WO2013065902A1

WO2013065902A1 - Simplified suboccipital probe fixing device for close contact

Info

Publication number: WO2013065902A1
Application number: PCT/KR2012/000693
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ji Man Hong
Original assignee: Ajou University Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation
Priority date: 2011-11-02
Filing date: 2012-01-30
Publication date: 2013-05-10
Also published as: KR101333911B1; KR20130048360A

Abstract

A simplified suboccipital probe fixing device for close contact flexibly copes with various head shapes by employing the connecting bar structure, in which the upper connecting bar and the lower connecting bar define angles of different sizes and the upper connecting bars having different lengths are provided, and to reduce manufacturing cost since the connecting bar structure is detachable.

Description

SIMPLIFIED SUBOCCIPITAL PROBE FIXING DEVICE FOR CLOSE CONTACT

The present invention relates, in general, to a simplified suboccipital probe fixing device for close contact and, more particularly, to a simplified suboccipital probe fixing device for close contact, which employs a detachably attached connecting bar, and which provides an upper connecting bar and a lower connecting bar that define different angles and upper connecting bars having different lengths.

Cerebral autoregulation is the ability to maintain cerebrovascular flow (CBF) at a constant value in response to vast variations in blood pressure or cerebral perfusion pressure. Cerebral autoregulation is performed by changing the diameter of an arteriole, also known as a resistance artery. A stimulation factor that is most influential in cerebral autoregulation is carbon dioxide (CO₂).

If cerebral autoregulation fails to normally operate, carbon dioxide reactivity is lower than normal. The ability of cerebral autoregulation can be determined indirectly by measuring the CO₂ reactivity. Here, CO₂ reactivity refers to the degree of a change in cerebrovascular flow (CBF) in response to CO₂ stimulation.

In general, a TCD measures the vasomotor reactivity (VMR) based on a change in the mean velocity of vascular flows of cerebral basilar arteries in response to increasing the CO₂. However, up to the present, most tests on vasomotor reactivity for evaluating cerebral autoregulation using a TCD have been restricted to anterior circulation system.

In the meantime, studies on cerebral autoregulation in posterior circulation systems of the related art have the following limitations.

First, it has been difficult to fix a probe in the suboccipital area when trying to measure both the middle cerebral artery and the basilar artery, and thus it has been difficult to consecutively measure waveforms that vary for a short time in response to CO₂ stimulation. Second, because of the nature of the vasomotor reactivity measured using the TCD, CO₂ concentration, blood pressure, inner thoracic pressure, or the like may have a great influence on the mean velocity of the vein. Thus, it has been required to measure the anterior and posterior circulating systems at the same time in order to correctly compare them. However, it is difficult to take measurements simultaneously in the anterior and posterior circulations.

A probe device for measuring cerebrovascular flow of the related art may be disclosed, for example, in Korean Patent No. 10-0873267, by the inventor. The following description will be given of it with reference to FIG. 1.

A suboccipital probe fixing device of the related art includes a front head plate 1, which is disposed in front of a head; first fixing sections 3 disposed on both sides of the head, with ends thereof being connected respectively to both ends of the front head plate; connecting belts 5, with one ends thereof being connected respectively to the other ends of the first fixing sections 3; a second fixing section 3’ disposed behind the head, with both ends thereof being connected respectively to the other ends of the connecting belts 5; connecting bars, with one ends thereof being fixed respectively to first fixing sections 3 and the second fixing section 3'; fixtures provided respectively to the other ends of the connecting bars to fix a probe; and a rear head plate 2, which is connected to the other end of the second fixing section 3'. In addition, the suboccipital probe fixing device also includes a clamping section 7 for clamping the front head plate 1 such that it is in close contact with the head. Pads are attached respectively to the portions of the front head plate 1 and the second fixing section 3' that are intended to be in contact with the head.

