referred to herein for ease of description of various components as flexible strip 213), disposable drainage bag 101 (which is referred to in this example as disposable drainage bag 214), disposable clamping means 200 (which may correspond to one of disposable clamping means 100A / 100B), and accessory mounting clamping means 215. In the embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 2C], disposable clamping means 200 has an upper flange 205 with an upper flange groove 231, and an extension stabilizer 202. Furthermore, disposable clamping means 200 has both a side surface (not shown) and a middle surface 209 forming a rail accepting channel 208.

[0114] In this embodiment, the lower surface 205a of the upper flange 205 along with the upper flange groove 231 and the stabilizing extension 203 form the upper surface of the rail accepting channel 208 while the lower flange 206 along with the stabilizing extension 203 form the lower surface of the rail accepting channel 208. In some embodiments, a lip 210 extends downwardly from the upper flange 205 and forms a proximal surface of the rail accepting channel 208, while a lip 211 extends from the lower flange 206 and forms another proximal surface of the rail accepting channel 208. The distal surface 209 forms the proximal surface of the rail accepting channel 208. In this embodiment, the threaded knob 201 engages with and fits into a threaded hole (not shown) in the lower flange 206.In other embodiments, the threaded hole may be formed in the upper flange 205. A bolt or other suitable fastener could also be used in place of the threaded knob 201, such as a cotter pin, a threaded pin with a tab, etc.

[0115] In the embodiment illustrated in [Fig.2C], when the surgical table rail (not shown) or mounting arm 218 of the accessory mounting clamp means 215 with the fin 230 is engaged in the surgical rail accepting channel 208 of the disposable clamp means 200, a threaded knob 201 may be engaged in and through a threaded hole (not shown) in the lower flange 206. Engagement of the threaded knob 201 in the threaded hole (not shown) secures the disposable clamp means to the surgical table rail (not shown) or accessory mounting arm 218 via its fin 230. More specifically, it can be seen in this illustration that the fin 230 fits into the upper flange groove 231 when the threaded knob is engaged in and through the threaded hole in the lower rim 206 (not shown). Once a surgical procedure is completed, the threaded knob 201 may be released from the hole in the lower rim 206 allowing the disposable clamping means 200 to release from the mounting arm 218 with the fin 230 (or surgical table rail) and be removed.

[0116] In this embodiment, when the surgical table rail (not shown) or mounting arm 218 with fin 230 is engaged in the rail accepting channel 208 of the disposable clamping means with an upper rim groove 231 and stabilizing extensions 202 and 203, the disposable clamping means 204 is protected from any twisting or rotational forces it may encounter. In this embodiment, the disposable clamping means 200 has a flexible tape accepting slot 207 formed in one of its sides. Two through holes are formed in the tape accepting slot 208, one on the upper side of the tape accepting slot 207 (visible) and one on its lower side (not visible in this illustration).

[0117] However, in other embodiments, more than two through holes may be formed in a tape accepting slot 207, or a single through hole may nevertheless be formed in still other embodiments. It should also be understood that although through holes are shown in this embodiment, in other embodiments, indentations may be formed in the tape accepting slot 207. In this embodiment, the through hole 204 in the tape accepting slot 207 is shown as being straight, but it is understood that the through hole 204 may have shapes different from that shown in [Fig. 2C]. Alternatively, as noted above, in other embodiments, rather than one or more through holes, there may be indentations formed in the tape accepting slot 207.

[0118] In this embodiment, the disposable flexible band 213 is fitted into the sleeve 228 of the disposable drainage bag 214, as shown in [Fig. 2C]. The flexible band 213 has notches 230 cut into its ends forming insertion teeth 229 with serrated protrusions 212. In this embodiment, the maximum distance "Z" between serrated protrusions 212 is slightly larger than the height of the band accepting slot 207. As used herein, the term "slightly larger" means between 0.01 inches and 0.15 inches larger. The band 213 may also include one or more tabs that are configured to fit into one or more slots formed in a backside of the disposable clamping means 200 to secure the band 213 to the disposable clamping means 200.When the end of the flexible strip 203 is engaged in the strip accepting slot 207, the protrusions 212 are slightly depressed so that when the protrusions 212 engage in the through holes . 204, the tension thereon is released, engaging the protrusions 212 in the slots 204 connecting the flexible band 213 to the disposable clamping means 200. In other embodiments, the through holes 204 may be indentations sized to accept protrusions 212.

