MANDIBULAR/HEAD POSITIONER FOR PATIENTS UNDERGOING ANESTHESIA

Abstract

Systems and methods for positioning a patient's head and neck during surgery and/or various medical procedures. A positioner for holding a patient's head and/or neck in static orientation throughout a medical procedure that is capable of easy readjustment as required.

Claims

1. A patient positioning device for supporting a patient's head, jaw, chin, or neck during a medical procedure, the device comprising: an upper support member comprising: a chin support member, a first jaw support member, and a second jaw support member, wherein upper support member includes an upper support member housing for the chin support member, and wherein the first jaw support member and second jaw support member are attached to the housing at one end thereof; an extension arm having a first end and a second end, said extension arm connected to said upper support member at the first end, wherein the extension arm has at least two degrees of freedom; an attachment member, the attachment member connected to said extension arm at the second end thereof, said attachment member configured to be attached at the other end to a hospital bed, rail or operating room stand,

2. The positioning device of claim 1, wherein the first jaw support and the second jaw support each includes a hand element.

3. The positioning device of claim 2, wherein the hand elements of each of the first and second jaw support members are configured to be adjustable with respect to the distance from one another and from the chin support member.

4. The positioning device of claim 2, wherein the hand elements are configured to exert a pressure on the patient's chin, wherein the patient's jaw is configured to prevent retraction of the mandible by the hand elements.

5. The positioning device of claim 1, further comprising a rotary joint connecting the attachment member to the extension arm and the extension arm to the upper support member.

6. The positioning device of claim 1, wherein the first jaw support member and the second jaw support are flexible and are configured to rotate with respect to the chin support member.

7. The positioning device of claim 1, wherein the first jaw support member includes a first upper arm member and a first lower arm member, and wherein the second jaw support member includes a second upper arm member and a second lower arm member, wherein the first lower arm member and the second lower arm member are each connected to the upper support member housing.

8. The positioning device of claim 7, wherein the first lower arm member and the second lower arm member are curved and have a C-shape orientation.

9. The positioning device of claim 7, wherein the first upper arm member and the second upper arm member are rods, wherein the first upper arm member is connected to the first lower arm member via a ball and socket joint, and wherein the second upper arm member is connected to the second lower arm member via a ball and socket joint.

10. The positioning device of claim 8, wherein the hand elements are configured to be adjusted along the length rods of the first upper arm member and second upper arm member respectively.

11. The positioning device of claim 1, wherein the chin support member includes a platform for supporting the chin of a patient, wherein the platform is wide enough to support a patient's chin having various sizes.

12. The positioning device of claim 1, wherein the extension member comprises a first extension member and a second extension member that are connected via a first rotary joint.

13. The positioning device of claim 1, wherein the first extension member and the second extension member are configured to provide full articulation when providing adequate rigidity and support in order to place and hold a patient in a desired position.

14. The positioning device of claim 1, further comprising a pressure force sensor embedded in the chin support member.

15. The positioning device of claim 14, further comprising a display embedded within the positioning device, the display showing the colors red, yellow and green to associate different locking positions of the device in order to optimize both the precise position and forces applied to the device.

16. (canceled)

17. The positioning device of claim 1, wherein the extension member is configured to be locked during support of the patient and unlocked during manipulation of the positioning device prior to positioning the patient.

18. The positioning device of claim 1, wherein the positioning device is configured to be intermittently readjusted during the medical procedure.

19. The positioning device claim 1, wherein the positioning device is configured to be maintained in a fixed position for the duration of the medical procedure.

20. The positioning device claim 1 to 19, wherein the positioning device is configured to provide positions for Chin lift, Jaw thrust and IV site pressure (to improve IV catheter flows).

21. (canceled)

22. The positioning device of claim 1, wherein the upper support member includes at least one tensioning mechanism.

23. The positioning device of claim 2, wherein the hand elements are configured to receive a disposable glove to provide an extra barrier protection, wherein the disposable glove includes a recess, such that a user of the positioning device is able to access the at least one tensioning mechanism in the upper support member through the recess.

24.-60. (canceled)

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0108] FIG. 1 is directed to a patient positioning device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0109] FIGS. 2A-2C are directed to various features of the patient positioning device of FIG. 1.

[0110] FIG. 3A is directed to the patient positioning device of FIG. 1 in a first position.

[0111] FIG. 3B is directed to various features of the patient positioning device of FIG. 1 in a second extended position.

[0112] FIG. 4 is directed to a patient positioning device of another embodiment of the invention.

