Motorized Ball-Joint Head Positioning for Sterile Cervical Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient positioning systems for cervical surgery are inefficient, requiring multiple personnel, compromising the sterile nature of the procedure, and causing suboptimal positioning due to abrupt movements and discrete adjustability, which can lead to complications and prolonged surgery times.
Innovation Solution
A modular system with a ball joint mechanism and motorized arm assembly that allows single-handed, precise, and continuous movement of the patient's head and neck, enabling smooth adjustments without breaking sterility, using a combination of electrical and mechanical means to facilitate quick and ergonomic repositioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple personnel manually adjust the positioning system with multiple knobs, then the patient can be positioned, but the procedure becomes time-consuming and tedious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated positioning system that uses motors and control algorithms to move the patient support apparatus. The system automatically calculates and executes positioning movements based on pre-programmed sequences, eliminating the need for multiple personnel to manually turn knobs and adjust mechanical components during the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning system is designed to autonomously perform positioning tasks without requiring continuous human intervention. The automated control system manages the entire positioning process independently, with the ability to self-correct and self-adjust based on sensor feedback, thereby reducing dependency on multiple medical staff members for manual adjustment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the surgeon accesses areas behind the surgical drape to reposition the patient, then repositioning can be done, but resterilization is required which prolongs the procedure and compromises sterile nature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remotely controllable positioning system that allows the surgeon to adjust patient positioning from a location that maintains the sterile field. The control interface is positioned such that the surgeon can operate it without breaking the drape or entering non-sterile zones, thus maintaining the sterile environment while still enabling repositioning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning system is divided into separate functional modules: the patient support apparatus with motors and actuators that can be controlled remotely, and the control interface that remains accessible to the surgeon within the sterile field. This segmentation allows the repositioning function to be decoupled from the sterile boundary, enabling control without compromise.
3Manufacturing precision
If prior art devices require four separate knobs to be turned and fully seated, then the skull clamp can be attached, but it takes fifteen to forty-five seconds causing non-ergonomic positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual knob-turning mechanisms with automated motorized attachment systems. The skull clamp attachment is controlled by motors that automatically tighten and secure the connection, eliminating the need for personnel to manually turn multiple knobs. This maintains precise attachment while significantly reducing the time and ergonomic strain involved.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed so that the attachment process is pre-programmed and automated, with motors positioned and controlled to perform the tightening sequence in advance or simultaneously with other positioning operations. This preliminary automation of the attachment process eliminates the need for sequential manual knob adjustment, reducing both time and ergonomic issues.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the surgeon must hold the patient's head fixed during positioning adjustments, then the patient remains stable, but the relatively long time period makes surgery challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual head-holding with an automated positioning system that uses motors and control algorithms to stabilize and adjust the patient's head position. The system maintains stability through active control mechanisms while automatically performing adjustments, eliminating the need for the surgeon to manually hold the head fixed during the entire adjustment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated positioning system operates continuously throughout the positioning process, maintaining stable patient head positioning while simultaneously performing adjustments. The motorized system ensures uninterrupted stabilization without requiring the surgeon to continuously manually support the head, thereby reducing time and surgical challenge.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for positioning a patient before, during or after a medical procedure can include an arm assembly having a proximal end, an opposing distal end, and at least one joint therebetween. The joint can be configured to permit the distal end of the arm assembly to move with respect to the proximal end of the arm assembly. The proximal end of the arm assembly can be configured to be fixed with respect to a surgical table. The system can also include a ball joint mechanism attached to the distal end of the arm assembly and to a head support configured to support a patient's head. The ball joint mechanism can include a ball joint and a motor. Activation of the motor can permit or prevent movement of the ball joint.