[0119] An embodiment of the accessory mounting clamp means 228 as shown in [Fig.2C] includes an accessory mounting clamp means 215 comprising an upper arm 216 with a hole 220, a lower arm 217 with a threaded hole 221, a semicircular section 215 with a mounting arm 218 with a fin 230 plus a separator 223 with a through hole 224. A connecting rod 225 includes a threaded end 227 with a flat head on the end 226. The connecting rod 225 can be pushed into and through the hole 220 which is formed in the upper arm 216 and passed into the hole 222 of the separator 223 and out of the through hole 224, and be engaged in the threaded hole 221 in the lower arm 217, thereby securing the separator 223 by means of accessory mounting clamp 215.In this embodiment, the accessory mounting clamp means 215 is formed as a monolithic structure of plastic or metal, although it is understood that each of the component parts could be assembled by gluing, press-fitting, or welding these parts together in any combination. The divider 224, in this embodiment, is shown as a rectilinear block, although in other embodiments, it could be square, circular, semicircular, or a "t"-shaped monolith. The rail access channel 208 with the extension stabilizers 202 and 203 of the disposable clamp means 200 may be engaged with the mounting arm 218 while the mounting arm fin 230 may be engaged in the upper rim groove 231 of the accessory mounting clamp means 215.

[0120] [Fig. 3] shows another perspective view of an embodiment of a flexible band 313, a disposable drainage bag 321, a disposable clamping means 300, an accessory mounting clamping means 316, a separator 322, and a rod 326. The flexible band 313 is engaged in the sleeve 320 of the drainage bag 321. In this embodiment, the disposable clamping means 300 has an upper rim 305. The upper rim 305, the extension stabilizer 302, and the proximal surface of the wall of the clamping means 309 form the distal surface of the rail accepting channel 308. In this embodiment, an upper rim groove 334 is formed in a lower surface of the upper rim 305.

[0121] The stabilizing extension 302 of the upper flange 305 forms the upper surface of the rail accepting channel 308 while the lower flange 331 with the stabilizing extension 303 forms the lower surface of the rail accepting channel 308. In some embodiments, the threaded knob 301 engages and adjusts into a threaded hole (not shown) in the lower flange 331. When engaged in the rail accepting channel 308, the threaded knob 301 engages the accessory mounting arm 318 via the fin 315 in the rail accepting channel 308. In this embodiment, the flexible strip 313 has two notches 333 cut into its end, forming upper and lower teeth 300 with protrusions 312. The maximum distance between the protrusions 312 of "Z" is slightly larger than the height of the flexible strip accepting slot 307 of the disposable clamping means 300. As noted above, the term "slightly larger," as used herein, is intended to indicate about 0.01 inch to about 0.15 inch larger.When the end of the flexible strip 313 is engaged in the strip accepting slot 307 of the disposable clamping means 300, the protrusions 312 are depressed slightly creating tension such that the engagement of the protrusions 312 with holes 304 in the strip accepting slot 307 secures the disposable clamping means 300 to the flexible strip 313.

[0122] [Fig. 3] shows one embodiment of an accessory mounting clamping means 331 comprising an upper arm 316 with a hole 320, a lower arm 317 with a threaded hole 321, a semicircular section 319 with a mounting arm 318 with a fin 315, plus a separator 322 with a through hole 323. In this embodiment, although the separator 322, with a clamping means 324, is shown as a "t" shaped piece, it is understood that it could also be square, straight, spherical or semi-spherical, or other suitable shapes. The connecting rod 326 includes a threaded end 325 with a flat head on the end 327.The connecting rod 326 can be pushed into and through the hole 320 in the upper arm 316 and passed through the through hole 323, into the clamping means 324 of the separator 322 and outwardly through the hole to be engaged in the threaded hole 221 of the lower arm 217, thereby engaging the separator 323 with the accessory mounting clamping means 331.

[0123] In this embodiment, the "U"-shaped portion of the accessory mounting clamp means 331 is formed as a monolithic structure of plastic or metal, or both, although in some embodiments, the mounting clamp means 331 may be formed as a plurality of discrete component parts that are assembled together, for example, by gluing, press-fitting, or welding. The rail access channel 308 with the extension stabilizers 302 and 303 and the upper rim groove 334 of the disposable clamp means 300 may be engaged with the mounting arm 318 of the accessory mounting clamp means 331.

[0124] [Fig.4] illustrates an embodiment of a flexible band 400 fitted into a sleeve 412 of a disposable drainage bag 411 engaged in a means disposable clamp 401, which in turn is connected to an accessory mounting clamp means 413. In this embodiment, the flexible band 400 is fully engaged in the flexible band accepting slot 415. The flexible band has notches 420 cut into its end to form upper and lower teeth 421. Protrusions 414 are formed on the teeth 421. The distance "Z" between the protrusions 414 is slightly larger than the height of the band accepting slot 415 of the disposable clamp means 418. As noted above, the term "slightly larger," as used herein, indicates between about 0.10 and about 0.15 inches larger.