[0113] FIGS. 5A-5C are directed to various features of the patient positioning device of FIG. 4.

[0114] FIG. 6 is directed to various features of the patient positioning device of FIG. 4.

[0115] FIGS. 7A-7C are directed to various features of the patient positioning device of FIG. 4.

[0116] FIGS. 8A-8B are directed to various features of the patient positioning device of FIG. 4.

[0117] FIG. 9 is directed to various features of the patient positioning device of an embodiment of the invention.

[0118] FIG. 10 is directed to a patient positioning device of another embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0119] In the following description, numerous details are set forth for purpose of explanation. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will realize that the invention may be practiced without the use of these specific details. For instance, the techniques described below are described in a specified order, but other embodiments may change the order of the operations while still embodying the current invention.

[0120] As set forth above, the invention is directed to a device that will allow for safe, quick, easy, and consistent maintenance of any one of a variety of positions of a patient during a medical and/or surgical procedure.

[0121] In certain embodiments, the device will provide for Chin lift; Jaw thrust; IV site pressure (to improve IV catheter flows) and other such improvements during a medical and/or surgical procedure. In certain embodiments, the device will be used by an anesthesiologist to position the patient's head and/or neck when providing anesthesia to the patient.

[0122] In certain positions, the jaw/head neck positioning device is for procedures of the head and/or neck field avoidance in which an operator does not readily have access to the sterile surgical field.

[0123] The invention provides methods and systems for allowing for easy, quick and possibly continuous, positioning of a patient's body part(s), such as a patient's head and/or neck during a medical and/or surgical procedure.

[0124] In certain embodiments, the invention provides for a device that will lock onto the sliding rails on either side of a standard OR table. Apart from the upper portion of the device itself (i.e. the hand), the arm of the device will include clamps, retractors, or other devices that allow for the device to rotate and/or have degrees of freedom.

[0125] In certain embodiments, the upper portion of the device includes a hand that is a metal structure covered in softer padding.

[0126] In certain embodiments, the hand is made of multiple materials and/or padding, such that the hand is firm yet able to be comfortable and to not injure a patient.

[0127] In certain embodiments, the hand can be wrapped, covered and/or partially covered by a disposable glove to ensure that the hand is a hygienic device.

[0128] In certain embodiments, these gloves (or other sterile wrap or boundary) are different from conventional gloves in that they have a recess for easy accessibility to the tensioning mechanisms of the hand.

[0129] In certain embodiments, the device includes easily accessible tensioning devices that will allow easy unlocking and locking of the digits on the hand to provide a comfortable yet sturdy fit to the patient.

[0130] In certain embodiments, the hand elements are configured to hold a patient's chin at a mandibular angle, to prevent the backwards motion of the mandible (retrognathia). In certain embodiments, the hand elements accomplish this feature during a medical and/or surgical procedure when the patient is being sedated and/or receives anesthesia.

[0131] In certain embodiments, the hand elements are configured to create prognathia, which is the pulling of the jaw forward with some amount of force.

[0132] In certain embodiments, the hand elements are provided and hold a patient's chin in place by placing a pressure or tension on the patient's chin, such that the jaw is pressed forward and held into place.

[0133] In certain embodiments, both a Right-sided as well as Left-sided hand will be available, each providing the same functionality, but from opposite sides (as needed).

[0134] In certain embodiments, all or some surfaces which directly contact the patient will have embedded pressure/force sensors with corresponding LED indicators to ensure safe operation of the device.

[0135] FIG. 1 is directed to an embodiment of the present invention, which shows a patient positioning device (100). In FIG. 1, the patient positioning device includes an upper portion or hand element (105). The upper portion (105) includes two flexible jaw supports (110) as well as a chin support (115). In certain embodiments, additional flexible jaw supports are provided as well as additional fingers such that a hand shaped portion is provided (Not Shown).

[0136] FIG. 1 also includes two telescopic arms (120, 120) that are adjustable and that are connected via a first rotary joint (125). A second rotary joint (130) is provided which connects the telescopic arm to an end clamp (135).

[0137] In certain embodiments, the telescopic arms (120, 120) are able to slide so as to lengthen or shorten the telescopic arms. In certain embodiments, the telescopic arms have additional joints (Not Shown), so as to be able to rotate in more than two degrees of freedom.

