DEVICE FOR IMMOBILIZATION

Abstract

In order to create a simple device for immobilizing the human body or parts of the body in a manner that is gentle on the patient, in particular for arranging medical targeting devices, markers or surgical instruments for image-guided, minimally invasive surgery, said device having at least one immobilization element (1) which can be positioned on the surface of the body, the immobilization element (1) is made of a bonded nonwoven fabric (2) which can be fastened by means of a micro hook-and-loop fastener (3).

Claims

1. A device for immobilization of the human body or of body parts, in particular for attachment of medical target devices, markers or surgical instruments for image-guided, minimally invasive surgery, with at least one fixing element (1) to be positioned on the body surface, characterized in that the fixing element (1) comprises a consolidated non-woven fabric (2) which is fastened to a micro Velcro (3).

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the micro Velcro (3) has a flexible film with connecting elements (3a) in the form of mushrooms or hooks for engagement with the non-woven fabric (2).

3. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the micro Velcro (3) is made of polypropylene (PP) or polyamide (PA).

4. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the non-woven fabric (2) is a strip or cloth, in particular with at least one access opening (2a) to a body part.

5. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the non-woven fabric (2) can be unwound from a roll (6), preferably to be cut to length at perforations.

6. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the non-woven fabric (2) has high tensile strength in the longitudinal direction (L) and is formed resilient in the transverse direction (Q).

7. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the non-woven fabric (2) is formed as a sterile disposable article.

8. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that markers and/or reinforcements are integrated in the non-woven fabric (2)

9. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the micro Velcro (3) is fastened at edge regions of an examination or operating table (4), in particular in profiles (4a) along the edges in moveable manner, or is adhered to the table (4) and/or a patient support (4b).

10. Device The device according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one additional device, in particular a target device (5) or elements for imaging can be fixed to the fixing element (1), preferably by means of at least one adapter plate (5a), which also carries hook-like connecting elements (3a).

11. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that an adhesive layer (7) is applied to the non-woven fleece (2), in particular in the form of a skin-compatible spray adhesive or thin double-sided adhesive tape.

Description

[0017] Embodiments are described with reference to the drawing. The figures show in:

[0018] FIG. 1 the attachment of a device for immobilization,

[0019] FIG. 2 an enlarged detailed view of the device, and

[0020] FIG. 3 setting-up/fitting of additional devices.

[0021] The device for immobilization or fixation of the human body or of body parts consists of at least one fixing element 1 on the body (shown in hatched lines, here for example, a cross section of a human back resting on a cushion pad 4b) (FIG. 1). This positioning is done with a consolidated non-woven 2, which is applied to the skin and tensioned to the left and right of the pad 4b to be fixed to a respective micro Velcro 3 (by engaging to the hooks in the micrometer range, according to the above designation “micro”). The non-woven fabric 2 has preferably a strip-like design and is especially wound on a coil or roll. 6 The non-woven fleece 2 has high tensile strength in its mounting direction L (usually transverse to the longitudinal axis of the body), but is relatively elastic in the transverse direction Q thereof. An adapter plate 5a may be attached to the outside of the fixing element 1 in order to anchor a marker 5 (or other accessories) in a stable and reproducible manner (see FIG. 3). The fixing element is preferably attached to a base plate of an examination or operating table 4 via at least one profile 4a, f. i. a rounded groove guide. Some of these fixing elements 1 can be located at the human back, with distance from one another, such that several corresponding operation areas are formed.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a greatly enlarged view of the connection between the non-woven fabric 2 and the micro Velcro 3, wherein plural T-formed hooks 3a in the micrometer range, (small mushroom or hook shape of these fasteners 3a is applicable, as well) engage with the fibers of the non-woven fabric 2 like claws. As shown in FIG. 1, right side, a second micro Velcro 3 can be bonded to the right side of the operating table 4 (lateral to the patient) in the manner of an adhering tape to be adhered. Likewise, such a “patch” can be glued to the side of the patient support 4b, depending on the position of the fixated body part, e.g. in the shoulder area and/or the hips and/or in the leg area, etc.. The fibers of the non-woven fabric 2 are mainly directed in the longitudinal direction L, thus ensuring high tensile strength. The right side of FIG. 2 indicates an adhesive layer 7 beside the micro Velcro 3 (i. e. towards the patient) to be preferably applied as by spraying shortly before fixing. This can increase the sticking or immobilization forces or keep way soft tissue from of the surgical area (cf. access port or opening 2a in FIG. 3).

[0023] As shown in FIG. 3 in cross section, such an opening 2a is provided for a puncture in the lumbar region (and in the strip-like non-woven fabric 2). Thus, the treating physician or medical person can fix any region of the body (whole human body or just body parts) as required. This results in universal adapting to operating tables and a simple fixing of surgical equipment and markers. It's also possible to add pads below the non-woven fabric 2 (increasing comfort), wherein the non-woven fabric 2 enables the skin to “breathe”, in contrast to conventional bands or collars, such that even prolonged use will not cause irritating. To sum up, body parts are immobilized with a defined pressure and at very low cost, wherein the proposed device can also be used with a device based on adhesive forces (cf. Applicant's DE 20 2011 005 573). This principle of micro hook-and-loop fasteners 3, wherein the loops are formed by the non-woven fleece 2 can also apply for fixing the above-mentioned adapter plate 5a, as indicated in FIG. 3. The underside of the adapter plate 5a can also be provided with micro Velcro (i.e. the half of micro hooks) to be anchored on the outside (“loops”) of the strained non-woven fabric 2. The non-woven fleece 2 may also cross above the adapter plate 5a for additional fixation. This also applies to other medical accessories, such as MR coils or pressure sensors for detecting (respiratory) patient motion, which are securely fixed by the non-woven fabric 2 close to the body (like a second skin).