C-Shaped MRI-Compatible Surgical Head Clamp
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surgical head clamps hinder access to brain regions during neurosurgical procedures and interfere with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) due to their design, limiting the accuracy and precision of instrument placement in stereotactic neurosurgery.
Innovation Solution
A surgical head clamp and robotics platform with a C-shaped frame and telescoping arm members, featuring adjustable pins and an instrument arm with multi-degree freedom movement, allowing precise positioning of instruments relative to the head, while being MRI-compatible to minimize interference with imaging and surgical access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional head clamps are used to immobilize the head, then head stability is improved, but access to brain regions and MRI compatibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The head clamp is divided into separate C-shaped frame members with articulating arms that can be independently positioned and adjusted. This segmentation allows the frame to conform to the head shape while leaving access pathways open for surgical instruments and MRI beam paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The design transitions from a traditional overhead or lateral clamp configuration to a C-shaped frame that encircles the head in multiple dimensions. This allows instruments to access the head from directions not blocked by the frame structure, and enables MRI imaging from multiple angles.
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional head clamps are used to immobilize the head, then head stability is improved, but MRI compatibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The frame members are constructed from MRI-compatible materials and designed with geometric parameters that minimize magnetic field interference. The C-shaped configuration and spacing of frame elements are optimized to reduce susceptibility artifacts and allow MRI signal penetration.
Solution Approach 2:
The C-shaped frame members are asymmetrically configured with open sections positioned to align with standard MRI imaging pathways. This asymmetric design allows magnetic field lines to pass through unobstructed while maintaining head immobilization stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If telescoping arm members are used to adjust frame size, then adaptability to different head sizes is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The arm members incorporate telescoping mechanisms that allow dynamic adjustment of the frame size to match different head circumferences. The articulating joints enable the frame to adapt its shape dynamically during patient positioning while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescoping arm members use nested tube structures where one tube slides within another, allowing compact storage and easy adjustment. This nesting approach provides size adaptability without requiring multiple separate frame components.
4Measurement precision
If pins are provided for engaging the skull, then head immobilization precision is improved, but patient discomfort and surgical access may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The pins are strategically positioned at specific locations on the skull where they provide maximum stabilization with minimum interference to surgical access. The bracket positions and pin insertion points are optimized to engage stable bony landmarks while leaving cortical surfaces accessible for instrument insertion.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical head clamp and robotics platform secures a head of a patient and positions an instrument relative to the head for a medical procedure. The head clamp and robotics platform comprises a planar C-shaped frame for at least partially encircling the head of a patient. An instrument arm is mounted is to a free distal end of one arm member of the frame. The instrument arm extends away from the arm member in a direction transverse to the plane of the frame. The instrument arm includes a base mounted to the arm member for movement along three degrees of freedom relative to the frame, a proximal portion extending from and pivotally connected to the base, and a distal instrument holder extending from and pivotally connected to the proximal portion. The instrument arm functions to selectively position the instrument in an angular position relative to the head clamp.