[0125] When the end of the flexible strip 400 is engaged in the strip accepting slot 415, the protrusions 414 are depressed slightly, creating tension such that the protrusions 414 are engaged in the through holes 402. The flexible strip 400 is thus attached to the disposable clamping means 418. An accessory mounting clamping means 413 includes an upper arm 406 with a hole 407, a lower arm 409 with a threaded hole 408 and a semicircular section 410 with an extension arm 405. The mounting arm 405 extends at right angles from the semicircular section 410. The rail accepting channel of the disposable clamping means 401 formed by the upper flange 418 with the stabilizing extension 404 and the lower flange 417 with the stabilizing extension 419 can be engaged with the mounting arm 405 of the accessory mounting clamping means 413.The threaded knob 416 can be engaged in a threaded hole in the lower flange 417 of the disposable clamping means 401, thereby securing the mounting arm 405 to the disposable clamping means 401 which, in turn, secures the accessory mounting clamping means 413 to the disposable clamping means 401.

[0126] [Fig. 5] illustrates an embodiment of the present teachings in which a mount 500 is attached to the proximal stirrup gas cylinder mounting bracket 502 as well as the disposable clamping means 509. A stirrup holder 501, which mounts the stirrup (not shown) to the surgical table (not shown), has a proximal stirrup gas cylinder mounting bracket 502 attached thereto. The accessory mounting clamping means 516 includes an upper arm 505 with a threaded hole 504, a semicircular section 506 with a right-angled mounting arm 507, and a lower arm 518 with a hole 510.By passing the rod 511 with the threaded end 512 and the flat head end 513 through the hole 520 in the lower arm 518 of the accessory mounting clamp 516 and into and through the hole 514 of the separator 503 so that the threaded end of the rod 511 engages the threaded hole 504 of the upper arm 505, the accessory mounting clamp 516 and the separator 503 can be connected around the proximal caliper gas cylinder mounting tab 502.

[0127] With the accessory mounting clamping means 516 connected to the separator 503, the surfaces of the upper arm 505, the semicircular section 506, the lower arm 518 and the separator 503 are fitted against the surface of the proximal caliper gas spring mounting tab 502. The disposable clamping means 509 can be engaged with the mounting arm 507 by securing it to the caliper gas cylinder mounting tab 502.

[0128] [Fig. 6] illustrates an enlarged view of one embodiment of a mount 602. The mount 602 includes a "t" shaped divider 603 with a clamping means 620a with a semicircular cutout 621, a fixing rod 605 with a threaded end 633 and a flat head end 632 and a through hole 604 plus an accessory holder clamping means 611, which includes an upper arm 607 with a threaded hole 617 and a lower arm 608 with a hole 604. In this embodiment, the clamping means 620 of the divider 603 with a semicircular cutout is shaped such that its surface clamps against the surface of the mounting tab 610, which is attached to the stirrup bracket 601, which mounts the stirrup (not shown) to the surgical table (not shown).

[0129] In this embodiment, the separator 603 is shown as a "t" shaped monolith, however, in other embodiments, the separator 603 could be square or straight, while the clamping means 620 could be straight, round or oblong in shape. The accessory mounting clamping means 611 includes an upper arm 607 with a threaded hole 617, a semi-circular section 616 and a lower arm 608 with a hole 618. In this embodiment, the accessory mounting clamping means 611 is shown as a monolith, but it could be made up of a number of discrete component parts that could be press-fitted, welded or glued together. The separator 603 may be made of plastic or metal or a combination of these materials, such as those listed above in connection with the previous embodiments.

[0130] The separator 603 has a through hole 604 in the clamping means 620 with a semicircular cutout 621 allowing the surface of the clamping means 620 to closely and intimately mate with the proximal surface of the proximal gas cylinder mounting tab 602. The accessory mounting clamping means 611 also includes a mounting arm 609. The disposable clamping means 630 has a rail accepting channel 622 formed by upper and lower stabilizing extensions 612 and 613 and the lower surface of the upper flange 626 and the upper surface of the lower flange 630, respectively. In this embodiment, the rail accepting channel 622 of the disposable clamping means 630 is engageable to the mounting arm 609 of the accessory mounting clamping means 611. The threaded hole 614 is formed in the upper flange 626, the threaded knob 625 being engageable therein. The mounting arm 609 of the accessory bracket 602 is engageable in the rail clamp acceptance channel 622 of the disposable clamp 630. When the threaded knob 625 is engaged in the threaded hole 614, the disposable clamp 630 is secured to the mounting arm of the reusable mount 602. In this embodiment, the threaded hole 614 is formed in the upper flange 626, but in other embodiments, it could be formed in a lower flange of the disposable clamp 630.

[0131] [Fig. 7] provides details of the connections between the surgical table side rail 712, the disposable clamping means 715, and the flexible band 701. The disposable clamping means 715 has an upper rim 704 with a lip 714, a lower rim 706 with a lip 716, a proximal clamp wall 718, an upper stabilizing extension 705, a lower stabilizing extension 708, and a band accepting slot 710 with through holes 703. This embodiment shows four through holes, but other embodiments could have at least two through holes. Still other embodiments could have at least two indentations in place of through holes. The lower rim 706 has a threaded hole 707 into which a threaded knob 709 can be engaged.A rail access channel 711 of the disposable clamping means 715 is formed from the proximal clamping means wall 718, the lower surface of the upper rim 704, the upper surface of the lower rim 706, the upper lip 714, the lower lip 716, the upper extension 705 and the lower extension 708.

