Design and development of a free-standing 4-DOF infant surgical table

Scott R. Siebler, Carl A. Nelson, Thomas Hejkal

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Retinopathy of prematurity is caused by abnormal blood vessel development in the retina of a premature infant. Current options for surgery tables used in laser treatment of this condition are limited. Full-size operating tables or table attachments are used but provide restricted patient manipulation and cause the surgeon to assume ergonomically undesirable positions. A stand-alone four-degree-of-freedom (4-DOF) infant surgical table was designed and is presented in this paper. The new table enables the surgeon to manipulate the patient while sitting in a comfortable position. The table platform can pitch left/right and fore/aft. The table platform can rotate 360° and translate vertically. Two linear actuators and a motor with ball screw provide the three degrees of freedom for table pitch and rotation through a spherical wrist mechanism. A ball screw and motor achieve vertical movement of the table platform. The rigors of surgery and associated space constraints were accounted for in this design. The design consists of three subassemblies which can be disassembled for transport between operating theaters. A wide base is used to prevent the table from tipping. Biocompatible materials have been selected for all parts. Lastly, foot controls are used to keep the surgeon's hands free. BACKGROUND: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) can be successfully treated using laser photocoagulation of the peripheral avascular retina. A laser is directed through the pupil of the patient's eye, causing burns in the retina peripheral to the abnormal vessels.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationProceedings of the ASME International Design Engineering Technical Conferences and Computers and Information in Engineering Conference 2009, DETC2009
Pages711-720
Number of pages10
EditionPART B
DOIs
StatePublished - 2010
Event2009 ASME International Design Engineering Technical Conferences and Computers and Information in Engineering Conference, DETC2009 - San Diego, CA, United States
Duration: Aug 30 2009Sep 2 2009

Publication series

NameProceedings of the ASME International Design Engineering Technical Conferences and Computers and Information in Engineering Conference 2009, DETC2009
NumberPART B
Volume7

Conference

Conference2009 ASME International Design Engineering Technical Conferences and Computers and Information in Engineering Conference, DETC2009
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Diego, CA
Period8/30/099/2/09

Keywords

  • Infant surgical table
  • Linear actuation
  • Retinopathy of prematurity
  • Spherical wrist mechanism

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Computer Networks and Communications
  • Hardware and Architecture
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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