Surgical spreader for infants

Abstract

A kind of surgical spreader for infant, including first rack, first rib spreader rod, second rib spreader rod and pull rod;The left end of first rib spreader rod is fixedly connected on first rack, and the right end of first rib spreader rod is provided with first claw tip for hooking the upper rib of surgical incision;The left end of second rib spreader rod is connected to first rack, and the right end of second rib spreader rod is provided with second claw tip for hooking the lower rib of surgical incision;Pull rod is arranged between first rib spreader rod and second rib spreader rod, and pull rod includes second rack, second rack is slidably connected on second sliding block, and second sliding block is slidably connected on first rack;The right end of second rack is connected with third claw tip for pulling the skin and muscle layer tissue at surgical incision to the side close to heart.The present application is used in the scene that infant surgical incision is small and surgical space is limited, effectively reduces the risk of surgery, and avoids the effect of additional damage to infant.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical device technology, and to a surgical retractor, particularly to a surgical retractor for infants and young children. Background Technology

[0002] Because infants and young children have small and immature organs, surgical incisions should not be too large, and the surgical space is limited. Therefore, the risk of inserting surgical instruments into the body is high during surgery on infants and young children. Too many surgical instruments not only obstruct the limited surgical field of vision and affect the surgical operation, but also easily lead to organ contact and additional damage.

[0003] In pediatric thoracic surgery and some cardiac surgeries, it is often necessary to enter the chest from the left (or right) intercostal space to perform the relevant surgical procedures. This process involves first making an incision in the skin and muscle tissue on the infant's intercostal side, and then using a surgical retractor to open the ribs above and below the incision to expose the surgical field. In clinical practice, two retractors can be used to open the surgical incision from the x and y directions respectively. However, this results in greater tissue trauma, is more cumbersome, and the use of multiple claws on the retractors complicates the surgical scenario, obstructs the surgical field, affects the surgical procedure, and increases the surgical risk.

[0004] Chinese utility model patent CN206424107U provides a double rib retractor for pediatrics. In the x-direction, the claw tips on the double retractor simultaneously open the incision in two directions, one closer to the heart and the other farther away from the heart. The opening in the direction away from the heart not only brings an ineffective surgical field, preventing the effective surgical field in the direction closer to the heart from being fully exposed, but also results in a larger wound, causing additional damage to infants and young children. At the same time, the double retractor uses a large number of claw tips, which still complicates the surgical scenario, affects the surgical operation, and increases the surgical risk.

[0005] Existing technologies also include retractors that use three claw tips and are used in other surgical procedures. However, such retractors are used in adult surgery, where the surgical incision is usually larger, allowing all three claw tips to be inserted into the incision at the same time. This type of retractor is clearly not suitable for infant and toddler surgeries where the surgical incision is small and the surgical space is limited.

[0006] When performing thoracic surgery and some cardiac surgeries on infants and young children, the organs inside their bodies are small and immature, so the surgical incision should not be too large and the surgical space is relatively limited. Within the small incision and limited operating space, it is necessary to use surgical instruments in a streamlined manner, fully expose the surgical field, shorten the operation time as much as possible, avoid complicating the operation process, and reduce the interference of too many surgical instruments with the doctor, so as to effectively reduce surgical risks and avoid causing additional damage to infants and young children.

[0007] In addition, in relatively new minimally invasive surgeries such as the lower sternal incision, the surgical incision is small and its position is lower than that of the midline incision where the sternum is cut open throughout. This makes it more inconvenient to expose the ascending aorta during the operation. Existing retractors cannot meet the need to fully expose the surgical field within a small incision and limited surgical space. Summary of the Invention

[0008] To overcome the above problems, the present invention provides a surgical retractor, particularly a surgical retractor for infants and young children.

[0009] The technical solution adopted in this invention is: a surgical retractor for infants and young children, comprising a first rack arranged along the y-axis, and a first rib retractor, a second rib retractor, and a traction rod arranged along the x-axis;

[0010] The left end of the first rib spreading rod is connected to the first rack, and the right end of the first rib spreading rod is provided with a first claw tip for hooking the rib above the surgical incision.

[0011] The left end of the second rib spreading rod is slidably connected to the first rack via the first slider, and the right end of the second rib spreading rod is provided with a second claw tip for hooking the rib below the surgical incision; the second claw tip can move closer to or away from the first claw tip under the action of the first slider, so as to spread the ribs on both sides of the surgical incision in both directions along the y-axis.

[0012] The traction rod is positioned between the first rib spreading rod and the second rib spreading rod, and the traction rod pulls in only one direction in the x-axis direction; the traction rod includes a second rack, which is slidably connected to a second slider, and the second slider is slidably connected to a first rack; the right end of the second rack is connected to a third claw tip for pulling the skin and muscle tissue at the surgical incision towards the side closer to the heart;

[0013] The locking device includes two fixing plates, which are fixedly connected to both sides of the second rack. A third claw tip is hinged to the right side of the two fixing plates via a first pivot, and a protrusion is provided on each side of the third claw tip. A second pivot is provided on the left side of the two fixing plates, and both ends of the second pivot extend to the outside of the fixing plates and are connected to an L-shaped rod. When the third claw tip is in a horizontal state, the L-shaped rod hooks the protrusion on the side of the third claw tip to lock the position of the third claw tip. When the L-shaped rod is rotated upward to release the protrusion on the side of the third claw tip, the third claw tip can be flipped upward. When the first, second, and third claw tips are viewed from the side, the first and second claw tips are at the same height, the upper surface of the third claw tip is higher than the upper surfaces of the first and second claw tips, and the lower surface of the third claw tip is located between the upper and lower surfaces of the first and second claw tips.

