Universal suspension device for operating theater tables

Abstract

A surgical table suspension device for holding or carrying auxiliary equipment is described. The suspension device can be reusable and adapted to have a universal fit to rails that have a multitude of different cross-sectional geometries or sizes.

Description

INTRODUCTION

1. Section I—Field of Invention

The present invention pertains to a mechanical device that is adapted to fit as an attachment for suspending auxiliary articles from variety of substrates. In particular, the invention relates to a kind of hook or hanger device that can be attached to a variety of different kinds of equipment in order to suspend them from an operating from table or a patient's hospital bed.

2. Section II—Background

Operating theater tables currently in use generally conform to two major designs. The first design has the bed of the table supported from underneath with a pedestal-like structure located near the center of the table. This first configuration is more common in operating theaters; hence, it is often referred to as either the standard or conventional table design. The table has a rectilinear side rail on either side that extends from a side of the bed of the table a short distance (e.g., up to 2 inches). The second design, often referred as a Jackson operating table (U.S. Pat. No. 5,131,106, incorporated herein by reference), has no central, pedestal-like support structure underneath. Rather, the table bed is supported or cantilevered from each end of the table structure. This permits the curved C-arm of some radiological machines to easily fit beneath the bed of the table and around a patient lying on the bed. The Jackson table is typically used in spinal surgery procedures, or other surgeries that may involve radiological detection, internal visualization, or other indirect visual imaging visual techniques, such as NMRI transmitter, endoscopic surgery, etc. No side rail is present on either side of the Jackson table, which may complicate imaging or access to the patient. Instead, a rounded rail of up to about 2-inch diameter is situated underneath the bed at either the head or foot ends or both of the table.

Since the configuration of the Jackson table, unlike the more common first design, does not have a conventional rectangular-shaped side rail or bar from which operating room equipment often can be suspended during a medical procedure, operating room (OR) staff can encounter difficulties in securing medical instruments, monitors, or other equipment to this type of table. A need exists for a suspension hook that is adaptable to both rectilinear and rounded forms of rails on different types of operating room tables and can be used with either conformation interchangeably.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

While most operating room tables have conventional side rails with rectangular cross-sections for attaching auxiliary supports and equipment, there are other types of tables, for example Jackson tables, which have no such side rails, but instead have support bars of circular cross-section. Hangers designed to mirror the rectangular side rail dimensions do not always accommodate such circular cross-section support bars. Appropriately designed hangers - those that partially retain the rectangular shape but combine an arc-shaped lower element with some degree of flex- can be used on both rectangular cross-section side rails and round support bars. Such a hanger allows easy attachment to both rectangular and circular cross-sections in order to facilitate line control of tubes & cords and quick placement of instrumentation. An application for such a universal hanger is to attach and support gas or liquid delivery lines, such as temperature controlled fluid delivery lines for a patient temperature management system.

The invention pertains in part to a device for suspending equipment or things from a bar. The invention may take the form of a universal surgical table hook comprising: a first extension with a length A, a second extension with a length B, and a third extension with a length C, such that the first, second and third extensions are oriented in a largely perpendicular fashion relative to each other in a substantially C- or U-like shape; a protuberance extending from either said first or third extensions, or both; and the first, second, and third extensions together are configured to engage with bars of multiple geometric profiles. The second and third extensions are resilient and flex relative to said first extension when subjected to lateral forces. The hook can have a large hair-pin-like conformation with at least two protrusions, notches or ridges of either similar or varying sizes, arranged along the third extension. In some embodiments, the protrusions may also run along the first extension, mirroring the geometries and sizes of the protrusions on the third extension. This configuration is to adapt the hook to engage and fit well with a bar having a profile that is triangular, rectangular, circular, curvilinear, or polygonal. The first, second and third extensions each has a width that is sufficient for it to securely engage with either a rectilinear or curved or circular bar.

The device has a planar element with a first end and a second end. The planar component that extends from the first end a distance A along a first major section A, bends in a substantially orthogonal turn (between about 80 degrees to about 100 degrees), extends for a distance B along section B, and bends again in a substantially orthogonal turn back to substantially parallel the first major section, and proceeds a distance C along section C to the second end, which in come embodiment may flare outward away from the first major section. Between the two substantially orthogonal turns, section B can be straight and level or it can be slightly arched or curved, concave or convex, preferably concave in come embodiments. The radius of curvature for the curved areas of the hook can be rather shallow (i.e., having a large radius), or deep (i.e., having a short radius), depending on the desired configuration or the attachment area of the operating table.

