C-Arm Sterile Drape Attachment for Fast Repositioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing C-arm X-ray imaging systems face challenges in maintaining sterility due to impractical and time-consuming drape installation processes, with prior art drapes bunching up, tearing, or restricting motion during repositioning, and lacking clear installation instructions.
Innovation Solution
A sterile drape system for C-arm imaging systems featuring a flexible plastic substrate with adhesive strips and release liners bearing attachment instructions, allowing for quick and precise drape placement without additional securing structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If prior art drape systems use elastic or tape strips to secure the drape over the C-arm and detector, then the drape can be held in position, but the drape will bunch up, tear, or restrict C-arm motion when repositioned
Solution Approach 1:
The drape is divided into multiple separate drapes instead of one large bag, with each drape covering specific components (C-arm, detector, source). This segmentation allows each drape to be independently sized and shaped to fit its component, enabling proper sterilization while allowing free movement of the C-arm during repositioning without bunching or tearing.
Solution Approach 2:
The drapes are designed with flexible materials and attachment mechanisms that adapt to the dynamic movement of the C-arm system. The drapes can move with the C-arm during repositioning rather than restricting motion, maintaining sterility while accommodating the dynamic operational requirements of the imaging system.
2Reliability
If prior art drape systems use clips and rods attached to the C-arm to secure the drape, then the drape can be firmly attached, but the installation becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The complex frame and rod structures are removed entirely from the drape system. Instead, simple adhesive attachment strips are used to secure the drapes to the C-arm components. This extraction of unnecessary structural elements dramatically simplifies the installation process while maintaining secure attachment, reducing installation time and effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The drape system uses disposable adhesive attachment strips instead of permanent or reusable mechanical attachment components like clips and rods. These simple, low-cost adhesive strips provide sufficient attachment security for the duration of the procedure and can be easily replaced if needed, eliminating the complexity of mechanical attachment systems.
3Ease of manufacture
If prior art drape systems lack clear installation instructions, then the design remains simple, but the installation process becomes trial and error and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
Installation instructions are pre-printed directly on the drapes themselves, visible before installation begins. This preliminary provision of guidance information allows the installer to understand the correct placement and attachment process in advance, eliminating trial and error and significantly reducing installation time without complicating the drape design or manufacturing.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates efficient and consistent drape installation on C-arm systems, minimizing motion restriction and time, while maintaining sterility in operating environments.
Implementation Method 1
at least one adhesive strip disposed on the drape
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for attaching a sterile drape to a C-arm of a radiography imaging system includes at least one drape secured to a surface of the C-arm of the radiography system, the at least one drape including a substrate, an attachment strip disposed on the substrate, and a release liner removably attached to the attachment strip opposite the substrate. The substrate includes indica thereon in the form of attachment instructions for the placement of the attachment strip in the proper location on the C-arm. The release liner is removed from the attachment strip and the attachment strip is placed or positioned on the C-arm where indicated by the indicia for properly and quickly attaching the drape to the C-arm. The indica can be located on the release liner, or on the substrate such as on an instruction liner attached to the substrate opposite the attachment strip, or directly on the substrate.