[0014] Preferably, the first slider is provided with a first adjusting knob and a first wrench connected to the first adjusting knob, the first adjusting knob and the first wrench adjusting the position of the first slider on the first rack; the second slider is provided with a second adjusting knob and a second wrench connected to the second adjusting knob, the second adjusting knob and the second wrench adjusting the position of the second rack on the second slider; the second slider is provided with a limiting post and a pull ring connected to the limiting post, the limiting post and the pull ring adjusting the position of the second slider on the first rack.

[0015] Furthermore, the right side of the first rack is provided with a continuous first tooth groove, the side of the first slider is provided with a first through groove for the first rack to be inserted, and the upper surface of the first slider is provided with a first through hole for the first adjustment knob to be inserted. The first through hole is connected to the first through groove.

[0016] Furthermore, the first adjustment knob includes an upper cylinder I and two cylindrical lower cylinders I disposed on the bottom surface of the upper cylinder I. The upper cylinder I has a first hinge hole along its radial direction for connecting a first wrench. The first wrench is hinged to the first adjustment knob through the first hinge hole. The centers of the two lower cylinders I are located on concentric circles and are arranged opposite each other. The outer diameter of the lower cylinder I is adapted to the inner diameter of the first tooth groove of the first rack. Rotating the first wrench causes the first adjustment knob to rotate in the first through hole, which drives the two lower cylinders I to engage in the first tooth groove in sequence, thereby driving the first slider to move on the first rack.

[0017] Furthermore, the second slider has a third through groove for the insertion of the first rack, and the upper surface of the second slider has a third through hole for the insertion of the limiting post. The third through hole communicates with the third through groove. The limiting post is cylindrical in shape, and its top is connected to the hand pull ring. The outer diameter of the limiting post is adapted to the inner diameter of the first tooth groove. When the limiting post is inserted into the first tooth groove, it locks the relative position of the second slider and the first rack.

[0018] Furthermore, the second rack has a continuous second tooth groove on its side, and the second slider has a second through groove for inserting the second rack. The upper surface of the second slider has a second through hole for inserting the second adjusting knob, and the second through hole communicates with the second through groove. The second adjusting knob includes an upper cylinder II and two cylindrical lower cylinders II disposed on the bottom surface of the upper cylinder II. The upper cylinder II has a second hinge hole along its radial direction for connecting the second wrench. The second wrench is hinged to the second adjusting knob through the second hinge hole. The centers of the two lower cylinders II are located on concentric circles and are arranged opposite each other. The outer diameter of the lower cylinders II is adapted to the inner diameter of the second tooth groove of the second rack. Rotating the second wrench causes the second adjusting knob to rotate in the second through hole, which drives the two lower cylinders II to engage in the second tooth groove in sequence, thereby driving the second rack to move on the second slider.

[0019] Preferably, both the first rib spreading rod and the second rib spreading rod are L-shaped when viewed from above, with their short sides facing each other. The short side of the first rib spreading rod is arranged along the y-axis, and a first claw tip is formed at the end of the short side of the first rib spreading rod. The short side of the second rib spreading rod is arranged along the y-axis, and a second claw tip is formed at the end of the short side of the second rib spreading rod. In the initial state, the surfaces of the first claw tip and the second rib spreading rod that are close to each other are in contact.

[0020] Preferably, the contact surface between the third claw tip and the skin and muscle tissue is an arc-shaped surface, with the center of the arc-shaped surface located on the side away from the third claw tip, so that the traction of the third claw tip obtains an approximately semi-circular traction surface.

[0021] The main inventive points and beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0022] (1) The traction rod adopts a unidirectional traction setting. That is, the traction rod pulls only in one direction in the x-axis direction, and there is no traction rod on the side away from the heart.

[0023] During surgery, the cardiac field of view that needs to be exposed is located on one side of the incision. If the skin and muscle tissue are pulled bidirectionally in the X-direction, the wound will become larger, causing damage to the infant's body. At the same time, bidirectional traction will create an ineffective surgical field away from the heart, resulting in insufficient exposure of the effective surgical field closer to the heart, increasing the surgical risk. The above-mentioned setup can effectively avoid wound damage caused by bidirectional traction, while facilitating sufficient exposure of the effective surgical field.

[0024] (2) The third claw tip is set in layers with the other two claw tips.

[0025] Because the human body consists of layers of skin, muscle tissue, and ribs, with the skin and muscle tissue located on the surface of the ribs, when the retractor is inserted into the incision, the aforementioned arrangement—that is, the third claw tip is layered with the first and second claw tips, with the lower edge of the third claw tip closer to the skin and muscle tissue than the lower edges of the first and second claw tips—allows the three claw tips to separate the ribs, skin, and muscle tissue layer by layer. Since infants and young children have smaller body parts and limited surgical space, the higher third claw tip effectively prevents it from penetrating too deeply into the wound and causing trauma to the infant.