However, among the connecting bars of the suboccipital probe fixing device of the related art, the connecting bar connected to the rear head plate 2 has only one shape, and thus it fails to properly cope with various shapes of head when applied to the head of a user. Accordingly, the suboccipital probe fixing device of the related art is not in close contact with the occiput, and thus makes a problem in that it causing a difficulty in probing during an operation.

In addition, the linear structure of the rear head plate 2 causes the problems of the rear head plate 2 failing to properly cope with the variety of head shapes, and it being difficult to put the rear head plate 2 in close contact with the occiput.

Accordingly, the present invention has been made keeping in mind the above problems occurring in the related art, and is intended to provide a simplified suboccipital probe fixing device for close contact, which can flexibly cope with a variety of head shapes by employing a connecting bar structure, in which an upper connecting bar and a lower connecting bar define angles of different sizes and the upper connecting bars having different lengths are provided, and which can reduce manufacturing cost since the connecting bar structure is detachable.

It is also intended to provide a simplified suboccipital probe fixing device for close contact, in which an occiput support is fabricated in the form of an arc such that the occiput is put into close contact with the occiput support, so that an operation can be more efficiently carried out using a probe.

It is also intended to provide a simplified suboccipital probe fixing device for close contact, in which a plurality of adjusting sections are provided on both sides of the occiput support, so that the device can be efficiently adjusted depending on the circumference of various head shapes.

In an aspect, the present invention provides a simplified suboccipital probe fixing device for close contact that includes a support section, which comprises a sinciput support positioned in front of a head and an occiput support positioned behind the head; side fixing sections, wherein one end of each side fixing section is connected to the sinciput support, and the side fixing sections are positioned to right and left of the head; a rear fixing section connected to the occiput support; a pair of connecting belts, wherein one ends of the connecting belts are connected respectively to the other ends of the side fixing sections, and adjusting sections are adapted to adjust lengths of the connecting belts; a connecting bar fixed to the rear fixing section, wherein the connecting bar comprises an upper connecting bar and a lower connecting bar; and a probe fixing section, which fixes a probe to the other end of the connecting bar. The connecting bar is one selected from a number of connecting bars. In the connecting bars, the upper connecting bars and the lower connecting bars have different interior angles and lengths.

It is preferable that a pair of the fixing sections make the connecting bars attachable and detachable.

It is preferable that the sinciput support and the occiput support have an arc shape that is machined so as to be round.

It is preferable that the adjusting sections be positioned on both sides of the occiput support to put the occiput support into close contact with an occiput.

It is preferable that the simplified suboccipital probe fixing device further include pads attached respectively to one surface of the sinciput support and one surface of the occiput support.

It is preferable that the fixing sections have an arc shape that is machined so as to be round.

As described above, in the present invention, it is possible to flexibly cope with various head shapes by employing the connecting bar structure, in which the upper connecting bar and the lower connecting bar define angles of different sizes and the upper connecting bars having different lengths are provided, and to reduce manufacturing cost since the connecting bar structure is detachable.

In addition, since the occiput support is fabricated in the form of an arc such that the occiput is put in close contact with the occiput support, operations can be more efficiently carried out using the probe in a more uniform manner.

Furthermore, a plurality of adjusting sections are provided on both sides of the occiput support, so that the device can be efficiently adjusted depending on the circumference of various head shapes, thereby producing the effect of increasing user convenience.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing, in one direction, a suboccipital probe fixing device for close contact of the related art;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing, in one direction, a simplified suboccipital probe fixing device for close contact according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 3A through 3D are cross-sectional views, in one direction, of connecting bars having different lengths and angles according to embodiments of the invention; and

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing, in one direction, the simplified suboccipital probe fixing device for close contact according to an embodiment of the invention.

Components of a simplified suboccipital probe fixing device 100 for close contact of the present invention may be used integrally or separately. Some components may be omitted according to shapes that are used.

