Image Registration Matrix Fixation via Non-Penetrating Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fixation systems for medical image registration matrices in navigated surgery risk contaminating the sterile field during scanning, require complex adjustments, and lack sufficient adjustability, necessitating two sets of hardware for non-sterile and sterile environments.
Innovation Solution
A fixation system with non-penetrating, profiled interfaces between the upper and lower parts that allow for continuous engagement zones, providing stability and adjustability without exact positioning requirements, accommodating multiple drapes and allowing for easy installation and reduced risk of contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If screw connections are used to fix the upper part to the lower part, then rigid fixation is achieved, but the drape must be cut at several positions which risks impairing sterility
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation system is divided into an upper part and a lower part that can be connected without penetrating the drape. The connection interface is designed to engage through the drape material itself, segmenting the fixation mechanism from the sterile field penetration issue.
Solution Approach 2:
The drape itself acts as an intermediary element that facilitates the connection between the upper and lower parts. The profiled interfaces are designed to accommodate and clamp the drape between them, using the drape as a mediating component rather than penetrating it.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a large contact surface is provided at the interface to seal the area, then sterility is maintained, but adjustment or removal of the interface is not allowed during surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The interface is designed with profiled engagement surfaces that provide a continuous zone of engagement rather than fixed discrete positions. This dynamic design allows the interface to be adjusted along the continuous zone while maintaining the seal through the drape clamping mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface geometry is designed with profiled surfaces that change the engagement parameters from fixed positional constraints to continuous positional flexibility. The profiled shapes allow for movement along the engagement zone while maintaining adequate contact surface for sealing.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the registration matrix is fixedly attached to the holder, then stability during scanning is achieved, but the matrix must be temporarily removed to perform surgical treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation system allows the registration matrix to be dynamically adjusted and repositioned along the continuous engagement zone of the profiled interfaces. This dynamic capability enables temporary removal and reattachment without compromising stability, as the matrix can be repositioned within the engagement zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation system serves multiple functions: it provides stable fixation during scanning, allows for easy removal and reattachment during surgery, and maintains positional flexibility through the continuous engagement zone. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between stability and surgical accessibility.
4Ease of operation
If complex adjustment procedures are provided to enable matrix removal, then surgical treatment can be performed, but access to both sides of the matrix is required
Solution Approach 1:
The complex adjustment mechanisms from traditional systems are extracted and replaced with a simpler profiled interface design. The continuous engagement zone allows for straightforward adjustment and removal without requiring complex procedures or access to multiple sides of the matrix.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of providing complex adjustment mechanisms to enable removal, the design inverts the approach by creating a simple interface that naturally allows for easy adjustment and removal through its profiled geometry and continuous engagement zone.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a fixation system for attaching a medical image registration matrix (40) to a patient holder (2) which is to be covered by a sterile drape (10), wherein the fixation system comprises at least one fixation set (L, R) comprising a lower part (6) which is adapted to be connected to the patient holder (2) and an upper part (26) which is adapted to be connected to the registration matrix (40) or one of its supporting elements, wherein: the lower and upper parts (6, 26) can be connected to each other by a connector (25) which does not penetrate the drape (10); the lower and upper parts (6, 26) comprise mutually engageable profiled interfaces (8, 28) which are formed so as to accommodate and clamp the drape (10) between them; and wherein the profiled interfaces (8, 28) fit together over a continuous zone of engagement.