[0138] FIGS. 2A-2C provide an exploded view of the upper portion of the device. In FIG. 2A a rotary joint (240) is shown such to provide at least two degrees of freedom to the upper portion of the device (105). In certain embodiments, other types of joints can be provided, such as a ball and socket joint, clamp, or other fastening means that allows the upper portion (105) of the device to rotate with respect to the telescopic arm (120). In certain embodiments, the rotary joint (240) can be fixed in place via a tensioning device or other such securing mechanism.

[0139] FIG. 2B is provided to show the flexible jaw supports (110), such that the flexible jaw supports (110) can be used and manipulated such that a person's jaw can be supported by the upper portion of the device (105). In certain embodiments, the rotary joint (240) can be replaced by other types of joints to provide different movement and different degrees of freedom to the device.

[0140] FIG. 2C is provided to show the chin support (115) such that a patient's chin can rest in the chin support, while the patient's jaw can rest on the flexible jaw supports to support a patient's head and/or neck. In certain embodiments, the chin support can have different shapes so as to support a chin of a patient. In certain embodiments, the chin support is a platform made of various materials. In certain embodiments, the chin support has a circular or oval shape and is configured to be adapted to the shape of a patient's chin.

[0141] FIG. 3A show the extending telescopic arm (120) in a first position. FIG. 3B shows the extending telescopic arm (120) in a second extended position as depicted by Arrow A. The length of the telescopic arm can be varied depending upon the patient and the position that the patient is to be placed.

[0142] FIG. 4 is directed to an embodiment of the present invention, which shows a patient positioning device (400). In FIG. 4, the patient positioning device includes an upper portion (405). The upper portion (405) includes two flexible jaw supports (410) as well as a chin support (415). In certain embodiments, additional flexible jaw supports are provided as well as additional fingers such that a hand shaped portion is provided (Not Shown).

[0143] FIG. 4 also includes two arms (420, 420) that are adjustable similar as to a goose neck and that are connected via a first rotary joint (425). A second rotary joint (430) is provided which connects the arm (420) to an end clamp (435).

[0144] In certain embodiments, the two arms (420, 420) are capable of full articulation when providing adequate rigidity and support in order to place and hold a patient in a desired position. In certain embodiments, the two arms (420, 420) are capable of being tensioned and being locked into a fixed position.

[0145] In certain embodiments, additional strengthening elements or supports are provided in the event a patient's head is large and/or heavy.

[0146] FIGS. 5A-5C depict an embodiment of the present invention (400) as previously described with flexible jaw supports (410, 410) and including positionable and adjustable mandible pads (445), also referred to as hand elements, for enhanced securing of a patient's jaw and head.

[0147] FIG. 5A shows the upper portion (405) having the two flexible jaw supports (410, 410) as well as a chin support (415). The chin support (415) is configured to have various shapes to support a patient's chin. FIG. 5A shows the hand elements (445) on the two flexible jaw supports (410, 410). The hand elements (445) are configured to be adjustable to move along the two flexible jaw supports (410, 410).

[0148] In certain embodiments, the hand members are configured to slide along the two flexible jaw supports (410, 410). In certain embodiments, the hand members are configured to move along the two flexible jaw supports (410, 410) via an actuation mechanism. In certain embodiments, the hand members are configured to move along the two flexible jaw supports (410, 410) via rotating the hand elements to cause movement or via a ratcheting mechanism.

[0149] As shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C, the two flexible jaw supports (410, 410) include upper arm members (450, 450) and lower upper arm members (455, 455). The upper arm members (450, 450) are connected to the lower upper arm members (455, 455) via a ball and socket joint in certain embodiments. In certain embodiments, other types of joints connect the upper arm members (450, 450) to the lower upper arm members (455, 455).

[0150] In certain embodiments, the upper arm members (450, 450) are configured to rotate with respect to the lower upper arm members (455, 455) for easy configuration of the device.

[0151] In certain embodiments, the lower upper arm members (455, 455) have a C-shape and are connected at one end to the housing (460) of the upper portion (405). In certain embodiments, the lower upper arm members (455, 455) are welded into the housing (460).

[0152] As shown in FIG. 5B, the housing (460) of the upper portion (405) is connected to a rotary joint (470), which connects to the extension arm (420). In certain embodiments, the housing (460) is connected to the rotatory joint (470) via one or more fasteners.

[0153] As shown in FIG. 5C, the upper arm members (450, 450) support hand elements (445). In certain embodiments, the hand elements (445) are configured to slide along the upper arm members (450, 450) in a ratcheted manner. In other embodiments, a push button can be used with an actuator to allow the hand elements (445) to slide or move along the upper arm members (450, 450) during positioning of the hand elements (445).

