Huazhong University of Science and Technology to Transfer Spinal Surgery Robot Torso Support Patent for RMB 296,100

Recently, Union Hospital affiliated with Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology released a public notice on the transformation of scientific and technological achievements, proposing to transfer itsBut Yang's TeamR&D“A Trunk Fixation and Protection Bracket Based on Orthopedic Surgical Robots”Invention Patent with296,100 yuantransferred to Jiayi High-Tech (Hubei) Co., Ltd. at the price of

Image from the official website of Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology

This patented achievement belongs toField of Orthopedic Surgical Robot-Assisted Devices, the core innovation lies inBy integrating mechanical design with intelligent control, a brace structure is developed that achieves stable fixation of the patient's trunk while providing dual protection for soft tissues., it can precisely maintain surgical positioning and ensure uniform pressure distribution, effectively reducing intraoperative patient displacement to enhance robotic operational precision and surgical safety. It also allows for multi-directional adjustments to accommodate various surgical positions, such as prone and supine. With its modular structure, flexible support, and mechanical stability, it is compatible with multiple types of orthopedic surgical robot platforms, including those for spine, pelvis, and lower extremity procedures. This solution addresses industry pain points in orthopedic robotic surgery, namely insufficient precision in patient body fixation and the risk of pressure ulcers and limb numbness caused by prolonged immobilization.

Orthopedic surgeries primarily target the treatment of bone injuries and pathologies in areas such as the spine, pelvis, and lower extremities; these procedures demand extremely high operational precision, whileThe widespread adoption of orthopedic surgical robots is advancing surgery toward greater intelligence, precision, and minimal invasiveness., has become an important direction for clinical orthopedic treatment. By relying on high-precision positioning navigation and image tracking systems to achieve accurate bone localization and surgical manipulation, it can effectively improve surgical outcomes and reduce surgical trauma, with its scope of clinical application in orthopedics continuing to expand.

In current clinical practice, the core ancillary protocol for robot-assisted orthopedic surgery involves conventional body fixation devices combined with manual patient positioning. This approach utilizes simple restraint straps and support cushions to secure the patient’s torso, while medical staff adjust the surgical position, thereby establishing the foundational conditions required for robotic localization and operation.

However, existing clinical protocols exhibit significant technical flaws and application shortcomings; on the one hand,Insufficient Fixation Stability and Precision of Conventional Fixation Devices, any minute movement of the patient's body positioner will directly cause errors in the robot's computational trajectory, necessitating robotic recalibration and compromising the precision of surgical maneuvers due to positioning deviations, which may even adversely affect the final surgical outcome, thus failing to meet the clinical requirement for absolute immobilization of the patient's body throughout the entire procedure;

On the other hand,Orthopedic surgeries are typically time-consuming., when patients are immobilized for extended periods using conventional rigid fixation devices under anesthesia, sustained pressure on localized skin areas impairs blood circulation, readily leading to complications such as limb numbness and pressure ulcers. This not only causes additional soft tissue injury to the patient but also increases the difficulty of postoperative clinical nursing care.

Against this backdrop, there is a clear and urgent clinical demand in orthopedics for specialized surgical support devices. There is an immediate need for a dedicated auxiliary device that balances precise trunk fixation with patient body protection. Such a device should ensure stable maintenance of the patient’s surgical position, meet the stringent accuracy requirements for body fixation imposed by orthopedic surgical robots, and minimize intraoperative patient displacement. Furthermore, through human-centered structural design, it should distribute body pressure and protect skin tissues, thereby preventing various complications associated with prolonged immobilization. This approach aims to achieve the dual goals of enhancing surgical operational precision and improving the patient’s intraoperative experience, thereby aligning with the clinical application requirements of orthopedic surgical robots.

The trunk fixation and protection bracket of this orthopedic surgical robot achieves multiple technological innovations through its ingenious mechanical structure design and human-centered functional layout. It demonstrates significant application advantages over traditional fixation solutions, with core innovations and benefits reflected in various dimensions, including fixation adjustment, body protection, adaptability, and operational practicality.

InFixation and AdjustmentLevel, DeviceInnovatively Equipped with a Linkage Structure of Pressurization and Switching ComponentsBy coordinating a push-button air pump, one-way valve, and pressure relief valve, the airbag pressure can be rapidly adjusted. Meanwhile, precise control via structures such as blocking blocks and transmission components enables either simultaneous adjustment of the pressures in Airbag 1 and Airbag 2 or independent inflation/deflation of each individual airbag. This allows flexible adjustment of fixation tightness according to the patient’s body habitus and surgical requirements, ensuring patient comfort while achieving precise and stable trunk fixation. This approach thoroughly addresses the limitation of single-mode tightness adjustment inherent in traditional fixation methods, significantly improving the efficiency of patient positioning.

