Removable, multiplanar surgical rail system

Abstract

Embodiments relate to a support arm adapter including a member having a table interface and a support arm interface. Embodiments can also include methods for performing or practicing a medical procedure using an embodiment of the support arm adapter.

Description

REMOVABLE, MULTIPLANAR SURGICAL RAIL SYSTEMCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This patent application is related to and claims the benefit of priority to U.S. provisional patent application no. 63 / 678,128, filed on August 1, 2024, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND

[0002] Medical accessories (e.g., surgical support arms) can used by medical professionals during medical operations, medical procedures, medical treatment, medical training, etc. The medical accessory can assist the medical professional (e.g., used to hold a limb, splay skin, etc.), assist the patient (e.g., hold a limb in a position, provide a rest or support, etc.), etc. Medical accessories can be used with a surgical rail system, wherein an adapter can be used to connect the medical accessory to a table.SUMMARY

[0003] Embodiments can relate to a support arm adapter that can be used as or be used with a surgical rail system. The support arm adapter can include a member having a table interface configured to engage an edge of a tabletop. The member can have a support arm interface configured to facilitate attachment of one or more medical accessories.

[0004] Embodiments of the table interface can include a channel configured to slidably receive an edge of a tabletop. The table interface can include a clamping mechanism configured to selectively secure the member in a position along the tabletop. Embodiments of the support arm interface can include a rail having a narrow portion leading to a broader head portion. The narrow portion and the broader head portion can span the same distance along the member.Some embodiments of the support arm interface can include more than one rail.

[0005] Embodiments of the support arm adapter can provide multiple attachment points for attachment and removal of one or more medical accessories (e.g., surgical support arm). Embodiments of the support arm adapter can also facilitate engagement of the adapter with tabletops having different tabletop thicknesses. For instance, embodiments of the support arm adapter can be secured to a tabletop having a first thickness, the support arm adapter can then beremoved, and the support arm adapter can then be attached to a tabletop having a second thickness. As another example, embodiments of the support arm adapter can be secured to a tabletop, wherein the tabletop has a thickness that changes along the edge of the tabletop but yet the support arm adapter can be effectively secured to the tabletop even with the varied thickness of the edge.

[0006] Embodiments of the support arm adapter can allow for effective securement of the support arm adapter to a tabletop without damaging the tabletop.

[0007] An exemplary embodiment can relate to a support arm adapter. The support arm adapter can include a member having a table interface and a support arm interface. The table interface can include a channel configured to slidably receive an edge of a tabletop. The table interface can include a clamping mechanism configured to selectively secure the member in a position along the tabletop. The support arm interface can include a rail having a narrow portion leading to a broader head portion. The narrow portion and the broader head portion can span the same distance along the member.

[0008] An exemplary embodiment can relate to a support arm adapter. The support arm adapter can include an elongate member. Along the elongate member’s long sides, the elongate member can have a first face, a second face, a third face, and a fourth face. Along the elongate member’s short sides, the elongate member can have a first end and a second end. The elongate member can include a longitudinal axis extending from the first end and to the second end. The elongate member can include a table interface formed on the first face. The table interface can include a channel configured to slidably receive an edge of a tabletop. The table interface can include a clamping mechanism configured to selectively secure the elongate member in a position along the tabletop. The elongate member can include a support arm interface formed on at least one of the third face and the fourth face. The support arm interface can include a rail extending along at least a portion of the elongate member in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. The rail can have a narrow portion leading to a broader head portion. The narrow portion and the broader head portion can span the same distance along the member.

[0009] An exemplary embodiment can relate to a method for performing or practicing a medical procedure. The method can involve slidably engaging an elongate member to a tabletop. Along the elongate member’s long sides, the elongate member can have a first face, a second face, athird face, and a fourth face. Along the elongate member’s short sides, the elongate member can have a first end and a second end. The elongate member can include a longitudinal axis extending from the first end and to the second end. The elongate member can include a table interface formed on the first face. The table interface can include a channel configured to slidably receive an edge of a tabletop. The table interface can include a clamping mechanism configured to selectively secure the elongate member in a position along the tabletop. The elongate member can include a support arm interface formed on at least one of the third face and the fourth face. The support arm interface can include a rail extending along at least a portion of the elongate member in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. The rail can have a narrow portion leading to a broader head portion. The narrow portion and the broader head portion can span the same distance along the member. The method can involve actuating the clamping mechanism to secure the elongate member in position. The method can involve securing on or more support arms to the rail.

