Open-Top Head And Neck Immobilization Block for Precise Radiotherapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional medical immobilization methods impose a significant mental and physical burden on patients, lack immobilization precision, and have difficulty reproducing the patient's shape, particularly when using suction mats and foam fixtures.
Innovation Solution
A medical immobilization device comprising a block with a holder portion that fits tightly from the lower surface to both sides of the patient, allowing radiation to pass through, and is structured to immobilize the head and neck without covering the upper side, using materials like foamed resin or carbon materials, and is produced through mechanized customization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a bone plate is used to fix a bone fracture, then the bone fragments can be held together, but the bone plate may irritate surrounding soft tissue and cause infection or delayed healing
Solution Approach 1:
The bone plate is divided into multiple segments rather than being a continuous structure. These segments can be independently positioned and secured to the bone surface, reducing the overall contact area with soft tissue while maintaining fixation stability through strategic placement at key locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The bone plate features varying thickness and density across its structure, with thicker regions positioned at load-bearing areas and thinner regions at areas less prone to soft tissue irritation. This non-uniform design optimizes both mechanical strength and biocompatibility.
2Reliability
If a bone plate is used to fix a bone fracture, then the bone fragments can be held together, but the bone plate requires additional surgical steps for attachment and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism is integrated directly into the bone plate structure, eliminating the need for separate attachment devices. The bone plate includes built-in features such as threaded holes or snap-fit elements that allow direct fixation to the bone, simplifying the surgical procedure while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The bone plate incorporates self-attaching features that allow it to be secured to the bone without requiring additional fasteners or complex assembly steps. The design enables the plate to attach itself to the bone surface through mechanical interlocking or friction-fit mechanisms.
3Reliability
If a bone plate is used to fix a bone fracture, then the bone fragments can be held together, but the bone plate cannot be easily removed after healing
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism transitions from a permanent fixed state to a removable state. The bone plate uses reversible connection methods such as threaded fasteners or snap-fit elements that can be easily disengaged after healing, allowing the plate to serve its temporary purpose and then be removed without damaging the healed bone.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediate attachment element is used between the bone plate and the bone surface, allowing the plate to be securely fixed during healing and then easily removed. This intermediary component facilitates both secure attachment and simple removal through standard surgical tools.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a medical immobilization device that contributes to reducing the burden on a patient, while being capable of firmly immobilizing the patient. A medical immobilization device 10 is a device for immobilizing a specific site 1 of the body of a patient with the patient lying on their back. The medical immobilization device 10 comprises a block 3 made of a material that allows radiation to pass through, and the block 3 comprises holder portions 2a to 2c in which at least a region from the lower surface to both sides of the specific site 1 fit. All or part of the upper part of the block 3 is open.