An exemplary embodiment of the simplified suboccipital probe fixing device 100 for close contact of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 2 to FIG. 4. In the course of making this description, the thicknesses of lines, the sizes of the components or the like shown in the drawings may be exaggerated for the sake of clarity or the sake of explanation. In addition, the following terms are defined based on the functions in the present invention, and may be varied depending on the intent of a user, an operator, or common practice. The definition of such terms should be garnered from the overall description of the specification.

The simplified suboccipital probe fixing device 100 for close contact according to an embodiment of the invention includes an arc-shaped support section 10, a fixing section 20 connected to one end of the support section 10, a fastening section 30 connected to one surface of the fixing section 20, an adjusting section 40 connected to one surface of the support section 10, a connecting belt 50 connected to the fixing section 20, a connecting bar 60 connected to one end of the fixing section 20, a probe fixing section 70 connected to the other end of the connecting bar 60, and a probe 80 fixed to the probe fixing section 70.

Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 2 to FIG. 4, the simplified suboccipital probe fixing device 100 for close contact will be described in more detail.

The support section 10 includes a sinciput support 11, which is positioned in front of the head, and an occiput support 12, which is positioned behind the head.

The sinciput support 11 has the form of an arc and is machined so as to be round, so that it can make close contact with the front portion of the sinciput of the user.

Like the sinciput support 11, the occiput support 12 has the form of an arc and is machined so as to be round, so that it can make close contact with the rear portion of the occiput of the user.

Although not shown in an embodiment of the invention, also provided are pads (not shown) attached to one surfaces of the sinciput support 11 and the occiput support 12. The pads are in contact with the head, and are put into close contact with the head by a plurality of adjusting sections 40.

The fixing section 20 is positioned to the left and right of the head, with one end of the fixing section 20 being connected to one end of the sinciput support 11 and the occiput support 12, or is connected to the occiput support 12 such that it serves to connect, support and fix the sinciput support 11 and the occiput support 12. In addition, it is preferred that the fixing section 20 have the form of an arc that is machined to be round, and that a plurality of fixing sections be provided. The fixing section 20, which is positioned on the occiput, will be described in detail.

The fastening section 30 is connected to the occiput support 12 to fix the connecting bar 60. The fastening section 30 and the fixing section 30 are also connected and the connection may be made by screw engagement, interference fitting, or the like. Such a fastening section 30 can be attached to or detached from the occiput support 12, and may be used in the same manner with a plurality of fixing sections 20, which are positioned to the right and left of the head.

One ends of the adjusting sections 40 are connected respectively to the other ends of the fixing sections 20, such that the lengths of a plurality of connecting belts 50 can be adjusted. The lengths of the connecting belts 50 can be mechanically adjusted depending on whether the adjusting sections 40 are adjusted, such that the connecting belts 50 can be properly applied depending on the circumference of the head. The adjusting sections 40 are provided on the sides of the head to provide the user with convenience.

Rotating the adjusting sections 40 may adjust the lengths of the connecting belts 50, which are connected to the other ends of the fixing sections 20. Holes may be formed in the connecting belts 50 at predetermined intervals so that the lengths of the connecting belts 50 may be adjusted.

One end of the connecting bar 60 is fixed to the fixing sections 20 using a plurality of fastening sections 30. The connecting bar 60 includes an upper connecting bar 61, a lower connecting bar 62 and a plurality of holes 63.

The upper connecting bar 61 has the form of a bar with a predetermined thickness, and the holes 63, which are machined to be round in the form of an arc, and into which the fastening sections 30 can be fixedly inserted, may be formed in the upper portion of the upper connecting bar 61.

The lower connecting bar 62 has the form of a disc with a predetermined thickness, and a hole 63 through which the probe 80 may be inserted is formed in the central portion of the lower connecting bar 62. The lower connecting bar 62 may define a predetermined angle with the upper connecting bar 61. Although the connecting bar 60 is divided into the upper connecting bar 61 and the lower connecting bar 62 for the sake of explanation, it should be noted that the upper connecting bar 61 and the lower connecting bar 62 are integrated with each other.