InSomatic Protectionlevel,Gel pads are provided on both the front and back sides of the stent body, working in conjunction with an airbag-type flexible support structure., effectively disperses localized pressure on the body, preventing skin compression and impaired blood circulation caused by prolonged immobilization in anesthetized patients, thereby fundamentally reducing the incidence of complications such as limb numbness and pressure ulcers. Meanwhile, the front of the bracket body is designed with a surgical opening, which ensures protection without interfering with surgical procedures, thus balancing protectiveness and practicality.

AtStructure and Adaptabilitylevel,The stent adopts a modular design with two half-stents spliced together., enabling easy donning and fixation via Velcro straps for convenient assembly and disassembly, with multi-directional adjustability to accommodate various surgical positions such as prone and supine. The bracket is equipped with fixing rods, clamping blocks, and bolts to ensure a secure connection to the operating table, and includes a tray for holding surgical instruments to further meet operational needs. Furthermore, the entire device is compatible with a wide range of orthopedic surgical robot platforms, including those for spinal, pelvic, and lower extremity procedures, offering broad adaptability.

Furthermore, the device is also designed withReset Component, Limiting Component, Magnetic Adsorption Limit...and other multi-layered protective structures, which not only achieve precise locking after adjustment to prevent accidental changes in airbag pressure during surgery and ensure fixation stability, but also avoid inadvertent contact with operational components by patients or medical staff that could disrupt the surgical procedure. Meanwhile, the second airbag can adopt a design featuring multiple small-volume units, which both increases the support area to enhance trunk protection and enables rapid inflation, further optimizing surgical preparation and operational workflows.

Overall, this device integrates rigid mechanical fixation with flexible patient protection. It not only meets the stringent requirements of orthopedic surgical robots for absolute immobilization of the patient’s torso—effectively preventing robotic positioning deviations caused by body movement and thereby enhancing surgical precision and safety—but also features multidimensional innovative designs that improve operational convenience and broaden adaptability. Consequently, it demonstrates high practicality and significant potential for widespread clinical adoption.

The current market for trunk fixation products supporting orthopedic surgical robots presents“Widespread Availability of Basic Products, Scarcity of Specialized Products”In terms of the overall market landscape, as orthopedic surgical robots become increasingly prevalent in tertiary hospitals, the market share of traditional fixation products is gradually being squeezed out by specialized, adaptable alternatives. However, due to the high technical barriers associated with these specialized products, most companies remain focused on developing basic models. This has resulted in an insufficient supply of high-end products that combine high-precision fixation, patient-friendly protection, and multi-scenario adaptability, creating a significant market gap.

Tiannavi's Tiangji Orthopedic Robot Fixation DeviceIt is a disposable, exclusive accessory kit and related toolset, primarily used for precise spinal surgeries such as cervical and lumbar procedures. It supports supine and lateral positioning, utilizing single-balloon overall pressurization in conjunction with a robotic navigation system to ensure surgical positioning accuracy. Its advantages include deep compatibility with self-developed robots, ease of operation, and affordability, making it suitable for procurement by primary-care and private hospitals. However, it has shortcomings such as uneven pressure distribution from the single balloon, lack of anti-accidental-touch design, and limited adaptability to different body types. In terms of market application, as a main supporting product for domestic spinal robots, it has been widely adopted in secondary-level and above hospitals in China, becoming one of the mainstream products in the field of domestically produced orthopedic robot-assisted fixation. Overall, however, the market for fixation devices accompanying orthopedic surgical robots is still dominated by international brands in the high-end segment, while domestic brands mostly focus on basic models. The penetration rate of high-end products that combine precise fixation with comfortable protection remains low, indicating a significant market gap.

Medtronic Mazor X Robotic Torso Fixation SystemDesigned specifically forMazor X Spinal Surgery RobotThe generated high-end accessory components are primarily used in precise cervical and lumbar spine surgeries, supporting both supine and prone positioning. By linking electrically pressurized airbags with a robotic navigation system, they ensure zero intraoperative trunk displacement. Their advantages lie in high fixation accuracy and strong synergy with self-developed robots, making them the mainstream choice for international high-end spinal surgery. However, shortcomings include compatibility only with robots of the same brand, lack of anti-mistouch design, and dependence on power supply. In terms of market application, this product monopolizes the global high-end orthopedic robot accessory market, with domestic tertiary hospitals and large orthopedic centers being the main purchasers. Currently, international brands dominate the high-end market due to their technological accumulation, while Chinese brands have not yet formed direct competition. However, their high pricing and low compatibility leave room in the market for innovative products that offer cost-effectiveness and multi-scenario adaptability.

Looking ahead, the market for robotic-assisted fixation devices in orthopedic surgery holds broad development prospects. On one hand, policy support for the intelligent upgrading of medical equipment, coupled with the continuously rising demand among hospitals at all levels for precision and minimally invasive orthopedic procedures, will drive a steady increase in the installation base of orthopedic surgical robots, thereby directly boosting market demand for compatible fixation devices. On the other hand, patients’ growing expectations for surgical safety and comfort have highlighted the urgent need to address complications associated with traditional fixation methods, such as pressure ulcers and limb numbness. This creates substantial market opportunities for innovative products that combine high-precision fixation with enhanced protective functions.