[0132] The surgical table rail 712 may be engaged in the rail accepting channel 711 and the threaded knob 709 may be engaged in and through the threaded hole 707, securing the disposable clamping means 715 to the surgical table rail 712. A flexible strip 701 has notches 719 formed or cut into its end to form teeth 720. The teeth 720 have protrusions 702. This embodiment shows two protrusions formed on each of the teeth 720, but other embodiments may have one protrusion on each tooth while still other embodiments may have three or more protrusions. The distance "z" between the teeth 720 is slightly larger than the height of the tape accepting slot 710. The term "slightly larger" is defined as being between 0.10 and 0.15 inches larger.When the end of the flexible strip 701 is engaged in the strip accepting slot 710, the protrusions 702 are pressed in slightly. When the protrusions 702 are engaged in the holes 703 of the disposable clamping means 715, the flexible strip 701 is secured to the disposable clamping means 715.

[0133] [Fig. 8] provides details of a flexible band 807, a disposable drainage bag 810 with a sleeve 809, and a disposable clamping means 816. The disposable clamping means 816 has an upper rim 804 with a lip 811, a lower rim 812 with a lip 813, a proximal clamping means wall 814, an upper stabilizing extension 805, a lower stabilizing extension 806, and a band accepting slot 801 with through-holes 802. This embodiment shows four through-holes, but other embodiments could have at least two through-holes. Other embodiments could have at least two indentations in place of through-holes. The lower rim 812 has a threaded hole 803 into which a threaded knob 817 can be engaged. The end of the flexible strip 807 has two notches 819 cut therein, forming teeth 820 with protrusions 808.This embodiment shows two protrusions 808 formed in each tooth 820, but in other embodiments, tooth 820 may have one or more protrusions 808. The distance "z" is slightly larger than the height of the tape accepting slot 801. As noted above, the phrase "slightly larger" is intended to indicate that the distance "z" is larger than the height of the tape accepting slot 801 by an amount in a range of about 0.10 to 0.15 inches.

[0134] When the end of the flexible band 820 is engaged in the band accepting slot 801, the protrusions 808 are depressed slightly so that when the protrusions 808 are engaged in the holes 802 of the disposable clamping means 816, the flexible band 829 is secured to the disposable clamping means 816. The disposable drainage bag 810 has a sleeve 809 that can be fitted over the flexible band 807. The disposable drainage bag 810 and the sleeve 809 may be made of transparent plastic. A threaded tube 815 is attached to the bottom of the drainage bag 810 to allow fluid to flow into the fluid collection reservoir (not shown).

[0135] [Fig. 9] illustrates certain aspects of an embodiment of an accessory mounting mechanism attached to a projection extending from surgical equipment, particularly a lithotomy stirrup. It includes the distal surface of a clamping means 903 of a separator 906 that fits tightly against the proximal surface of the stirrup gas cylinder mounting tab 902, which is attached to the stirrup mounting bracket 901. The proximal surface of the accessory mounting clamping means 905 fits tightly against the upper, lower, and distal surface of the stirrup gas cylinder tab 902. The flexible band 910 is attached to the disposable clamping means 909, which, in turn, is attached to the accessory mounting mechanism mounting arm (not shown).

[0136] The [Fig. 10] shows a cutaway view of the disposable clamping means 1000 with an upper rim 1010 and a lower rim 1011, a lower lip 1005 and an upper lip 1002, a wall of the clamping means 1001 with an inner wall 1017, a strip accepting slot 1006 with a flexible strip 1012 engaged in said slot with a lower tooth protrusion 1009 and an upper tooth protrusion 1013 of the flexible strip 1012 engaged in the through holes 1014 and 1013. A rail accepting channel 1021 is formed by an upper rim 1010, a lower rim 1011, a lower lip 1005, an upper lip 1002 and an inner wall 1017 of the disposable clamping means 1000. A rail accepting groove ... upper rim 1019 is cut or formed into the lower surface of the upper rim 1010.The accessory mounting arm 1004 is shown engaged in the rail accepting channel while a fin 1020 is engaged in the upper flange groove 1019. The threaded knob 1015 is engaged in and through the threaded hole 1016 of the lower flange 1011 securing the mounting arm 1004 by means of the disposable clamp 1000.

