System and device for providing lift assistance for surgical treatment

Abstract

To provide a system and device for providing lift assistance to a boom or joint-type body support without hindering the radiation permeability of the boom or joint-type body support below the hip joint, trochanter, or thighbone of a patient.SOLUTION: A system and a device oriented in a compact manner provides lift assistance to a boom of a surgery table for surgery related to a hip or leg or an orthopedic surgical treatment related to a lower extremity in general. The compact device does not hinder the radiation permeability of a boom below the hip joint, trochanter, or thighbone of a patient.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1A

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Priority This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 62 / 817,483 of the same title, filed Mar. 12, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This application relates generally to systems and devices used in surgical procedures, and more particularly to systems and devices for providing lift assistance for hip-related surgery or orthopedic procedures of the lower extremity. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] The present invention relates to systems and devices that provide lift assistance to beams or articulating limb supports below a patient's hip joint, trochanter, or femur without interfering with radiolucency of such beams or articulating limb supports. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] The exemplary embodiments described herein have innovative features, no single one of which is essential or solely responsible for its desirable attributes. Without limiting the scope of the claims, some of the more advantageous features will now be summarized.

[0005] The inventive concepts disclosed herein provide superior control and access to the surgical site to assist in the movement of structures for numerous orthopedic surgical procedures, including, but not limited to, Anterior Approach Total Hip Arthroplasty (AATHA), fracture reduction, hip fractures, tibia fractures, acetabular and pelvic fractures, femur fractures, thoracic and lumbar spine, hip arthroscopy and resurfacing. The systems and devices provide an improved imaging field with an unobstructed view and offer intuitive, ergonomic controls designed for the safety of both patient and staff to support simple, assisted joint movement while facilitating positioning requirements for a variety of patient types.

[0006] The systems and devices disclosed herein are oriented in a compact manner with components distal to the beam that is proximal to the patient's hip joint. Those skilled in the art will understand that references to beams herein may equally refer to or correspond to, for example, an articulating limb support or an articulating lower limb support. Such a compact design does not obstruct radiolucency of the beam below the patient's hip joint, trochanter, or femur. Additionally, the compact design includes a swing arm that further supports articulation of the beam and associated limb.

[0007] These and other objects, features, and characteristics of the present disclosure, as well as the method of operation and function of the associated elements of structure and combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description and appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part hereof, and in which like reference numerals indicate corresponding parts in the various views. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure. As used in the specification and claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] Disclosed aspects are hereinafter described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are provided to illustrate, but not to limit, the disclosed aspects, and in which like numerals refer to like elements. [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 is a side view of a system including an operating table and a leg support beam apparatus according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 1B] 1B is a side view of a patient on the operating table shown in FIG. 1A with the patient's limbs connected to a leg support beam device for performing a surgical procedure on the patient. [Figure 2] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a lift assist device used with an operating table such as that shown in FIG. 1A to provide lift assistance to beams supporting a patient's limbs during a surgical procedure. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is another perspective view of the lift assist device connected to the girder mount assembly as shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is another perspective view of the lift assist device connected to the girder mount assembly as shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 5A] ~ [Figure 5C] 10 illustrates different operating positions of a lift assist device not connected to a girder mount assembly in accordance with an example embodiment. [Figure 6A] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a lift assist device connected to a surgical table according to an example embodiment. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is an enlarged view of the lift assist device shown in FIG. 6A. [Figure 7A] ~ [Figure 7C] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of engaging a spar with a spar mount assembly to lock it in place in accordance with an example embodiment; [Figure 8] ~ [Figure 12] 1 shows a perspective view of an apparatus according to another example embodiment. [Figure 13] ~ [Figure 15] 10 illustrates how a girder is engaged with a girder mount assembly, the girder being connected to a lift assist device as shown in either FIGS. 2-3 or 8, and the girder mount assembly being connected to an operating table. [Figure 16] ~ [Figure 20] 10A-10C show different perspective views of the brake handles connected to each girder, the user grips, and the lift assist device connected to the articulation joint. [Figure 21] ~ [Figure 24] 1A-B, 2-3 or 8 show different perspective views of a system in which each girder is connected to a lift assist device as shown in either FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Various aspects of the novel systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein are described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to any specific structure or function presented throughout this disclosure. Rather, these aspects are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Based on the teachings herein, those skilled in the art will understand that the scope of the disclosure is intended to cover any aspect of the novel systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein, whether implemented independently of or in combination with any other aspect of the disclosure. For example, an apparatus can be implemented or a method can be practiced using any number of the aspects described herein. In addition, the scope of the disclosure is intended to cover such devices or methods implemented using other structure, functionality, or structure and functionality in addition to or other than the various aspects of the disclosure described herein. It should be understood that any aspect disclosed herein can be embodied by one or more elements of a claim.

