Stereotactic Frame with Offset Lateral Portions for Neurological Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current stereotactic frames for neurological diagnosis and surgery are not optimized for ease of use, versatility, and compatibility with small medical equipment, which can hinder operator handling and patient comfort during procedures.
Innovation Solution
A frame design featuring adjustable longitudinal and lateral portions with mounting slots, made from electromagnetically inert composite material, allowing for secure fixation to the patient's head while minimizing outer dimensions to fit various medical equipment, and a detachable frame docking device for enhanced versatility and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the frame uses a rigid structure with multiple longitudinal posts and portions to ensure stability, then the fixation reliability is improved, but the frame complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into multiple functional segments including anterior longitudinal posts, posterior longitudinal posts, anterior portions, posterior portions, and lateral portions. Each segment serves a specific function in securing the frame to different regions of the patient's head, improving overall fixation reliability while allowing independent optimization of each component
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: the longitudinal posts provide structural support and positioning, the anterior and posterior portions secure the frame to the front and back of the head respectively, and the lateral portions connect these elements while accommodating axial offset. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components
2Adaptability or versatility
If the frame outer dimensions are minimized to fit small medical equipment, then the adaptability to medical equipment is improved, but the structural strength may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The frame incorporates curved lateral portions that axially offset relative to the anterior and posterior portions. This curvature allows the frame to conform to the natural contours of the patient's head, maximizing contact area and structural efficiency within minimized outer dimensions, thereby maintaining strength while improving adaptability to compact medical equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The frame utilizes composite material construction that provides high strength-to-weight ratio and high stiffness-to-weight ratio, enabling the frame to maintain structural integrity and strength while minimizing outer dimensions to fit within small medical equipment such as MRI scanners and gamma knife apparatus
3Ease of operation
If the frame structure is optimized for compact size to fit small equipment, then the ease of operation is improved, but the patient comfort may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The frame applies local quality optimization by distributing contact points across different regions of the patient's head through anterior portions, posterior portions, and lateral portions. Each local region is designed to accommodate specific anatomical features, improving patient comfort while maintaining the compact overall structure that enhances ease of operation
4Reliability
If the frame uses multiple mounting slots and fixation pins for secure attachment, then the reliability of fixation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame incorporates mounting slots that are pre-positioned and pre-configured in the longitudinal posts and portions during manufacturing. These slots are designed to receive fixation pins at optimal locations, allowing for quick and reliable attachment without requiring complex assembly procedures during the procedure, thereby improving fixation reliability while minimizing the increase in device complexity
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a frame (1) for fixation of equipment (10) to the head of a patient during neurological diagnosis, therapy or surgery. The frame (1) is adapted to enclose the head of the patient. The frame (1) comprises a number of mounting slots (2) arranged in said frame (1), said mounting slots (2) being adapted to receive a number of fixation pins adapted to fixate said frame (1) to a bone in said head. The frame (1) further comprising two anterior longitudinal posts (3) and two posterior longitudinal posts (4), extending along a longitudinal axis A, an anterior portion (5), adapted to be arranged at the anterior side of the head, said anterior portion (5) interconnecting said two anterior longitudinal posts (3), and a posterior portion (6), adapted to be arranged at the posterior side of the head, said posterior portion (6) interconnecting said two posterior longitudinal posts (4). The anterior longitudinal posts (3) and said posterior longitudinal posts (4) are interconnected with two lateral portions (7), adapted to extend one on each side of said head, and wherein said lateral portions (7) are axially offset, along said longitudinal axis A, with respect to said anterior and posterior portion (5, 6). The present invention further relates to a stereotactic frame system (10) comprising such frame (1).