[0137] Figures 1 1A and 1 1B illustrate a cutaway view of one embodiment of the disposable clamping means 1100 with an upper rim 1102, a lower rim 1107, an upper lip projection 1103 with an engaging surface 1115, a lower lip projection 1105, an upper rim groove 1104, a proximal clamping means wall 1115 with a notch 1116 constituting a rail accepting channel 1101. In one embodiment, the rail accepting channel 1101 has a width "Z", e.g., of about 0.4 inches. In some embodiments, the upper surface of notch 1116 is a distance "N" from the lower edge of engagement surface 1115, and in some embodiments, N may be about 0.125 inches.The disposable clamping means 1100 has a tape accepting slot 1109 with slot through holes 1110 and a threaded hole 1111 in the lower flange 1107 with the threaded knob 1112. In this embodiment, the centerline "E" of the threaded hole 1111 in the lower flange 1107 is offset from the centerline "E" of the disposable clamping means 1110 by a distance "Q". The width of a rail 1114 is less than the width of the rail accepting channel 1101 by an amount "R", and in some embodiments, "R" may be about 0.15 inches, and the width "Y" of the groove 1114 formed in the lower surface of the upper flange 1102 may be about 0.25 inches. When fully engaged in the threaded hole 1111, the threaded knob 1112 pushes upward on the table rail 1114 with the width "Y" in the groove 1104.

[0138] Figures 12 and 13 show embodiments that allow additional instruments to be secured to the surgical table in positions other than surgical table rails. [Fig. 12] illustrates an embodiment of the present teachings in which the stirrup holder 1201 is attached to the proximal stirrup gas cylinder mounting tab 1202 of a stirrup holder 1200. The stirrup holder 1201, which mounts the stirrup (not shown) to the surgical table (not shown), for example to a rail of a surgical table, has a proximal stirrup gas cylinder mounting tab 1202 attached thereto. The mounting bracket 1201 of the mount 1200 may be attached to an accessory clamping means 1216. See Figures 17A, 17B and 17C for details of mounting such a blade accessory to a surgical table. The accessory mounting clamp 1216 includes an upper arm 1205 with a hole 1214, a semicircular section 1206 with a right-angled mounting arm 1207, and a lower arm 1218 with a hole 1214.By passing the rod 1211 with a flat head end 1213 through the hole 1214 in the lower arm 1218 of the accessory mounting clamp 1216 and into and through the hole 1214 such that one end of the rod 1211 passes through the hole 1214 of the upper arm 1205, a cap 1230 can then be permanently attached to the upper end of the rod 1211, thereby securing the rod 1211 to the accessory mounting clamp 1216 with the separator 1203 connected around the proximal caliper gas cylinder mounting tab 1202. In another embodiment, a rod 1211, or other suitable fastener, can be used to secure the upper arm 1205 to the lower arm 1218 without using a separator. Examples of suitable fasteners include a bolt, other suitable fasteners could include, but are not limited to, a threaded screw or a bolt with a key.An accessory clamping means (not shown) may be attached to a disposable clamping means / mounting arm 1207 while instruments or accessories (not shown) may be secured to the accessory clamping means. Examples of instruments and accessories include a drainage bag 101, instruments including goggles, retractors, clamping means, arm supports, and anesthesia shields.

[0139] [Fig. 13] illustrates yet another embodiment of the present teachings in which a mount 1300 is attached to a proximal stirrup gas cylinder support leg 1302. A stirrup bracket 1301, which mounts the stirrup (not shown) to the surgical table (not shown), has a proximal stirrup gas cylinder mounting leg 1302 attached thereto. The accessory mounting clamp means 1316 includes an upper arm 1305 with a hole 1314, a semicircular section 1306 with a right-angled mounting arm 1307, and a lower arm 1318 with a hole 1314. By passing the rod 1311 with a flat head end 1313 through the hole 1314 in the lower arm 1318 of the accessory mounting clamp means 1316 and into the through hole 1314 so that the end of the rod 1311 with a pin hole 1340 passes through the hole 1314 of the upper arm 1305, by placing the key 1342 in the pin hole 1340 and by placing the securing pin 1343 in the key hole 1342, the accessory mounting clamp means 1316 becomes secured to the separator 1303 connected around the proximal caliper gas cylinder mounting tab 1302. An accessory clamp means (not shown) may be attached to the mounting arm 1307, while instruments (not shown) may be secured in an accessory clamp means (not shown). A fin 1350 may be included in the upper portion of the accessory mounting clamp means 1316. To provide a more secure connection.In another embodiment, a rod 1355, or other suitable fastener, may be used to secure an upper portion of the mount 1300 to a lower portion of the mount 1300 without using a separator, as shown in the lower left portion of [Fig. 13].

