SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING LIFT ASSISTANCE FOR SURGICAL PROCEDURES - Patent application

Abstract

A system and device oriented in a compact manner provides lift assistance to the beam of a surgical table for hip, leg-related surgery, or generally lower extremity-related orthopedic procedures, which does not interfere with radiolucency of the patient's hip joint, trochanter, or lower beam of the femur.

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, 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 lifting assistance for hip-related surgery or lower extremity orthopedic procedures. 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 a beam or articulating limb support below a patient's hip joint, trochanter, or femur without interfering with radiolucency of such a beam or articulating limb support. [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 fracture, tibial fracture, acetabular and pelvic fracture, femoral fracture, thoracic and lumbar spine, hip arthroscopy and resurfacing. The systems and devices provide improved imaging fields with unobstructed views and provide intuitive, ergonomic controls designed for the safety of both patient and staff to support simple, assisted joint movements while facilitating positioning requirements for a range of patients.

[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 can appreciate 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 impede radiolucency of the beam below the patient's hip joint, trochanter, or femur. Additionally, the compact design includes a swing arm that further assists in articulating 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 description of the drawings]

[0008] The 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 reference 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] FIG. 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 apparatus for performing a surgical procedure on the patient. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a lift assist device used with a surgical table such as that shown in FIG. 1A to provide lift assistance to beams supporting a patient's limbs during a surgical procedure. [Diagram 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] 11 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. 13 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 FIG. 2-3 or FIG. 8, and the girder mount assembly being connected to a surgical table. [Figure 16] ~ [Figure 20] 13A-13C show different perspective views of the brake handles connected to the respective girders, the user grips, and the lift assist device connected to the articulated joints. [Figure 21] ~ [Figure 24] 10 shows different perspective views of a system in which each girder is connected to a lift assist device as shown in either FIG. 1A-B, 2-3 or FIG. 8. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Various aspects of the novel systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein are described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to any specific structure or function presented throughout the 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, one 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 an apparatus or method implemented using other structures, functions, or structures and functions 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 implemented by one or more elements of a claim.

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

[0011] Although some aspects of the present disclosure are described in terms of a specific sequence of steps of a method, it will be recognized that these descriptions are merely illustrative of the broader methods of the present disclosure and can be modified as necessary depending on the particular application. Some steps may be unnecessary or optional under some circumstances. In addition, some steps or functionality can be added to the disclosed embodiments, or the order of execution of two or more steps can be rearranged. All such variations are considered to be encompassed within the disclosure disclosed and claimed herein.

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

[0013] 1A-1B show an embodiment of a system comprising an operating table to which at least one spar is connected. Those skilled in the art can appreciate that references to spars 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 his / her leg placed in a traction boot 1, 2 connected to a respective spar. Further, as shown in FIGS. 1A-1B, the system comprises brake handles 3, 4, user grips 5, 6, and articulation joints 7, 8 connected to the respective spars. As shown, at least two spars are shown extending from the operating table, each spar with its own respective brake handle, user grip, and articulation joint. The open boot design allows for sustained traction during the procedure for a variety of foot sizes. A conveniently located ratchet provides support at the heel strap as well as quick and secure placement. The quick release ratchet allows easy removal of the patient's foot from the traction boot 1,2 and the screw lock allows easy attachment and removal of the traction boot 1,2 to the traction device, thereby providing a system that provides easy articulation. This system allows one person to have control of 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 full focus on the patient and a full range of motion without interference from the equipment. The articulation joint 7,8 can be a tubular structure that provides fine traction and rotation of the traction boot 1,2 around the patient's tibia.