The holes 63 may be formed in the upper portion of the upper connecting bar 61 and in the central portion of the lower connecting bar 62.

Below, with reference to FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D, the above-described connecting bar 60 will be described in more detail.

FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D are cross-sectional views taken in one direction in response to changes in the length and angle of the connecting bar according to an embodiment of the invention. First, examples in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B will be compared and described.

In FIG. 3A and FIB 3B, although the upper connecting bar 61 has the same length, the interior angles defined by the upper connecting bar 61 and the lower connecting bar 62 are illustrated as α and β which are different. This indicates that the connecting bars 60 having angles other than those illustrated may be used, such that they can be applied to different head shapes (in particular, of the occiput). In addition, the same results can be obtained from FIG. 3C and FIG. 3D by approaching in the above-described manner.

Afterwards, examples in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3C will be compared and described as follows.

In FIG. 3A and FIG. 3C, although the interior angle defined by the upper connecting bar 61 and the lower connecting bar 62 is illustrated as having the same size α, the upper connecting bars 61 have different lengths. This also indicates that the upper connecting bars 61 having different lengths may be used, such that they can be flexibly applied to different head shapes for different people. In addition, the same results can be obtained from FIG. 3B and FIG. 3D by approaching in the above-described manner.

The probe fixing section 70 is formed as a cylinder, in which a hole (not shown) may be formed coaxially with the hole 63 formed in the lower connecting bar 62, such that the hole extends through the central portion of the probe fixing section. The probe fixing section 70 is fastened to one surface of the lower connecting bar 62 having the form of a disc.

The probe 80 has the form of a cylindrical bar, with teeth being formed in a predetermined surface portion thereof. The probe 80 is fixed to the hole of the probe fixing section 70, thereby allowing an operation to be conducted.

The simplified suboccipital probe fixing device 100 for close contact according to an embodiment of the invention can flexibly cope with various head shapes by employing the structure of the connecting bar 10, in which the upper connecting bar 11 and the lower connecting bar 12 define angles of different sizes and the upper connecting bars 11 having different lengths are provided. The connecting bar structure is also detachable, thereby facilitating a reduction in manufacturing cost.

Although the exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, it should be understood that those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims.

Claims

A simplified suboccipital probe fixing device for close contact, comprising:

a support section, which comprises a sinciput support positioned in front of a head and an occiput support positioned behind the head;

side fixing sections, wherein one end of each of the side fixing sections is connected to the sinciput support, and the side fixing sections are positioned to right and left of the head;

a rear fixing section connected to the occiput support;

a pair of connecting belts, wherein one ends of the connecting belts are connected respectively to the other ends of the side fixing sections, and adjusting sections are adapted to adjust lengths of the connecting belts;

a connecting bar fixed to the rear fixing section, wherein the connecting bar comprises an upper connecting bar and a lower connecting bar; and

a probe fixing section, which fixes a probe to the other end of the connecting bar,

wherein the connecting bar is one selected from a number of connecting bars,

wherein, in the connecting bars, the upper connecting bars and the lower connecting bars have different interior angles and lengths.
The simplified suboccipital probe fixing device of claim 1, wherein a pair of the fixing sections makes the connecting bars attachable and detachable.
The simplified suboccipital probe fixing device of claim 1, wherein the sinciput support and the occiput support have an arc shape that is machined so as to be round.
The simplified suboccipital probe fixing device of claim 1, wherein the adjusting sections are positioned on both sides of the occiput support to put the occiput support into close contact with an occiput.
The simplified suboccipital probe fixing device of claim 1, further comprising pads attached respectively to one surface of the sinciput support and one surface of the occiput support.
The simplified suboccipital probe fixing device of claim 1, wherein the fixing sections have an arc shape that is machined so as to be round.