WO2016064736A1

WO2016064736A1 - Surgeon support device

Info

Publication number: WO2016064736A1
Application number: PCT/US2015/056222
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sidney SCHECHET; Mitch EGGERS
Original assignee: Baylor College Of Medicine
Priority date: 2014-10-23
Filing date: 2015-10-19
Publication date: 2016-04-28

Abstract

A surgeon support device is disclosed for the purpose of relieving fatigue and back pain during operations. A preferred embodiment is the attachment of the support device to the operating table to minimize space requirements, and ensure maximum maneuverability without interfering with the freedom of the surgeon's arms and hands.

Description

SURGEON SUPPORT DEVICE

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial

No. 62/067,684, filed October 23, 2014. The entire content of this application is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a support device for surgeons and more particularly to a torso supporting device for surgeons to relieve fatigue and back pain during operations. A preferred embodiment is the attachment of the support device to the operating table to minimize space requirements, and ensure maximum maneuverability without interfering with the freedom of the surgeon's arms and hands.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Back pain is prevalent among surgeons. While some surgeries such as ophthalmologic surgeries can be performed seated, most cannot. Surgeries that require standing for extended periods of time, including cardiothoracic, otolaryngology, orthopedic, and others often lead to chronic back pain. Some of these surgeries can last six or more hours, during which the surgeon is working arduously while leaning uncomfortably over the operating table with excessive physical exertion. These operations put substantial stress on the surgeon's lower back causing considerable pain, and in some situations requiring the surgeon to "scrub out" and take breaks during the operation. This is obviously problematic because it lengthens surgery times and keeps the patient under general anesthesia for prolonged periods of time. Prolonged surgery duration also translates into increased patient infection because bacterial infection risk increases exponentially with time in the operating room. Over time, the back pain experienced by surgeons often becomes severe enough to require daily pain medication or necessitate back correcting surgery. Back pain is an unfortunately common problem faced by many surgeons in their careers. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the invention provides a surgical support device including: a base adapted and configured for mounting along a side rail of an operating table; and a torso support assembly coupled to the base and adapted and configured to extend up from the side rail of the operating table and support a torso of a person leaning over the operating table.

This aspect of the invention can have a variety of embodiments. The base can define a substantially rectangular channel adapted and configured to slide over the side rail of the operating table. The substantially rectangular channel can be sized to slide over a side rail having a substantially rectangular profile selected from the group consisting of: about 20 mm by about 10 mm, about 25 mm by about 10 mm, about 30 mm by about 10 mm, and about 1-1/8" by about 3/8".

The base can include a clamping device adapted and configured to press against the side rail of the operating table.

The torso support assembly can include a telescoping member. The torso support assembly can include a locking member adapted and configured to secure the telescoping member in a plurality of positions.

The torso support assembly can be rotatably coupled to the base. The base can include a plurality of markings indicating a degree of rotation of the torso support assembly from the base. The plurality of markings can be visible from above the base.

The torso support assembly can include a padded surface. The padded surface can include a gel.

The torso support assembly can be rotatably coupled to the base so that padded surface is positionable at an angle between about 10° and about 35° with respect to a vertical axis defined by the side rail of the operating table.

The surgical support device can be adapted and configured for mounting on the side rail of the operating table without contacting a floor of an operating room.

Another aspect of the invention provides a system including: an operating table including one or more side rails; and the surgical support device as described herein mounted to the operating table.

Another aspect of the invention provides a surgical support device to alleviate body stress and fatigue. The surgical support device includes: a mounting base; one or more extensions attached to the mounting base; a torso support component mounted to a distal end of the one or more extensions; and a plurality of movement regulation mechanisms adapted and configured to provide multiple degrees of freedom movement. The one or more extensions are adapted and configured to provide radial extension/contraction. The torso support component is adapted and configured to engage a user's torso

This aspect of the invention can have a variety of embodiments. The mounting base can be attached to the operating table without consuming floor space. The one or more extensions can rotate along a radial axis. The torso support component can be adapted and configured for adjustment along a horizontal axis. The torso support component can be adapted and configured for translational adjustment. The one or more extensions can be fixed.

The device can further include a shelf attached to the one or more extensions. The shelf is adapted and configured to relieve arm stress or hold a surgical device.

