Team 4

LASE-ALIGN: Patient Positioning Guide for Neuroendovascular Surgery

Team Members:

Ian Salgado

Kiera Fleck

Brian Aguilar

Kassidy Wallace

Aditya Lankalapalli

Team Mentors:

Dr. Todd Abruzzo, MD - Phoenix Children’s Hospital

Dr. Rosalind Sadleir, PhD - Arizona State University, SBHSE

YouTube Link:
View the video link below before joining the zoom meeting

Zoom Link:
https://asu.zoom.us/j/9020931718


Abstract

Optimal patient positioning for image guided neuroendovascular surgery requires the head to be centered and neutrally oriented in the imaging field of view, taking into consideration the rotational arc of the fluoroscopic C-arm so that collisions are avoided. In practice, multiple cycles of fluoroscopically guided repositioning cause unnecessary radiation exposure and delay procedure start times by up to 30 minutes. Ideally, a device that aids in the positioning process would achieve minimal positioning time, zero tilt or rotation of the patient’s head, simple assembly, and shoulder placement clear of the rotational arc of the fluoroscopic C-arm. These needs guided the target specifications that were fulfilled by the prototype of the LASE-ALIGN by team Permeating Thoughts. The prototype allows for a 10-minute average positioning time without radiation exposure, ample track width (30cm), height (30cm), and length (55cm) accommodations for pediatric and adult patients, a device mass of 4kg, and reliable positioning of the head to zero degrees of tilt and rotation. The system consists of two main components utilized by the technologist to direct positioning, a laser housing apparatus which is temporarily attached to the flat panel detector of the C-arm, and a sensor placement guide that marks the nasion and tragi. The mechanism of the device relies on the precise alignment of the overhead lasers to the photosensors on the placement guide. Upon alignment of the lasers with the sensors, a visual display indicates correct head positioning. In order to prove efficacy of the system and structural integrity of the design, a series of virtual and physical tests were completed, and the results were analyzed. Upon completion of testing and physical prototyping, the first iteration of the LASE-ALIGN system can be translated into a manufacturing-quality device according to hospital standards for mass production at a sales price of $2,500.