[0014] The systems and devices shown in FIGS. 1A - 1B provide substantially unlimited placement options that create optimal viewpoints for the surgeon and can be confidently performed with both hands. The systems and devices include a safety lock that engages to prevent and avoid unregulated or unintended movement when the digit brakes 3, 4 are engaged. In other words, the user can engage or activate the brake handles 3, 4 to lock each digit 111 in a predetermined position relative to the operating table. Similarly, the rotation axis can be unlocked and rotated, and then relocked via the knobs on the top surfaces of the traction joints 7, 8. In some embodiments, when the user adjusts by rotating a non - rear - drivable lead screw using a handle at the most distal end of the traction assembly, fine traction is automatically locked in a predetermined position. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the actuation of the brake handles 3, 4 to lock the digits in a predetermined position can be performed either manually or automatically.

[0015] Next, with reference to FIGS. 2 - 4, an embodiment of the lift assist device 100 will be discussed in detail. The lift assist device 100 can be used in conjunction with the system 1000 shown in FIGS. 1A - 1B so that the lift assist device 100 can be used with the operating table and digits shown in FIGS. 1A - 1B above. The lift assist device 100 assists in movement when the user or operator lifts the digit 111, regardless of whether a patient limb is attached. FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the device 100 that can be used with the operating table shown in FIG. 1A for the purpose of providing lift assistance to the digit supporting a patient 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 FIG. 5A) that engages within or is received within an opening or cavity in the digit mount assembly 103.

[0016] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the spring device 101 can be a flexible elastic device or a rigid device that can include a reciprocating pump, a gas or air compressor and pneumatic cylinder, a magnetic pump, a tension / extension spring, a compression spring, a torsion spring, a wire / coil spring, a leaf spring, or other similar mechanisms. The spring device 101 can transfer force from an expanding gas or air in a cylinder via a piston rod, a connecting rod, a helical spring, a coiled, uncoiled, or leaf spring, or other cylindrically shaped device that can transfer stored mechanical energy between components. Alternatively, the 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 (as 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 a fully extended position and a fully compressed position. 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 spring device 101 providing the force, 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 anywhere from 20% to 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, that is configured to receive the ball member 108 extending from the joint mount 102. One skilled in the art can 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 girder mount assembly 103 and maintain alignment of the joint mount 102 and spring device 101 with the girder mount assembly 103 while the joint housing 106 transitions between the first and second positions and as the girder 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. And, the second end of the spring device 101 is coupled to a joint mount 102. Further, the spring device 101 is 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, the spring device 101 is coupled to a swing arm 104 at a distal end 100B of the device 100 and to a spring joint housing 105 at a proximal end 100A of the device 100. The spring joint housing 105 is connected to and extends from a joint housing 106. The swing arm 104 in turn is connected to an arm 109 which is in turn connected to a 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] Referring now to FIG. 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, the latch 107 and the lever 110 (discussed further with respect to FIG. 4). As mentioned 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 fixed 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, which allows the girder 111 (shown in FIGS. 6A-6B) to achieve a vertical displacement from the ground to a particular height above the ground, as well as allowing the girder 111 to pivot horizontally. Stated another way, the spherical ball member 108 rides in 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 spar 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 spar mount assembly 103. The joint housing 106 is configured to be connected to a distal end of the spar 111. The spar 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 of the joint housing 106 relative to the spar 111.

[0024] Vertical movement of the joint housing 106 results in lift assistance being provided to 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 disposed 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. Such 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 causes the joint housing 106 to pivot 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 in turn is connected to the joint mount 102. These features are discussed further below with reference to FIG.

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

[0027] We now discuss the embodiment shown in Figures 5A-5C, which shows different operating positions of the device 100 between the 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, the spring device 101 is preloaded to at least about 450 pounds when fully extended (as shown in Figures 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 (Figure 5B) or a fully extended position (Figure 5C) to a fully compressed position (Figure 5A). The entire mechanism of the spring device 101 and the first joint are distal to the beam 111 itself, and therefore such a configuration of the device 100 does not affect the X-ray imaging zone. In other words, the spar 111 includes a flange that is connected to the joint housing 106, and the joint housing 106, the joint mount 102, the first joint, and the spring device 101 are distal to the metal flange relative to the spar. The placement of the joint mount 102, the joint housing 106, and the spring device 101 relative to the flange and the spar itself does not cause an effect on X-ray imaging and does not impede radiolucency 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 to the spar 111. In some embodiments, the spar 111 itself is made of carbon fiber or another material that allows an image of the patient's leg to be taken, for example, from an X-ray machine, while it is on the table without impeding radiolucency.

