Head stabilization for improved imaging

Abstract

A head stabilization device usable to stabilize a patient's head during a medical procedure includes a tensioning mechanism operable to increase or decrease the amount of force the stabilization device applies to the patient's head, the head stabilization device includes an adjustment feature for adjusting the spacing between frame members, and the head stabilization device further includes a feature for facilitating enhanced imaging output when the head stabilization device is used during imaging.

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] During certain medical procedures, it may be necessary or desirable to immobilize the entire patient or a portion of the patient to stabilize and hold the entire patient or a portion of the patient. In certain neurological procedures, the portion to be immobilized may include the patient's head and / or neck. Specific devices and methods are used to immobilize specific portions of the patient. For example, a skull clamp is one type of head immobilization device that can be used to immobilize the patient's head and / or neck. Additionally, it may be necessary or desirable to use various imaging devices to obtain images of the patient before, during, and / or after the medical procedure. In some situations, such imaging is performed while the patient is stabilized using a head stabilization device. While various head stabilization devices and methods for using them have been manufactured and used, it is believed that no one prior to the present inventors has manufactured or used the invention described herein. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0002] While this specification concludes with claims that particularly describe and distinctly claim the invention, the invention will be better understood from the following specification of illustrative embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals identify like elements and in which: [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a front perspective view of an exemplary skull clamp. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows a rear perspective view of the skull clamp of FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows a bottom view of the skull clamp of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a partial top cross-sectional view of the skull clamp of FIG. 1 showing the unlocking mechanism. [Figure 5] 5A shows a partial front cross-sectional view of the skull clamp of FIG. 1, showing the skull clamp in a locked state where the width of the frame cannot be increased. FIG. 5B shows a cross-sectional view of the skull clamp of FIG. 5A taken along line 5B-5B in FIG. 5A. [Figure 6] 6A shows a partial front cross-sectional view of the skull clamp of FIG. 1, showing the skull clamp in a locked state, which allows the width of the frame to be increased. FIG. 6B shows a cross-sectional view of the skull clamp of FIG. 6A taken along line 6B-6B of FIG. 6A. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the skull clamp of FIG. 1 taken along line 7-7 of FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the skull clamp of FIG. 1 taken along line 8-8 of FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the skull clamp of FIG. 1 taken along line 9-9 of FIG. [Figure 10A] FIG. 10A shows a partial front view of the skull clamp of FIG. 1 showing the pinning force set to a starting or initial state. [Figure 10B] FIG. 10B shows a cross-sectional view of the skull clamp of FIG. 10A. [Figure 10C] FIG. 10C shows a cross-sectional view of the skull clamp of FIG. 10A taken along line 10C-10C of FIG. 10A. [Figure 10D] FIG. 10D shows a cross-sectional view of the skull clamp of FIG. 10A taken along line 10D-10D of FIG. 10A. [Figure 11A] FIG. 11A shows a partial front view of the skull clamp of FIG. 1 after the pinning force has been increased from an initiation or initial state. [Figure 11B] FIG. 11B shows a cross-sectional view of the skull clamp of FIG. 11A.

[0003] The drawings are not intended to be limiting in any sense, and it is understood that various embodiments of the invention may be embodied in a variety of other ways, including those not necessarily shown in the drawings. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several aspects of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise configurations shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The following description of specific examples of the present invention should not be used to limit the scope of the present invention. Other examples, features, aspects, embodiments, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description. This is, by way of example, one of the best modes contemplated for carrying out the present invention. As will be appreciated, the present invention can be embodied in other different and obvious modes without departing from the present invention. Therefore, the drawings and description should be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

[0005] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary head stabilization or fixation device. Throughout this specification, the term "HFD" is used interchangeably with the terms "head stabilization device," "head fixation device," or "skull clamp." In the illustrated example, the HFD has the shape or form of a skull clamp (10). In this regard, the skull clamp (10) includes a frame (100). The frame (100) includes a first frame portion (102) and a second frame portion (104). The frame portions (102, 104) include respective receiving portions (106, 108) configured to receive stabilization mechanisms. In the illustrated version, the stabilization mechanism (200) is received by the receiving portion (106) of the frame portion (102). Additionally, the stabilization mechanism (300) is received by the receiving portion (108) of the frame portion (104).

