Dual-Wing Surgical Digit Frame for Stable Hand Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for holding back tissue during surgery, such as physical holding by an assistant, clamps, or frames, are unstable, inconvenient, and labor-intensive, particularly when elevating a digit for surgery, as other digits tend to adopt an elevated orientation, requiring manual stabilization.
Innovation Solution
A frame with a plate and wings that supports a digit elevated relative to the plane, featuring a supporting surface and engaging features for retaining ties, allowing secure positioning of the digit while other digits are held under the plate, with optional securing devices for additional stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a digit is elevated for surgery, then surgical access is improved, but other digits naturally adopt an elevated orientation requiring manual stabilization
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into two functional wings: one wing supports the digit to be operated on in an elevated position, while the other wing provides a resting surface for the remaining digits. This segmentation allows each part of the hand to be positioned independently, eliminating the need for manual stabilization of other digits while maintaining surgical access to the elevated digit.
2Shape
If lead weights or assistants are used to hold down digits, then digit positioning is achieved, but the solution becomes unstable, inconvenient, crowded and/or labour intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure itself provides the stabilization function through its dual-wing design. The wings are positioned and dimensioned to naturally support the hand in the correct conformation without requiring external weights, assistants, or complex stabilization mechanisms. The frame's geometry and the supporting surface automatically maintain digit positioning, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating labor-intensive stabilization methods.
3Ease of operation
If a frame surrounds the tissue to be operated on, then tissue retraction is achieved, but the device becomes crowded and labour intensive
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of a complete surrounding frame, the invention uses two strategically positioned wings that provide localized support and retraction functions. The wings are dimensioned to provide sufficient tissue retraction and digit support only in the specific areas where surgical access is needed, rather than encircling the entire hand. This localized approach reduces the overall frame size and eliminates crowding while maintaining effective surgical access.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a frame (21) for supporting a digit which may be used during surgery to elevate the digit during an operation. The frame comprises a plate (24) with two wings (22, 23) which define a plane and a space therebetween, an engaging feature (28) on each wing for removable engagement with retaining ties (45), and an elevated support surface (32) between the wings to support a digit. The frame provides a secure platform for supporting digits during hand surgery.