Head Fixation Assembly with Light Beam Reference Planes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for positioning a patient's head and neck for medical procedures, such as ultrasound imaging, lack precision in aligning with multiple reference planes, which can lead to suboptimal assessments and interventions.
Innovation Solution
A positioning apparatus and method that utilize a head fixation assembly with guides and light beams to define and align Frankfort horizontal, hyoid-external auditory meatus, and medial planes, allowing for precise positioning of the head and neck structures by intersecting light beams to direct a probe to the desired alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a head fixation assembly with multiple reference planes and light beams is used, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system is divided into multiple independent reference planes (Frankford horizontal plane, HM plane, mid-sagittal plane) and light beam components. Each reference plane and light beam can be independently adjusted and positioned, allowing complex 3D positioning to be broken down into multiple simpler 2D plane intersections, thereby achieving high precision without requiring a monolithic complex device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Light beams serve as intermediary elements that visually represent and define the reference planes. The light beams act as mediators between the physical reference planes and the probe positioning, allowing operators to see and align with the invisible anatomical planes through visible light projections, thus simplifying the alignment process while maintaining precision.
2Measurement precision
If multiple reference planes are defined for head and neck positioning, then alignment accuracy is improved, but the time required for positioning increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reference planes (Frankford horizontal plane, HM plane, mid-sagittal plane) are pre-defined and pre-positioned relative to each other before the actual probe positioning begins. The light beams representing these planes are set up in advance, allowing operators to quickly align the probe by simply following the pre-established light beam intersections without needing to calculate or establish the planes during the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The light beams provide real-time visual feedback to operators about the current alignment status. By observing where the light beams intersect and how they align with anatomical landmarks, operators can immediately see whether adjustments are needed, eliminating the need for complex measurements or calculations after positioning is attempted.
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
Enables accurate and consistent alignment of head and neck structures with multiple reference planes, enhancing the precision and effectiveness of medical procedures like ultrasound imaging and interventions by ensuring proper positioning of the probe relative to anatomical landmarks.
Implementation Method 1
defining a second reference plane by a first light beam which passes through a longitudinal axis fitting into the ear canal of the subject and delineate a first line
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a positioning method for head and neck assessment comprising positioning a probe to the head and neck structures of a subject according to reference planes defined by light beams.