Bone Plate Template With Removable Segments For Sterile Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The current method of delivering bone plates in various shapes and sizes to the operating room requires surgeons to handle multiple plates, leading to costly, time-consuming, and labor-intensive sterilization or disposal of unused plates, with potential damage or insufficient sterilization.
Innovation Solution
A bone plate template system with removable segments that can be easily separated by hand, allowing surgeons to identify the correct size and shape needed for a procedure, with each component individually sterilized and packaged, ensuring only the necessary plate is unpackaged and used.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple bone plates are delivered to the operating room for surgeon selection, then the surgeon can choose the appropriate size and shape, but the unused plates require costly and time-consuming sterilization or disposal
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the selection process into two segments: a non-sterile template system used for measurement and selection, and separately packaged sterile bone plates for implantation. The template system can be handled freely outside the sterile field, while only the selected plate requires sterilization handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The bone plate template system acts as an intermediary tool between the surgeon's selection needs and the sterile bone plate inventory. It provides measurement and selection capabilities without requiring the actual bone plates to be handled outside sterile conditions.
2Measurement precision
If multiple bone plates are handled during the procedure, then the correct size and shape can be identified, but the handling process is labor intensive and may damage the plates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses template copies or representations of bone plates that can be handled freely for measurement purposes. These templates replicate the essential dimensional features needed for selection without being the actual implantable plates, reducing handling risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system separates the measurement/selection function from the implantation function. Templates handle the measurement task outside sterile conditions, while actual plates remain protected until selection is complete.
3Productivity
If unused bone plates are subsequently sterilized, then they can be used for future procedures, but the sterilization process is costly and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the workflow so that templates (non-sterile) are used for selection while actual plates (sterile) remain in packaging until needed. This eliminates the need to re-sterilize plates after handling during selection.
Solution Approach 2:
Bone plates are pre-packaged in sterile conditions before the surgical procedure. The template system allows selection to be made without compromising this pre-established sterility, eliminating the need for post-handling sterilization.
4Measurement precision
If multiple bone plates are handled during selection, then the appropriate plate can be identified, but there is risk of insufficient sterilization or damage to the plates
Solution Approach 1:
Templates serve as safe copies for handling during selection. These templates can be manipulated freely without risk to the actual bone plates, ensuring plate integrity and sterilization status are maintained.
Solution Approach 2:
The template system acts as an intermediary that enables accurate selection while protecting the actual bone plates from handling risks. The templates absorb the mechanical handling that would otherwise be performed on the actual plates.
Data Source
AI summary
Bone plate template systems and methods determine a suitable bone plate implant from a plurality of bone plate implants. The systems and methods have a first bone plate implant having a first length, and a second bone plate implant having a second length that is less than the first length of the first bone plate implant. The systems and methods have a bone plate template having a shape and a length defined between a first end and a second end located opposite to the first end, wherein at least a portion of the shape of the bone plate template corresponds to at least portions of a shape of at least one of the first and second bone plate implants. The bone plate template has at least one removable segment located adjacent to the second end of the bone plate template, wherein a connecting section of the bone plate template has a width and connects the at least one removable segment to the first end of the bone plate template. The bone plate template displays first indicia indicative of the first bone plate and the at least one removable segment displays second indicia indicative of the second bone plate.