SUMMARY:
UCLA researchers in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery have developed a novel articulating armature that can easily and precisely position surgical instruments with a quick-release locking mechanism that facilitates surgical processes.
BACKGROUND:
During surgical procedures, surgeons and hospital staff often juggle with a large numbers of precision instruments, such as endoscopes. When the need arises to keep instruments steady, they often rely on mechanical armatures that articulate and lock in place. These armatures are very useful as they free up the hands of hospital staff allowing them focus on the operation, and due to their physical knob-actuated locks, the articulating arms are very steady. However, the armatures are often cumbersome to use. The locking system, while secure, is difficult and slow to engage because the knobs must be rotated with high force to be positioned or repositioned. There is a clear need to improve the efficiency of the locking and unlocking processes of articulated arms to ensure that they function seamlessly in an operating room.
INNOVATION:
Researchers in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at UCLA have developed an innovative articulated arm that can be positioned and repositioned with a quick-release mechanism that replaces cumbersome locking devices such as knobs. The device can be rapidly positioned with the quick engagement of a locking mechanism resulting in a steady and precise arm. By enabling rapid unlocking and repositioning of the articulated arm, this device will allow hospital staff to conduct operations more efficiently and precisely.
POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS:
- Surgical procedures and medical operations
ADVANTAGES:
- Quick-release locking mechanism is simple and quick to engage and disengage
- Arm can be precisely repositioned and held steady
- Reduces workload and improves convenience for surgical staff
DEVELOPMENT-TO-DATE:
Reduced to practice in a laboratory setting