Torso-Sling Surgical Frame Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surgical frames often obstruct access to the back and lateral sides of patients due to the use of support straps that cover these areas, limiting access for surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A surgical frame with a torso-sling system that includes a support frame and straps, allowing for the torso to be hung on the frame while maintaining access to the back, utilizing a torso-lift support mechanism and adjustable components to facilitate various patient positions without compromising sterility or safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If support straps are used to secure the patient's torso to the surgical frame, then the patient's torso can be securely supported and repositioned between prone and lateral positions, but the support straps cover portions of the back and lateral sides of the patient, interfering with surgical access to these areas
Solution Approach 1:
The torso support system is divided into separate functional components: a torso sling that contacts the patient's torso for support, and a separate belt structure that provides securement to the surgical frame. This segmentation allows the support function to be maintained while eliminating the obstruction to surgical access caused by traditional integrated support straps.
Solution Approach 2:
The support straps are extracted from the direct contact area with the patient's back and lateral sides. Instead, a belt structure is used that can be positioned away from the surgical site, while the torso sling maintains support functionality. This extraction removes the interfering element while preserving the essential support function.
2Reliability
If traditional torso supports contacting the chest are used, then the patient can be supported, but surgical access to the back and lateral sides is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
A torso sling acts as an intermediary element that transfers the support function from direct chest contact to a suspended configuration. The sling contacts the patient's torso and distributes the support force, while the connecting belt structure provides attachment to the frame without obstructing the surgical field on the back and lateral sides.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system transitions from a two-dimensional chest-contact configuration to a three-dimensional suspended arrangement. The torso sling hangs the patient's torso on the frame, creating vertical clearance that improves surgical access to the back and lateral sides while maintaining reliable patient support through the sling's contact points.
Data Source
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AI summary
A torso-sling is provided to support at least a portion of the body of a patient on a surgical frame. The torso-sling is used in supporting at least a portion of the patient's torso. The torso-sling is supported relative to the surgical frame using a support bracket that can be attached to a chest support plate of the surgical frame. The torso-sling includes a frame portion, at least a first support strap, and at least a second support strap. The frame portion defines an access area, and the frame portion includes a first side portion, a second side portion, and a transition portion joining the first and second side portions together. The first side portion is configured for positioning adjacent a first lateral side on the posterior side of the patient, the second side portion is configured for positioning adjacent a second lateral side on the posterior side of the patient, and the transition portion is configured for positioning adjacent the neck and shoulders on the posterior side of the patient. The first support strap extends from the support bracket to the first side portion, the first support strap, when the patient is supported by the surgical frame and the torso-sling supports portions of the torso of the patient, extending in part adjacent portions of the first lateral side of the torso of the patient. The second support strap extends from the support bracket to the second side portion, the second support strap, when the patient is supported by the surgical frame and the torso-sling supports the portions of the torso of the patient, extending in part adjacent and contacting portions the second lateral side of the torso and the anterior torso of the patient.