In another iteration, the invention provides a surgical table fastener that comprises a first panel with a first distance (A), a second panel with a second distance (B), and a third panel with a third distance (C), the first, second and third panels are bent relative to each other such that the first and second panels are substantially parallel with each other and separated from each other by a distance Y, and the third panel is flexible relative to the first panel. The third panel has at least one protrusion adapted to engage with bars of multiple geometric profiles. The first panel in some designs may also incorporate at least one protrusion. The distance Y is less than or equal to the second distance (B), and the third panel has a terminal end that is oriented away from the first panel, extending outward for a distance D, which does not exceed 113 the length of the second distance (B). The third panel can be deformed (i.e., flexed or slightly bent) to accommodate a bar of either round or polygonal profile, when said bar has a cross-sectional dimension that is greater than said distance Y between the first and second panels.

The invention may include a surgical table having an auxiliary fastening hook configured to securely engage with bars of multiple geometric profiles such as described herein.

Additional features and advantages of the present invention will be revealed in the following detailed description. Both the foregoing summary and the following detailed description and examples are merely representative of the invention, and are intended to provide an overview for understanding the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

FIG. 1A-C are schematic depictions in a series of side views of the process by which a hanger device with a squared-rectilinear head engages with a conventional operating room table having a rectangular side bar. FIG. 1D illustrates that the structure of a conventional hanger is distorted when forced to engage with a round bar.

FIGS. 2A-C shows in three-quarter perspective view, schematic illustrations of three exemplary embodiments according to the present invention. FIG. 2A shows an embodiment in which a rounded or arched curve protruding section is incorporated as part of an arm of the hanger. FIG. 2B shows an embodiment with an angled, triangular, or rectangular protrusion. FIG. 2C shows an embodiment having rounded and rectangular protrusions extending from both sides of undulating arms.

FIGS. 3A-C depict a schematic illustration in a series of side views of the process by which an embodiment of the present invention engages with attachment bars of varying geometric profiles.

FIG. 4 is a side view of another exemplary embodiment of the present invention and its interaction with a round bar.

FIG. 5 illustrates the relative dimensional parameters for a hanger that flexes outward to fit around a round bar.

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of the relative parameters for the different components relative to each other, and a bar on an operating room table.

FIG. 7A and 7B are alternative embodiments of the present hanger device, in which the hooked portion is bifurcated by a gap into a two sections or twines, so as to be able to accommodate a vertical post in between.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

During the course of a surgery in an operating theater, often times auxiliary medical equipment is needed to be close at hand to the surgical table for access by either surgeons or their assistants. Conventional operating tables in general use, according to a standard design, have side rails with rectangular cross-sections situated along the length of each table. Auxiliary support hooks, such as a hanger for suspending fluid delivery line interface junction, such as used in temperature management systems, typically have a squarish or rectangular cross-section that enables the hanger to fit and engage with these side rails. This problem is evident from the accompanying Figures, such as illustrated in FIG. 1, which shows the rectangular cross-section side rails on a conventional operating room table used to support attachments. The hanger attached to the interface junction that connects the reusable fluid delivery lines from the control unit to the one-time use fluid delivery lines from the pad. With the currently available rectangular hanger, like that shown in FIG. 1, it can be difficult to engage with bar supports having a rounded cross-sectional profile, such as those found at either end of the Jackson table. One solution to the problem is the use of a pliable strip that encircles a support element on the table and attaches to the interface junction. Previously, workers have often had to improvise and jerrybuild an attachment mechanism to support, for example, a fluid delivery line interface junction. This improvisation typically involves, for instance, the use of one plastic strip that loops around the rectangular side rail, another plastic strip that loops around the reusable fluid delivery lines, and attachment of these strips to each other via a rivet connection. This solution however is unsatisfactory, for the pliable strip often weakens, slips or can break after repeated stress and use. Given the weight of the fluid delivery lines and the geometry (right angle edges) of the table's support element (side rail), this approach lacks durability for repeated reuse. Rectangular side rails, however, are absent on other kinds of operating tables, such as a Jackson-style table, which instead use round support bars at either end of the table.