[0006] The skull clamp (10) includes a frame adjustment mechanism (400) operable to adjust the relative spacing between the frame portions (102, 104). Additional components and operability of the frame adjustment mechanism (400) are described in detail below. The skull clamp (10) also includes a tensioning mechanism (500) operable to adjust the amount of force the stabilization mechanism applies to the stabilization mechanism where it contacts the patient. Additional components and operability of the tensioning mechanism (500) are described in detail below. The skull clamp (10) is also configured to enhance imaging. For example, the skull clamp (10) includes features that facilitate improved image output when the skull clamp (10) is used during imaging. Additional components and operability of the features that enhance image improvement are described in detail below.

[0007] I. Exemplary Frame Adjustment Features When using a skull clamp (10) to stabilize a patient, it may be necessary or desirable at certain points during a procedure to adjust the spacing or width of the frame (100) of the skull clamp (10) to accommodate the patient's head. At the same time, it may be necessary or desirable to prevent unwanted spacing or width adjustments. Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the skull clamp (10) includes a frame (100) having first and second frame portions (102, 104). In some cases, the first and second frame portions (102, 104) may be referred to as first and second arms. Each of the first and second frame portions (102, 104) defines a lateral portion (110, 112) and an upright portion (114, 116), respectively. The upright portions (114, 116) extend away from their respective lateral portions (110, 112). Additionally, the lateral portions (114, 116) collectively define a base (118) of the skull clamp (10), which base (118) defines a longitudinal axis (LA1). As discussed further below, the lateral portions (114, 116) are movable relative to one another along the longitudinal axis (LA1) to adjust the spacing or width of the frame (100) of the skull clamp (10).

[0008] Referring to FIG. 2, the skull clamp (10) includes a frame adjustment mechanism (400). The frame adjustment mechanism (400) includes an actuator mechanism (402) having a user-accessible upper portion (404) along the upright portion (116) of the frame (100). The actuator mechanism (402) further includes a lower portion (414) as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, as discussed further below. As also shown in FIG. 2, a safety release (406) is positioned around or adjacent to the stabilization mechanism (300) along the upright portion (116). Referring to FIG. 4, when the safety release (406) is depressed, a block member (408) of the safety release (406) moves out of interference with the upper portion (404) of the actuator mechanism (402). In this manner, the upper portion (404) of the actuator mechanism (402) can be actuated or depressed. When the safety release (406) is not depressed, the safety release (406) is spring biased such that the blocking member (408) contacts the upper portion (404) of the actuator mechanism (402), thereby preventing actuation of or depressing the upper portion (404) of the actuator mechanism (402).

[0009] Referring to Figure 5, the skull clamp (10) is shown in a locked state with respect to the ability to expand the spacing or width of the frame (100). In this example, in this configuration, the first and second frame portions (102, 104) can be moved closer together to reduce the spacing or width of the frame (100), and thus the skull clamp (10). However, because the first and second frame portions (102, 104) are locked or prevented from moving apart, the width of the frame (100), and therefore the skull clamp (10), cannot be extended. More specifically, referring to Figure 5, the first frame portion (102) of the skull clamp (10) includes a first toothed engagement member (120), and the second frame portion (104) of the skull clamp (10) includes a second toothed engagement member (122). The engagement of the first and second toothed engagement members (120, 122) prevents the skull clamp (10) from expanding in width or spacing.

[0010] Referring to Figure 6, the skull clamp (10) is shown in an unlocked state with respect to the ability to extend the spacing or width of the frame (100) and, therefore, the skull clamp (10). In this embodiment, in this configuration, the first and second frame portions (102, 104) can be moved toward one another to reduce the spacing or width of the frame (100) and, therefore, the skull clamp (10). Additionally, because the first and second frame portions (102, 104) are unlocked, they can be moved away from one another, thereby expanding the width of the frame (100) and, therefore, the skull clamp (10). More specifically, referring to Figure 6, actuation of the actuator mechanism (402) disengages the first and second toothed engagement members (120, 122), thereby allowing the relative positions of the first and second frame portions (102, 104) to be adjusted to move them further apart.

[0011] 6, in this embodiment, the actuator mechanism 402 includes a biasing upper portion 404 disposed along the upright portion 116 of the second frame portion 104. The upper portion 404 of the actuator mechanism 402 has a fixed connection with the second frame portion 104 at one point such that the biasing upper portion 404 rotates about the fixed connection.