[0010] Further features, aspects, objects, advantages, and possible applications of the present disclosure will become apparent from a study of the exemplary embodiments and examples described below, in combination with the Figures, and the appended claims.

[0011] One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the embodiments disclosed herein are not mutually exclusive, and features from various embodiments may be combined or interchanged with features from other embodiments, which are all within the scope of the present disclosure.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The above and other objects, aspects, features, advantages and possible applications of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following more particular description thereof, presented in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0013] FIG. 1 shows an end-view of an exemplary embodiment of a support arm adapter.

[0014] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a support arm adapter.

[0015] FIG. 3 shows an exemplary embodiment of a support arm adapter engaged with a tabletop and two medical accessories.

[0016] FIG. 4 shows an exemplary embodiment of a support arm adapter engaged with a tabletop and two medical accessories.

[0017] FIG. 5 shows an exemplary embodiment of a support arm adapter engaged with a tabletop and two medical accessories.

[0018] FIG. 6 shows an exemplary embodiment of a support arm adapter engaged with a tabletop and two medical accessories.

[0019] FIG. 7 shows an exemplary embodiment of a support arm adapter engaged with a tabletop and two medical accessories.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] The following description is of an embodiment s) presently contemplated for carrying out embodiments disclosed herein. This description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of describing the general principles and features of the present disclosure.

[0021] Referring to FIGS. 1-7, embodiments can relate to a support arm adapter 100 that can be used as or be used with a surgical rail system. The support arm adapter 100 can include a member 102 having a table interface 104. The table interface 104 can be configured to engage an edge of a tabletop 1. The member 102 can have a support arm interface 106. The support arm interface 106 can be configured to facilitate attachment of one or more medical accessories 2.

[0022] While embodiments disclosed herein may describe and / or illustrate the adapter 100 as being use for or with a support arm 2 (e.g., a surgical support arm), it is understood that the support arm adapter 100 can be used for any type of medical accessory 2. A medical accessory 2 can be a device for use by a medical professional during a medical operation, a medical procedure, a medical treatment, a medical training event, etc. The medical accessory 2 can assist the medical professional (e.g., used to hold a limb, splay skin, etc.), assist the patient (e.g., hold a limb in a position, provide a rest or support, etc.), etc. While embodiments disclosed herein may describe and illustrate the support arm adapter 100 being used as or used with a surgical rail system, it is understood that the support arm adapter 100 can be used as or with other systems.

[0023] Referring to FIGS. 1-2, the support arm adapter 100 can include a member 102. The member 102 can be a rigid material (e.g., metal, metal alloy, plastic, polymer, composite, etc.).

[0024] The member 102 can have one or more table interfaces 104. The table interface 104 can be configured to engage (e.g., receive, adhere to, attach to, secure to, couple to, generate aninterference fit with, mesh with, etc.) with a tabletop 1 (see FIGS. 3-7). This can include engaging with an edge 3 of a tabletop 1. For instance, the table interface 104 can be one or more channels 108 configured to slidably receive an edge of a tabletop 1. The channel 108 can be formed in or on a surface of the member 102. The channel 108 can be dimensioned so that the member 102 can be slid onto a tabletop 1 at the edge 3 of the tabletop 1, slid along the edge 3 of the tabletop 1, and / or removed therefrom. Tabletops 1 are generally planar structures having a rectangular, square, polygonal, oval, etc. profile. Edges 3 of the tabletop 1 can be flat, beveled, bullnosed, etc. The channel 108 can have a dimension, shape, and contour that complements or mirrors that of the tabletop 1 profile and / or the shape of the edges 3, but it need not to. In an exemplary embodiment, the channel 108 can be straight indentation formed in a side of the member 102. The exemplary channel 108 can be C-shaped or U-shaped. Even when the channel XX does not mirror or complement that profile / shape of the tabletop 1 and / or edge 3, the channel 108 can be dimensioned such that it can accommodate reception of a tabletop edge portion and be retained on the tabletop 1 by the engagement of side surfaces of the channel 108 with surfaces of the tabletop 1.