[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 raised further beyond a second position corresponding to a full extension of the spring device 101. That is, the first position of the joint housing 106 corresponds to a beam angle of approximately -36 degrees, the second position of the joint housing 106 corresponds to a beam angle of approximately 14 degrees, and the 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 measurements 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, the movement of the swing arm 104 between the second and third positions is unassisted, while in other embodiments, it is assisted. As shown in FIGS. 5A-5C, the swing arm 104 includes two bolts, which in some embodiments are shoulder bolts that are clevis pins that assist in 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. In other words, in FIG. 5A, while the swing arm 104 is in a fixed or non-extended position, the spring device 101 is fully compressed. In this configuration, the girder 111 is lowered at 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 fixed or non-extended configuration. In this configuration, the beam 111 is at about 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. Such an 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 fixed position to a non-fixed or extended position. In this configuration, the beam 111 is at about 28 degrees relative to the plane of the operating table. The actuation of the swing arm 104 is unassisted or is assisted by a pivot joint using, for example, a link mechanism, a cam mechanism, a gear, a spring, and other similar mechanisms. These linkages may include two or more moveable links, slider-crank mechanisms, or crank and piston mechanisms.The cam mechanism can comprise a rotating cam connected with a translational or rotational follower. The gears can comprise a rack and pinion mechanism, an ordinary gear train, and a planetary gear train. 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, and the user is required to provide whatever force is 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 is a rotational joint to the spring device 101 and the arm 109. 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, one skilled in the art will appreciate 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 its third position corresponds to the spring device 101 in its fully extended position and the swing arm 104 in its extended position as shown in FIG. 5C. One skilled in the art will appreciate 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 position within a range between such positions, for example, by using a brake, such as a floating brake cup as discussed herein.

[0031] 5A-5C, one 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 respect to 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 rotational joint, the second joint connects 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 a proximal end of the spar 111, and a 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, a perspective view of one embodiment of the device 100 connected to a surgical table according to an example embodiment is shown. FIG. 6B is an enlarged view of FIG. 6A, which shows the device 100 with its different associated 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 annotation "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 the spar 111 engaging the spar mount assembly 103 to lock it in place. FIGS. 13-15 show similar views of the spar 111 shown in FIGS. 1A-1B. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the spar 111 is designed to be removable from the operating table for ease of storage and table transportation. Assembly of the spar 111 and the spar mount assembly 103 can be accomplished by first engaging the spar 111 with the spar mount assembly 103. As shown in FIG. 7B, the spar mount connector 112 is positioned to be placed into the spar mount assembly 103. The spar 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 spar mount assembly 103 to hold the spar 111 in place relative to the operating table. As further shown in FIG. 7B, the spar mount assembly 103 includes a downwardly disposed lever 110 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 actuated by turning it clockwise until it is tight. The lock knob 114 can be tightened while maneuvering the spar 111 up or down to ensure 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 ball, thereby creating sufficient holding torque to support the spar 111 from falling to the ground. When the respective brake handles 3, 4 are rotated in a counterclockwise direction, the floating brake cups are released and the spar 111 is free to adjust up or down or outward / inward (abduction / adduction).

[0036] 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 the arm 109 in a slot mechanism fashion. That is, instead of being on top of the arm 109 as shown in FIGS. 2-3, the latch 107 is in a slot mechanism fashion that is built or embedded within the arm 109 itself. Further, as shown, the notation "A" represents the mounting end of the spar 111. This mounting end "A" defines the distal end of the X-ray imaging zone that is free of any metal. 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 while the mechanism, structural configuration and orientation of device 100 are consistent between the two embodiments, one difference concerns the features of latch 107 as described above.