[0154] In FIG. 6, two arms (420, 420) are shown. Arm (420) is connected to first rotary joint (425) which has a stabilizer pin (625). Once the arm is put into the correct configuration, the stabilizer pin (625) can be pressed to secure arm (420) in place. In FIG. 6, arm (420) is shown connected to rotary joint (430) having stabilizer pin (630).

[0155] In FIGS. 7A-7C, the components of rotary joint (440) are shown. These components are exemplary and rotary joints having other components are contemplated with regards to this invention. In FIGS. 7A and 7C, the ball joint (710), ball housing (720), ball adapter (730), joint base (740), push-pin (750), spring (755) and fastening means (760) are shown. The ball joint (710) is configured to be received by the ball housing (720) and ball adapter (730) such that the ball joint (710) can rotate within the ball housing (720) and ball adapter (730). This allows for degrees of freedom of rotation of the rotary joint (440). The other rotary joints included in this application are configured to rotate in a similar manner.

[0156] FIG. 8 shows hand elements (445). The hand elements include lug or flange elements (810, 820, 830), which are configured to press against the jaw or head of a person when the positioning device is actuated. The lug or flange elements (810, 820, 830) are ergonomically designed such that they support the jaw or head of a patient with maximum comfort. The lug or flange elements (810, 820, 830) are made of strong materials that can hold the patient's jaw or head in place and when positioned, and a patient's jaw or head can be fixed in place, whereby the jaw is locked in a forward position for assistance with intubation and anesthesia.

[0157] In certain embodiments, the hand elements (445) are configured to hold a patient's chin at a mandibular angle, to prevent the backwards motion of the mandible (retrognathia) with the effect of sedation.

[0158] In certain embodiments, the hand elements (445) are configured to create prognathia, which is the pulling of the jaw forward with some amount of force.

[0159] In certain embodiments, the hand elements (445) include both right-hand and left-hand elements. In certain embodiments, the lug or flange elements (810, 820, 830) can be individually adjusted to adapt to the curves of a patient's jaw or head.

[0160] In certain embodiments, the hand elements can be replaced and/or retrofitted to an individual patient's jaw. In certain embodiments, different side hand elements are used depending upon whether the patient is an adult or child.

[0161] FIG. 9 shows one embodiment of the invention whereby hand element (445) is shown on an upper member (950). In this embodiment, the upper arm member (950) includes ratcheted teeth (955) such that an inner arm (960) slides with an outer arm (965). The hand element (445) is shown having a housing (970) that is configured to adapt to the diameter of the lower arm (960). As the hand element (445) slides, its housing (970) interacts with the ratcheted teeth (955) of the upper arm member (950) and the hand element (445) is able to be manually slide along the upper arm member (950) using a force applied by a user. Once the hand element (445) is placed into the proper configuration, it can be tightened using a tightening member to be secured into place.

[0162] FIGS. 10A and 10B show another embodiment of the patient positioner device (1000). In FIG. 10A, the patient positioning device includes an upper portion (1005). The upper portion (1005) includes two flexible jaw supports (1010, 1010) as well as a chin support (1015).

[0163] FIG. 10A also includes two telescopic arms (1020, 1020) that are adjustable and that are connected via a tension joint (1030). A second tension (1030) is provided which connects the telescopic arm (1020) to an end clamp (1035). In certain embodiments, the telescopic arms (1020, 1020) are able to slide so move the telescopic arms (1020, 1020) with respect to the patient.

[0164] FIG. 10A also shows the upper portion (1005) configured to rotate with respect to a tension joint (1025). The tension joint (1025) slides along the telescopic arm (1020). As shown in FIG. 10B, the tension joint (1025) is connected to a ball and socket joint (1045), which receives the upper portion (1005). In this regard, the upper portion (1005) is able to rotate with multiple degrees of freedom during positioning of the upper portion (1005).

[0165] Upper portion (1005) also includes chin support member (1015) and two flexible jaw supports (1010, 1010). The flexible jaw supports (1010, 1010) as shown as having a curved shape with two edges forming a contiguous curve that are able to support a jaw or head of a patient.

[0166] In certain embodiments, the flexible jaw supports (1010, 1010) can be replaced with other elements, for example the hand elements (445) shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B.

[0167] While the invention has been specifically described in connection with certain specific embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that this is by way of illustration and not of limitation and that various changes and modifications in form and details may be made thereto, and the scope of the appended claims should be construed as broadly as the prior art will permit.

[0168] The description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature, and thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention.