Sterile Imaging Drape System for C-Arm Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current draping methods for c-arm imaging systems are inadequate in maintaining sterility, especially when the equipment is moved, leading to contamination risks and inefficiencies due to lack of standardization and improper draping techniques, which can result in surgical delays and increased infection risks.
Innovation Solution
A sterile imaging protective system comprising a first flexible drape that surrounds the imaging intensifier and a second flexible drape with a pocket and reusable fasteners, allowing for secure attachment and repeated use while maintaining sterility, even when the c-arm imaging system is rotated, along with an optional third drape for additional coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional half-sheets are used to drape radiological equipment, then the equipment can be covered, but the draping process is cumbersome and requires multiple sheets, leading to surgical delays and potential violations of sterile technique
Solution Approach 1:
The drape system is divided into multiple functional components: a patient drape with adhesive border for table attachment, equipment drapes for covering radiological devices, and connecting drapes for bridging between them. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, eliminating the need to use multiple separate half-sheets and reducing surgical delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The draping system is pre-configured with adhesive borders and connecting mechanisms before surgery. The patient drape is pre-attached to the table, and equipment drapes are pre-positioned on radiological equipment. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming draping adjustments during surgery, improving surgical efficiency while maintaining sterility.
2Reliability
If multiple half-sheets are used to drape moving equipment, then coverage is achieved, but the process becomes complex and unstandardized, increasing contamination risk
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple draping functions are merged into a single integrated system. The patient drape, equipment drape, and connecting drape work together as a coordinated system rather than separate layers. This merging simplifies the overall process by providing a standardized single-system approach, reducing complexity while maintaining reliable sterility through designed connections and adhesive barriers.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the c-arm imaging system is moved to various positions during surgery, then imaging flexibility is achieved, but sterility is compromised without an established storage and redraping system
Solution Approach 1:
Connecting drapes serve as intermediaries between the patient drape and equipment drapes, maintaining the sterile barrier during equipment movement. When the c-arm is repositioned, the connecting drape with its adhesive properties and flexible design allows the equipment to be moved while the sterile field remains intact, enabling both flexibility and sterility maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The drape system is designed to be dynamic rather than static. The connecting drapes and adhesive borders allow the system to adapt to equipment movement while maintaining the sterile barrier. This dynamic design enables the c-arm to be repositioned to various locations during surgery without compromising sterility, as the drape system flexes and reconfigures with the equipment movement.
4Device complexity
If a single drape design is used for imaging equipment, then simplicity is achieved, but it cannot maintain sterility about both sides of the c-arm system when moved
Solution Approach 1:
The patient drape with adhesive border serves multiple functions: it attaches to the operating table, creates a sterile barrier, and provides a base for connecting equipment drapes. The connecting drape also serves multiple purposes by bridging between the patient drape and equipment drape while maintaining sterility during movement. This multi-functionality achieves comprehensive sterility protection without requiring excessive separate components.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for a sterile imaging protective system are described. The system preferably includes a first flexible drape with a cavity configured to surround an imaging intensifier and a second drape that is attached to an operating table or patient drape. The second drape has a proximal portion, a distal portion, a pocket therebetween with a top sterile portion and a lower portion, and a plurality of reusable fasteners that allows the second drape to be repeatedly moved from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration. When in the expanded configuration, the second drape is releasably attached to the first drape. The system may also include a third drape located on the opposite side of the operating table as the second drape. The drapes preferably allow sterility to be maintained during movement of the c-arm imaging system.