Adjustable Head Cradle Assembly for Probe Access Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for cancerous brain tumors, such as surgery and stereotactic radiosurgery, face challenges in precision and safety, with surgery being invasive and radiosurgery lacking confirmation of tumor neutralization, while thermal therapy requires precise head fixation to avoid interference with treatment probes.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable cradle assembly that allows for precise fixation and adjustment of a patient's head position using a base with tabs, a cradle, and adjustment mechanisms, enabling multiple degrees of freedom for angular positioning and remote control through a computing system with sensors and actuators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a fixed head fixation apparatus is used, then the patient's head position is precisely fixed, but it interferes with the trajectory guide instrument access to the tumor mass
Solution Approach 1:
The head fixation apparatus is made adjustable with multiple degrees of freedom, allowing dynamic repositioning of the patient's head to achieve both precise fixation and unobstructed access for trajectory guide instruments to the tumor mass
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable cradle assembly serves multiple functions: it provides precise head fixation while simultaneously allowing adjustment to accommodate different trajectory guide instrument access paths, making the system versatile for various surgical approaches
2Productivity
If the patient is removed from the imaging system after tumor mapping, then surgery can commence, but the tumor location changes due to patient movement and tissue excision
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable cradle assembly with multiple degrees of freedom enables real-time repositioning of the patient's head based on feedback from imaging systems and surgical progress, maintaining accurate tumor location throughout the procedure
Data Source
AI summary
In an illustrative embodiment, an adjustable cradle assembly for adjusting a head position of a patient relative to a patient platform includes a base portion with a pair of vertical support members and a cradle portion. The vertical support members may each include at least one position aperture for setting a vertical height of the cradle portion relative to the base portion. The cradle portion may include a channel for receiving a head fixation ring. The cradle portion may include at least one set of adjustment connection points for aligning with position apertures of each vertical support member. The cradle may be pivotably connected to the vertical support members such that a pitch angle of a head position of a patient secured in the head fixation apparatus may be adjusted. A set of adjustment mechanisms may releasably secure the cradle to the base at a selected lateral and/or pitch position.