[0010] While particular embodiments are described herein, many variations and permutations of these embodiments fall within the scope of the present disclosure. While certain benefits and advantages of preferred embodiments are described, the scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to particular benefits, applications, and / or purposes. The detailed description and drawings are merely illustrative of the present disclosure, rather than limiting, the scope of the present disclosure being defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0011] While some aspects of the present disclosure are described in terms of specific sequences of method steps, it will be recognized that these descriptions are merely illustrative of the broader methods of the present disclosure and can be modified as needed for particular applications. Some steps may be unnecessary or optional under some circumstances. Additionally, some steps or functionality may be added to the disclosed embodiments, or the order of performance of two or more steps may be rearranged. All such variations are considered to be encompassed within the disclosure as disclosed and claimed herein.

[0012] While the present disclosure has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description is to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive. The present disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Variations to the disclosed embodiments and / or implementations can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed disclosure, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.

[0013] 1A-1B illustrate one embodiment of a system including an operating table with at least one girder connected thereto. Those skilled in the art will understand that references to a girder herein may equally refer to or correspond to, for example, an articulating limb support or an articulating lower limb support. As shown in FIG. 1B, a patient undergoing a particular procedure will have their legs placed in traction boots 1, 2, each connected to a respective girder. Further, as shown in FIGS. 1A-1B, the system includes brake handles 3, 4, user grips 5, 6, and articulation joints 7, 8, each connected to a respective girder. As shown, at least two girder are shown extending from the operating table, each with its own respective brake handle, user grip, and articulation joint. The open boot design allows for sustained traction throughout the procedure for a variety of foot sizes. A conveniently located ratchet provides quick and secure placement as well as support for the heel strap. The quick-release ratchet allows for easy removal of the patient's foot from the traction boot 1, 2, and the screw lock allows for easy attachment and detachment of the traction boot 1, 2 from the traction device, thereby providing a system that provides easy articulation. This system allows one person to control the sliding, traction, and rotation of the traction boot 1, 2 with one hand and the smooth movement of the leg strut with the other. This allows for complete focus on the patient and a full range of motion without interference from the equipment. The articulation joints 7, 8 can be tubular structures that provide fine traction and rotation of the traction boot 1, 2 around the patient's tibia.

[0014] The system and device shown in FIGS. 1A-1B provide nearly limitless, confident positioning options, all with two hands, that create an optimal vantage point for the surgeon. The system and device include safety locks that engage when the spar brake handles 3, 4 are engaged to prevent and avoid uncontrolled or unintended movement. In other words, the user can engage or activate the brake handles 3, 4 to lock each spar 111 in place relative to the operating table. Similarly, the rotational axes can be unlocked, rotated, and then relocked via knobs on top of the traction joints 7, 8. In some embodiments, the fine traction automatically locks into place when the user adjusts it by rotating a non-rearward-driveable lead screw using the handle at the distal end of the traction assembly. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that activation of the brake handles 3, 4 to lock the spar in place can be either manual or automatic. .

[0015] One embodiment of the lift-assist device 100 will now be discussed in detail with reference to Figures 2-4. The lift-assist device 100 can be used with the system 1000 shown in Figures 1A-1B, just as the lift-assist device 100 can be used with the operating table and girder shown in Figures 1A-1B above. The lift-assist device 100 assists a user or operating technician in lifting a girder 111, whether or not a patient's limb is attached. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the device 100 that can be used with the operating table shown in Figure 1A for the purpose of providing lift assistance to a girder supporting a patient's limb during a surgical procedure. The device 100 includes a spring device 101, a swing arm 104, a joint mount 102, a joint housing 106, and a mount connector 112 (shown in Figure 5A) that engages or is received within an opening or cavity in the girder mount assembly 103.

[0016] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that spring device 101 can be a flexible, resilient device or a rigid device, which can include reciprocating pumps, gas or air compressors and pneumatic cylinders, magnetic pumps, tension / extension springs, compression springs, torsion springs, wire / coil springs, leaf springs, and other similar mechanisms. Spring device 101 can transfer force from expanding gas or air in a cylinder via a piston rod, connecting rod, helical spring, coiled, uncoiled, or leaf spring, or other cylindrically shaped device capable of transferring stored mechanical energy between components. Alternatively, spring device 101 can include a hydraulic mechanism that operates through hydraulic force, where mechanical movement is generated by a contained, pumped liquid through a cylinder that moves a piston.

