Stabilizer systems for medical procedures that maintain sterility of an articulating arm above a sterile barrier

Inventors

VanEvery, Zachary Charles • Thai, Linda • Murray, Daniel James • Cruzan, Max Alexander • Lam, Jonathan Andrew • Dass, Ajay Kumar

Assignees

Edwards Lifesciences Corp

Abstract

Disclosed herein are stabilizer systems that include a base for securing the stabilizer system to a patient table by inserting the base between the patient table and the mattress on the patient table. The stabilizer systems also include a connector that connects a lockable articulating arm to the base. The base protrudes from under the mattress slightly to provide a sturdy and predictable surface to attach the articulating arm of the stabilizer system. The base can then be used to support a lockable articulating arm with a clamp at its distal end for holding an access sheath or delivery system. The connectors attach the articulating arm to the base so that the articulating arm is above the sterile surgical drape to maintain sterility of the articulating arm. The stabilizer systems are advantageous in jugular access procedures.

Core Innovation

The stabilizer system stabilizes an access sheath or delivery device during a medical procedure. A base is positioned between a patient table and a pad or mattress, with a portion extending outward to secure an articulating arm and a distal holder. The connector maintains the articulating arm above a sterile barrier during connection to the base, while a holder variant incorporates a lever-actuated, two-stage clamp with pre-tensioned springs.

The connector mates with the protruding base mounting portion across a surgical drape or barrier to maintain procedural sterility and prevent contamination. A clamping mechanism with a shaft, top plate, and bottom plate secures the connector to the base with the drape pressed between them. The configuration stably supports the device, accommodates varied patient tables, reduces footprint and crowding, and eliminates the need for manual holding.

Claims Coverage

The claims include three independent claims, covering three inventive features.

The independent claims cover the stabilizer system and its sterile connection to a base, the connector's clamping engagement across a surgical drape, and a holder featuring a two-stage lever-actuated clamp.

Stated Advantages

Documented Applications