[0140] [Fig. 14A] and [Fig. 14B] illustrate one embodiment of the surgical table accessory rail clamping means 1450 having an accessory mounting arm 1418 formed in a distal surface 1453 with a fin 1415, on which an accessory can be mounted. In this embodiment, a surgical table rail accessory clamping means 1450, an accessory mounting arm 1418 with a fin 1415 may be formed as a monolithic structure of plastic or metal although it is understood that each of the component parts could be assembled by gluing, press-fitting, or welding these parts together in any combination.In other embodiments, a mounting tab 1402 may be formed in the side surface 1454 of the surgical table accessory rail clamp 1450, allowing the accessory mounting clamp 1416 to removably attach to the clamp 1450. The mounting arm 1418A with the fin 1415A is formed in an accessory mounting clamp 1416 with a circular section 1406. A hole 1415 with a threaded end 1414 is formed through the lower arm 1408 and the upper arm 1405 of the mounting accessory mounting clamp 1416. A bolt 1411 with a threaded end 1412 may be engaged in the hole 1415 with the threaded end 1414 of the upper arm 1405, thereby securing the accessory mounting clamp means 1416 to mounting bracket 1402 of surgical table accessory rail clamp means 1450.Other embodiments of the bolt 1411 could include a keying method of securing the bolt 1411 and thus securing the accessory mounting clamp means 1416 to the mounting tab 1402. The rail access channel of the disposable clamp means with stabilizers (not shown) may be engaged and secured to the accessory mounting arm 1418A with a fin 1415A. In this embodiment, a means of . rail clamp 1450 with a clamping knob 1452 has an accessory blade accepting slot 1451 formed in its upper surface 1455 for accepting the surgical accessory mounting blade 1453. The accepting slot 1451 may be any type of opening, such as a round opening, an oval opening, a straight opening, etc. The knob 1452 has a threaded stud 1466 that can be screwed into and through a hole (not shown) in a front surface 1480 of the accessory clamping means 1450, thereby securing the accessory blade 1453 to the rail clamping means 1450. Further tightening of the knob 1452 in turn pushes against the surgical table side rail 1468, securing said clamping means to the surgical table (not shown). Channel 1462 may be formed in a proximal side surface of button 1452 and may be sized to accept surgical table side rail 1464.In other embodiments, the rail clamping means 1450 may have an accessory round post accepting hole formed in its upper surface 1455 for accepting an accessory mounting post (not shown). In still other embodiments, the rail clamping means 1450 may have both a blade accepting slot and an accessory round post accepting hole formed in the upper surface 1455.

[0141] [Fig. 15] illustrates yet another aspect of the present disclosure. The surgical table 1575 has a surgical table side rail 1568 attached to the surgical table by brackets (not shown). The accessory mounting blade 1553 may be inserted into the accessory slot 1551 formed in an upper surface 1555 of a surgical table accessory rail clamping means 1550 and secured to the clamping means by means of a clamping knob 1552 which may have a threaded screw (not shown) attached thereto. The surgical table accessory rail clamping means 1550 includes an accessory mounting arm 1518 formed or attached in its distal end, as illustrated in [Fig. 15]. The accessory mounting arm 1518 may include a fin 1515.The accessory mounting arm 1518 and fin 1515 may be formed as a monolithic structure made of plastic or metal although it is understood that each of the component parts could be assembled by gluing, press-fitting, or welding these parts together in any combination, and is attached to the distal end of the surgical table rail accessory clamping means 1550. The rail access channel of the disposable clamping means 1516 with stabilizers may be engaged and secured to the accessory mounting arm 1518 with the fin 1515. In this embodiment, the surgical table accessory rail clamping means 1550 includes a clamping knob 1552. In other embodiments, the rail clamping means 1550 may have a round accessory post accepting hole formed in its upper surface 1555 for accepting a post. accessory mounting (not shown). In still other embodiments, the rail clamping means 1550 may have both a blade accepting slot and an accessory round post accepting hole formed in the upper surface 1555. Bolts 1583 may be used to secure the mounting arm 1518 with the fin 1515 to the accessory clamping means 1550. A disposable clamping means 1501 may be removably attached to the mounting arm 1518 of the accessory clamping means 1550.

[0142] The [Fig. 16] illustrates one embodiment of a surgical table accessory rail clamp means 1650 including a rail accepting channel 1680, a knob 1652, and an accessory blade accepting slot 1651 formed in and through a top surface 1655 that can accept a surgical accessory blade mount 1653, and threaded holes 1684. A channel 1680 is formed in and through the distal surface 1690 of the accessory clamp means 1650. A mounting arm 1618 with a fin 1615 can be attached to the surgical table accessory rail clamp means 1650 by passing threaded bolts 1681 through holes 1683 in the mounting arm 1618 and into threaded holes 1684 formed in the clamp means 1650. The knob 1652 to which a threaded stud (not shown) is attached may be screwed into a hole (not shown) formed in the front surface of the accessory clamping means 1650.A cutout 1692 may be formed in the proximal end of the accessory clamping means 1650. Holes 1684 may be formed in the front surface 1694 of the cutout 1692. The mounting arm 1618 has a horizontal portion 1694 and a vertical portion 1696. The holes 1683 may be formed in a vertical portion 1696 of the mounting arm 1618. Threaded bolts 1681 may be fitted into the holes 1683 securing the mounting arm 1618 to the accessory clamping means 1650.