[0026] (3) The tip of the third claw is connected to the right end of the second rack in a foldable manner.

[0027] Because the third claw tip is layered with the other two, specifically, the lower edge of the third claw tip is below the upper edges of the first and second claw tips. If the third claw tip is not folded above the second rack, in the initial stage of surgery, the lower edge of the third claw tip will be below the plane of the two spreading rods, causing it to press downwards against the incision or surrounding skin, potentially causing injury to the infant. This design effectively avoids pressure damage to the incision or surrounding skin caused by the third claw tip. Furthermore, due to the small size of infants' organs and limited surgical space, the surgical incision needs to be as small as possible to avoid injury. However, a small incision makes it impossible to insert all three claw tips simultaneously. During surgery, the third claw tip can be lifted first, making it easier for the first and second claw tips to enter the small incision.

[0028] This surgical retractor is suitable for use in infant and toddler surgeries where incisions are small and surgical space is limited. Through the overall design of the surgical retractor and the aforementioned invention features, it simplifies surgical instruments, fully exposes the surgical field, minimizes surgical time, avoids complex procedures, and reduces interference from excessive surgical instruments, thereby effectively reducing surgical risks and preventing additional harm to infants and toddlers. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a side view of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 3a This is a schematic diagram of the contact configuration of the first claw tip and the second claw tip at one angle according to the present invention.

[0032] Figure 3b This is a schematic diagram of the contact configuration of the first claw tip and the second claw tip at another angle of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the third claw tip, the locking device and the second rack of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the movement trajectory of the locking component in the locking device of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 7 This is an assembly diagram of the second slider, second adjusting knob, second wrench, second rack and limit post, and hand pull ring of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 8a Figures b and c are schematic diagrams illustrating the motion principle of the adjustment knob and the toothed groove in this invention.

[0038] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the bendable structure of the second rack of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 10a -d is a schematic diagram of the detachable connection structure between the third claw tip and the second rack of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 11a Figures 1 and 2 are schematic diagrams of alternative structures for the wrench, pull ring, adjustment knob, and limit post in the position adjustment device of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 12a This is a schematic diagram of the first alternative structure of the bendable rack of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 12b This is a schematic diagram of the first alternative structure of the bendable rack in this invention.

[0043] Figure 13a Figures b and c are schematic diagrams of a second alternative structure for the bendable rack of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of a second alternative structure using a bendable rack in this invention. Detailed Implementation

[0045] The technical solution of this invention will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this invention, not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0046] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," indicating orientation or positional relationships, are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description. They do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as limiting the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0047] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0048] See attached document Figure 1 , 2 A surgical retractor for infants and young children includes a first rack 1 arranged along the y-axis, a first rib retractor 2, a second rib retractor 3, and a traction rod 4 arranged along the x-axis.

[0049] The left end of the first rib spreading rod 2 is connected to the first rack 1, and the right end of the first rib spreading rod 2 is provided with a first claw tip 21 for hooking the rib above the surgical incision.

[0050] The left end of the second rib spreading rod 3 is slidably connected to the first rack 1 via the first slider 32, and the right end of the second rib spreading rod 3 is provided with a second claw tip 31 for hooking the rib below the surgical incision; the second claw tip 31 can move closer to or further away from the first claw tip 21 under the action of the first slider 32, so as to spread the ribs on both sides of the surgical incision in both directions along the y-axis.

[0051] The traction rod 4 is positioned between the first rib spreading rod 2 and the second rib spreading rod 3. The traction rod 4 pulls in only one direction along the x-axis, and there is no traction rod on the side away from the heart, i.e., the traction rod 4 is configured for unidirectional traction. The traction rod 4 includes a second rack 42, which is slidably connected to a second slider 43, and the second slider 43 is slidably connected to a first rack 1. The right end of the second rack 42 is connected to a third claw tip 41 for pulling the skin and muscle tissue at the surgical incision towards the side closer to the heart.

[0052] During surgery, the cardiac field of view that needs to be exposed is located on one side of the incision. If the skin and muscle tissue are pulled bidirectionally in the X-direction, the wound will become larger, causing damage to the infant's body. At the same time, bidirectional traction will create an ineffective surgical field away from the heart, resulting in insufficient exposure of the effective surgical field closer to the heart, increasing the surgical risk. The above-mentioned setup can effectively avoid wound damage caused by bidirectional traction, while facilitating sufficient exposure of the effective surgical field.

[0053] In an embodiment of the present invention, the third claw tip 41 is connected to the right end of the second rack 42 in a foldable manner.

[0054] Reference Figure 4 ,5 In one specific embodiment of the foldable design, the third claw tip 41 is connected to the right end of the second rack 42 via a locking device 44. The locking device 44 includes two fixing plates 445, which are fixedly connected to both sides of the second rack 42. The right side of the two fixing plates 445 is hinged to the third claw tip 41 via a first pivot 441, and each side of the third claw tip 41 is provided with a protrusion 444. The left side of the two fixing plates 445 is provided with a second pivot 442, and both ends of the second pivot 442 extend to the outside of the fixing plates 445 and are connected to L-shaped rods 443.

