Surgical Head Support with Temperature Control and Secretion Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing head support devices for patients in the prone position during surgery fail to provide optimal protection, safety, and comfort due to dermatologic abrasions from polyurethane foams, ineffective supplementary devices, and lack of containment for nasal and oral secretions, which can contaminate surgical tools and require excessive sanitation.
Innovation Solution
A surgical head support device featuring a visco-elastic memory foam cushion with integrated temperature control via an air conditioning unit, a camera for facial monitoring, and a secretion container to collect and contain nasal and oral discharges, along with a height adjustment mechanism for optimal patient positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If polyurethane foam is used to support the patient's head, then the patient receives support and comfort, but the foam can cause dermatologic abrasions due to inconsistent softness and variable density
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies precise density parameters (1.8-2.2 grams per cubic centimeter) and firmness parameters (18-22 on the durometer scale) for the foam material to ensure consistent softness that provides comfort without causing skin abrasions
Solution Approach 2:
The head support device combines foam material with a fabric cover layer to create a composite structure that maintains the supportive properties of foam while adding a softer, more skin-friendly surface layer
2Loss of information
If the patient's face is exposed for monitoring during surgery, then the medical team can observe the patient, but excess fluids from the nasal or oral cavities can contaminate surgical tools and instruments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a drape as an intermediary barrier that allows the medical team to monitor the patient's face through the drape material while preventing fluids from contaminating surgical tools and instruments
Solution Approach 2:
The design separates the monitoring function from direct exposure by allowing observation through the drape, extracting the harmful fluid contamination aspect while retaining the beneficial monitoring capability
3Object-affected harmful factors
If simple plastic goggles are attached to protect the patient's eyes, then basic protection is provided, but movement of the patient can dent the lenses and induce pressure directly to the eyelid or eye causing soft tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from simple plastic to a softer, more compliant material that can deform with patient movement without creating pressure points, and modifies the structural parameter to distribute pressure more evenly across the eye area
Solution Approach 2:
The eye protection device incorporates cushioning elements that anticipate and prevent pressure damage before it occurs, allowing the structure to yield to patient movement while maintaining protective coverage
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
The device provides enhanced comfort and safety by reducing skin abrasions, maintaining a clean surgical environment, and ensuring proper patient monitoring and temperature regulation, thereby improving patient care during prone position surgeries.
Implementation Method 1
An air conditioning unit is adjacent to the head cushion and provides temperature control to the head cushion
Implementation Method 2
A head cushion supports the patient's head while the patient is lying in the prone position during surgery
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical head support device. A head cushion supports the patient's head while the patient is lying in the prone position during surgery. An air conditioning unit is adjacent to the head cushion and provides temperature control to the head cushion. A camera is positioned for viewing the patient's face as the patient is lying in the prone position on the head cushion. A secretion container is positioned to collect discharge from the patient's nose and mouth as the patient is lying in the prone position on the head cushion. A support platform is positioned under the head cushion and provides support for the head cushion, the camera and the secretion container. A height adjustment device is positioned under the support platform and is utilized to adjust the height of the head cushion for the safety and comfort of the patient.