The device can further include forearm supports attached to the one or more extensions. The forearm supports are adapted and configured to relieve arm stress. The forearm supports can be adjustable. The forearm supports can be attached to extensions that are individually adjustable in multiple dimensions.

Aspects of the invention provide a simple, space efficient, comfortable means to fully support the torso of a standing surgeon working over an operating table to reduce fatigue and back pain without compromising range of movement.

Further aspects of the invention provide a surgical support device that is easily adjusted in multiple dimensions to provide multiple degrees of freedom. Further, the adjustments offered would comfortably accommodate surgeons of varying stature and operating technique.

Further aspects of the invention provide a relatively small device that links to the operating table acting as an appropriate support base to minimize space requirements, effectively requiring no additional floor space in the operating room. Such compact, integral mounting of the surgeon support device would also minimize pre-operation preparation.

Further aspects of the invention provide an elegantly simple apparatus that can be cleaned easily and draped properly in the appropriate aseptic technique of the operating room.

Further aspects of the invention provide a support device for surgeons that has an uncomplicated, yet sophisticated design, and is economically efficient to manufacture. Further aspects and unique advantages of the invention will be best understood through the detailed descriptions and drawings of the invention below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature and desired objects of the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the

accompanying drawing figures wherein like reference characters denote corresponding parts throughout the several views.

Fig. 1 is a side view of a surgical support device attached to an operating table and providing torso support to prevent fatigue and back pain without interfering with the surgeon's freedom of movement within the operating field according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 2a is an orthographic projection of a surgical support device viewed from the long- side perspective of the operating table according to an embodiment of the invention. Multiple adjustment fasteners allow for 6 degrees of freedom in maneuverability.

Fig. 2b is the companion orthographic projection of a surgical support device viewed from the head (short-side) of the operating table according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 3a depicts a front view of a surgical support device according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 3b depicts a side view of a surgical support device according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figs. 4a-4c depict various types and arrangements of movement-regulating

mechanisms 20 within a mounting base 19.

Figs. 5a-5f depict a prototype of a surgical support device according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 6 depicts a mounting base 19 including a plurality of rows of holes along the extension mounting stock 16 according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 7 depicts a surgical support device according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 8 depicts a surgical support device according to an embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Although surgical practice varies considerably between specialties and patient types, flexibility and ease of equipment positioning while maneuvering over the patient is paramount to a surgeon irrespective of specialty.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings, which are provided as illustrative examples so as to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Notably, the figures and examples below are not meant to limit the scope of the present invention to a single embodiment, but other embodiments are possible by way of interchange of some or all of the described or illustrated elements.

Moreover, the support device is not limited to surgery application. Instead, the support device is useful in any application where workers are required to remain standing for extended periods of time while leaning over at the waist thereby stressing the back. For example, the torso support device can be utilized in assembly lines, food processing, dental operations, welding, and mail sorting.

Wherever convenient, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to same or like parts. Where certain elements of these embodiments can be partially or fully implemented using known components, only those portions of such known components that are necessary for an understanding of the present invention will be described, and detailed descriptions of other portions of such known components will be omitted so as not to obscure the invention. In the present specification, an embodiment showing a singular component should not be considered limiting; rather, the invention is intended to encompass other embodiments including a plurality of the same component, and vice-versa, unless explicitly stated otherwise herein. Moreover, applicants do not intend for any term in the specification or claims to be ascribed an uncommon or special meaning unless explicitly set forth as such. Further, the present invention encompasses present and future known equivalents to the components referred to herein by way of illustration.

Referring to an embodiment of the invention depicted in Fig. 1, the surgical support device 1 includes a mounting base 19 secured to the operating table rail 18 allowing easy horizontal (longitudinal) translation of the device 1 along the operating table 2. The mounting base 19 can be sized to engage a variety of operating table rails 18 including the common 20 mm (high) by 10 mm (wide), 25 mm by 10 mm, 30 mm by 10 mm, and 1-1/8" by 3/8" cross- sections. Mounting base 19 can be removably coupled to other components of the surgical support device 1 so that the mounting base 19 can be interchangeable to accommodate different operating tables 2.