[0025] The table interface 104 can include one or more clamping mechanisms 110. The clamping mechanism 110 can be configured to selectively secure the member 102 in a position along the tabletop 1. The clamping mechanism 110 can be an instrument that binds via constriction, for example. For instance, the clamping mechanism 110 can be a pin-and-detent formed in a portion of the channel 108, a spring loaded catch plate formed in a portion of the channel 108, a rubber wedge disposed within the channel 108 to generate an interference fit with the tabletop 1, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the clamping mechanism 110 can include a threaded rod 112 and a complementary or corresponding threaded hole 114 formed through a side of the channel 108. When the member 102 is slid onto a tabletop 1, the threaded rod 112 can be actuated (e.g., advanced through the threaded hole 114) until a distal end of the threaded rod 112 makes physical contact with a surface of the tabletop 1. The threaded rod 112 can be actuated (e.g., retreated through the threaded hole 114) until the distal end of the threaded rod 112 no longer makes physical contact with the surface of the tabletop 1. The member 102 can then be removed from the tabletop 1, slid onto a different portion of the tabletop 1, allowed tostay on the tabletop 1 and slid along the edge 3 to a different position, removed from the tabletop 1 and placed on a different tabletop 1, etc.

[0026] Any portion of the channel 108 can have a protective layer (e.g., rubber, polymer, silicone, felt, etc.) formed thereon. This protective layer can assist with preventing damage to the tabletop 1.

[0027] Referring to FIGS. 3-4, the member 102 can have one or more support arm interfaces 106. The support arm interface 106 can be configured to engage (e.g., receive, adhere to, attach to, secure to, couple to, generate an interference fit with, mesh with, etc.) with a support arm 2 or other medical accessory. The support arm interface 106 can include one or more rails 116. A support arm 2 typically has a working end 2a and a coupling end 2b. Some support arms 2 can be jointed (e.g., ball joint, gimbal assembly, etc.) to allow for articulation of the support arm 2. The working end 2a can include an instrument, apparatus, securement mechanism, etc. that allows a user to use or configure the support arm 2 to perform a desired function. The coupling end 2b can include a coupling device 4. The coupling device 4 can be a clamp, a tensioner, a pin-and-detent, a threaded rod and a complementary or corresponding threaded hole, etc. It is contemplated for the coupling device 4 to include a bracket 4a with a threaded rod and a complementary or corresponding threaded hole. The bracket 4a can be fitted over the rail 116 and selectively secured in place via actuation of the threaded rod. The bracket 4a can be C- shaped, I-shaped, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the rail 116 can have a narrow portion 112 leading to a broader head portion 124. In some embodiments, the narrow portion 112 and the broader head portion 124 can span the same distance along the member 102. It is contemplated for the rail 116 to have shape that complements a shape of the bracket 4a. For instance, if the bracket 4a is I-shaped, the rail 116 can be T-shaped (e.g., have a T-shaped cross-sectional profile) so that the bracket 4a can be slide over the rail 116. The rail 116 can extend along a length of the member 102 in a direction from a first end 118 to a second end 120 of the member 102. (See FIG. 5).