[0017] In some embodiments, the spring device 101 is preloaded with a force of at least 450 pounds (lbs) when in the extended position (shown in FIGS. 5B-C). In other embodiments, the spring device 101 can be preloaded with a force between 450 and 685 pounds (lbs) when transitioning between the fully extended and fully compressed positions. When the spring device 101 is compressed, this force increases by at least 1.52 times to a maximum of 685 lbs. In yet other embodiments, the spring device 101 can be preloaded with a force between 250 and 800 pounds (lbs). Due to the nature of the force provided by the spring device 101, the spring device 101 reduces the effort required to lift the beam 111 supporting the patient's leg by at least 50%. In other embodiments, the spring device 101 reduces the effort required to lift the beam 111 supporting the patient's leg by between 43% and 72%. In yet another embodiment, the spring device 101 reduces the effort required to lift the beam 111 supporting the patient's leg by between 20% and over 100%.

[0018] 2 and 3, the first joint, represented by the joint housing 106 and ball member 108, and the second joint, represented by the ball member 101-1 and spring joint housing 105, are shown as ball-and-socket joints. For example, the joint housing 106 includes a cavity, as shown in FIGS. 2-3, configured to receive the ball member 108 extending from the joint mount 102. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the second joint connecting the spring device 101 and the joint housing 106 includes the same degrees of freedom as the first joint and / or the girder 111. However, the first and second joints can also be other types of joints, including planar joints, hinge joints, pivot joints, condylar joints, saddle joints, or ball-and-socket joints. These joints can include any combination of the aforementioned joints to achieve one, two, or more degrees of freedom.

[0019] In some embodiments, the device 100 comprises a proximal end 100A (relative to the spar 111) and a distal end 100B. As shown in FIG. 2, the joint housing 106 is at the proximal end 100A of the device 100 (connected to the spar 111), and the joint mount 102 is at the distal end 100B of the device 100. The joint mount 102 further comprises a mount connector 112 (shown in FIGS. 5A-5C) extending distally from the joint mount 102. The joint mount 102 is connected to the joint housing 106 comprising the first joint. In addition to these features, the device 100 comprises a spring device 101 disposed below and extending from the joint mount 102 to the joint housing 106. That is, the spring device 101 extends from around the proximal end 100A of the device 100 to the distal end 100B of the device 100.

[0020] In one embodiment, the mount connector 112 is configured to connect with the spar mount assembly 103 and maintain alignment of the joint mount 102 and spring device 101 with the spar mount assembly 103 while the joint housing 106 transitions between the first and second positions and when the spar 111 moves in at least two degrees of freedom.

[0021] The spring device 101 has a first end and a second end. The first end of the spring device 101 is coupled to a joint housing 106 by a second joint comprising a spring joint housing 105 and a ball member 101-1. The second end of the spring device 101 is coupled to a joint mount 102. The spring device 101 is further configured to actuate the joint housing 106 between a first position (shown in FIG. 5A ) and a second position (shown in FIG. 5B ). As shown, the first position corresponds to a compressed position of the spring device 101, and the second position corresponds to an extended position of the spring device 101. In one embodiment, the first and second joints include ball joints or at least one degree of rotation joint, and the joint housing 106 provides at least two degrees of freedom for the girder 111.

[0022] 2, spring device 101 is coupled to a swing arm 104 at a distal end 100B of device 100 and to a spring joint housing 105 at a proximal end 100A of device 100. Spring joint housing 105 is connected to and extends from joint housing 106. Swing arm 104, in turn, is connected to arm 109, which is in turn connected to joint mount 102, as further discussed below in connection with FIGS. In some embodiments, the swing arm 104 includes a first end and a second end, the first end of the swing arm 104 is attached to the second end of the spring device 101, and the second end of the swing arm 104 is attached to the joint mount 102 via an arm, and the swing arm 104 is operable from a non-extended position when the joint housing 106 is between its first and second positions to an extended position when the joint housing 106 reaches a third position, and the joint housing 106 reaches the third position when the swing arm 104 reaches the extended position and the spring device 101 reaches the extended position.

[0023] 3, there is shown another perspective view of the lift assist device 100 connected to the girder mount assembly 103, as shown in FIG. 2. Further details shown in FIG. 3 include the ball member 108, latch 107, and lever 110 (discussed further with respect to FIG. 4). As noted above, the joint mount 102 is connected to or mated with the joint housing 106. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the joint housing 106 includes a cavity therein that receives the ball member 108 extending from the joint mount 102. Such ball member 108 rides in a locking cup (not shown) and is received in the cavity of the joint housing 106, allowing the joint housing 106 to pivot vertically, as shown in FIGS. 5A-5C, thereby allowing the girder 111 (shown in FIGS. 6A-6B) to move relative to the ground. In addition to achieving vertical displacement from a surface to a specific height above the ground, the beam 111 can pivot horizontally. In other words, the spherical ball member 108 rides on a fixed cup at the proximal end of the joint housing 106. The joint housing 106 also includes a floating brake cup (not shown) proximal to the beam 111. The floating brake cup is linearly adjustable. The spherical ball member 108 is coupled to the joint mount 102, which in turn mates with the beam mount assembly 103. The joint housing 106 is configured to be connected to the distal end of the beam 111. The beam 111 can support at least one limb of a patient during a surgical procedure. The spring device 101 and the joint mount 102 are distal to the joint housing 106 relative to the beam 111.