[0055] Regarding the operation of the locking device 44, firstly, lift the L-shaped rod 443 off the protrusion 444 to release the engagement between the L-shaped rod 443 and the protrusion 444. Then, fold the third claw tip 41 over the second rack 42 with the first pivot 441 as the rotation center. After the first claw tip 21 and the second claw tip 31 extend into the cut and hook onto the rib, fold the third claw tip 41 back to its original position. Then, fold the L-shaped rod 443 back to its original position with the second pivot 442 as the rotation center, engaging and securing it with the protrusion 444. That is, the third claw tip 41 can be folded over the second rack 42.

[0056] In an embodiment of the present invention, reference is made to Figure 5 The movement trajectory of the engaging component in the locking device 44 is such that the long and short sides of the L-shaped rod 443 intersect at point P. The rotation trajectory of the protruding post 444 intersects the rotation trajectory of point P at two points, both of which are located near the third claw tip 41. One of these intersections is located on the extension line of the length direction of the second rack 42, and the protruding post 444 in the locked state is located at this intersection. Thus, the third claw tip 41 can be firmly locked in its original position simply by engaging the L-shaped rod 443 and the protruding post 444. At the same time, the third claw tip 41 can be unlocked simply by rotating the L-shaped rod 443 upward. With the above settings, locking and unlocking are both convenient, making it more suitable for surgical operations with high time requirements.

[0057] In an embodiment of the present invention, the third claw tip 41 is arranged in layers with the other two claw tips. (Refer to...) Figure 3a b, the first claw tip 21, the second claw tip 31, and the third claw tip 41 are all U-shaped hooks when viewed from the side. In the depth direction of the cut, the first claw tip 21 and the second claw tip 31 are at the same height, the upper surface of the third claw tip 41 is higher than the upper surfaces of the first claw tip 21 and the second claw tip 31, and the lower surface of the third claw tip 41 is located between the upper and lower surfaces of the first claw tip 21 and the second claw tip 31. That is...

[0058] Because the human body consists of layers of skin, muscle tissue, and ribs, with the skin and muscle tissue located on the surface of the ribs, when the retractor is inserted into the incision, the lower edge of the third claw tip 41 is closer to the skin and muscle tissue than the lower edges of the first claw tips 21 and 31, due to the layered arrangement of the third claw tip 41. This arrangement allows the three claw tips to separate the ribs, skin, and muscle tissue layer by layer. Since infants and young children have smaller body organs and limited surgical space, the higher position of the third claw tip effectively prevents it from penetrating too deeply into the wound and causing trauma to the infant.

[0059] In an embodiment of the present invention, reference is made to Figure 6 The first slider 32 is provided with a first adjustment knob and a first wrench 5 connected to the first adjustment knob. The first adjustment knob and the first wrench 5 adjust the position of the first slider 32 on the first rack 1. The second slider 43 is provided with a second adjustment knob and a second wrench 6 connected to the second adjustment knob. The second adjustment knob and the second wrench 6 adjust the position of the second rack 42 on the second slider 43. The second slider 43 is provided with a limiting post and a pull ring 7 connected to the limiting post. The limiting post and the pull ring 7 adjust the position of the second slider 43 on the first rack 1.

[0060] In an embodiment of the present invention, the right side of the first rack 1 is provided with a continuous first tooth groove 11, the side of the first slider 32 is provided with a first through groove for the first rack 1 to be inserted, and the upper surface of the first slider 32 is provided with a first through hole for the first adjustment knob to be inserted. The first through hole is connected to the first through groove.

[0061] The first adjustment knob includes an upper cylinder I and two cylindrical lower cylinders I disposed on the bottom surface of the upper cylinder I. The upper cylinder I has a first hinge hole along its radial direction for connecting the first wrench 5. The first wrench 5 is hinged to the first adjustment knob through the first hinge hole. The centers of the two lower cylinders I are located on concentric circles and are arranged opposite each other. The outer diameter of the lower cylinders I is adapted to the inner diameter of the first tooth groove 11 of the first rack 1. Rotating the first wrench 5 causes the first adjustment knob to rotate in the first through hole, which drives the two lower cylinders I to engage in the first tooth groove 11 in sequence, thereby driving the first slider 32 to move on the first rack 1.

[0062] The second slider 43 has a third through groove for the insertion of the first rack 1, and the upper surface of the second slider 43 has a third through hole for the insertion of the limiting post 71. The third through hole communicates with the third through groove. The limiting post 71 is cylindrical in shape, and the top of the limiting post 71 is connected to the hand pull ring 7. The outer diameter of the limiting post 71 is adapted to the inner diameter of the first tooth groove 11. In use, lift the hand pull ring 7 to pull the limiting post 71 out of the third through hole, and manually move the second slider 43 to slide on the first rack 1. After adjusting to a suitable position, lift the hand pull ring 7 to insert the limiting post 71 back into the third through hole and make the limiting post 71 engage in the first tooth groove 11 of the first rack 1 to fix the position of the second slider 43 on the first rack 1.