[0028] In use, the coupling device 4 (with or without the support arm 2 attached to the coupling device 4) can be fitted to the rail 116. This can involve sliding the coupling device 4 onto the rail 116 at the member first end 118 or member second end 120. It is understood that any number of coupling devices 4 (and support arms 2 if attached thereto) can be fitted to the rail116. The complementary shape of the rail 116 with that of the bracket 4a can allow the coupling device 4 (and the support arm 2 if it is attached thereto) to be self-supported on the rail 116. The coupling device 4 can be slid along the rail 116 to a desired position and secured or locked in place at that position via actuation (e.g., advancing the threaded rod through the treaded hole) of the coupling device 4. The coupling device 4 can be actuated (e.g., retreating the threaded rod through the treaded hole) to unsecure or unlock the coupling device 4 but the complementary shape of the rail 116 with that of the bracket 4a can still allow the coupling device 4 to be selfsupported on the rail 116. Yet, in an unsecured or unlocked state, the coupling device 4 can be slid along the rail 116 to a new position, slide from the rail 116 by translating the coupling device 4 along the rail 1 16 and off from the rail at the member first end 1 18 or the member second end 120, etc. As noted herein, in some embodiment, the narrow portion 112 and the broader head portion 124 of the rail can span the same distance along the member 102. This can allow for translation of the coupling device 4 (and the support arm 2 if attached thereto) to any desired position along the rail 116 while the coupling device 4 (and the support arm 2 if attached thereto) is still self-supported on the rail 116. In some embodiments, the rail 116 can extend an entire distance from the member first end 118 to the member second end 120.

[0029] The support arm interface 106 can include any number of rails 116. For instance, the support interface can include a first rail 116, a second rail 116, a third rail 116, etc. Any number of coupling devices 4 (and support arms 2 if attached thereto) can be fitted to any number of rails 116.

[0030] It is contemplated for the member 102 to be an elongate member 102 (e.g., the member can be rectangular, tubular, etc.) For instance, the elongate member can generally have a rectangular shape with four long sides and two ends. With this exemplary configuration, the member 102, along the member’s long sides, can have a first face 126, a second face 128, a third face 130, and a fourth face 132. The first face 126 can subtend the third face 130. The second face can subtend the fourth face 132. The first face 126 can include a channel 108. The second face can include a clamping mechanism. At least one of the third face 130 and the fourth face 132 can include a support arm interface 106.

[0031] In an exemplary embodiment, the support arm adapter 100 can include an elongate member 102. Along the elongate member’s long sides, the elongate member 102 can have a firstface 126, a second face 128, a third face 130, and a fourth face 132. The first face 126 can subtend the third face 130. The second face 128 can subtend the fourth face 132. Along the elongate member’s short sides, the elongate member 102 can have a first end 118 and a second end 120. (See FIG. 5). With this exemplary member 102 being elongate, there can be a longitudinal axis 134 (see FIG. 2) extending from the first end 118 to the second end 120. The elongate member 102 can include a table interface 104 formed on the first face 126. The table interface 104 can include a channel 108 configured to slidably receive an edge 3 of a tabletop 1. The table interface 104 can include clamping mechanism 110 configured to selectively secure the elongate member 102 in a position along the tabletop 1. The elongate member 102 can include a support arm interface 106 formed on at least one of the third face 130 and the fourth face 132. The support arm interface 106 can include one or more rails 116 extending along at least a portion of the elongate member 102 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 134. For instance, the support arm interface 106 can include a first rail 116 formed on the third face 130 and a second rail 116 formed on the fourth face 132. At least one of the rails 116 can have a narrow portion 112 leading to a broader head portion 124. The narrow portion 122 and the broader head portion 124 can span the same distance along the member 102.

[0032] The table interface 104 can be configured to retain the elongate member 102 to the tabletop 1 and the allow slidable motion of the elongate member 102 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 134 while being retained to the tabletop 1. The clamping mechanism 110 can be configured to selectively prevent slidable motion of the elongate member 102 in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 134. The support arm interface 106 can be configured to facilitate connection of a support arm 2 to the broader head portion 124 and slidable motion of the support arm 2 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 134. The clamping mechanism 110 can include one or more threaded holes 114 formed in the elongate member 102, at least one of which can extend from the second face 128 to the channel 108. The clamping mechanism 110 can include one or more threaded rods 112, at least one of which can be configured to threadingly engage with a threaded hole 114.