[0012] As previously described, the actuator mechanism 402 includes a lower portion 414 in mechanical communication with an upper portion 404 of the actuator mechanism 402. More specifically, the upper portion 404 includes an end portion 410 that is received within a slot 412 in the lower portion 414. In this configuration, the upper portion 404 and the lower portion 414 of the actuator mechanism 402 are in mechanical communication such that rotation of the upper portion 404 about its fixed connection to the frame 100 causes the end portion 410 to act on the lower portion 414. In particular, actuation of the actuator mechanism 402 causes the end portion 410 of the upper portion 404 to push against the lower portion 414. The lower portion 414 includes a diagonal slot 416 and connects to the second frame portion 104 via a pin 124 received in the slot 416, so that when the lower portion 414 is pushed by the upper portion 404, the lower portion 414 moves diagonally downward. When the actuator mechanism 402 is released, the movements of the upper portion 404 and the lower portion 414 of the actuator mechanism 402 are opposite to those described above. In particular, the lower portion 414 moves diagonally upward.

[0013] 5B and 6B, when the actuator mechanism (402) is not actuated, the first and second toothed engagement members (120, 122) are engaged, as shown in FIG. 5B. When the actuator mechanism (402) is actuated, the first and second toothed engagement members (120, 122) are disengaged, as shown in FIG. 6B. As can be further seen by comparing FIGS. 5B and 6B, when the actuator mechanism (402) is actuated, the first and second toothed engagement members (120, 122) are disengaged by the lower portion (414) of the actuator mechanism (402) pushing downward on the first toothed engagement member (120), separating its toothed portion from the toothed portion of the second toothed engagement member (122). To facilitate engagement and disengagement of the first and second toothed engagement members (120, 122), each includes a recess (126, 128) that accommodates the lower portion (414) of the actuator mechanism (402). In this example, the recesses (126, 128) are located within the intermediate portions of the respective first and second toothed engagement members (120, 122).

[0014] As also shown in FIGS. 5A-6B, the frame adjustment mechanism (400) includes a resilient member (418) that contacts the first toothed engagement member (120). The resilient member (418) is configured to bias the first toothed engagement member (120) into contact with the second toothed engagement member (122). However, when the actuator mechanism (402) is actuated and the lower portion (414) of the actuator mechanism (402) contacts the first toothed engagement member (120) as described above, this contact overcomes the bias of the resilient member (418) and causes it to resiliently deform, thereby allowing the first toothed engagement member (120) to disengage from the second toothed engagement member (122). When the actuator mechanism (402) is released, the resilient member (418) again biases the first toothed engagement member (120) into contact and engagement with the second toothed engagement member (122).

[0015] Another embodiment of the frame adjustment mechanism (400) includes a skull clamp (10) having a movable component of the frame adjustment mechanism (400) on each of the first frame portion (102) and the second frame portion (104). As described above, the first frame portion (102) includes a first toothed engagement member (120). The first toothed engagement member (120) is rotatable about a pin connection with the first frame portion (102) and is movable in response to contact with the lower portion (414) of the actuator mechanism (402) or in response to release of contact with the lower portion (414) and contact with the resilient member (418). Furthermore, the actuator mechanism (402), and particularly the lower portion (414) of the actuator mechanism (402), is connected to the second frame portion (104). In this manner, when the skull clamp (10) is unlocked to increase the distance between the first and second frame portions (102, 104) and thereby increase the width of the skull clamp (10), the skull clamp (10) includes movable parts in both arms or portions (102, 104) of the skull clamp (10). In use, this configuration can provide smoother width adjustment compared to a configuration in which one arm or portion of the frame has only static parts and the other has all movable parts.

[0016] 5A and 6A, the first frame portion (102) includes a side portion (110). In some cases, the side portion (110) is configured as a guide sleeve. As such, the side portion (110) includes a slot (130) configured to receive the second toothed engagement member (122). As described above, the first toothed engagement member (120) and the elastic member (418) are also connected to the side portion (110).

[0017] The second frame portion (104) includes a side portion (112). A second toothed engagement member (122) is pin-connected to the side portion (112). Furthermore, the lower portion (414) of the actuator mechanism (402) is pin-connected to the second toothed engagement member (122) via the aforementioned pin (124) and slot (416). In this manner, the lower portion (414) of the actuator mechanism (402) is at least indirectly connected to the side portion (112), as described above.