[0037] 13-15 show how one embodiment of device 100 is secured to a surgical table with a spar 111 connected thereto. In particular, these figures are similar to those discussed above with respect to FIGS. 7A-7C and the accompanying disclosure regarding mounting of a spar 111 to a spar mount assembly 103 connected to a surgical table. However, unlike FIGS. 7A-7C, the spar 111 mounted to the spar mount assembly 103 in FIGS. 13-15 includes an embodiment of device 100 connected thereto. This device 100 can be either the device shown in FIGS. 2-3 or the device shown in FIG. 8. As shown in FIGS. 13-15, the mounting or connection of device 100 to the spar 111 provides the user with assisted articulation when manipulating the 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 beams 111 in a similar manner as 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 beams 111 as shown in Figures 1A-1C now comprise an embodiment of a device 100 at the distal end of the respective beams 111. The device 100 can be either the device 100 shown in Figures 2-3 or the device 100 shown in Figure 8.

[0039] 21-24 show different perspective views of an embodiment of the addition of an embodiment of a device 100 to a system such as that shown in FIGS. 1A-1B above, where the device 100 can be either the device 100 shown in FIGS. 2-3 or the device 100 shown in FIG. 8. In other words, those skilled in the art will understand that the system including the operating table, leg support beam device, and components thereof shown in FIGS. 1A-B corresponds to the representations shown in FIGS. 21-24. FIGS. 21-24 particularly highlight the inventive concepts disclosed herein relating to, among other things, the brake handles 3, 4, the user grips 5, 6, and the articulation joints 7, 8. Also, FIGS. 23-24 incorporate features shown in FIGS. 1A-B, such as the foot pedal, the support member extending perpendicular to the floor, and the hook-like engagement member extending from the support member to support and engage the thigh of the user. As shown, two different beams 111 are shown to assist in lifting the respective limbs of a patient (i.e., right leg or left leg) to perform surgery such as hip-related surgery or lower limb orthopedic procedures. Each of the respective 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 respective beams 111. Although two beams 111 are shown in FIGS. 1A-1C and 21-24, one skilled in the art will appreciate that additional beams can be attached to the operating table to support other limbs such as, for example, an arm or the patient's head.

[0040] It should be noted that in some embodiments the downward moment load of 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 implying 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 it pertains. Terms and phrases used in this application, and variations thereof, particularly in the appended claims, should be construed as open ended rather than limiting, unless expressly stated otherwise. As examples of the foregoing, the term "including" should be read to mean "including, without limitation," "including but not limited to," and the like; the term "comprising" as used herein is synonymous with "including," "containing," or "characterized by" and is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps; the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "such as" should be interpreted as "such as, without limitation," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," and the term "examples" is used to provide illustrative examples of the items under discussion and not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof, and should not be construed as an "example, but not limited to" list.and adjectives such as "known," "normal," "standard," 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 known now or at any time in the future. The use of terms such as "preferably," "preferred," "desired," or "desirable," and words of similar import, should not be understood as implying that some feature is critical, essential, or even important to the structure or function of the 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 with the conjunction "and" should not be read as requiring that each and every one of those items be present in the group, but rather as "and / or," unless otherwise specified. Similarly, a group of items connected with 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%. The term "substantially" 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. Additionally, as used herein, "defined" or "determined" can include "predefined" or "predetermined" and / or otherwise determined values, conditions, thresholds, measurements, etc.

Claims

1. 1. An apparatus for providing lift assistance for an articulating limb support of a surgical table, comprising: a joint mount connected to a joint housing having a first joint; a spring device having a first end and a second end, the first end of the spring device being coupled to the joint housing by a second joint and the second end of the spring device being coupled to the joint mount, the spring device being configured to actuate the joint housing between a first position and a second position, the first position corresponding to a compressed position of the spring device and the second position corresponding to an extended position of the spring device; Including, the joint housing is configured to be coupled to a distal end of a beam, the beam being capable of supporting at least one limb of a patient for a surgical procedure; the spring device and the joint mount are distal of the joint housing relative to the spar; The apparatus.