[0063] The second rack 42 has a continuous second tooth groove 421 on its side. The second slider 43 has a second through groove for the second rack 42 to be inserted into. The upper surface of the second slider 43 has a second through hole for the second adjusting knob to be inserted into. The second through hole communicates with the second through groove. The second adjusting knob includes an upper cylinder II and two cylindrical lower cylinders II disposed on the bottom surface of the upper cylinder II. The upper cylinder II has a second hinge hole along its radial direction for connecting the second wrench 6. The second wrench 6 is hinged to the second adjusting knob through the second hinge hole. The centers of the two lower cylinders II are located on concentric circles and are arranged opposite each other. The outer diameter of the lower cylinders II is adapted to the inner diameter of the second tooth groove 421 of the second rack 42. Rotating the second wrench 6 causes the second adjusting knob to rotate in the second through hole, which drives the two lower cylinders II to engage in the second tooth groove 421 in sequence, thereby driving the second rack 42 to move on the second slider 43. After adjusting to the appropriate position, stop rotating the second wrench 6, so that the two lower cylinders engage in the two adjacent second toothed grooves 421, thereby fixing the position of the second rack 42 on the second slider 43. With the above settings, the positions of the first rib spreading rod 2, the second rib spreading rod 3, and the traction rod 4 can be adjusted quickly and conveniently, making it more suitable for surgical operations with higher time requirements.

[0064] In some embodiments of the present invention, reference is made to Figure 3a b, The first rib spreading rod 2 and the second rib spreading rod 3 are both L-shaped when viewed from above, and the short ends of the first rib spreading rod 2 and the second rib spreading rod 3 are opposite each other; the short side of the first rib spreading rod 2 is arranged along the y-axis, and a first claw tip 21 is formed at the short end of the first rib spreading rod 2; the short side of the second rib spreading rod 3 is arranged along the y-axis, and a second claw tip 31 is formed at the short end of the second rib spreading rod 3; in the initial state, the first claw tip 21 and the second claw tip 31 abut against each other on their respective surfaces.

[0065] With the above configuration, in the initial state of the surgical retractor, both the first rib retractor 2 and the second rib retractor 3 are L-shaped, which, when combined, provide space for the traction rod 4. Simultaneously, during surgery, due to the small size of infants' organs and limited surgical space, the surgical incision needs to be as small as possible to avoid injury. The arrangement of the two claw tips facing each other allows for easier insertion of the first and second claw tips into the small incision, avoiding difficulties when both tips are inserted simultaneously. This is because if the two claw tips are not facing each other, they will be separated by a certain distance in the initial state, making simultaneous insertion into the small incision impossible and requiring a larger surgical incision.

[0066] In some embodiments of the present invention, reference is made to Figure 3a b) In the depth direction of the incision, the contact surface between the third claw tip 41 and the skin and muscle tissue is an arc-shaped surface, with the center of the arc-shaped surface located on the side away from the third claw tip 41. With the above configuration, an approximately semi-circular traction surface can be obtained by the traction of the arc-shaped third claw tip 41, thereby increasing the area of ​​the effective surgical field.

[0067] In use, the third claw tip 41 is first folded over to the top of the second rack 42; then the first claw tip 21 and the second claw tip 31 are inserted into the incision, and the first rib spreading rod 2 and the second rib spreading rod 3 spread the ribs on both sides of the incision in the Y direction in both directions; then the third claw tip 42 is folded back to its original position; then the third claw tip 42 is inserted into the incision again, and in the X direction, the skin and muscle tissue at the incision are only pulled in one direction by the traction rod 4, that is, the traction rod 4 pulls the skin and muscle tissue in one direction only towards the heart through the third claw tip 41, while no traction is performed on the skin and muscle tissue in the direction away from the heart.

[0068] Referring to the aforementioned description of the layered arrangement of the third claw tip 41 and the other two claw tips, during the surgery, the lower edge of the third claw tip 41 is located below the upper edges of the first claw tip 21 and the second claw tip 31. If the third claw tip 41 is not folded over the second rack 42, in the initial stage of the surgery, the lower edge of the third claw tip 41 will be below the plane of the two spreading rods, and the third claw tip 41 will press downward against the incision or the skin around the incision, causing injury to the infant.

[0069] By folding the third claw tip 41 (the layered claw tip design is intended to hook onto ribs and skin tissue at different depths, while the foldable or detachable design of the third claw tip is to avoid pressure damage to the incision and skin), pressure damage to the incision or surrounding skin by the third claw tip 41 can be effectively avoided. Furthermore, due to the small size of infants' organs and limited surgical space, the surgical incision needs to be as small as possible to avoid injury. However, a small incision makes it impossible to insert all three claw tips simultaneously. During the surgery, the third claw tip 41 can be lifted first, making it easier for the first claw tip 21 and the second claw tip 31 to enter the small incision.

[0070] In other embodiments of the present invention, reference is made to Figure 12a b. The second rack 42 is bendable. The second rack 42 includes a connected front rack and a rear rack, the rear rack of which can be bent away from the skin. In the initial stage of use, the front and rear racks of the second rack 2 are on the same horizontal line. After the rear rack extends fully from the second slider 43, it is bent away from the skin. With the above settings, the surgical environment is simplified, and the second rack 42 is prevented from extending too far beyond the second slider 43 after the traction rod 4 pulls the skin and muscle tissue, which could cause the suture to wrap around it and interfere with the surgical operation.

