Modular Patient Positioning System with Indexed Rails

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current patient positioning and immobilization systems for stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) lack a versatile and integrated solution that can be tailored to suit individual patient needs, LINAC systems, and treatment plans, often requiring multiple devices and increasing setup time and patient discomfort.

Innovation Solution

A modular patient support panel with longitudinally extending side rails and indexing apertures, allowing for the attachment of various positioning and immobilization components, including bridges and clamping mechanisms, to provide customizable patient positioning and immobilization during SBRT, enabling efficient setup and transport outside the treatment room.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate positioning and immobilization devices are used to accommodate different patient needs and treatment plans, then the system can provide comprehensive positioning solutions, but the device complexity and setup time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning solution adaptabilityVSAvoidnumber of positioning devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal positioning system where a single base unit with standardized mounting interfaces can accommodate multiple different positioning and immobilization devices. The base unit includes a planar support surface with an array of indexing points that can receive various attachments (headrests, arm supports, leg supports, etc.), allowing one base unit to serve multiple positioning functions through interchangeable attachments rather than requiring separate dedicated devices for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning system is divided into modular segments: a base support unit and multiple detachable positioning attachments. Each attachment is designed as an independent module that can be selectively mounted on the base unit according to specific patient needs and treatment requirements. This segmentation allows the system to provide comprehensive positioning capabilities while keeping individual components simple and manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning solution adaptabilityVSAvoidsetup time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning attachments are pre-configured with standardized mounting interfaces that align with the indexing points on the base unit. This preliminary design of standardized connections allows for rapid attachment and detachment without requiring complex alignment procedures or multiple adjustment steps during setup, thereby reducing setup time while maintaining positioning adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If frequent re-localization of the target with imaging is performed to ensure accuracy, then the target positioning accuracy is improved, but the treatment time and patient throughput are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetarget positioning accuracyVSAvoidpatient throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces repeated mechanical imaging-based re-localization procedures with a mechanical positioning system that uses indexed mounting points and reproducible attachment mechanisms. The indexing system provides pre-determined, accurately spaced reference points that allow the positioning devices to be repeatedly mounted at the same location without requiring imaging verification each time, thus maintaining accuracy while improving throughput.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Measurement precision

If the patient is kept as still as possible during treatment to maintain accuracy, then the target positioning accuracy is improved, but the patient comfort and physiological function are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetarget positioning accuracyVSAvoidpatient comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning system applies immobilization forces locally at specific body regions rather than restricting the entire patient body. Different attachments are designed to support specific anatomical regions (head, arms, legs, torso) with appropriate cushioning and contact surfaces, providing stability for the treated area while allowing other body parts to maintain natural positions and physiological functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2303175B1Patient positioning system

Publication Date: 2019.08.07 CIVCO MEDICAL INSTR CO

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AI summary

A system for positioning a patient on a treatment couchtop for SBRT is provided. The system includes a patient support panel and at least one positioning/fixation component for releasable mounting on the patient support panel at a desired position to immobilize a portion of the patient's body. The patient support panel includes a pair of longitudinally extending side rails having a series of longitudinally spaced indexing apertures for receipt of a locking bar for mounting a positioning/fixation component thereon at a discrete index position. The at least one positioning component includes a pair of clamping mechanisms for releasably securing that component to the side rails at any longitudinal position along the side rails.