[0018] The lateral portion (112) further includes a sleeve or ring member (132, 136) that extends over and around the second toothed engagement member (122). Between the ring members (132, 136) is a separator (134) that maintains the ring members (132, 136) at a predetermined distance from one another. In this version, the ring members (132, 136) are configured to control the contact angle between the lateral portions (110, 112). In this manner, the ring members (132, 136) function as spacers or glide bushings. As shown, the lower portions of the ring members (132, 136) are located at the boundaries of the lateral portions (110, 112). In some versions, one or more of the ring members (132, 134, 136) can be fabricated from a material that provides a lubricating effect or promotes low friction and easy sliding of the lateral portions (110, 112) relative to one another. Again, in this manner, the ring members (132, 136) can be thought of as bushings or gliding bushings that facilitate gliding or sliding movement of the lateral portions (110, 112) relative to one another. Additionally, in some versions, the ring members (132, 136) can be thought of as sleeves or gliding sleeves that facilitate sliding movement between the lateral portions (110, 112). While the illustrated version shows two ring members (132, 136), other versions can have a greater or lesser number of ring members.

[0019] Additionally, associated with the lateral portion (112) are a pair of ridges (138), as seen in Figures 5A and 6A. The ridges (138) are located along the top of the second toothed engagement member (122) and are positioned to contact the inner surface or wall of the lateral portion (112). Similar to the ring members (132, 136), the ridges (138) are configured to control or define the amount or angle of contact between the side portions (110, 112), but in this case, indirectly based on the ridges (138) controlling the angle of contact between the inner surface or wall of the side portion (112) and the second toothed engagement member (122). In some versions, ring members (132, 136) and ridges (138) are configured to collectively or cooperatively facilitate the ease of sliding or movement of side portions (110, 112) relative to one another by controlling the amount or angle of contact between side portions (110, 112). Controlling this amount of contact can also be thought of as controlling the amount of friction between the components.

[0020] II. Exemplary Basic Configurations for Improved Imaging As mentioned above, many procedures utilize imaging with various modalities, such as MRI, CT scan, and X-ray. A concern when imaging a patient stabilized with a skull clamp is minimizing image artifacts that appear in the imaging output. The type and amount of material can be factors that affect image artifacts. The skull clamp (10) incorporates these and other features that help minimize image artifacts and improve the overall quality of the imaging output. As described below, some of these other features include the curvature of the base (118) about a longitudinal axis (LA1) defined by the base (118), particularly along the upper and lower regions along the length of the base (118).

[0021] 1-3, the skull clamp (10) includes a base (118) as described above. As shown in the illustrated example, the base (118) is generally cylindrical. The term "approximately" here means that it is not completely cylindrical along its entire length. Furthermore, the base (118) is formed by the side portions (110, 112) of the respective first and second frame portions (102, 104). In this manner, the generally cylindrical side portion (110) is received within the opening of the side portion (112). Furthermore, the side portions (110, 112) are slidable relative to one another in a selectively locking manner to change the width or spacing of the skull clamp (10) as described above. In some versions, the side portion (110) is telescopic with the side portion (112). In some versions, the side portions (110, 112) are concentrically arranged.

[0022] 7-9, the base (118) includes an interface (140) having engagement features (142) facing both the front and back sides of the skull clamp (10). In this manner, the base (118) defines a longitudinal axis (LA1) as described above, and the interface (140) is oriented transversely relative to the longitudinal axis (LA), such that the engagement features (142) of the interface (140) are oriented transversely relative to the longitudinal axis (LA). With this configuration, the skull clamp (10) includes a generally cylindrical base (118) that defines a longitudinal axis (LA1), and the base (118) includes an interface (140) that is oriented transversely relative to the longitudinal axis (LA1).

[0023] Referring to Figures 7 and 8, the skull clamp 10 in this example includes a base 118 and an interface 140 as described above. As shown, on each side of the interface 140, the base 118 has a circular cross-section along at least a portion of its length. Referring to Figure 9, at the location along the base 118 with the interface 140, the base 118 has a curved cross-section along the upper and lower regions of the base 118. Furthermore, at this location, the base 118 has a serrated cross-section along the anterior and posterior regions of the base 118.