2. a swing arm having a first end and a second end, the first end of the swing arm attached to the second end of the spring device and the second end of the swing arm attached to the joint mount via an arm, the swing arm operable from a non-extended position when the joint housing is between its first and second positions to an extended position when the joint housing reaches a third position, the joint housing reaching the third position when the swing arm reaches the extended position and the spring device reaches the extended position; The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:

3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first joint and the second joint comprise at least one degree of rotation joint, and the joint housing provides at least two degrees of freedom for the girder.

4. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said spring means is preloaded with a force of at least 450 pounds when in said extended position.

5. 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the joint mount further comprises a mount connector, the mount connector comprising: (i) connecting with a girder mount assembly; and (ii) configured to maintain alignment of the joint mount and the spring device with the girder mount assembly during transition of the joint housing between the first and second positions and as the girder moves in two degrees of freedom.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the spar mount assembly includes a lever, actuation of the lever disengaging the mount connector from the spar mount assembly.

7. The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the joint mount maintains alignment with the girder mount assembly while the joint housing pivots between the first and second positions.

8. The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the joint housing includes a cavity therein, the cavity configured to receive a ball member extending from the joint mount.

9. The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the second joint connecting the spring device and the joint housing includes a cavity therein.

10. The apparatus of claim 8 , wherein the joint housing pivots relative to the ball member disposed in the cavity of the joint housing.

11. 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the pivoting of the joint housing between the first and second positions is caused by actuating a proximal end of the spar, allowing the proximal end of the spar to be manipulated by a user.

12. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the spar includes a metal flange connected to the joint housing, the joint mount, the first joint, and the spring device being distal to the metal flange relative to the spar.

13. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the arrangement of the joint mount, the joint housing, and the spring device relative to the beam does not affect X-ray imaging and does not impede radiolucency of the beam.

14. 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the force required to lift the beam supporting the patient's leg is reduced by at least 50% by the spring device, where the force required to lift the beam supporting the patient's leg is 100%.

15. 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first position of the joint housing corresponds to a beam angle of approximately −36 degrees, the second position of the joint housing corresponds to a beam angle of approximately 14 degrees, and the third position of the joint housing corresponds to a beam angle of approximately 28 degrees.

16. 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein actuation of the swing arm is unassisted.

17. 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein actuation of the swing arm is spring assisted.

18. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the girder moves about a single axis.

19. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the second end of the spring device is connected to the joint mount by a device selected from a hinge and a clevis pin.

20. The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the second joint connecting the spring device and the joint housing includes the same degrees of freedom as the first joint.

21. 1. An apparatus for providing lift assistance for an articulating limb support of a surgical table, comprising: a joint mount connected to a joint housing having a first joint; a spring device having a first end and a second end, the first end of the spring device being coupled to the joint housing by a second joint and the second end of the spring device being coupled to the joint mount, the spring device being configured to actuate the joint housing between a first position and a second position, the first position corresponding to a compressed position of the spring device and the second position corresponding to an extended position of the spring device; a swing arm having a first end and a second end, the first end of the swing arm attached to the second end of the spring device and the second end of the swing arm attached to the joint mount via an arm, the swing arm being operable from a non-extended position when the joint housing is between its first and second positions, to an extended position when the joint housing reaches a third position; Including, the joint housing is configured to be connected to a distal end of a beam, the beam being capable of supporting at least one limb of a patient for a surgical procedure; the spring device and the joint mount are distal of the joint housing relative to the spar; The apparatus, when the swing arm reaches the extended position and the spring device reaches the extended position, the joint housing reaches the third position.