[0024] Vertical movement of the joint housing 106 results in lift assistance for the user by exerting a vertical force on the girder 111. Such functionality is achieved by having a spring device 101 attached to the joint mount 102 act against the joint housing 106, causing the girder 111 to lift upward as the joint housing 106 rotates or pivots about a ball member 108 located in a cavity formed in the joint housing 106. This lift creates a reaction force that at least partially neutralizes the applied moment load on the girder 111 itself, with or without the additional weight of the patient.

[0025] In one embodiment, further shown in FIG. 3, a spring joint housing 105 extends from the joint housing 106 and connects with the spring device 101, with a ball member 101-1 extending from the spring device 101 mating with the spring joint housing 105. This mating configuration allows the joint housing 106 to move between different positions as the spring device 101 is actuated from a compressed position (i.e., a first position) to an intermediate position (i.e., a second position), and finally to a fully extended position (i.e., a third position), as shown in FIGS. 5A-5C. As shown in FIG. 3, the ball member 101-1 is received within a cavity formed in the spring joint housing 105, which allows the spring joint housing 105 to pivot, which in turn pivots the joint housing 106 relative to a ball member 108 received within the cavity therein. FIG. 3 further shows a latch 107, which is connected to an arm 109, which is in turn connected to the joint mount 102. These features are discussed further below with reference to FIG.

[0026] Referring now to FIG. 4, another perspective view of one embodiment of device 100 connected to a girder mount assembly 103, as shown in FIG. 2, is shown. This view shows the orientation of swing arm 104 with arm 109 having latch 107 thereon. Latch 107 is at the top of arm 109. To disconnect girder mount assembly 103 from mount connector 112, and in turn, remove device 100 from girder mount assembly 103, which is coupled to the operating table, a user can actuate lever 110 connected to girder mount assembly 103, or actuate latch 107 by pushing up on latch 107, which in turn engages lever 110 to unlock or disengage device 100 from girder mount assembly 103. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that lever 110 includes an internal mechanism (not shown) that provides a locking mechanism to allow mount connector 112 to snap fit into girder mount assembly 103. Actuation of the lever 110 causes the mount connector 112 to be pulled away, disconnected, separated, or removed from the spar mount assembly 103 .

[0027] We will now discuss the embodiment shown in Figures 5A-5C, which illustrate different operating positions of the device 100 between first, second, and third positions. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the spring device 101 acts between the joint mount 102 and the joint housing 106. In one embodiment, In this configuration, the spring device 101 is preloaded to at least about 450 pounds when fully extended (as shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C), which may be the nominal force of the fully extended spring device 101. This force increases as the spring device 101 is compressed from an intermediate position (FIG. 5B) or a fully extended position (FIG. 5C) to a fully compressed position (FIG. 5A). The entire mechanism of the spring device 101 and the first joint are distal to the spar 111 itself, and therefore this configuration of the device 100 does not affect the X-ray imaging zone. In other words, the spar 111 includes a flange connected to the joint housing 106, and the joint housing 106, joint mount 102, first joint, and spring device 101 are distal to the metal flange relative to the spar. The placement of the joint mount 102, joint housing 106, and spring device 101 relative to the flange and the spar itself does not affect X-ray imaging and does not interfere with radiopacity of the spar 111. Because all these features are distal to the flange relative to the spar 111, they are not in the field of view when imaging, for example, a patient's leg adjacent the spar 111. In some embodiments, the spar 111 itself is made of carbon fiber or another material that allows images of the patient's leg to be taken, for example, from an X-ray machine, while it is on the table without interfering with radiopacity.

[0028] In some embodiments, the spring device 101 provides a positive lifting force to the user as the beam 111 is raised and / or lowered through a clinically applicable range of motion (approximately +14 degrees to approximately -36 degrees). If the beam 111 needs to be raised higher (up to approximately +28 degrees), the mechanism can include a swing arm 104 that allows the joint housing 106 to be further raised beyond a second position corresponding to full extension of the spring device 101. That is, a first position of the joint housing 106 corresponds to a beam angle of approximately -36 degrees, a second position of the joint housing 106 corresponds to a beam angle of approximately 14 degrees, and a third position of the joint housing 106 corresponds to a beam angle of approximately 28 degrees. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the aforementioned angles are measured relative to the x-axis in the same plane as the surface of the operating table, with the x-axis extending parallel to the surface of the operating table.