The surgeon 3 shown leaning over the operating table 2 can easily adjust the support device 1 to any position with 6 degrees of freedom represented by the various

fasteners 20, 17, 22 (extension and rotation as depicted in Fig. 2a), 13, and 11 described in further detail in the following description of Figs. 2a and 2a. The torso support piece 21 can include a cushioned pad for comfort. In one embodiment, the cushioned pad includes an encapsulated gel for greater comfort and long-term resilience. Suitable gel cushions are available, for example, from Action Products, Inc. of Hagerstown, Maryland.

The surgeon support device 1 can be specifically designed to minimize interference with the surgeon's hands and arms 3 to provide substantial freedom of movement. Notably, absolutely no valuable floor space is occupied by the support device 1 in the operating room. In practical use, the surgical support device 1 would be draped (not shown) to maintain sterility of the operating field.

Referring to the orthographic projections of the preferred embodiment in Figs. 2a and 2b, the surgical support device 1 can include a U-shaped (cross section) mounting base 19 secured to the complementary T-shaped (cross section) operating table rail 18 allowing easy horizontal translation of the device along the operating table 2. The mounting base 19 can be secured in place with any movement-regulating mechanism 20, including a lever and cam system, spring- loaded hand- wheel, or any other mechanism known by those experienced in the art.

As can be seen in Fig. 3b, movement-regulating mechanism 20 can be recessed so as not to extend beyond the profile of the mounting base 19. In other embodiments depicted in

Figs. 4a-4c, movement-regulating mechanism 20 can be positioned along a side, bottom, or back surface of the mounting base 19. Such arrangements advantageously move the movement- regulating mechanism 20 away from the surgeon's pelvic region.

Referring again to Fig. 2b, the mounting base 19 can define an extension mounting stock 16 that securely holds a primary telescoping extension 15. The primary telescoping extension 15 can be rotated on an axis along the long-side of the operating table 2 (longitudinal axis) using the movement regulation mechanism 17 as depicted in Fig. 2b. A secondary telescoping extension 14, coupled with the primary telescoping extension 15, can provide both radial extension (telescoping) and rotation (e.g., between about 10° and about 35°) about the radial axis of the telescoping extensions 14, 15 to accommodate surgeons 3 of any size (e.g., between about 5Ό" to about 6'6") at any preferred angle to the patient. The secondary extension 14 can be secured to the primary extension 15 by another movement regulation mechanism 22. The primary and secondary telescoping extensions 14, 15 can have a complimentary nesting geometry. For example, both can have substantially cylindrical profiles with cross sections such as circular or square. A circular cross section permits rotation of the secondary telescoping extension 14 within the primary telescoping extension 15, while a square or non-circular cross-section will inhibit rotation of the secondary telescoping extension 14.

A torso support assembly (10-13, 21) can mounted to the distal end of the secondary extension 14. The torso support assembly can include one or more torso support plates 10, 12 that can be rotated about the longitudinal axis of the operating table 2 as well as

extended/retracted to/from the surgeon 3 utilizing the respective movement regulation systems 1 1 and 13. A cushioned pad 21 can provide a comfortable interface with the surgeon 3. In total, 6 degrees of freedom can be provided in a preferred embodiment of the surgical support device 1 consisting of adjustable movement regulation mechanisms 20, 17, 22 (rotation and extension) 13, and 10.

Referring now to Figs. 5a-5f, several photographs of a prototype of a surgical support device are provided. As can be seen most clearly in Figs. 5a and 5b, the telescoping

extension 15 can be rotated with respect to the mounting base 19 and can be held in place by engaging a screw, bolt, or pin 23. In some embodiments, a plurality of holes can be provided on the telescoping extension 15 to interact with a plurality of rows of holes on the extension mounting stock 16 best seen in Fig. 6. The use of multiple rows of holes enables adjustment at smaller radial increments.

As seen most clearly in Fig. 5e, the extension mounting stock 16 can include a plurality of markings 24 on a top surface indicating the angle of the telescoping extension 15 with respect to a vertical plane extending through the side rail 18 of the operating table 2.

