Surgical Positioning Exoskeleton for Multi-Stage Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical positioning technologies, such as the Jackson table, are cumbersome and imprecise, particularly in multi-stage surgeries, as they often require extensive re-positioning and additional support structures, which can be time-consuming and risky, and do not allow for 360° access or precise positioning necessary for robotic-assisted surgeries.
Innovation Solution
A surgical positioning apparatus with a rotatably mounted exoskeleton and adjustable support frame that allows for independent positioning of the upper and lower body exoskeletons, enabling 360° access and precise manipulation of the patient's position through adjustable heights, rotational angles, and locking mechanisms, facilitating transitions between prone, lateral, supine, and other positions without extensive re-prepping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional surgical tables (e.g., Jackson table) are used to position patients, then patient positioning between prone and supine positions is possible, but the process is time-consuming and cumbersome requiring sandwiching and rotation of the surgical frame
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical positioning system is divided into separate modular components: an upper body support assembly and a lower body support assembly that can be independently positioned and adjusted. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized for specific positioning tasks, enabling faster and easier transitions between surgical positions without requiring complex frame manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic positioning mechanisms where the upper and lower body support assemblies can be independently adjusted to multiple positions. This dynamic adjustability allows the patient to be quickly repositioned between prone, supine, and lateral positions by simply reconfiguring the support modules rather than rotating an entire surgical frame.
2Measurement precision
If traditional surgical tables are used, then basic positioning is achieved, but precision positioning for robotic-assisted surgery is insufficient requiring additional support structures
Solution Approach 1:
The upper and lower body support assemblies are designed as multi-functional units that can provide both positioning and support functions simultaneously. Each assembly incorporates adjustable components that can be configured for different surgical positions and requirements, eliminating the need for multiple separate support structures while maintaining high positioning precision for robotic-assisted surgery.
3Manufacturing precision
If traditional surgical tables with pads and foam structures are used to prop patients into position, then positioning is achieved, but it is imprecise and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the traditional mechanical approach of using pads and foam structures to prop patients into position with a engineered support framework. The upper and lower body support assemblies provide structured, reproducible positioning through their geometric design and adjustable mechanisms, eliminating the imprecision and time consumption associated with manually arranging soft support materials.
4Adaptability or versatility
If traditional surgical tables are used, then basic support is provided, but 360° circumferential access for surgery is not enabled
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables 360° circumferential surgical access by allowing the upper and lower body support assemblies to be positioned in multiple spatial configurations. This multi-dimensional positioning capability permits surgeons to access anatomical structures from any direction (anterior, posterior, lateral, oblique) without requiring complex repositioning of the entire surgical table or additional support structures.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of a system and associated method for a surgical positioning apparatus for supporting a patient in supine, lateral, kidney and prone position are disclosed herein.