[0029] In some embodiments, movement of the swing arm 104 between the second and third positions is unassisted, while in other embodiments, it is. As shown in FIGS. 5A-5C, the swing arm 104 includes two bolts, which in some embodiments are shoulder bolts that are clevis pins to assist their rotation. The swing arm 104 rotates relative to the spring device 101 and relative to the arm 109. In some embodiments, the swing arm moves with one degree of freedom, such that the spring device 101 remains parallel to the mount connector 112 throughout the movement of the spring device 101 and the swing arm 104. The swing arm 104 allows the joint housing 106 to be vertically raised to the third position while having a shorter length of the spring device 101 than would otherwise be necessary. Stated another way, in FIG. 5A, while the swing arm 104 is in a locked or non-extended position, the spring device 101 is fully compressed. In this configuration, the beam 111 is angled down approximately -36 degrees relative to the plane of the operating table. With reference to FIG. 5B, in the intermediate position (second position of the joint housing 106), the spring device 101 is fully extended while the swing arm 104 is in a locked or non-extended configuration. In this configuration, the beam 111 is at approximately 14 degrees relative to the plane of the operating table. And finally, in FIG. 5C, while the spring device 101 is in a fully extended position, the swing arm 104 is also in an extended position. This extended position of the swing arm 104 is achieved by rotating the swing arm 104 about the joint relative to the arm 109. The swing arm 104 is connected to the arm 109 via a clevis pin or other joint that allows the swing arm 104 to rotate from a locked position to an unlocked or extended position. In this configuration, the beam 111 is at approximately 28 degrees relative to the plane of the operating table. The actuation of the swing arm 104 is unassisted or may be assisted by a pivot joint using, for example, linkages, cam mechanisms, gears, springs, and other similar mechanisms. These linkages can include two or more movable links, slider-crank mechanisms, or crank-and-piston mechanisms. The cam mechanism can include a rotating cam connected to a translational or rotational follower. The gears can include rack-and-pinion mechanisms, ordinary gear trains, and planetary gear trains. In some embodiments where the swing arm 104 is unassisted, once the user lifts the spar 111 beyond the second position, the spring device 101 does not provide additional lifting assistance to the user, requiring the user to provide all the force necessary to move the joint housing 106 and attached spar 111 from the second position to the third position. In some embodiments, the spring device 101 is still preloaded to about 450 pounds (approximately). However, when fully extended, the spring device 101 contacts its internal hard stop.

[0030] Stated another way, the swing arm 104 has a first end and a second end. The first end of the swing arm 104 is attached to the second end of the spring device 101, and the second end of the swing arm 104 is attached to the joint mount 102 via an arm 109. In some embodiments, the connection of the swing arm 104 to the spring device 101 and the arm 109 is a rotational joint. The swing arm 104 can be actuated from a non-extended position (shown in FIGS. 5A-5B ) to an extended position (shown in FIG. 5C ) when the joint housing 106 reaches a second position (shown in FIG. 5B ). When the swing arm 104 and the spring device 101 reach their respective extended positions, the joint housing 106 reaches a third position (shown in FIG. 5C ). Stated another way, those skilled in the art will understand that the joint housing 106 in a first position corresponds to the spring device 101 being fully compressed, the joint housing 106 in its second position corresponds to the spring device 101 in its fully extended position, and the joint housing 106 in a third position corresponds to the spring device 101 in its fully extended position and the swing arm 104 in the extended position as shown in FIG. 5C. Those skilled in the art will understand that the joint housing is operable in a range of positions from the first to the second position and from the second to the third position. In some embodiments, the joint housing can be maintained in a range of positions between these positions by, for example, using a brake, such as a floating brake cup as discussed herein.

[0031] 5A-5C, those skilled in the art will appreciate that as the spring device 101 transitions from a fully compressed configuration (FIG. 5A) to a fully extended configuration (FIG. 5C), which causes the joint housing 106 to pivot about the ball member 108 and the spring joint housing 105 to pivot about the ball member 101-1, the mount connector 112 and the joint mount 102 maintain their alignment with each other, and possibly with the spar mount assembly 103 if connected and engaged with the mount connector 112. That is, the joint housing 106 pivots between the first and second positions while the joint mount 102 maintains alignment with the spar mount assembly 103. In some embodiments, the first and second joints include ball joints or at least one degree of rotation joint, the second joint connecting the spring device 101, and the joint housing 106 includes a cavity therein, as discussed above with respect to FIG. 2. The joint housing 106 can pivot relative to the ball member 108 disposed in the cavity of the joint housing 106. Pivoting of the joint housing 106 between the first and second positions is caused by actuating the proximal end of the spar 111, and the distal end of the spar 111 can be manipulated by a user from the proximal end of the spar 111. In addition to vertical movement of the spar 111 assisted by the spring device 101, a user can also move the spar horizontally through movement of the joint housing 106 relative to the ball member 108 and ball member 101-1, allowing the spar 111 to move in at least two degrees of freedom.

