Inflatable Surgical Drape for Stable Angiography Work Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical drapes used during angiographic procedures often fail to maintain equipment stability, leading to contamination and increased procedure costs due to equipment falling to the floor, which can introduce infection risks and delays.
Innovation Solution
A surgical drape with inflatable lateral supports that elevate and center the drape edges, providing a concave work surface to retain equipment and prevent contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the drape is sized to extend over the patient and table edges, then coverage area is improved, but the surface becomes convex increasing equipment fall risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by inflating lateral chambers to create a concave work surface configuration. The inflatable chambers form curved support surfaces that naturally channel equipment toward the center, transforming the harmful convex curvature into a beneficial concave shape that retains equipment on the drape surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pneumatic inflation of lateral chambers to elevate and support the drape edges. By introducing gas pressure into the chambers, the system creates a stable, elevated platform that maintains the drape in a level position, preventing equipment from sliding off the edges.
2Reliability
If the drape edges are elevated to create a level surface, then equipment stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible inflatable chambers constructed from thin film materials that can be integrated into the drape structure. These flexible chambers conform to the patient and table geometry while providing the necessary support, avoiding rigid complex structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The inflatable chambers serve multiple functions: they elevate the drape edges to create a level surface, provide structural support, and create a concave retention surface. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
3Reliability
If inflatable supports are added to the drape, then equipment retention is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs adjustable inflation parameters to optimize the balance between equipment retention and energy consumption. The system allows control of inflation pressure and volume to achieve the minimum necessary support level, avoiding excessive energy use while maintaining adequate equipment stability.
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
The inflatable supports maintain equipment stability, reducing contamination risks and minimizing delays by ensuring equipment remains sterile and accessible during procedures.
Implementation Method 1
A first and second inflatable chamber are attached under the left and right edges and are sized to elevate the left and right edges above the table when inflated
Implementation Method 2
The first and second inflatable chambers may present an upwardly concave surface to the sterile sheet when positioned flanking the legs of an average sized adult and inflated
Data Source
AI summary
A sterile surgical drape includes left and right inflatable supports leveling the upper surface of the drape to better corral instruments during angiographic procedures. An optional center inflatable support helps center the drape and provides a continuation of this work surface. Multiple sealable openings can be provided at common groin and wrist locations.