In contrast to the current hanger of the junction interface that is designed to fit only a rectangular side rail present on conventional operating room tables, the present invention provides a universally adapted hanger device that can engage a surgical table having attachment points of various geometries. The hanger device can be used to secure, support, and organize auxiliary medical equipment or treatment systems can help organize, streamline, and simplify technical support procedures in the operating theater. The peripheral equipment may include monitors and hoses or feedlines for fluids (both liquids and gases) or vacuum, in the immediate area around the surgical table. For instance, a “universal hanger” may be part of the reusable portion of a temperature management system solves a problem encountered when only round bar support elements are available to mount the junction interface of fluid delivery lines. The solution of the invention retains the durable aspect of a current metal hanger and a matching fit to rectangular side rails in its top-most part, but fits round bars via an arced portion below the top part and that can be reversibly flexed—“out” to fit over the round bar and “in” to fit through the gap between the side rail and table proper on a convention table.

While the present invention is described with reference to the accompanying drawings for purposes of illustration, it is understood that the invention is not limited to this package embodiment, and other iterations are included within the scope of the description.

According to a general conception, the invention embodies an adaptable operating table suspension device configured to securely engage with bars of multiple geometric profiles. As depicted in the accompanying FIGS. 2A-C, the suspension device includes: a first element 10 that extends a first distance (A), a second element 12 that extends at a largely orthogonal angle from an end of said first element 10 a second distance (B), and a third element 14 that extends from a largely orthogonal angle from an end of said second element 12 a third distance (C), and which is substantially parallel to said first element 10, forming a substantially rectilinear shape among said first, second and third elements. Each of the three elements is planar, flat, bent or curved, with a first end and a second end. The planar component that extends from the first end a first distance (A) along a first major element, section or panel A, bends in a substantially orthogonal turn (between about 80 degrees to about 100 degrees (i.e., 90°±10°), desirably about 90°±3°), extends for a second distance (B) along second section B, and bends again in a substantially orthogonal turn back to substantially parallel the first major section, and proceeds a third distance C along third section C to the second end. The terminus of the second end in come embodiment may flare outward away from the first major section A. The first distance (A) is greater than the third distance (C) for first and second sections A and C, respectively. Between the two substantially orthogonal turns, section B can be straight and level or it can be slightly arched or curved, concave or convex. In some embodiments, the curve is concave, preferably.

The device has a substantially rigid or semi-rigid body, which can flex when the third element 14 is compressed laterally towards the first element 10. Typically, a primary inflective stress point 16 is situated at the intersection of the plane of the second and third element or somewhere along the length of the third-element distance (B), like a hinge joint. Other times the primary inflection point may be located at the where the first and second elements meet. A secondary or tertiary inflection point may be located also along the length of the third element, or the second element, or both.

Either the first or third element or both (12, 14) has at least one protrusive section along their respective first and third distances (A or C), which can accommodate a curved or polygonal form in the space Y between the first and third elements. The distance (A) is greater than third distance (C) for the first, second and third elements, respectively. Typically, first distance A has a length of at least about 2 inches, typically about 2.5 inches to about 8 inches in length. Third distance C may ranges from-about 1 inch to about 4 inches in length. Second distance B does not exceed a width of a gap of distance X between the bed of an operating room table and a sidebar in a conventional operating table. The second distance B can range from about 0.5 inch, up to about 2.5 inches.

The material from which the inventive device is constructed should be moderately pliable or flexible, yet sufficiently resilient and strong to withstand repeated bending or flexing over many times of use. The hanger should be a durable product designed to absorb the stresses associate with flexing over multiple incidences of use. For instance, the device can be made from either a durable polymer or plastic material (e.g., polystyrene, polyolefins (polyethylene, polyethylene) polyurethane, or an acrylic polymer), or a metal or metallic alloy material (e.g., aluminum, copper, stainless steel, or titanium).

