Stereotactic Frame Positioning via Inflatable Silicone Cushions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing stereotactic fixation devices for immobilizing the patient's head during neurosurgical procedures are overly complex, relying on intricate mechanisms and patient bite coordination, which complicates the positioning and stability of the head frame, thereby affecting the success and efficiency of treatments.

Innovation Solution

A stereotactic frame positioning system utilizing soft inflatable silicone contact cushions attached to the frame, connected to hand pumps and air supply systems for manual adjustment of the frame's position through controlled inflation, providing precise and stable fixation of the head.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a biting device is used to lock the sliding plate into the patient's mouth, then the head can be immobilized, but the procedure becomes unreliable due to varying patient bite coordination abilities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehead immobilization reliabilityVSAvoidbite coordination requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical biting-based locking system with a pneumatic inflation system. Instead of relying on patient bite force to secure the head frame, soft cushions are inflated with air to gently press against the patient's head and secure it in position. This substitution eliminates the need for patient bite coordination while providing reliable and stable head immobilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs pneumatic principles by using hand-operated pumps to inflate soft cushions with air. The controlled inflation of these cushions provides adjustable pressure against the patient's head, enabling secure positioning without mechanical constraints. This pneumatic approach offers smooth, controllable force application that adapts to different patient head shapes and sizes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple arms and adjustable means are used to position and fix the human head, then positioning flexibility is improved, but the device complexity and preparation time increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehead positioning flexibilityVSAvoidframe structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the complex multi-arm framework and numerous adjustable mechanical components from traditional stereotactic frames. By removing these unnecessary elements, the design achieves head positioning flexibility through a simplified structure that uses only essential components: a frame body and inflatable cushions. This extraction reduces device complexity while maintaining positioning adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The inflatable cushions serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide head support, enable positioning adjustment, and ensure stable immobilization. This multi-functionality replaces the need for multiple separate mechanical adjustment mechanisms, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining versatility in head positioning for different treatment requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If a large number of nodes and elements are used in the stereotactic frame, then adjustment precision may be improved, but the success rate decreases due to reduced operational simplicity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehead positioning precisionVSAvoidtreatment preparation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the control parameter from multiple mechanical adjustments of numerous frame elements to a single pneumatic parameter: air pressure. By controlling the inflation pressure of the soft cushions, precise head positioning is achieved without the need to adjust multiple mechanical nodes. This parameter simplification maintains positioning precision while dramatically improving operational efficiency and reducing preparation time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Simplifies the adjustment and immobilization of the stereotactic frame on the patient's head, enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of neurosurgical procedures by reducing complexity and reliance on patient bite coordination.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPneumatic inflation: Pressurisation

Data Source

PatentEP4385451A1Positioning system of a stereotactic frame

Publication Date: 2024.06.19 KAUNO TECHNOLOGIJOS UNIVTAS

Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b

AI summary

The invention belongs to medical field and is related to a locking device for immobilizing a patient's head, to treatment equipment or a medical device for performing treatment procedures in the head area. The stereotactic frame positioning system, which comprises soft inflatable silicone contact cushions for attaching the stereoscopic frame to the human head, are attached to inside side of the front side and inside of the back side of the stereoscopic frame and are connected via flexible tubes (hoses) to hand-operated air supply pumps. The air supply to the cushions can be adjusted through supply-discharge valves. Locking position of the frame in relation to the head of the human (patient) is done manually by applying compressed air to soft contact inflatable cushions, depending on the nature of the treatment or operation.