After analyzing the prototype of the primary stereotaxic frame positioning system, the main shortcomings and areas for improvement were identified: to increase the overall stiffness of the system, to simplify the prototype and to enable the individual selection of bladders. During the project, an updated 3D positioning system prototype of the stereotaxic frame used in radiosurgery was designed and manufactured, consisting of 2 units inflatable soft, silicone bladders with a composite structure by integrating a stiffness frame, an additional fixing edge and direct connection of the hand pump, eliminating the use of additional fasteners and the pumps touching the patient’s head during the procedure.
The updated prototype was tested in practice at LSMU Neurosurgery Clinic with 6 patients. After performing the analysis of computer tomography and magnetic resonance images of the patient’s head according to the selected craniometric parameters, the sizes of the frame and the studs and silicone pads used for fixation, a methodology was created that will help the neurosurgeon to choose the size of silicone fixators more easily. The sizes of the bladders are linked to the size of the studs to fix the frame and colored according to the colors that represent them. Matching the color and stud of the 3D positioning prototype made it possible to speed up the selection of the pad size and avoid incorrect size selection. Correct pad size reduces the risk of instability during frame placement or difficult pad removal after frame placement.
Using the prototype, it has been confirmed that the increased contact bladders with a molded reinforcing frame are suitable for heads of various sizes and shapes, rigidly fix the frame in the desired position and can also be used for patients with movement disorders. Using these cushions reduced frame sway with smaller heads and patient movements. This reduced the need to correct the frame position and accelerated the procedure, thus saved doctor’s time and it is easier to plan the frame fitting procedure. The identified benefits allow to expect further development and implementation of this prototype into daily clinical practice.
Project funding:
KTU Research and Innovation Fund
Project results:
Using the prototype of the updated equipment for 3D positioning of the stereotaxic frame on the patient’s head, greater rigidity of the system is achieved, ease of use, the cushions do not fall out during the procedure, and it is possible to pre-select the cushion of the required size based on the unique case of the patient based on the head magnetic resonance or computed tomography images.
Using the updated stereotaxic frame 3D positioning prototype compared to the frame positioning method recommended by the manufacturers, a shorter procedure time, a smaller number of participating personnel and a lower need for frame position adjustments during fixation are achieved. This results in lower levels of stress for patients and staff, making this positioning method more desirable among clinicians who have used it than the method recommended by the manufacturer.
Period of project implementation: 2023-04-11 - 2023-12-31
Project partners: Lithuanian University of Health Sciences