[0033] An exemplary use of the support arm adapter 100 can include slidably engaging an elongate member 102 to a tabletop 1. This can include causing the channel 108 to receive a portion of the edge 3 of the tabletop 1, for example. The clamping mechanism 110 can beactuated to secure the elongate member 102 in position. This can include advancing the threaded rod 112 through the threaded hole 114 until a distal end of the threaded rod makes physical contact with a surface of the tabletop 1, for example. One or more support arms 2 can be secured to a rail 116 of the elongate member 102. This can include fitting one or more coupling devices 4 to the rail 116 and actuating the coupling device 4 to secure it in position. Either before or after the coupling device 4 is fitted to the rail 116, a support arm 2 can be coupled to the coupling device 4. The support arm 2 can then be used as desired while being held in place at the edge 3 of the tabletop 1.

[0034] The support arm adapter 100 can be removed from the tabletop 1, placed on a different tabletop 1, slid to a different position on the same tabletop 1 , etc. In addition, the support arm(s) 2 can be removed from the rail(s) 116, placed on different rail(s) 116, placed on a different support arm adapter 100, slid along the rail(s) 116 to a different position, etc. For instance, the clamping mechanism 110 can be actuated to release the elongate member 102 from position. The elongate member 102 can be slid along the tabletop 1 in a direction parallel to the elongate member’s longitudinal axis 134. The clamping mechanism 110 can be actuated to secure the elongate member 102 in its new position. As another example, the clamping mechanism 110 can be actuated to release the elongate member 102 from position. The elongate member can be removed from the tabletop 1. The elongate member 102 can be slidingly engaged to a different edge 3 of the tabletop 1. This different edge 3 can have a thickness that differs from a thickness of the edge 3 of the first position. Alternatively, the elongate member 102 can be slidingly engaged to a different tabletop 1 . This different tabletop 1 can have an edge 3 with a thickness that differs from a thickness of the edge 3 of the first tabletop 1. As another example, one or more support arms 2 can be unsecured via actuation of the coupling device 4. The one or more support arms 2 can be slid along the rail 116 in a direction parallel to the elongate member’s longitudinal axis 134. The one or more support arms 2 can then be secured to its new position on the rail 116 via actuation of the coupling device 4.

[0035] Existing medical accessor adapters are deficient in that they at least fail to provide means for one or more of: a) multiple attachment points for attachment and removal of one or more medical accessories; b) accommodating various table thicknesses to which the adapter attaches; and c) effective attachment to a table without causing damage to the table. Embodiments of thesupport arm adapter 100, however, can provide multiple attachment points for attachment and removal of one or more medical accessories 2. Embodiments of the support arm adapter 100 can also facilitate engagement of the support arm adapter 100 with tabletops 1 having different tabletop thicknesses. For instance, embodiments of the support arm adapter 100 can be secured to a tabletop 1 having a first thickness, the support arm adapter 100 can then be removed, and the support arm adapter 100 can then be attached to a tabletop 1 having a second thickness. As another example, embodiments of the support arm adapter 100 can be secured to a tabletop 1, wherein the tabletop 1 has a thickness that changes along the edge 3 of the tabletop 1 but yet the support arm adapter 100 can be effectively secured to the tabletop 1 even with the varied thickness of the edge 3. In addition, embodiments of the support arm adapter 100 can allow for effective securement of the support arm adapter 100 to a tabletop without damaging the tabletop 1.

[0036] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous modifications and variations of the described examples and embodiments are possible in light of the above teachings of the disclosure. The disclosed examples and embodiments are presented for purposes of illustration only. Other alternate embodiments may include some or all of the features disclosed herein. Therefore, it is the intent to cover all such modifications and alternate embodiments as may come within the true scope of the present disclosure, which is to be given the full breadth thereof. Additionally, the disclosure of a range of values is a disclosure of every numerical value within that range, including the end points.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A support arm adapter, comprising: a member having a table interface and a support arm interface; wherein the table interface includes: a channel configured to slidably receive an edge of a tabletop; and a clamping mechanism configured to selectively secure the member in a position along the tabletop; wherein the support arm interface includes: a rail having a narrow portion leading to a broader head portion, wherein the narrow portion and the broader head portion span the same distance along the member.