[0143] In other embodiments, a surgical table rail clamp means 1650 may have an accessory round post accepting hole formed in its upper surface 1655 for accepting an accessory mounting post (not shown). In still other embodiments, the rail clamp means 1650 may have both a blade accepting slot and an accessory round post accepting hole formed in the upper surface 1655 of the surgical table accessory rail clamp means 1650.

[0144] Figures 17A, 17B, and 17C show a bladed leg support stirrup accessory mounted via an accessory clamping means 1750 to a surgical table side rail 1768 of a surgical table 1755. A portion of a stirrup 1746 is shown with an actuation joint 1783 that allows distal actuation and multiplanar movement of the stirrup using the action of a distal handle (not shown) at the distal end (not shown) of the stirrup. A tube of bracket 1785, to which a leg support boot (not shown) may be attached, is connected to the actuating joint 1783. The actuating joint 1783 may be attached to the blade mount 1753 by bolts 1781. A stirrup gas cylinder 1787 may be attached to a mounting blade 1753 via a mounting tab 1702 formed in or attached to the mounting blade 1753. The accessory clamping means 1750 has a channel 1780 (see [Fig. 17C]) that is sized to accept a surgical table rail 1768. The surgical table rail 1768 may be attached to the surgical table 1775 by brackets 1791. The accessory clamping means 1750 has a receiving slot 1751 formed in and through the upper surface 1755 (see [Fig. 17B]). The mounting blade 1753 has a lower mounting tang 1795 which can be fitted into and through the receiving slot 1751 of the accessory clamping means 1750.A threaded screw 1762 may be attached to the knob 1752 and may be adjusted and screwed into a through hole (not shown) formed in and through the front surface of the accessory clamping means 1750. By screwing the threaded screw 1762 into and through a hole (not shown) in a front surface of the accessory clamping means 1750, the lower mounting tang 1795 of the mounting blade 1753 may be secured to the accessory clamping means 1750, which in turn secures the accessory clamping means 1750 to the surgical table side rail 1768 and thus to the surgical table 1775.

[0145] Although certain illustrative embodiments are described in detail above, numerous embodiments, variations, and modifications are possible that would be within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

Claims

1. A mount configured to attach to a mounting leg (502, 602, 902, 1202, 1302, 1402, 1702), particularly a proximal mounting leg, the mount comprising: an accessory mounting clamping means (215, 316, 331, 413, 516, 611, 905, 1216, 1316, 1416, 1750) comprising a mounting arm (218, 318, 405, 507, 609, 1207, 1307, 1418, 1418A, 1518, 1618) extending from the accessory mounting clamping means; and a separator (223, 322, 503, 603, 906, 1203, 1303) including a hole (224, 323, 514, 604) extending through the separator, through which a rod can be passed to secure the separator to the accessory mounting clamp means, thereby connecting the accessory mounting clamp means to the mounting tab.

2. A mount configured to attach to a mounting leg (502, 602, 902, 1202, 1302, 1402, 1702), the mount comprising: an accessory mounting clamp means (215, 316, 331, 413, 516, 611, 905, 1216, 1316, 1416, 1750) comprising a mounting arm (218, 318, 405, 507, 609, 1207, 1307, 1418, 1418A, 1518, 1618) extending from the accessory mounting clamp means; and a fastener (511, 605, 1211, 1311, 1342, 1343, 1355) for connecting the accessory mounting clamping means to the mounting bracket.

3. The mount of claim 1, wherein the accessory mounting clamping means comprises an upper arm (216, 316, 406, 505, 607, 905, 1205, 1305, 1405) having a hole (220, 320, 407, 504, 520, 604, 617, 905, 1214, 1305, 1314, 1414) formed therein, semicircular section (215, 319, 410, 506, 616, 905, 1206, 1306, 1406), and a lower arm (217, 317, 409, 518, 608, 905, 1218, 1318, 1408) having a hole (221, 321, 408, 510, 604, 618, 905, 1214, 1305, 1314, 1415) formed therein.

4. A mount according to claim 1, wherein the mounting tab, in particular the proximal mounting tab (502), is arranged on a stirrup support (00A, 00B, 501, 601, 901, 1201, 1301).

5. The mount of claim 1, wherein the separator (603) includes a semicircular cutout (621) that is configured to mate with a proximal surface of the support leg (602).

6. The mount of claim 1, wherein the support arm (218, 318, 405, 507, 609, 1207, 1307, 1418, 1418A, 1518, 1618) is configured to attach to a disposable clamping means (200, 300, 401, 418, 509, 630, 715, 816, 909, 1000, 1100, 1516) on which an accessory can be mounted.

7. The mount of claim 6, wherein the disposable clamping means (200, 300, 401, 418, 509, 630, 715, 816, 909, 1000, 1100, 1516) includes a rail accepting channel (208, 308, 308, 415, 622, 711, 801, 1021, 1101) that is configured to engage the mounting arm.