[0071] Especially in relatively new minimally invasive surgeries such as the lower sternal incision, the small incision and its lower position compared to a full-scale sternal incision make exposing the ascending aorta during surgery more difficult. Furthermore, because the traction rods in these retractors pull the skin and muscle tissue towards the neck, if the rods are too short, the surgical field cannot be adequately exposed; if they are too long, they can easily compress the patient's chin during traction, causing injury. Existing retractors cannot meet the need for sufficient surgical field exposure within small incisions and limited surgical space. The surgical retractor of this invention can also be used in surgical scenarios such as small incisions in the lower sternum. In this case, the first rib retractor and the second rib retractor in the surgical retractor are used as the first sternal retractor and the second sternal retractor. The first sternal retractor and the second sternal retractor bidirectionally open the sternum on both sides of the incision in the x-direction, while the traction rod pulls the skin and muscle tissue toward the patient's neck in the y-direction. Other structures in the surgical retractor are the same as before and will not be repeated. In particular, the second rack 42 in the traction rod is bendable. With the above settings, damage caused by the traction rod pressing against the patient's chin can be effectively avoided, while meeting the need for sufficient exposure of the surgical field in small incisions and limited surgical space. In some other embodiments of this invention, the surgical retractor has the following alternative structures:

[0072] 1. Other connection configurations between the third claw tip 41 and the second rack 42:

[0073] The third claw tip 41 is detachably connected to the second rack 42.

[0074] Before the surgery, the third claw tip 41 and the second rack 42 are separated. During the surgery, the first claw tip 21 and the second claw tip 31 are first inserted into the incision to open the upper and lower ribs. Then, the third claw tip 42 is connected to the second rack 42. The third claw tip 42 is then inserted into the incision to pull the skin and muscle tissue.

[0075] Referring to the aforementioned description of the layered arrangement of the third claw tip 41 and the other two claw tips, during the surgery, the lower edge of the third claw tip 41 is located below the upper edges of the first claw tip 21 and the second claw tip 31, meaning the lower edge of the third claw tip 41 will be below the plane containing the two spreading rods. In the initial stage of the surgery, if the third claw tip 41 is connected to the second rack 42, it will press downwards against the incision or the skin around the incision, potentially causing injury to the infant. This arrangement effectively avoids pressure damage to the incision or the skin around the incision caused by the third claw tip 41. Furthermore, due to the small size of infants' organs and limited surgical space, the surgical incision needs to be as small as possible to avoid injury. However, a small incision makes it impossible for all three claw tips to be inserted simultaneously. With the above arrangement, since the third claw tip 41 is separated from the second rack 42, the first claw tip 21 and the second claw tip 31 can more easily be inserted into the small incision.

[0076] 2. Reference Figure 4 , 5 A specific embodiment of the detachable connection between the third claw tip 41 and the second rack 42 (i.e., the detachable locking device 44): The locking device 44 includes a cylinder fixedly connected to the upper surface of the second rack 42. A slit is provided on the side wall of the cylinder, the upper surface of which is horizontal and the lower surface is arc-shaped. The locking device 44 also includes a retainer fixedly connected to the end of the third claw tip 41. The retainer has an opening for the cylinder to pass through, and an elastic strip is provided on the retainer. One end of the elastic strip is fixedly connected to the upper surface of the retainer, and the other end is connected to a circular baffle. In use, the retainer is fitted onto the outer wall of the cylinder from top to bottom. The elastic strip on the retainer slides along the outer wall of the cylinder into the slit and engages in the slit. At this time, the third claw tip 41 is fixedly connected to the second rack 42. During disassembly, gently push the circular baffle along the width direction of the second rack 42. The circular baffle will cause the elastic strip to move out of the cut in the cylinder, releasing the elastic strip from the cut. Then, slide the holder upward along the outer wall of the cylinder to separate the holder from the cylinder, thus achieving the disassembly of the third claw tip 41 from the second rack 42.

[0077] Therefore, the third claw tip 41 and the second rack 42 can be connected through a simple locking mechanism. Conversely, the third claw tip 41 can be separated from the second rack 42 simply by pushing the circular stop and sliding the holder upwards along the outer wall of the cylinder. Locking and unlocking are both convenient, making it more suitable for surgical procedures with strict time constraints.

[0078] 3. Reference Figure 11a b. Replacement structures for the wrench, pull ring, adjustment knob, and limit post in the position adjustment device: The first wrench 5, the second wrench 6, and the pull ring 7 can be replaced by detachable rocker arms. Correspondingly, the first adjustment button 51, the second adjustment knob 61, and the limit post 71 can be replaced by pins that cooperate with the rocker arm. Specifically, the pin includes a central cylinder, a prism on the upper surface of the central cylinder, and two lower cylinders on the lower surface of the central cylinder. For the positional relationship and working method of the two lower cylinders, please refer to the aforementioned description of the two lower cylinders in the second adjustment knob 61. The rocker arm includes a long rod and a handle. One end of the long rod has a through groove for inserting the prism, and the other end of the long rod has a through groove for inserting the handle.

[0079] In use, attach the rocker arm to the pin that needs adjustment. Turn the handle to rotate the rocker arm, causing the pin to rotate within the corresponding slider's through-hole. This moves the lower cylinder along the toothed grooves on the rack, creating relative motion between the slider and the rack. Once the desired position is reached, stop turning the handle and remove the rocker arm from the corresponding pin. Alternatively, the three pins can be the same size, allowing one rocker arm to operate all three pins for greater convenience.