2. The support arm adapter of claim 1, wherein: the support arm interface includes a first rail and a second rail.

3. The support arm adapter of claim 1, wherein: the member is an elongate member; along the member’s long sides, the member has a first face, a second face, a third face, and a fourth face; the first face includes the channel; the second face includes the clamping mechanism; at least one of the third face and the fourth face include the support arm interface.

4. The support arm adapter of claim 3, wherein: the first face subtends the third face; and the second face subtends fourth face.

5. The support arm adapter of claim 1, wherein: the channel is C-shaped or U-shaped.

6. The support arm adapter of claim 1, wherein: the rail has a T-shaped cross-sectional profile.

7. The support arm adapter of claim 1, wherein: the clamping mechanism includes a threaded rod and a complementary or corresponding threaded hole.

8. A support arm adapter, comprising: an elongate member, comprising: along the elongate member’s long sides, the elongate member has a first face, a second face, a third face, and a fourth face; and along the elongate member’s short sides, the elongate member has a first end and a second end; a longitudinal axis extending from the first end and to the second end; a table interface formed on the first face, the table interface including: a channel configured to slidably receive an edge of a tabletop; and a clamping mechanism configured to selectively secure the elongate member in a position along the tabletop; a support arm interface formed on at least one of the third face and the fourth face, the support arm interface including: a rail extending along at least a portion of the elongate member in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis, the rail having a narrow portion leading to a broader head portion, wherein the narrow portion and the broader head portion span the same distance along the member.

9. The support arm adapter of claim 8, wherein: the table interface is configured to retain the elongate member to the tabletop and the allow slidable motion of the elongate member in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis while being retained to the tabletop; andthe clamping mechanism is configured to selectively prevent slidable motion of the elongate member in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis.

10. The support arm adapter of claim 8, wherein: the support arm interface is configured to facilitate connection of a support arm to the broader head portion and slidable motion of the support arm in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis.

11. The support arm adapter of claim 8, wherein: the clamping mechanism includes a threaded hole formed in the elongate member that extends from the second face to the channel; and a threaded rod configured to threadingly engage with the threaded hole.

12. The support arm adapter of claim 11, wherein: the clamping mechanism includes plural threaded holes and plural threaded rods.

13. The support arm adapter of claim 8, wherein: the support arm interface includes a first rail formed on the third face and a second rail formed on the fourth face.

14. The support arm adapter of claim 8, wherein: the first face subtends the third face; and the second face subtends fourth face.

15. The support arm adapter of claim 8, wherein: the channel is C-shaped or U-shaped.

16. The support arm adapter of claim 8, wherein: the rail has a T-shaped cross-sectional profile.

17. A method for performing or practicing a medical procedure, the method comprising: slidably engaging an elongate member to a tabletop, the elongate member comprising: along the elongate member’s long sides, the elongate member has a first face, a second face, a third face, and a fourth face; and along the elongate member’s short sides, the elongate member has a first end and a second end; a longitudinal axis extending from the first end and to the second end; a table interface formed on the first face, the table interface including: a channel configured to slidably receive an edge of a tabletop; and a clamping mechanism configured to selectively secure the elongate member in a position along the tabletop; a support arm interface formed on at least one of the third face and the fourth face, the support arm interface including: a rail extending along at least a portion of the elongate member in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis, the rail having a narrow portion leading to a broader head portion, wherein the narrow portion and the broader head portion span the same distance along the member; actuating the clamping mechanism to secure the elongate member in position; and securing on or more support arms to the rail.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: actuating the clamping mechanism to release the elongate member from position; sliding the elongate member along the tabletop in a direction parallel to the elongate member’s longitudinal axis; and actuating the clamping mechanism to secure the elongate member in position.

19. The method of claim 17, further comprising: unrecurring the one or more support arms;sliding the one or more support arms along the rail in a direction parallel to the elongate member’s longitudinal axis; and securing the one or more support arms to the rail.

20. The method of claim 17, further comprising: actuating the clamping mechanism to release the elongate member from position; removing the elongate member from the tabletop; slidably engaging the elongate member to: a different edge of the tabletop, the different edge having a thickness that differs from a thickness of the edge; or a different tabletop, the different tabletop having an edge with a thickness that differs from a thickness of the edge of the tabletop.

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