Head Stabilization Device Tensioning Feature and Method of Use

Abstract

A head stabilization device useable for stabilizing a head of a patient during a medical procedure includes a modular design where stabilization assemblies of various configurations are interchangeable at receiving portions along a frame. The device includes a tensioning feature positioned away from the stabilization assembly but still operable to increase or decrease an amount of force the stabilization assembly applies to the patient's head. The device includes a locking feature for a stabilization assembly having a rotatable member having one or more stabilization features connected thereto. The device includes an adjustment feature to adjust a spacing between frame members with the adjustment feature providing a continuous range of adjustment rather than finite adjustment increments.

1 - 25 . (canceled) 
     
     
         26 . A device for stabilizing a head of a patient, the device comprising:
 (a) a frame assembly having a first frame portion and a second frame portion, the first and second frame portions are selectively movable relative to one another to adjust a space between the first and second frame portions, wherein each of the first and second frame portions comprise an upright portion and a lateral portion, wherein the upright portions each are configured to receive a stabilization assembly with a stabilizing feature configured to contact the head of the patient, and wherein the lateral portions define a length and the lateral portions have a generally cylindrical shape along at least a portion of the length; and   (b) an interface configured to attach a skull clamp, directly or indirectly, with a patient support structure, wherein the interface is positioned along the length defined by the lateral portions of the frame assembly and oriented transverse to a longitudinal axis defined by the length of the lateral portions of the frame assembly.   
     
     
         27 . The device of  claim 26 , further comprising a tensioning feature configured to receive the stabilization assembly at a first location, the tensioning feature further includes a second location spaced a distance away from the first location such that the second location is spaced away from the stabilization assembly, the tensioning feature including an actuator positioned at the second location such that the actuator is spaced away from the stabilization assembly, the tensioning feature including an elongated member extending from the actuator to the stabilization assembly, the actuator being configured to cause movement of the elongate member relative to the stabilization assembly when the stabilization feature is in contact with the patient to adjust an amount of force the stabilization assembly imparts onto the patient. 
     
     
         28 . The device of  claim 27 , at least a portion of the elongated member being configured to bend in response to an increase in force imparted to the stabilization assembly. 
     
     
         29 . The device of  claim 27 , the actuator having a body, the actuator configured to transmit rotary motion to the body, the body having a cylindrical portion including threading, the threading being configured to engage threading of the elongated member to move the elongated member relative to the body. 
     
     
         30 . The device of  claim 27 , the actuator the actuator having a body, the actuator configured to transmit rotary motion to the body, the body having a cylindrical portion including threading, the threading being configured to engage threading of the second frame portion to move the second frame portion and the elongated member relative to the first frame portion. 
     
     
         31 . The device of  claim 27 , the actuator further comprising a rod and a lock feature configured to releasably hold the rod in a selected position of a plurality of predetermined positions. 
     
     
         32 . The device of  claim 27 , further comprising a force indication feature configured to indicate the amount of force the stabilization assembly imparts onto the patient. 
     
     
         33 . The device of  claim 32 , the force indication feature including a plurality of indicators, wherein the elongated member is movable relative to the plurality of indicators to indicate the amount of force the stabilization assembly imparts onto the patient. 
     
     
         34 . The device of  claim 27 , the tensioning feature being configured to adjust the amount of force the stabilization assembly imparts onto the patient while maintaining the relative position of the first and second frame portions such that the space between the first and second frame portions is unchanged. 
     
     
         35 . The device of  claim 27 , the tensioning feature being configured to adjust the amount of force the stabilization assembly imparts onto the patient while the relative position of the first and second frame portions changes as the amount of force the stabilization assembly imparts onto the patient is adjusted such that the space between the first and second frame portions is changed. 
     
     
         36 . The device of  claim 27 , wherein the tensioning feature comprises a body, wherein the actuator is configured to move the elongated member relative to the body to transfer a force to the elongated member, and wherein the elongated member is configured to transfer at least a portion of the force to the stabilization assembly to increase the amount of force the stabilization assembly imparts onto the patient. 
     
     
         37 . The device of  claim 27 , further comprising an adjustment feature configured to adjust the relative position of the first and second frame portions to overcome the force applied to the stabilization assembly by the tensioning feature. 
     
     
         38 . The device of  claim 27 , wherein the tensioning feature comprises a torsion rod, wherein a torque on the torsion rod transfers a force to the elongated member, and wherein the elongated member transfers at least a portion of the force to the stabilization assembly to increase the amount of force the stabilization assembly imparts onto the patient. 
     
     
         39 . The device of  claim 27 , wherein the tensioning feature is configured to apply the amount of force to the stabilization assembly via a twisting action. 
     
     
         40 . The device of  claim 27 , wherein the actuator is configured to provide pre-tension to the stabilization assembly. 
     
     
         41 . The device of  claim 27 , the stabilization assembly defines a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end is configured to receive the stabilization feature, the stabilization assembly further defines an axis extending from the proximal end to the distal end, wherein the actuator positioned at the second location is located along a different axis from the axis defined by the stabilization assembly. 
     
     
         42 . The device of  claim 26 , further comprising
 (a) a first body having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is configured to connect with the stabilization assembly of the stabilization device; and   (b) an actuator, directly or indirectly connectable with the first body, wherein the actuator is configured to cause a torque to be applied on the first body, wherein an increase in the torque on the first body increases a tension within the first body, wherein the first body applies an increase in force to the stabilization assembly in response to the increase in tension within the first body.   
     
     
         43 . The device of  claim 42 , wherein the dimensions of the first body remain constant when the torque is applied on the first body and when the tension increases within the first body. 
     
     
         44 . The device of  claim 42 , comprising a second body connecting with the first body at the second end in a keyed manner such that the first body and the second body are prevented from rotating relative to one another, wherein the second body and the first body are oriented substantially perpendicular to one another. 
     
     
         45 . The device of  claim 44 , wherein the actuator is directly or indirectly connectable with the second body, wherein the actuator is configured to cause the torque to be applied on the first body by causing the torque to be applied on the second body and transferred to the first body such that the tension within the first body increases. 
     
     
         46 . The device of  claim 45 , wherein the dimensions of the second body remain constant when the torque is applied on the second body causing the increase in tension within the first body.