[0080] 4. Alternative structure for bendable racks:

[0081] (1)Reference Figure 12a b, the second rack 42 includes a front rack and a rear rack connected together. The rear rack includes multiple small racks, and adjacent small racks are rotatably connected by pins.

[0082] In the initial stage of use, the front and rear racks of the second rack 2 are on the same horizontal line. After the small rack of the rear rack extends out from the second slider 43, the small racks are bent one by one in the direction away from the skin.

[0083] The above setup simplifies the surgical environment and prevents the second rack 42 from extending too far beyond the second slider 43 after the traction rod 4 pulls the skin and muscle tissue, thus avoiding suture entanglement and interference with the surgical procedure. Furthermore, the multiple small racks can accommodate different patient body shapes and are easier to adjust.

[0084] (2)Reference Figure 13a b and Figure 14Replace the second rack 42 with a steel wire rope, and the second adjusting knob 61 with a reel. One end of the steel wire rope is connected to the third jaw clamp 41, and the other end of the steel wire rope is wound onto the reel. The upper end of the reel is connected to the second wrench 6, and the lower end is inserted into the second through hole of the second slider 43. Turning the second wrench 6 clockwise or counterclockwise rotates the reel, thereby enabling the steel wire rope to be wound and unwound on the reel.

[0085] The above setup simplifies the surgical environment and prevents the second slide block 43 from extending from the second rack 42 after the traction rod 4 pulls the skin and muscle tissue, thus avoiding suture entanglement and interference with the surgical procedure. Furthermore, this alternative structure saves space, is more convenient to operate, and can accommodate patients of different body types.

[0086] Especially in relatively new minimally invasive surgeries such as the lower sternal incision, the small incision and its lower position compared to a full-scale sternal incision make exposing the ascending aorta during surgery more difficult. Furthermore, because the traction rods in these retractors pull the skin and muscle tissue towards the neck, if the rods are too short, the surgical field cannot be adequately exposed; if they are too long, they can easily compress the patient's chin during traction, causing injury. Existing retractors cannot meet the need for sufficient surgical field exposure within small incisions and limited surgical space. The surgical retractor of this invention can also be used in surgical scenarios such as small incisions in the lower sternum. In this case, the first and second rib retractors in the surgical retractor function as the first and second sternal retractors. The first and second sternal retractors bidirectionally open the sternum on both sides of the incision in the x-direction, while the traction rod pulls the skin and muscle tissue toward the patient's neck in the y-direction. The other structures in the surgical retractor are the same as before and will not be repeated. In particular, the second rack 42 in the traction rod is bendable, and the bendable second rack 42 can adopt the two alternative structures mentioned above. With the above settings, damage caused by the traction rod pressing against the patient's chin can be effectively avoided, while meeting the need for sufficient exposure of the surgical field in small incisions and limited surgical space.

[0087] 5. Other shapes of rib-spreading rods:

[0088] In addition to the aforementioned L-shape, the shapes of the first rib spreading rod 2 and the second rib spreading rod 3 can also be set to F-shape, etc. Therefore, by adjusting the number of the first claw tip 21 and the second claw tip 31 on the spreading rod, as well as the contact area with the rib, the fixing force between the spreading rod and the rib can be changed, thereby strengthening the locking effect.

[0089] How to use a surgical retractor

[0090] During the surgery, the surgical retractor is inserted after the intercostal space on the operated side of the infant is cut open.

[0091] First, lift the L-shaped rod 443 on the locking device 44 to release the locking state between the L-shaped rod 443 and the protrusion 444, and fold the third claw tip 41 above the second rack 42 (for the detachable third claw tip 41, the third claw tip 41 and the second rack 42 are separated at this time).

[0092] Next, the first claw tip 21 of the first rib spreading rod 2 and the second claw tip 31 of the second rib spreading rod 3 are inserted into the incision. The first wrench 5 is rotated to make the first slider 32 slide on the first rack 1, which drives the second rib spreading rod 3 to move away from the first rib spreading rod 2. The first claw tip 21 of the first rib spreading rod 2 hooks the rib on the upper side of the incision, and the second claw tip 31 of the second rib spreading rod 3 hooks the rib on the lower side of the incision. As the first slider 32 slides, the first rib spreading rod 2 and the second rib spreading rod 3 gradually move away from each other, opening up the interrib space.

[0093] After the opening has been widened to a certain extent, stop turning the first wrench 5 and begin adjusting the position of the pull rod 4: lift the hand ring 7, pull the limiting post 71 out of the second slider 43, manually slide the second slider 43 on the first rack 1 and move it to the appropriate position, then insert the limiting post 71 back into the second slider 43; turn the second wrench 6 to make the second rack 42 slide on the second slider 43, and adjust the third claw tip 41 on the pull rod 4 to be directly above the cut. Then, fold the third claw tip 41 back to its original position from above the second rack 42, and fold the L-shaped rod 443 back to its original position, engaging and fixing it with the protrusion 444 on the third claw tip 41 (for detachable third claw tip 41, at this time, fix the third claw tip 41 to the second rack 42).

[0094] Next, rotate the second wrench 6, causing the second rack 42 to slide on the second slider 43, allowing the third claw tip 41 to penetrate the incision and hook onto the skin and muscle tissue at the incision site. Continue rotating the second wrench 6, using the third claw tip 41 of the traction rod 4 to pull the skin and muscle tissue towards the heart. Once a suitable surgical field of view is obtained, stop rotating the second wrench 6.