Referring now to Fig. 8, another embodiment of the invention includes one or more shelves and/or forearm supports 26. Shelves and/or forearm supports 26 can be coupled to mounting base 19 and can be adjustable via one or more movement regulation mechanisms 28 to be positioned in one or more dimensions and held in a desired position. Shelves and/or forearm supports 26 can be adapted and configured to hold one or more surgical devices such as tools, implants, fasteners, and the like. Additionally or alternatively, shelves and/or forearm

supports 26 can be adapted and configured to serve as a forearm rest to relieve arm stress and/or fatigue during a procedure. In such an embodiment, shelves and/or forearm supports 26 can include a padded surface as discussed herein.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to a specific exemplary embodiment, it will be evident to one of ordinary skill in the art that various modifications and changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

For example, the device described herein can be fabricated from a variety of materials such as metals (e.g., stainless steel, aluminum, anodized aluminum, titanium, alloys thereof, and the like), plastics, composites, and the like.

Likewise, movement regulation mechanisms 20, 17, 22, 13, 10, 28 can include a variety of designs such as threaded screws, ratcheting mechanisms, detents, pins, spring-loaded members, ball bearing joints, and the like.

Claims

1. A surgical support device comprising:

a base adapted and configured for mounting along a side rail of an operating table; and a torso support assembly coupled to the base and adapted and configured to extend up from the side rail of the operating table and support a torso of a person leaning over the operating table.

2. The surgical support device of claim 1, wherein the base defines a substantially rectangular channel adapted and configured to slide over the side rail of the operating table.

3. The surgical support device of claim 2, wherein the substantially rectangular channel is sized to slide over a side rail having a substantially rectangular profile selected from the group consisting of: about 20 mm by about 10 mm, about 25 mm by about 10 mm, about 30 mm by about 10 mm, and about 1-1/8" by about 3/8".

4. The surgical support device of claim 1, wherein the base includes a clamping device adapted and configured to press against the side rail of the operating table.

5. The surgical support device of claim 1, wherein the torso support assembly includes a telescoping member.

6. The surgical support device of claim 5, wherein the torso support assembly includes a locking member adapted and configured to secure the telescoping member in a plurality of positions.

7. The surgical support device of claim 1, wherein the torso support assembly is rotatably coupled to the base.

8. The surgical support device of claim 7, wherein the base includes a plurality of markings indicating a degree of rotation of the torso support assembly from the base.

9. The surgical support device of claim 8, wherein the plurality of markings are visible from above the base.

10. The surgical support device of claim 1, wherein the torso support assembly includes a padded surface.

11. The surgical support device of claim 10, wherein the padded surface includes a gel.

12. The surgical support device of claim 1, wherein the torso support assembly is rotatably coupled to the base so that padded surface is positionable at an angle between about 10° and about 35° with respect to a vertical axis defined by the side rail of the operating table.

13. The surgical support device of claim 1, wherein the surgical support device is adapted and configured for mounting on the side rail of the operating table without contacting a floor of an operating room.

14. A system comprising:

an operating table including one or more side rails; and

the surgical support device of any one of claims 1-13 mounted to the operating table.

15. A surgical support device to alleviate body stress and fatigue, the surgical support device comprising:

a mounting base;

one or more extensions attached to the mounting base, the one or more extensions adapted and configured to provide radial extension/contraction;

a torso support component mounted to a distal end of the one or more extensions, the torso support component adapted and configured to engage a user's torso; and

a plurality of movement regulation mechanisms adapted and configured to provide multiple degrees of freedom movement.

16. A device as set forth in claim 15, wherein the mounting base is attached to the operating table without consuming floor space.

17. A device as set forth in claim 15, wherein the one or more extensions rotate along a radial axis.

18. A device as set forth in claim 15, wherein the torso support component is adapted and configured for adjustment along a horizontal axis.

19. A device as set forth in claim 15, wherein the torso support component is adapted and configured for translational adjustment.

20. A device as set forth in claim 15, wherein the one or more extensions are fixed.

21. A device as set forth in claim 15, further comprising:

a shelf attached to the one or more extensions, the shelf adapted and configured to relieve arm stress or hold a surgical device.

22. A device as set forth in claim 15, further comprising:

forearm supports attached to the one or more extensions, the forearm supports adapted and configured to relieve arm stress.

23. A device forth in claim 22, wherein the forearm supports are adjustable.

24. A device as set forth in claim 22, wherein the forearm supports are attached to extensions that are individually adjustable in multiple dimensions.