22. 1. An apparatus for providing lift assistance for an articulating limb support of a surgical table, comprising: a joint housing including a cavity configured to receive a ball member configured to pivot the joint housing, the joint housing connected to a surgical table and to a distal end of a beam configured to support at least one limb of a patient for a surgical procedure; a spring device connected to the joint housing, the spring device being distal to the joint housing relative to the girder and configured to actuate the joint housing between a first position and a second position, the first position corresponding to a compressed position of the spring device and the second position corresponding to an extended position of the spring device; Equipped with The apparatus.

23. 23. The apparatus of claim 22, further comprising a spring joint housing disposed between the joint housing and the spring device, the spring device configured to actuate the spring joint housing to actuate the joint housing.

24. 24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the spring joint housing is distal to the joint housing relative to the spar.

25. The apparatus of claim 22 , wherein the spring device is aligned with the spar.

26. 23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the spring device comprises a single gas spring.

27. 23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the spring device is below the spar.

28. a swing arm connected to the joint housing, the swing arm configured to be actuated 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 plane of the operating table such that the joint housing transitions between the first position and the second position; and 23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the swing arm is configured to actuate from the non-extended position to the extended position when the girder is further elevated upwardly relative to the plane of the operating table such that the joint housing transitions from the second position to a third position.

29. In the first position of the joint housing, the spring device is in the compressed position and the swing arm is in the non-extended position; In the second position of the joint housing, the spring device is in the extended position and the swing arm is in the non-extended position; 29. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein in the third position of the joint housing, the spring device is in the extended position and the swing arm is in the extended position.

30. 1. An apparatus for providing lift assistance for an articulating limb support of a surgical table, comprising: a joint connected to the surgical table and to a distal end of the beam configured to support at least one limb of a patient for a surgical procedure; a spring device connected to the joint and thereby aligned with the girder, the spring device being distal to the joint with respect to the girder and configured to actuate the joint in a range between a first position and a second position, the first position corresponding to a compressed position of the spring device and the second position corresponding to an extended position of the spring device; The apparatus comprising:

31. 31. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the spring device comprises a single gas spring disposed beneath the spar.

32. 31. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the joint is a ball joint.

33. 31. The apparatus of claim 30, further comprising a spring joint housing disposed between the joint and the spring device, the spring device configured to actuate the spring joint housing to actuate the joint.

34. 34. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein the spring joint housing is distal to the joint relative to the spar.

35. a swing arm connected to the joint, the swing arm configured to be actuated 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 plane of the operating table such that the joint transitions between the first position and the second position; and 31. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the swing arm is configured to actuate from the non-extended position to the extended position when the girder is further elevated upwardly relative to the plane of the operating table such that the joint transitions from the second position to a third position.

36. 36. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein the swing arm is connected to the spring device via a rotational joint such that the swing arm rotates relative to the spring device when actuated from the unextended position to the extended position.

37. 1. A system for providing lift assistance for an articulating limb support of a surgical table, comprising: a spar 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 and configured to be lowered and raised relative to a plane of the surgical table; A lift device comprising: a joint connected to a distal end of the beam configured to support at least one limb of a patient for a surgical procedure; and a spring device connected to the joint, the spring device being distal to and below the joint with respect to the girder, the spring device being configured to actuate the joint in a range between a first position and a second position, the first position corresponding to a compressed position of the spring device and the second position corresponding to an extended position of the spring device. The lift device comprising: The system comprising:

38. 38. The system of claim 37, wherein the spring device comprises a single gas spring and is aligned with the spar.

39. 38. The system of claim 37, further comprising a spring joint housing disposed between the joint and the spring device, the spring device configured to actuate the spring joint housing to actuate the joint.

40. 40. The system of claim 39, wherein the spring joint housing is distal to the joint relative to the spar.

41. a swing arm connected to the joint, the swing arm being distal to the joint relative to the spar and configured for actuation 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 the plane of the operating table such that the joint transitions between the first position and the second position; and 40. The system of claim 39, wherein the swing arm is configured to actuate from the non-extended position to the extended position when the girder is further elevated upwardly relative to the plane of the operating table such that the joint transitions from the second position to a third position.

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