The present device has a simple design is distinguished from a conventional screw clamp. Unlike, vise-like clainps that have moving screws, the present hanger has an advantage of having no major mechanical moving parts or crevices or surfaces that may harbor microbes or other dirt, which is an advantage and convenience, since it can be cleaned with a good disinfecting wash or wipe down and can be easier to keep clean. The materials, nonetheless, should be able to withstand either high-temperature environments such as found in autoclaves or the stringency of chemical washes used in sanitizing a sterile field environment. A desirable trait of the present hanger device is the absence of sharp edges or points that can catches against and/or tears protective garments, supply lines or other items. Hence, the device's surfaces and edges, in particular those that are exposed to the user or an article or product that may be used during surgery, should be relatively smooth and rounded, so that they do not cut either plastic or fabric materials, or mammalian skin. The lines of the device preferably are also clean and smooth.

The device has a body that permits the third element 14 to flex towards the first element 12 when compressed laterally at the end of the third element 15. The first, second and third elements each can have an aggregate, accumulated width dimension that ranges from about ¼ inch (˜½ cm) to about 2.5 inches (˜7 cm), inclusive. As part of either the first or third elements running along first or third distances (A or C), or both, the device may have a hair-pin like configuration, with at least two protrusive sections that mirror each side, as reflected along a cross-sectional, longitudinal mid-line of the device when viewed on its side. Each protrusive section has a cross-sectional profile that may be individually triangular, rectangular, circular or curvilinear, or a combination of these forms together in series, such as depicted in FIG. 2C, superimposed over each other in profile, or intermixed. The curved or angled sections on either first element or third element section that engages with the table may accommodate railings and bars of various geometries, sizes, or radii of curvature. In other words, on a hanger with two or more protrusions, the curvilinear or circular sections may each have a different radius of curvature to engage with bars or rails with rounded profiles of varying diameters. It is desirable that the curvature of the protrusion matches the radius of curvature of the cylindrical (dowel-like) rods.

As part of the function of the suspension device, the first element 10 has a means for engaging with or supporting a part of an auxiliary surgical equipment or apparatus. Examples of such means for attaching or supporting may include an aperture, protrusion, hook, or cradle for receiving a fastening element to secure the device to an auxiliary surgical equipment or apparatus. The aperture is sufficiently large for a user to adjust the length of said first element to a desired or predetermined dimension. The aperture may be a grommet slot. The device is configured to hold equipment from a bar, or be an interface between disposable and reusable components. This equipment may include a temperature warming junction box, tubes and hoses, suction line, irrigation line, electrical cable, compressed air or oxygen lines.

The first distance A can have a length of at least about 2 inches or greater. Typically, first distance A is about 2.5 to about 5, 7, or 8 inches, and any length therein between inclusive. The length of third distance B can range from about 1 inch to about 3 or 4 inches, or any length therein between inclusive, typically between about 1.5 to 2.5 inches. The dimension length of distance X can ranged from between 0.5 inches up to about 2.5 inches, typically about 1 inch or less, preferably between about ¾ inches up to about 1 inch. X represents the outer length, while distance C represents the gap length between the first and third elements A and B.

In certain embodiments, the suspension device or hook can have a hair-pin like configuration, with at least two sections that protrude out from the plane of either the first or third elements along the first or third distances (A or B), or both. Each protrusion can have either a triangular, rectangular (squarish), curvilinear (curved convex or concave) or circular (rounded) cross-sectional profile. Desirably, multiple notches or ridges of either similar or a combination of varying shapes or sizes are used to fit and engage with bar rails of different profiles of varying cross-sectional dimensions or diameters. The curvilinear or circular sections may each have a different radius of curvature to engage with rails of rounded profiles of varying diameters.

For example, the first element 10 or panel A can have an aperture or grommet slot for receiving a fastening element such as a tightening screw to secure the hanger to a part or portion of an auxiliary surgical equipment or apparatus. This opening can be formed sufficiently large to enable a user to adjust the length of the hanger to the user's desired dimensions. The hanger has a width that is sufficient for it to securely engage with either a rectilinear or curved or circular railing. For example, the width dimension can range from about ¼ inch (˜ 1/2 cm) to about 2.5 inches (˜7 cm), inclusive. More typically, the width is about 1-1.8 inches.

FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 the show specifics of the invention and clarifications from the current hanger used for the temperature management system. FIG. 3A depicts in cross-section or a side view an embodiment of the present invention having arced or curved portions mirroring each other on either the first and second elements 10, 14, or alternatively, as indicated with a one phantom line, only one arced portion on one side and a non-arced part on the other. FIG. 3B depicts the embodiment according to that of FIG. 3A engaged with a rectangular bar. The upper-most portion of the hanger fits well with the bar. FIG. 3C is an alternate embodiment that demonstrates the fit of the hanger with a round bar.

FIG. 4 shows an alternate embodiment, with a flex point situated in the middle portion of the second element 12, and/or also at the intersection of the second and third elements 12, 14. Two protusions of different sizes along the third element 14 are shown in series. FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate certain dimension restrictions required for use with the side rails support system of conventional operating room tables. The suspension device or hanger has dimensions that approximately conform or mirror the rectangular cross-section of a side rail (width=W and height=L): the inside dimensions of the hanger (T) are approximately the width of the side rail. The maximum width of the hanger (C) must be less than the gap (X) defined by the table and the side rail in order for it to pass through in between the two.

Distance B is the distance in between the first and third elements or panels of the present device. Distance B is less than or equal to the gap distance X between the side rail and the bed of the operating table. The terminal end of the third panel can extend slightly outward away from the first element, by as much as an additional distance D, which should not exceed about ⅓ the total length of distance X. The third section or panel of the device, in some embodiments, may be subjected to deformation by flexing in part to accommodate a bar of either round or polygonal profile, in particular if the cross-sectional dimension of the bar is greater than the distance Y between the first and second panels.

FIG. 6 defines the dimension requirements for the universal hanger to fit on a round bar of diameter (Z): the top-most part has inside dimensions (Y) that are approximately the width of the side rail (W). The arced portion, whether one or two arcs are used, has inside dimensions WI are greater than the diameter of the round bar (Z). FIG. 6 defines the other dimension requirements for the universal hanger to fit through the gap (X) of the side rail and the table proper and match the width of the side rail: the dimensions (W1), the maximum dimensions, must temporarily deflect to dimensions W2 that are equal to the gap (X). All other width dimensions of the hanger are equal or less than (X) Other designs than the ones depicted in the figures but still meeting the above dimensional requirements are possible.

According to another embodiment, the present hanger device may be bifurcated with a gap. The portion of the device that hooks on to a horizontally oriented railing (i.e., elements A, B and C) is divided by the gap into two sections or twines, such as illustrated in FIG. 7A and 7B. The gap may be rounded, squared, or V-shaped. The gap is designed to accommodate a vertically oriented railing or post, such that a section of the hook is on either side of the post. The vertical member between the two twines of the hook secures the hanger in place, preventing it from sliding to much either way. The hanger can be also used with regular hospital beds.

The present invention has been described generally and by way of examples. Those skilled in the art will understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments specifically disclosed, and that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, unless changes otherwise depart from the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims, they should be construed as included herein.

Claims

1. An adaptable operating table suspension device configured to securely engage with bars of multiple geometric profiles, said suspension device comprising: a first element that extends a first distance (A), a second element that extends at a largely orthogonal angle from an end of said first element a second distance (B), and a third element that extends from a largely orthogonal angle from an end of said second element a third distance (C), and which is substantially parallel to said first element, forming a substantially rectilinear shape among said first, second and third elements, and either said first or said third element or both having at least one protrusive section along said first and third distances (A or C), which accommodates a curved or polygonal form between said first and third elements.

2. The suspension device according to claim 1, wherein first distance (A) is greater than third distance (C) for said first and second elements, respectively.

3. The suspension device according to claim 1, wherein first distance (A) has a length of at least about 2 inches or greater.

4. The suspension device according to claim 3, wherein first distance (A) ranges from about 2.5 inches to about 8 inches in length.

5. The suspension device according to claim 1, wherein third distance (C) ranges from about 1 inch to about 4 inches.

6. The suspension device according to claim 1, wherein said distance B does not exceed a width of a gap of distance X between the bed of an operating room table and a sidebar.

7. The suspension device according to claim 6, wherein second distance (B) ranges from about 0.5 inch up to about 2.5 inches.

8. The suspension device according to claim 1, wherein said material is sufficiently resilient to withstand repeated bending or flexing over many times of use.

