Sternal Compass Centerline Alignment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The identification of the correct sternal midline during sternotomy procedures can be challenging, especially in emergency situations or with obese patients, leading to potential deviations from the midline, resulting in uneven cuts and complications such as sternal fracture, mechanical instability, and deep sternal wound infections.
Innovation Solution
A sternal compass device with a centerline alignment mechanism, scissor clamp arms, and a marking device to accurately mark the sternum's midline, featuring a ratchet lock, stopper, and depth limiting protrusions to ensure precise alignment and protection of internal organs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual identification of sternal midline is performed, then the procedure can be performed without additional devices, but the accuracy and reliability of midline identification deteriorates, leading to deviations and uneven cuts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a sternal compass as an intermediary device between the surgeon and the sternal bone. This compass includes a centerline alignment mechanism with a hinge point that serves as a mediator to transfer and amplify the surgeon's manual midline identification into precise, reliable markings on the sternum, thereby improving measurement precision without requiring complex automated systems
Solution Approach 2:
The sternal compass is designed to be self-aligning through its centerline alignment mechanism. Once positioned on the sternum, the device automatically maintains proper alignment through its geometric construction (hinge point aligned with pivot point), allowing the surgeon to mark the midline accurately without requiring continuous manual adjustment or complex control systems
2Manufacturing precision
If manual following of midline with reciprocating saw is performed, then the cutting process can be performed without additional guidance devices, but the manufacturing precision of the cut profile deteriorates, resulting in non-linear or asymmetric cuts
Solution Approach 1:
The sternal compass performs the preliminary action of precisely marking the midline center on the sternum before the reciprocating saw cutting begins. By establishing accurate reference marks in advance using the centerline alignment mechanism, the subsequent cutting process can follow a precise linear path, improving cut profile precision without requiring the cutting device itself to be overly complex
3Measurement precision
If scissor clamp arms are used to centralize the marker mechanism, then the marking accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sternal compass is segmented into distinct functional components: scissor clamp arms for positioning, a centerline alignment mechanism with hinge point for geometric accuracy, and a marking device. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall simplicity. The scissor clamp arms provide adjustable positioning without requiring complex actuation mechanisms, as they can be manually opened and closed to achieve the desired centralization
Data Source
AI summary
A sternal compass includes a first scissor clamp arm having a first scissor clamp arm handle end and a first scissor clamp arm effector end; and a second scissor clamp arm having a second scissor clamp arm handle end and second scissor clamp arm effector end. The second scissor clamp arm crosses the first scissor clamp arm at a pivot point. A centerline alignment mechanism is located between the first scissor clamp arm and the second scissor clamp arm. The centerline alignment mechanism has a hinge point aligned with the pivot point. A center line frame extends in line with the hinge point and the pivot point toward the first scissor clamp arm effector end and the second scissor clamp arm effector end. The center line frame has a marking device to mark a centerline of a sternum of a patient.