[0032] In some embodiments, the spar 111 coupled to the joint housing 106 moves in at least two degrees of freedom from a single axis defined by a first joint, which in some embodiments comprises a ball joint or at least one degree of rotation joint. The spar 111 and coupled device 100 do not require multiple axes defined by multiple joints to achieve the at least two degrees of freedom of the spar 111.

[0033] 6A-6B, there is shown a perspective view of one embodiment of the device 100 connected to a surgical table, according to an example embodiment. FIG. 6B is an enlarged view of FIG. 6A, showing the device 100 with its associated different components (i.e., joint housing 106, joint mount 102, spring device 101, and mount connector 112 (not shown)) engaged or connected with the spar mount assembly 103. Additionally, FIG. 6B shows a lock or tightening knob 114 connected to the surgical table and the device 100, with the notation "A" representing the mounting end of the spar 111. This mounting end "A" defines the distal end of the X-ray imaging zone, which is free of any metal.

[0034] 7A-7C show perspective views of one embodiment of a girder 111 engaging with a girder mount assembly 103 to lock it in place. FIGS. 13-15 show similar views of the girder 111 shown in FIGS. 1A-1B. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the girder 111 is designed to be removable from the operating table for ease of storage and table transportation. Assembly of the girder 111 and girder mount assembly 103 can be accomplished by first engaging the girder 111 with the girder mount assembly 103. As shown in FIG. 7B, a girder mount connector 112 is positioned to be placed into the girder mount assembly 103. The girder mount assembly 103 is secured to the operating table and includes a cavity therein to receive the mount connector 112. The mount connector 112 engages and mates with the girder mount assembly 103 to hold the girder 111 in place relative to the operating table. As further shown in FIG. 7B, the spar mount assembly 103 includes a lever 110 disposed thereunder that can be actuated by a user to release the spar 111, if desired.

[0035] Once the spar 111 is in place and locked into the spar mount assembly 103, the lock knob 114 can be activated by turning it clockwise until it is tight. Tightening the lock knob 114 while maneuvering the spar 111 up or down ensures that the spar 111 is firmly and securely in place. In addition, the user can rotate the respective brake handles 3, 4 to drive the floating brake cups (not shown) linearly into the spherical balls, thereby creating enough holding torque to support the spar 111 from falling to the ground. Rotating the respective brake handles 3, 4 counterclockwise releases the floating brake cups, allowing the spar 111 to freely adjust up or down or outward / inward (abduction / adduction).

[0036] FIGS. 8-12 show perspective views of another example embodiment of device 100. According to this example embodiment, unlike the latch 107 shown in FIGS. 2-3, the latch 107 shown in FIG. 8 is recessed into arm 109 in a slotted fashion. That is, instead of being located on top of arm 109 as shown in FIGS. 2-3, latch 107 is in the form of a slotted fashion built into or embedded within arm 109 itself. Additionally, as shown, notation "A" represents the mounting end of spar 111. This mounting end "A" defines the distal end of the X-ray imaging zone, which is free of any metal. While FIGS. 8-12 show an embodiment of device 100 similar to the embodiment of device 100 shown in FIGS. 2-4 and 5A-5C, and the mechanism, structural configuration, and orientation of device 100 are consistent between the two embodiments, one difference relates to the characteristics of latch 107, as described above.

[0037] Figures 13-15 illustrate how one embodiment of device 100, along with a spar 111 connected thereto, may be secured to a surgical table. In particular, these figures are similar to those discussed above with respect to Figures 7A-7C and the accompanying disclosure regarding the attachment of spar 111 to a spar mount assembly 103 connected to a surgical table. However, unlike Figures 7A-7C, the spar 111 attached to the spar mount assembly 103 in Figures 13-15 includes an embodiment of device 100 connected thereto. This device 100 may be either the device shown in Figures 2-3 or the device shown in Figure 8. As shown in Figures 13-15, the attachment or connection of device 100 to spar 111 provides the user with assisted articulation when manipulating spar 111.

[0038] Figures 16-20 show different perspective views of an embodiment of a device 100 connected to respective brake handles 3, 4, user grips 5, 6, and respective articulation joints 7, 8 connected to respective spars 111 in a manner similar to that shown in Figures 1A-1B above. In particular, the brake handles 3, 4, user grips 5, 6, and respective articulation joints 7, 8 connected to respective spars 111 as shown in Figures 1A-1C now include an embodiment of a device 100 at the distal end of the respective spars 111. The device 100 can be either the device 100 shown in Figures 2-3 or the device 100 shown in Figure 8.

