Rotating Patient Support for Multi-Position Spinal Surgery Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for positioning patients during spinal surgery require significant effort and can complicate procedures due to the need for repositioning between prone and laterally angled positions for anterior and posterior access, respectively.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that utilize a rotatable patient support system, allowing for smooth transition between prone and laterally angled positions by rotating the patient support apparatus or operating table about a longitudinal axis, with adjustable cushions and supports to maintain a horizontal plane and expose the upper pelvic region for anterior access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the patient is repositioned between prone and laterally angled positions to access both anterior and posterior sides of the spine, then surgical access to both sides of the spine is achieved, but the effort, time, and complexity of the procedure increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgical access to both sides of the spineVSAvoidrepositioning complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The operating table is equipped with a rotation mechanism that allows it to dynamically change between a first position (prone position for posterior access) and a second position (laterally angled position for anterior access). This dynamic repositioning capability eliminates the need for manual patient transfer between different tables or complex manual repositioning procedures, thereby achieving versatile surgical access while reducing repositioning complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual repositioning of the patient is performed, then the patient can be moved between positions, but considerable effort and time are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient position changeVSAvoidrepositioning time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The manual mechanical process of repositioning the patient is replaced by an automated rotation mechanism integrated into the operating table. The table rotates automatically between the first prone position and the second laterally angled position, eliminating the need for manual patient handling and significantly reducing repositioning time while maintaining positional adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the patient is repositioned using traditional methods, then access to different spinal regions is achieved, but the procedure becomes more complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to anterior and posterior spineVSAvoidprocedure simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The operating table combines multiple functions into a single integrated system: it provides both the first prone position for posterior spinal access and the second laterally angled position for anterior spinal access, along with the rotation mechanism to transition between positions. This merging of repositioning capability and surgical positioning into one device simplifies the overall procedure by eliminating the need for separate repositioning equipment and complex coordination between multiple systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS8635725B2Prone and laterally angled surgical device and method

Publication Date: 2014.01.28 ALLEN MEDICAL SYST INC

AI summary

A method and apparatus of positioning in multiple positions during spinal surgery includes deviating a patient support apparatus about a longitudinal axis to a position in which one lateral side of the apparatus is lower than the opposite lateral side, positioning a patient in a prone position on the deviated product, and rotating the patient from the prone position to a laterally angled position.