[0024] III. Exemplary Tensioning Mechanisms and Adjustments When a head fixation device such as a skull clamp (10) is used to stabilize a patient, part of the stabilization is to adjust the pressure applied to the patient's head. One way this is done is by adjusting the amount of force that the stabilization mechanism applies to one or more connected stabilization mechanisms that contact the patient's head. The following paragraphs describe an exemplary tensioning mechanism (500) that can be used to adjust the force applied to the stabilization mechanism, and therefore the pressure on the patient's head.

[0025] 1 and 10A, the tensioning mechanism (500) is at least partially housed within the upright portion (114) of the first frame section (102). More specifically, the tensioning mechanism (500) includes a stabilizing mechanism (200), an actuator (504), and a tensioning section (506). In this example, the tensioning section (506) is also referred to as a bending beam.

[0026] FIG. 10B shows a cross-sectional view of the tensioning mechanism (500). The tensioning section (506) connects to the first frame portion (102). In this example, as shown in FIG. 10A, the tensioning section (506) is pinned to the first frame portion (102) by a pin (508). The tensioning section (506) includes a first end (510) and a second end (512), and has an intermediate portion (514) extending between the first end (510) and the second end (512). As shown in FIG. 10B, near the second end (512), the first frame portion (102) contacts the tensioning section (506), while near the first end (510) along the upper region of the tensioning section (506), there is a gap or space (516) between the first frame portion (102) and the tensioning section (506). In this configuration, the tensioning section (506) is prevented from rotating about the pin (508) based on impact or contact with the first frame portion (102) on a lower region of the tensioning section (506). Referring to Figure 10C, the first end (510) of the tensioning section (506) has a split end configuration with a pair of extensions (518) separated by a space. In some examples, the pair of extensions (518) are also referred to as a pair of arms or a pair of contacts.

[0027] 10C and 10D, at the first end (510), the tensioning portion (506) contacts a portion of the stabilizing mechanism (200). As best shown in FIG. 10D, the stabilizing mechanism (200) includes a threaded sleeve (520) having a pair of protrusions (522). The pair of extensions (518) are disposed proximal to the pair of protrusions (522). The stabilizing mechanism (200) further includes a calibration sleeve (524) threadably coupled to the threaded sleeve (520). The stabilizing mechanism (200) further includes a centering ring (526) configured to receive the calibration sleeve (524). In this example, calibration sleeve 524 and centering ring 526 have a keying arrangement such that calibration sleeve 524 can translate relative to centering ring 526 when received by centering ring 526, but cannot rotate relative to centering ring 526 when not received by centering ring 526. In this example, calibration sleeve 524 includes notches 528 around its circumferential outer surface, while centering ring 526 has a complementary protrusion on its inner surface that is received in one of the notches 528. In this manner, calibration sleeve 524 can be received by centering ring 526 in multiple rotational orientations or positions.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 11A , the calibration sleeve (524) further includes markings, inscriptions, or other indicia (530) that indicate a force magnitude related to the force applied to the patient's head by one or more stabilizing features. In some versions, the indicia (530) is a force gauge. In one example, the notches (528) and indicia (530) allow for the indicia (530) to be oriented in different directions by positioning the protrusions of the centering ring (526) with different notches (528) to act as calibration structures for the tensioning mechanism (500) when the calibration sleeve (524) is positioned within the centering ring (526).

[0029] As mentioned above, the receiving portion (106) of the skull clamp (10) is configured to receive a stabilizing mechanism, which in this example receives stabilizing mechanism (200). In one example, the receiving portion (106) is configured with a keyed arrangement having a threaded sleeve (520) that can translate relative to the receiving portion (106) but is prevented from rotating relative to the receiving portion (106).

[0030] The tensioning mechanism (500) further includes an actuator (504). The actuator (504) is threadably connected to the threaded sleeve (520). In this example, the actuator (504) is disposed on top of the skull clamp (10) and is also coaxial with the stabilization mechanism (200). The actuator (504) includes a first end (532) configured to be grasped to rotate the actuator (504). The actuator (504) also includes a second end (534) configured to accept one or more stabilization mechanisms, which may be in the form of pins or pads. In one example, as shown in FIG. 1, the second end (534) accepts a skull pin, and the opposing stabilization mechanism (300) includes a rocker arm mechanism with two skull pins. In this configuration, three-point fixation or stabilization is achieved. In some other versions, a rocker arm mechanism identical or similar to that shown in FIGS. 1-2 is used in place of the single pin with the stabilization mechanism (200). In this configuration, there are four pins on each side, thus achieving four-point fixation or stabilization.

