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US 12,740,846 B1Granted
Dynamic elastic suspension system and frame for functional endoscopic sinus surgery
OwnerJoan Whang, Christopher Sung Whanginventors
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An elastic suspension system and frame for supporting an endoscope and camera combination used in functional endoscopic sinus surgery. the system consists of a stable base, an adjustable frame, and an elastic suspension mechanism that dynamically counterbalances the weight of the endoscope and camera, significantly reducing surgeon fatigue and improving precision. The invention includes variations incorporating powered gimbal stabilization and spring-based equilibrium mechanisms to enhance functionality and adaptability across surgical applications.
Claims4
A dynamic suspension system for supporting an endoscope and camera combination during functional endoscopic sinus surgery, comprising:
- (i) a stable base adapted to rest on a floor;
- (ii) an upright support frame extending from the base, having a proximal end attached to the base, and a distal end;
- and
- (iii) a lateral support beam having a proximal end attached to the distal end of the upright support frame;
- and a distal end to which is attached
- (iv) an interchangeable elasticated polymer or synthetic rubber band which has a Young's modulus of 1-10 MPa, hanging vertically therefrom;
- wherein the elasticated polymer or synthetic rubber band provides controlled resistance and counterbalances the weight of the endoscope, allowing dynamic movement with minimal force;
- wherein the interchangeable elasticated polymer or synthetic rubber band is connected at a lower end to
- (v) an endoscope/camera assembly;
- wherein the interchangeable elasticated polymer or synthetic rubber band is connected to the endoscope/camera assembly by a connector, wherein the connector is attached at a point approximately at the mid balance point of the endoscope/camera assembly;
- wherein the interchangeable elasticated polymer band elasticated polymer or synthetic rubber band provides controlled resistance and counterbalances the weight of the endoscope, allowing dynamic movement with minimal force wherein the endoscope comprises a rigid nasal endoscope having a weight in a range of 200 to 400 grams;
- wherein the interchangeable elasticated polymer or synthetic rubber band is selected to have a length and Young's modulus that counterbalance the weight of the rigid nasal endoscope so that the endoscope/camera assembly is supported in a free-floating condition over a working range of motion during functional endoscopic sinus surgery;
- wherein the free-floating condition allows the endoscope/camera assembly to be continuously repositioned by a surgeon using low-force single-hand input without requiring a rigid metal holder to lock the endoscope/camera assembly in a fixed operative position during repositioning;
- and wherein the free-floating condition reduces sustained muscular load on the surgeon while permitting continuous fine adjustment of the endoscope/camera assembly during functional endoscopic sinus surgery.
11 more elements
A method for supporting an endoscope and camera assembly using a dynamic suspension system during endoscopic sinus surgery, comprising:
- (A) providing a dynamic suspension system for supporting an endoscope and camera combination during functional endoscopic sinus surgery, comprising:
- (i) a stable base adapted to rest on a floor;
- (ii) an upright support frame extending from the base, having a proximal end attached to the base, and a distal end;
- and
- (iii) a lateral support beam having a proximal end attached to the distal end of the upright support frame;
- and a distal end to which is attached
- (iv) an interchangeable elasticated polymer or synthetic rubber band which has a Young's modulus of 1-10 MPa, hanging vertically therefrom;
- wherein the elasticated polymer or synthetic rubber band provides controlled resistance and counterbalances the weight of the endoscope, allowing dynamic movement with minimal force;
- wherein the interchangeable elasticated polymer or synthetic rubber band is connected at a lower end to
- (v) an endoscope/camera assembly;
- wherein the interchangeable elasticated polymer or synthetic rubber band is connected to the endoscope/camera assembly by a connector, wherein the connector is attached at a point approximately at the mid balance point of the endoscope/camera assembly;
- wherein the elasticated polymer or synthetic rubber band maintains the endoscope/camera assembly in a neutrally balanced, free-floating condition during use;
- (B) positioning the stable base on a surgical floor or table;
- adjusting an upright support frame to a suitable height;
- securing the endoscope/camera assembly to the interchangeable elasticated polymer or synthetic rubber band and continuously repositioning the endoscope/camera assembly during surgery using low-force manual input without engaging any locking mechanism to dynamically support and reposition the endoscope with minimal muscular effort.
12 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.