8. The mount of claim 1, further comprising a cap (1230) that attaches to the upper end of the rod (1211) to secure the rod to the accessory holder clamp (1216).

9. The mount of claim 1, further comprising a key (1342) that is configured to extend through a hole (1340) formed in the rod (1311) to secure the accessory mounting clamping means (1316) to the separator (1303), thereby securing the accessory mounting clamping means to the proximal mounting tab (1302).

10. The mount of claim 9, further comprising a securing pin (1343) that secures the key (1342) to the rod (1311).

11. A mount according to claim 1, wherein the accessory mounting clamping means is a monolith.

12. A mount according to claim 1, wherein the accessory mounting clamping means is comprised of discrete parts.

13. A mechanism for attaching a first accessory to a second accessory attached to a surgical table comprising: an accessory attachment clamping means (516, 602, 905, 1200, 1300) configured to engage a proximal attachment tab (502, 902, 1202, 1302), the accessory attachment clamping means having a hole (504, 510, 514, 520, 604, 617, 618, 906) formed therein; a mounting arm (507, 609, 1207, 1307) disposed adjacent the accessory mounting clamping means; a separator (503, 603, 906, 1203, 1303) connectable to the accessory mounting clamp means; and a rod (511, 605, 1211, 1311) configured to pass through holes formed in an upper portion and a lower portion of the accessory mounting clamp means and configured to pass through holes formed in the separator, thereby connecting the separator and the accessory mounting clamp means around the proximal mounting tab.

14. A mechanism for attaching a first accessory to a second accessory attached to a surgical table comprising: an accessory mounting clamp means (1300) configured to engage a proximal mounting leg (1302), the accessory mounting clamp means having a hole (1314, 1340) formed therein; a mounting arm (1307) disposed adjacent the accessory mounting clamp means; and a fastener (1355) for connecting the accessory mounting clamp means to the proximal mounting leg.

15. A mechanism according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the second accessory is a leg support (2A, 02B, 1746).

16. A mechanism according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the first accessory is a surgical pouch (101, 214, 321, 411, 810).

17. A mechanism according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the mounting arm (507, 609, 1207, 1307) is configured to attach to a disposable clamping means (509, 630) on which the accessory can be mounted.

18. The mechanism of claim 17, wherein the disposable clamping means (509, 630) comprises a rail accepting channel (622) that is configured to engage the mounting arm (507, 609, 1307).

19. An accessory clamping means (1450, 1550, 1650, 1750) configured to be secured to a surgical table rail of a surgical table, comprising: an accessory slot (1451, 1551, 1651, 1751) configured to receive a mounting member (1453, 1553, 1653, 1753); a channel (1462, 1680, 1780) formed therein, configured for attachment to the surgical table rail; and an accessory mounting arm (1418, 1518, 1618, 1702) formed in the distal surface of the accessory clamping means, on which an accessory can be mounted.

20. The accessory clamping means of claim 19, wherein the accessory mounting arm (1418, 1518, 1618) comprises an extended portion, and the extended portion comprises a fin (1415, 1515, 1615).

21. The accessory clamping means of claim 19, wherein the accessory clamping means (1416) comprises an upper arm (1405), a lower arm (1408), a circular portion (1406) and a rod configured to secure an adapter, particularly the accessory clamping means (1416), to the mounting tab (1402).

22. The accessory clamp means configured to be secured to a surgical table rail of a surgical table, comprising: an accessory slot (1551, 1651) configured to receive a mounting member (1553, 1653); a channel formed in the accessory clamp means configured for attachment to the surgical table rail; and a mounting arm (1518, 1618) attached to the accessory clamp means and configured to receive a disposable clamp means mounted thereon.

23. The accessory clamping means of claim 22, wherein the mounting arm (1518, 1618) comprises an extended portion.

24. The accessory clamping means of claim 23, wherein the extended portion comprises a fin (1515, 1615).

25. The accessory clamping means of claim 22, wherein the mounting arm (1618) includes a cutout portion (1692) for receiving an upper portion of the mounting arm (1618).

26. The accessory clamping means of claim 22, wherein the mounting arm (1618) includes holes (1684) formed therein to receive bolts (1681) that are configured to secure the mounting arm (1618) to the accessory clamping means (1650).

27. The accessory clamping means of claim 22, further comprising a knob (1452, 1552, 1652) configured to securing the mounting element (1553, 1653) by means of accessory clamps (1450, 1550, 1650).

28. The accessory clamping means of claim 19 or 22, wherein the accessory clamping means extends at least partially around a proximal mounting tab (1302).

29. The accessory clamping means of claim 19, further comprising a leg (1402) and an accessory mounting clamping means (1416) configured to attach to the leg (1402), wherein an accessory mounting adapter, particularly the accessory mounting clamping means (1416), comprises an extended portion configured to accept an accessory.

30. The accessory clamping means according to claim 19 or 22, wherein the mounting member is an accessory blade (1453, 1553, 1653, 1753).

Images