Compliant Strap Head Restraint for Pinless Immobilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional head immobilization methods for medical procedures, such as the Mayfield Clamp, cause skin and skull damage and require local anesthesia, making it difficult to gauge the patient's neck range of motion, which can lead to nerve pinching or damage during surgery.
Innovation Solution
A head restraining device with a frame, lower and upper compliant support straps made of thermoplastic mesh that conforms to the patient's head and face, allowing for secure immobilization without pins, enabling movement within a safe range of motion and compatibility with navigation systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If pins are used to secure the patient's head, then the head is firmly immobilized, but the skin and skull may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the harmful pins from the head immobilization system entirely, replacing them with a strap-based system that achieves stabilization without penetrating or contacting the skull and skin in a damaging manner
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a strap system as an intermediary mechanism between the head and the securing structure, using soft compliant materials to distribute pressure and achieve immobilization without direct pin contact with vulnerable anatomical structures
2Ease of manufacture
If local anesthesia is administered to use pins, then the pins can be inserted, but it becomes difficult to gauge neck range of motion which may cause nerve damage
Solution Approach 1:
The strap system allows the patient to maintain awareness and communicate their comfort level and range of motion limits during the procedure, enabling real-time feedback without requiring anesthesia
Solution Approach 2:
The compliant strap system allows for dynamic adjustment and movement within safe ranges, accommodating the patient's natural head and neck motion while maintaining security, rather than rigid fixation
3Strength
If rigid straps are used to secure the head, then strong immobilization is achieved, but the straps cannot conform to the contours of the head and face
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible compliant straps made of soft materials that can conform to the complex contours of the head and face while maintaining sufficient strength for secure immobilization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameters of the straps from rigid to compliant, allowing them to adapt their shape to the patient's anatomy while maintaining the necessary mechanical strength for securement
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
The device provides effective head immobilization without causing damage, allowing for precise surgical procedures by accommodating normal head movement and reducing the risk of nerve injury, while being compatible with medical navigation systems.
Implementation Method 1
The thermoplastic may be configured as a mesh and may become compliant when subject to warm water prior to being installed on the patient
Data Source
AI summary
A head restraining device is provided for securing a patient's head to a bed. The head restraining device has a frame, a lower compliant support strap, and an upper compliant support strap. The frame has a first anchor assembly, a second anchor assembly, and a connecting mechanism for connecting the frame to the bed. The compliant support straps have a first end and a second end and support a portion of the patient's head. The first end of the upper compliant support strap and the first end of the lower compliant support strap are securable by the first anchor assembly and the second end of the upper compliant support strap and the second end of the lower compliant support strap are securable by the second anchor assembly. The head restraining device may be used for any surgical procedure where head fixation is needed.