[0039] Figures 21-24 show different perspective views of an embodiment that adds an embodiment of device 100 to a system such as that shown in Figures 1A-1B above, where device 100 can be either device 100 shown in Figures 2-3 or device 100 shown in Figure 8. In other words, those skilled in the art will understand that the system including the operating table, leg support beam device, and its components shown in Figures 1A-B corresponds to the representations shown in Figures 21-24. Figures 21-24 particularly highlight the inventive concepts disclosed herein related to, among other things, brake handles 3, 4, user grips 5, 6, and articulation joints 7, 8. Figures 23-24 also incorporate features shown in Figures 1A-B, such as a foot pedal, a support member extending perpendicular to the floor, and a hook-like engagement member extending from the support member to support and engage the user's thigh. As shown, two different beams 111 are shown to assist in lifting a patient's respective limbs (i.e., right or left leg) to perform surgery, such as hip-related surgery or a lower extremity orthopedic procedure. Each of the beams is independent of the other, such that their movement can be independently controlled by a user or technician. One beam can be in a downward position, while the other beam can be in an upward position. Each beam 111 is coupled to a respective beam mount assembly 103 located below the operating table, such that each beam 111 has its own respective beam mount assembly 103. This allows for independent movement and control of each one of the beams 111. While two beams 111 are shown in FIGS. 1A-1C and 21-24, one skilled in the art will understand that additional beams can be attached to the operating table to support other limbs, such as an arm or the patient's head, for example.

[0040] It should be noted that in some embodiments, the downward moment load on the girder varies substantially with the linear position of the traction assembly and the weight of the patient's leg. Thus, while the spring device may not provide neutral compensation in all cases, it will reduce the effort from the user to raise and lower the girder. In some embodiments, the force of the gas spring can be preset to provide as much lift as desired.

[0041] It should be noted that the use of a particular term when describing certain features or aspects of the present disclosure should not be construed as suggesting that the term is being redefined herein to be limited to include every specific feature of the feature or aspect of the disclosure to which the term relates. The variations in the claims should be construed as open ended rather than limiting unless expressly stated otherwise. The words "including, without limitation," "including but not limited to," "comprising" as used herein should be read to mean "including but not limited to," "including," "containing," or "characterized by," etc. "having" is synonymous with "having at least" and "such as" is synonymous with "having at least one element or method step" and is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps, and "having" is to be interpreted as "having at least one element or method step," and "such as" is to be interpreted as "such as, without limitation." Therefore, the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to" and the term "example" should be interpreted as "examples" under discussion. are used to provide illustrative examples of items and are not intended as an exhaustive or limiting list thereof and should be construed as "example, but without limitation." should be "known," "normal," or "standard." Such adjectives, and terms of similar import, should not be construed as limiting the items being described to those available for a given period or at a given time, but instead should be read to encompass known, conventional, or standard technology that may be available or become known now or at any time in the future, and adjectives such as "preferably," "preferred," "preferred" and "preferably" should not be construed as limiting the items being described to those available for a given period or at a given time, but should instead be read to encompass known, conventional, or standard technology that may be available or become known now or at any time in the future, and adjectives such as "preferably," "preferred," "preferably ... The use of terms such as "desired," "desirable," and words of similar import should not be understood as implying that any feature is critical, essential, or even essential to the structure or function of the present disclosure, but instead should be understood as merely intended to highlight alternative or additional features that may or may not be utilized in a particular embodiment.

[0042] Similarly, a group of items connected by the conjunction "and" is Each and every one should not be read as requiring the presence of that group, but rather, unless otherwise specified, as "and / or." Similarly, a group of items connected by the conjunction "or" should not be read as requiring mutual exclusivity between the group, but rather, as "and / or" unless otherwise specified. Terms such as "about" or "approximate" are synonymous and are used to indicate that the value modified by the term has an understood range associated with it, which may be ±20%, ±15%, ±10%, ±5%, or ±1%. "Substantially" The term "close" is used to indicate that a result (e.g., a measurement) is close to a target value, where close can mean, for example, that the result is within 80% of the value, within 90% of the value, within 95% of the value, or within 99% of the value. Also, as used herein, "defined" or "determined" means , "predefined" or "predetermined" and / or Or it may include values, conditions, thresholds, measurements, etc. determined in other ways.

Claims

1. An apparatus for providing lift assistance for a surgical procedure, comprising: a joint configured to be actuated via a ball member, the joint being connected to a surgical table and to a distal end of a beam configured to support at least one limb of a patient for the surgical procedure; a device connected to the joint, the device being distal to the joint relative to the beam and configured to actuate the joint between a first position and a second position, whereby the beam forms a first angle with respect to the operating table, the first position corresponding to the beam being lowered with respect to a horizontal surface of the operating table, and the second position corresponding to the beam being raised with respect to the horizontal surface of the operating table; The device comprising:

2. The apparatus described in claim 1, wherein the device is rigid.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the device comprises at least one of a hydraulic mechanism, a pneumatic mechanism, a magnetic pump, a reciprocating pump, a tension / extension spring, a compression spring, a torsion spring, a wire / coil spring, and a leaf spring.

