Segmented Surgical Table for Multi-Level Spinal Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current surgical tables lack the ability to make intra-operative lordotic/kyphotic adjustments at multiple spinal levels and do not allow for adjustable lordosis with the lower extremities in the abducted position, limiting surgeon access and precision during spinal arthroplasty procedures.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable surgical table with a horizontal patient support and an adjustment platform featuring expansion members made of radiolucent materials, allowing for controlled abduction, flexion, and extension of the lower extremities, and enabling precise positioning of patients for spinal surgery by using a pressurized water or air actuation system to vertically adjust the patient support.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional surgical table is used with a single pivot point, then the structure is simple, but intra-operative lordotic/kyphotic adjustments at multiple spinal levels cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustment capabilityVSAvoidtable structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The surgical table is divided into multiple independent sections, each with its own expansion members that can be individually adjusted. This segmentation allows each spinal level to be adjusted independently for lordotic/kyphotic positioning while maintaining overall structural integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The table incorporates dynamically adjustable expansion members that can change their position and configuration during surgery. These expansion members allow the table to adapt to different spinal levels and provide real-time adjustments for optimal surgical access

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the lower extremities are positioned in abduction, then access to the spinal area is improved, but the existing table structure does not support adjustable lordosis in this position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgical accessVSAvoidpositioning capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The surgical table is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - it supports lower extremity abduction while providing adjustable lordotic/kyphotic positioning at multiple spinal levels. The expansion members can accommodate various leg positions while maintaining spinal adjustment capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If traditional pivot points are used for spinal adjustment, then the mechanism is simple, but radiolucency is compromised affecting visualization of anatomic landmarks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanatomic landmark visualizationVSAvoidpivot mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Traditional mechanical pivot points are replaced with expansion members that use a different mechanism for achieving spinal adjustment. This substitution allows the use of radiolucent materials in the adjustment mechanism, enabling clear visualization of anatomic landmarks during surgery

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of operation

If the space between vertebrae is opened manually by moving the patient, then no additional equipment is needed, but control of the intervertebral space is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient positioning controlVSAvoidintervertebral space control

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The expansion members provide real-time feedback and control mechanisms that allow the surgical team to precisely adjust and maintain the desired intervertebral space. The system responds to adjustments and maintains positioning accuracy throughout the procedure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

Enables precise and controlled adjustments of the spinal column, improving surgeon access and precision during spinal arthroplasty procedures by allowing for multiple level lordotic/kyphotic adjustments and abducted leg positions, facilitating the placement of spinal prosthetics without interfering with imaging technology.

Implementation Method 1

using a pressurized water or air actuation system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressurized fluid actuation: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentUS20070022535A1Adjustable surgical table

Publication Date: 2007.02.01 YALE UNIVERSITY

AI summary

A surgical table includes a horizontal patient support with a base extending therefrom and supporting the patient support at a desired height. The surgical table also includes an adjustment platform positioned upon the patient support. The adjustment platform includes a plurality of expansion members adapted to selectively adjust the relative position of the patient.