[0031] When using the tensioning mechanism (500) to adjust the stabilizing force applied to the patient, an initial setting is used in which the calibration sleeve (530) is flush with the proximal side of the receiving portion (106), as shown. In this particular example, such a configuration generally equates to a stabilizing force of 0 Newtons. After the width of the skull clamp (10) is adjusted so that the stabilizing mechanism contacts the patient, the actuator (504) is rotated to apply the desired amount of stabilizing force, sometimes referred to as a pinning force if the stabilizing mechanism is a pin. Based on the stabilizing mechanism's contact with the patient and the threaded connection between the actuator (504) and the threaded sleeve (520), rotating the actuator (504) moves the threaded sleeve (520) proximally away from the patient and the stabilizing feature. Simultaneously, the calibration sleeve (524) translates with the threaded sleeve (520) of the stabilizing mechanism (200) based on the threaded engagement between the calibration sleeve (524) and the threaded sleeve (520).

[0032] As best seen by comparing Figures 10D and 11B, as the threaded sleeve (520) moves proximally, the protrusion (522) presses against the extension (518) of the first end (510) of the tensioning section (506), causing the first end (510) to deform or bend. This deformation or bending may occur in part because the second end (512) of the tensioning section (506) is fixed relative to the first frame portion (102), but a space (516) exists proximal to the first end (510) of the tensioning section (506). The bending or deformation of the tensioning section (506) generates a bending moment that exerts a force distally toward the patient. More specifically, this bending moment and the resulting force are transferred to one or more stabilizing mechanisms carried by the second end (534) of the actuator (504), which then contact the patient. This increases the applied stabilizing force and therefore the stabilizing pressure at the location where the stabilizing mechanism(s) contacts the patient. Based on the proximal movement of the calibration sleeve (524), markings or indicia (530) indicate the amount of force applied.

[0033] Considering the above description and drawings, a skull clamp (10) for stabilizing a patient using a plurality of stabilizing mechanisms configured to contact the patient is shown to include a frame (100), a stabilizing mechanism (200) connectable to the frame (100), a tensioning section (506), and an actuator (504). The tensioning section (506) includes an elongated member having a first end (510), a second end (512), and an intermediate portion (514) extending between the first end (510) and the second end (512), wherein the first end (510) is configured to contact a portion of the stabilizing mechanism (200), and the second end (512) is configured to be secured directly or indirectly to the frame (100). The actuator (504) is configured to adjust the amount of the first force applied to the patient by the stabilizing feature, and actuating the actuator (504) causes a portion of the stabilizing mechanism (200) to apply a second force to the tensioning portion (506), which creates a bending moment in the tensioning portion (506) and imparts a first force to the portion of the stabilizing mechanism (200) at a first end (510) of the tensioning portion (506) in a direction toward the patient.

[0034] Similarly, a skull clamp (10) for stabilizing a patient using multiple stabilizing mechanisms configured to contact the patient is shown including a frame (100), a stabilizing mechanism (200) connectable to the frame (100), a tensioning section (506), and an actuator (504). The tensioning section (506) includes an elongated member having a first end (510), a second end (512), and an intermediate portion (514) extending between the first end (510) and the second end (512), wherein the first end (510) is configured to contact a portion of the stabilizing mechanism (200) and the second end (512) is configured to be secured directly or indirectly to the frame (100). The actuator (504) is configured to move a portion of the stabilizing mechanism (200), which movement of the portion of the stabilizing mechanism (200) bends the first end (510) of the elongate member, creating a bending moment in the tension portion (506) and applying a first force in a direction toward the patient.

[0035] Similarly, a skull clamp (10) for stabilizing a patient using a plurality of stabilizing features configured to contact the patient is shown including a frame (100), a stabilizing mechanism (200) connectable to the frame (100), a tensioning member (506), and an actuator (504). The tensioning member (506) includes an elongated member having a first end (510), a second end (512), and an intermediate portion (514) extending between the first end (510) and the second end (512), where the first end (510) is configured to contact a portion of the stabilizing mechanism (200) and the second end (512) is configured to be secured directly or indirectly to the frame (100). The actuator (504) is configured to bend the first end (510) of the elongated member, creating a bending moment in the tensioning member (506) that exerts a first force in a direction toward the patient.

