Radiolucent Operating Surface with Sidewall Flanges for C-Arm Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sterile covers for intraoperative imaging machines, such as C-arm machines, are susceptible to puncture by sharp instruments and implants, compromising the sterile field and increasing the risk of infection, as they lack sufficient puncture resistance and compatibility with various detector shapes and sizes.
Innovation Solution
A puncture-resistant radiolucent operating surface apparatus with downwardly extending sidewall flanges and a mechanism for circumferential pressure, such as zip ties or elastic bands, is designed to securely fit over the detector, ensuring stability and preventing displacement during procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional flexible sterile covers are used to drape over intraoperative imaging machines, then the equipment is protected with a radiolucent sterile barrier, but the covers are susceptible to puncture by sharp instruments and implants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining a flexible sterile drape with a rigid radiolucent shield. The shield provides puncture resistance while the drape maintains sterility. This composite structure resolves the contradiction by integrating two materials with complementary properties: the rigid shield prevents punctures from sharp instruments, while the flexible drape ensures sterile coverage and conforms to the imaging machine surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective system is segmented into distinct functional components: a rigid radiolucent shield for puncture protection and a flexible sterile drape for sterile coverage. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function - the rigid shield handles mechanical puncture resistance while the flexible drape handles sterile barrier functions, thereby resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.
2Strength
If a rigid puncture-resistant shield is used to protect against punctures, then puncture resistance is improved, but the shield may interfere with imaging and surgical actions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible sterile drape as the outer covering that conforms to the imaging machine surfaces. This flexible film allows surgical instruments and implants to pass through the operating field without being blocked by rigid structures, while still providing sterile coverage. The flexibility resolves the contradiction by eliminating interference with surgical actions while maintaining puncture protection through the underlying rigid shield.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a purely two-dimensional flexible drape to a three-dimensional composite structure that includes a rigid shield dimension. This additional dimensional element provides puncture resistance while the flexible drape maintains conformability to surfaces, allowing surgical actions to proceed without interference from rigid protrusions.
3Reliability
If the sterile drape is placed directly over the unsterile surface of the imaging machine, then sterile coverage is achieved, but sharp instruments can puncture the drape and damage the machine
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid radiolucent shield serves as an intermediary protective layer between the sharp instruments and the imaging machine detector. This intermediate structure absorbs the harmful puncture force before it can reach the machine, while the flexible sterile drape provides the sterile barrier. The intermediary shield resolves the contradiction by preventing machine damage while allowing sterile coverage to be maintained.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid shield provides beforehand cushioning protection by being positioned between the potential puncture source (sharp instruments) and the vulnerable imaging machine detector. This pre-positioned protective layer cushions against puncture forces before they can damage the machine, resolving the contradiction between maintaining sterile coverage and preventing machine damage.
4Stability of the object's composition
If a custom-fit shield is designed to fit snugly onto specific detector models, then stability and precision are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid radiolucent shield is designed with universal dimensions and attachment mechanisms that can accommodate multiple detector shapes and sizes. Rather than creating custom shields for each detector model, the universal design uses standardized attachment features (such as adhesive surfaces or mechanical fasteners) that can be applied to various detector configurations. This universality resolves the contradiction by maintaining stability through proper attachment while simplifying manufacturing through standardized designs.
Data Source
AI summary
A puncture-resistant radiolucent operating surface apparatus includes a flat radiolucent and puncture-resistant surface configured to cover the detector of an intraoperative imaging machine, and downwardly extending sidewall flanges that are connected to said flat surface and that conform to the sides of said detector.