Vanderbilt University

Patrick S Wellborn

Robert J Webster, Iii

Ray Adams Lathrop

Robert F Labadie

Jason E Mitchell

Richard Joseph Hendrick

Neal P Dillon

Matthew M Dedmon

Alejandro Rivas

An apparatus for supporting a medical device on a patient includes a mounting structure configured to be fitted onto the patient to encircle at least a portion of a body part of the patient. The mounting structure includes an inner layer and an outer layer that define a confinement. A jamming material is contained within the confinement. The jamming material is configured to flow within the confinement to conform to the shape of the body part of the patient onto which the mounting structure is fitted. The mass of jamming material is configured to harden and become rigid in its conformed shape in response to a vacuum being formed in the confinement.

Variable rigidity, conformable apparatus for non-invasively affixing surgical fiducials and surgical tools to patients

This disclosure relates to a magnetorheological (MR) brake. The MR brake includes a rotor constructed at least partially of a ferromagnetic material, and a housing that supports the rotor such that the rotor and the housing are rotatable relative to each other about an axis, wherein the housing and rotor are configured such that a fluid gap is defined between the housing and the rotor, and wherein portions of the housing adjacent the rotor are constructed at least partially of a ferromagnetic material. An MR fluid is disposed in the fluid gap. A current-carrying coil is excitable to generate a magnetic field within ferromagnetic portions of the rotor and the housing and acts on the MR fluid. At least one element constructed of a material having low magnetic permeability is configured route the lines of magnetic flux through surrounding higher permeability material on opposite sides of the fluid gap.

Magnetorheological brake with high torque and fast response

An otologic surgical skills training method and system include a housing that receives a removably attachable simulated ear canal working port for practicing transcanal surgery skills, and a second larger working port for practicing otologic surgery skills with lower spatial constraints. The training system may be 3D printed. Dimensions of the system provide an appropriate working distance for otologic surgery simulation. Surgical instruments such as endoscopic and microscopic instruments are received via the working port to reach an otologic surgery skill exercise module. The exercise module may be attached to a platform fixed in the housing or is configured within a self-contained working port. Exercises include placing rings on pegs, stacking nuts, placing beads onto a wire, and navigating a maze with a bead, and allow for practicing with minimal depth perception, placing prostheses at a variety of angles, prostheses soft release, and instrument feel and control.

Systems and methods for otologic surgical skills training

Growing community of inventors

Nashville, TN, United States of America

Patrick S Wellborn