4. The apparatus described in claim 1, wherein the device is aligned with the beam.

5. The apparatus described in claim 1, wherein the device is located below the girder.

6. The device comprises a single gas spring; The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first position further corresponds to the device being compressed and the second position further corresponds to the device being extended.

7. The vehicle further comprises a swing arm connected to the joint, the swing arm being configured to operate from a non-extended position to an extended position; the swing arm is configured to maintain the non-extended position when the beam is elevated relative to a horizontal surface of the operating table and the joint transitions between the first position and the second position; the swing arm is configured to actuate from the non-extended position to the extended position when the beam is further elevated relative to a horizontal surface of the operating table and the joint transitions from the second position to a third position; 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the device is further configured to actuate the joint in a range between the first position and the third position, whereby the beam forms a second angle with respect to the operating table.

8. In the first position of the joint, the device is in a compressed position and the swing arm is in the non-extended position; in the second position of the joint, the device is in an extended position and the swing arm is in the non-extended position; The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein in the third position of the joint, the device is in the extended position and the swing arm is in the extended position.

9. An apparatus for providing lift assistance for a surgical procedure, comprising: a joint connected to the operating table and to a distal end of the beam configured to support at least one limb of a patient for a surgical procedure; a device connected to the joint so as to be aligned with the beam, the device being distal to the joint relative to the beam and configured to actuate the joint between a first position and a second position, whereby the beam forms a first angle with respect to the operating table, the first position corresponding to the beam being lowered with respect to a horizontal surface of the operating table, and the second position corresponding to the beam being raised with respect to the horizontal surface of the operating table; The device comprising:

10. The apparatus described in claim 9, wherein the device comprises a single gas spring positioned below the beam.

11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the first position further corresponds to the device being compressed and the second position further corresponds to the device being extended.

12. The device of claim 9, wherein the joint comprises a ball joint.

13. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a spring joint housing disposed between the joint and the device; The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein the device is configured to actuate the spring joint housing to actuate the joint, the spring joint housing being distal to the joint relative to the spar.

14. The vehicle further comprises a swing arm connected to the joint, the swing arm configured to operate from a non-extended position to an extended position; the swing arm is configured to maintain the non-extended position when the beam is elevated relative to a horizontal surface of the operating table and the joint transitions between the first position and the second position; the swing arm is configured to actuate from the non-extended position to the extended position when the beam is further elevated relative to a horizontal surface of the operating table and the joint transitions from the second position to a third position; 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the device is further configured to actuate the joint in a range between the first position and the third position, whereby the beam forms a second angle with respect to the operating table.

15. The apparatus described in claim 14, wherein the swing arm is connected to the device via a rotary joint, whereby the swing arm rotates relative to the device when actuated from the non-extended position to the extended position.

16. A system for providing lift assistance for a surgical procedure, comprising: a first girder configured to support at least one limb of a patient for the surgical procedure, the first girder extending between a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first end being a proximal end and the second end being a distal end, the second end being connected to a surgical table; a second girder configured to support at least one limb of the patient for the surgical procedure, the second girder extending between a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first end being a proximal end and the second end being a distal end, the second end being connected to the operating table; a first device configured to provide lift assistance to elevate the first girder, the first device comprising a first joint distal to a second end of the first girder, the first joint configured to lower and raise the first girder relative to a horizontal plane of the operating table, whereby the first girder forms a first angle with respect to the operating table; a second device configured to provide lift assistance to elevate the second girder, the second device comprising a second joint distal to a second end of the second girder, the second joint configured to lower and raise the second girder relative to a horizontal plane of the operating table, whereby the second girder forms a second angle with respect to the operating table; The system comprising:

17. The system described in claim 16, wherein the first device comprises a single gas spring.

18. The method further comprises a spring joint housing disposed between the first joint and the first device; The system of claim 16 , wherein the first device is configured to actuate the spring joint housing to actuate the first joint.

19. The system described in claim 18, wherein the spring joint housing is distal to the first joint relative to the first girder.

20. The system further comprises a swing arm connected to the first joint, the swing arm being distal to the first joint relative to the first girder and configured to operate from a non-extended position to an extended position; the swing arm is configured to maintain the non-extended position when the beam is elevated relative to a horizontal surface of the operating table and the first joint transitions between a first position and a second position; the swing arm is configured to actuate from the non-extended position to the extended position when the first girder is further elevated relative to a horizontal surface of the operating table and the first joint transitions from the second position to a third position; 20. The system of claim 18, wherein the first device is further configured to actuate the first joint in a range between the first position and the third position, whereby the first girder forms a third angle with respect to the operating table.

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