[0036] IV. Other It should be understood that any one or more of the teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described herein can be combined with any one or more of the other teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described herein. Accordingly, the teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described above should not be viewed in isolation from one another. Various suitable ways in which the teachings described herein can be combined will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in light of the teachings described herein. Such modifications and variations are intended to be encompassed within the scope of the following claims.

[0037] While various embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, further adaptations of the methods and systems described herein can be achieved by appropriate modifications by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. Some of such potential modifications have been described; others will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, the examples, embodiments, geometries, materials, dimensions, proportions, steps, etc. discussed above are illustrative and not required. Accordingly, it is understood that the scope of the present invention should be considered in light of the following claims and is not limited to the details of structure and operation shown and described in the specification and drawings.

Claims

1. 1. A skull clamp for stabilizing a patient, the skull clamp comprising: a frame having a base defining a long side and a longitudinal axis extending along the long side between a first upright portion and a second upright portion, the base having a generally cylindrical shape having a circular cross section relative to the longitudinal axis along at least a portion of the long side.

2. The skull clamp of claim 1 , wherein the base further comprises an interface configured to directly or indirectly attach the skull clamp to a support structure of a patient.

3. 4. The skull clamp of claim 2, wherein the first and second upright portions are each configured to receive a stabilizing mechanism configured to hold one or more stabilizing structures configured to contact a patient's head.

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

5. 5. The skull clamp of claim 1, wherein the width of the frame is adjustable based on the relative positions of the first and second upright portions relative to one another.

6. 6. The skull clamp of claim 1, wherein the base includes a first substantially cylindrical portion and a second substantially cylindrical portion, the first substantially cylindrical portion and the second substantially cylindrical portion being adjustable by sliding relative to one another.

7. 6. The skull clamp of claim 5, wherein the base includes one or more spacers configured to reduce a contact surface area between the first and second cylindrical portions while maintaining a spacing between the first and second cylindrical portions.

8. 1. A skull clamp for stabilizing a patient using two or more stabilizing mechanisms configured to contact the patient, the skull clamp comprising: (a) a frame; (b) a stabilizer connectable to the frame; (c) a tensioning mechanism comprising an elongated member having a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion extending between the first end and the second end, the first end configured to contact a portion of the stabilizing mechanism and the second end configured to be directly or indirectly secured to the frame; and (d) an actuator configured to adjust the amount of the first force applied to the patient by the stabilization mechanism; 10. The skull clamp of claim 8, wherein actuating the actuator causes the portion of the stabilizing mechanism to apply a second force to the tensioning mechanism that creates a bending moment on the tensioning mechanism that imparts a first force on the portion of the stabilizing mechanism in a direction toward the patient at a first end of the tensioning mechanism.

9. 10. The skull clamp of claim 8, comprising a force gauge configured to indicate a first force applied to the patient by the stabilization mechanism.

10. A skull clamp according to any one of claims 8 to 9, wherein the actuator is rotatable in position to adjust the amount of the first force.

11. 11. A skull clamp according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the first end of the elongated member of the tensioning mechanism bends in response to the second force applied to the first end by a portion of the stabilizing mechanism.

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

13. 13. A skull clamp according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the first end of the tensioning mechanism includes a pair of contact points separated by a space therebetween.

14. 14. The skull clamp of claim 8, wherein the first force comprises a distal force extending toward the patient and the second force comprises a proximal force extending away from the patient.

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

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

17. 17. The skull clamp of claim 15, wherein a portion of the actuator mechanism is positioned along an upright portion of the first arm proximate one or more stabilizing mechanisms configured to hold the stabilizing mechanisms for contact with the patient.

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

19. 19. The skull clamp of claim 15, wherein the locking mechanism further comprises a resilient member configured to bias the second engagement portion toward a locked position.

20. 20. The skull clamp of claim 19, wherein contact between the actuator mechanism and the second engagement portion deforms the resilient member to overcome the bias and move the second engagement portion to an unlocked position.

21. 21. The skull clamp of claim 15, wherein the actuator mechanism includes a first portion configured to rotate relative to the first arm, and the actuator mechanism includes a second portion configured to move obliquely relative to the first arm in response to rotation of the first portion.

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