9. The suspension device according to claim 1, wherein said first, second and third elements each has an aggregate, accumulated width dimension that ranges from about ¼ inch (˜½ cm) to about 2.5 inches (˜7 cm), inclusive.

10. The suspension device according to claim 1, wherein said device has a hair-pin like configuration, with at least two protrusive sections as part of either said first or said third elements along first or third distances (A or C), or both.

11. The suspension device according to claim 1, wherein said protrusive section has a cross-sectional profile that is triangular, rectangular, curvilinear or circular.

12. The suspension device according to claim 11, wherein said curvilinear or circular sections each has a different radius of curvature to engage with rails of rounded profiles of varying diameters.

13. The suspension device according to claim 1, wherein said device has a body that permits said third element to flex towards said first element when compressed laterally.

14. The suspension device according to claim 1, wherein said device is formed from either a durable polymer or plastic material, or a metal or metallic alloy material.

15. The suspension device according to claim 14, wherein said metal or metallic alloy material is aluminum, stainless steel, or titanium.

16. The suspension device according to claim 14, wherein said durable polymer or plastic material is a polystyrene, polyethylene, polyurethane, or an acrylic polymer.

17. The suspension device according to claim 14, wherein said material is able to withstand either high-temperature environments such as found in autoclaves or the stringency of chemical washes used in sanitizing for a sterile field environment.

18. The suspension device according to claim 1, wherein said device has no major mechanical moving parts.

19. The suspension device according to claim 1, wherein said first element has a means for supporting a part or portion of an auxiliary surgical equipment or apparatus.

20. The suspension device according to claim 19, wherein said means for supporting is an aperture, protrusion, hook, or cradle for receiving a fastening element to secure the device to an auxiliary surgical equipment or apparatus.

21. The suspension device according to claim 20, wherein said aperture is sufficiently large for a user to adjust the length of said first element to a desired or predetermined dimension.

22. The suspension device according to claim 20, wherein said aperture is a grommet slot.

23. The suspension device according to claim 1, wherein said device is configured to hold equipment from a bar, or be an interface between disposable and reusable components.

24. The suspension device according to claim 23, wherein said equipment includes temperature warming junction box, tubes and hoses, suction line, irrigation line, electrical cable, compressed air or oxygen lines.

25. A universal surgical table hook comprising: a first extension with a length A, a second extension with a length B, and a third extension with a length C, such that said first, second and third extensions are oriented in a largely perpendicular fashion relative to each other in a substantially C- or U-like shape;

a protuberance extending from either said first or third extensions, or both; and said first, second, and third extensions together are configured to engage with bars of multiple geometric profiles.

26. The hook according to claim 25, wherein said second and third extensions are resilient and flex relative to said first extension when subjected to lateral stress forces.

27. The hook according to claim 25, wherein said hook has a hair-pin-like conformation with at least two notches or ridges of either similar or varying sizes.

28. The hook according to claim 25, wherein said bar has a profile that is triangular, rectangular, circular, curvilinear, or polygonal.

29. The hook according to claim 25, wherein said first, second and third extensions each has a width that is sufficient for it to securely engage with either a rectilinear or curved or circular bar.

30. A surgical table fastener comprising a first panel with a first distance (A), a second panel with a second distance (B), and a third panel with a third distance (C), said first, second and third panels are bent relative to each other such that said first and second panels are substantially parallel with each other and separated from each other by a distance T, and said third panel is flexible relative to said first panel.

31. The surgical table fastener according to claim 30, wherein said first panel or said third panel has at least one protusion adapted to engage with bars of multiple geometric profiles.

32. The surgical table fastener according to claim 30, wherein said distance T is less than or equal to second distance (B).

33. The surgical table fastener according to claim 30, wherein said third panel has a terminal end that is oriented away from said first panel, extending outward for a distance D, which does not exceed ⅓ the length of second distance (B).

34. The surgical table fastener according to claim 30, where said third panel is deformable to accommodate a bar of either round or polygonal profile, when said bar has a cross-sectional dimension that is greater than said distance T between the first and second panels.

35. A surgical table having an auxiliary fastening hook configured to securely engage with bars of multiple geometric profiles according to claim 25.