[0095] The embodiments described in this specification are merely examples of implementations of the inventive concept. The scope of protection of this invention should not be considered as limited to the specific forms stated in the embodiments. The scope of protection of this invention also extends to equivalent technical means that can be conceived by those skilled in the art based on the inventive concept.

Claims

1. A surgical retractor for infants and young children, characterized in that: It includes a first rack arranged along the y-axis, and a first rib spreading rod, a second rib spreading rod, and a tension rod arranged along the x-axis; The left end of the first rib spreading rod is connected to the first rack, and the right end of the first rib spreading rod is provided with a first claw tip for hooking the rib above the surgical incision. The left end of the second rib spreading rod is slidably connected to the first rack via the first slider, and the right end of the second rib spreading rod is provided with a second claw tip for hooking the rib below the surgical incision; the second claw tip can move closer to or away from the first claw tip under the action of the first slider, so as to spread the ribs on both sides of the surgical incision in both directions along the y-axis. The traction rod is positioned between the first rib spreading rod and the second rib spreading rod, and the traction rod pulls in only one direction in the x-axis direction; the traction rod includes a second rack, which is slidably connected to a second slider, and the second slider is slidably connected to a first rack; the right end of the second rack is connected by a locking device to a third claw tip for pulling the skin and muscle tissue at the surgical incision towards the side closer to the heart; The third claw tip is arranged in layers with the first and second claw tips, and the lower edge of the third claw tip is closer to the skin and muscle tissue than the lower edges of the first and second claw tips. The locking device includes two fixing plates, which are fixedly connected to both sides of the second rack. A third claw tip is hinged to the right side of each fixing plate via a first pivot, and a protrusion is provided on each side of the third claw tip. A second pivot is provided on the left side of each fixing plate, with both ends extending through to the outside of the fixing plates and connected to an L-shaped rod. When the third claw tip is in a horizontal position, the L-shaped rod hooks onto the protrusion on the side of the third claw tip to lock its position. When the L-shaped rod rotates upward to release the protrusion on the side of the third claw tip, the third claw tip can flip upward. When viewed from the side, the first, second, and third claw tips are at the same height, the upper surface of the third claw tip is higher than the upper surfaces of the first and second claw tips, and the lower surface of the third claw tip is located between the upper and lower surfaces of the first and second claw tips. Both the first rib spreading rod and the second rib spreading rod are L-shaped when viewed from above, with their short sides facing each other. The short side of the first rib spreading rod is arranged along the y-axis, and a first claw tip is formed at the end of the short side of the first rib spreading rod. The short side of the second rib spreading rod is arranged along the y-axis, and a second claw tip is formed at the end of the short side of the second rib spreading rod. In the initial state, the surfaces of the first claw tip and the second rib spreading rod that are close to each other are in contact. The contact surface between the third claw tip and the skin and muscle tissue is an arc-shaped surface, with the center of the arc-shaped surface located on the side away from the third claw tip, so that the traction of the third claw tip obtains an approximately semi-circular traction surface.

2. The surgical retractor for infants and young children as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The first slider is provided with a first adjustment knob and a first wrench connected to the first adjustment knob. The first adjustment knob and the first wrench adjust the position of the first slider on the first rack. The second slider is provided with a second adjustment knob and a second wrench connected to the second adjustment knob. The second adjustment knob and the second wrench adjust the position of the second rack on the second slider. The second slider is provided with a limit post and a pull ring connected to the limit post. The limit post and the pull ring adjust the position of the second slider on the first rack.

3. A surgical retractor for infants and young children as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The first rack has a continuous first tooth groove on its right side, the first slider has a first through groove for inserting the first rack on its side, and the first slider has a first through hole for inserting the first adjustment knob on its upper surface. The first through hole is connected to the first through groove.

4. A surgical retractor for infants and young children as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The first adjustment knob includes an upper cylinder I and two cylindrical lower cylinders I disposed on the bottom surface of the upper cylinder I. The upper cylinder I has a first hinge hole along its radial direction for connecting a first wrench. The first wrench is hinged to the first adjustment knob through the first hinge hole. The centers of the two lower cylinders I are located on concentric circles and are arranged opposite each other. The outer diameter of the lower cylinder I is adapted to the inner diameter of the first tooth groove of the first rack. Rotating the first wrench causes the first adjustment knob to rotate in the first through hole, which drives the two lower cylinders I to engage in the first tooth groove in sequence, thereby driving the first slider to move on the first rack.

5. A surgical retractor for infants and young children as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The second slider has a third through groove for the insertion of the first rack, and the upper surface of the second slider has a third through hole for the insertion of the limiting post. The third through hole communicates with the third through groove. The limiting post is cylindrical in shape, and the top of the limiting post is connected to the hand pull ring. The outer diameter of the limiting post is adapted to the inner diameter of the first rack. When the limiting post is inserted into the first rack, the relative position of the second slider and the first rack is locked.

6. A surgical retractor for infants and young children as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The second rack has a continuous second tooth groove on its side, and the second slider has a second through groove for inserting the second rack. The upper surface of the second slider has a second through hole for inserting the second adjusting knob, and the second through hole communicates with the second through groove. The second adjusting knob includes an upper cylinder II and two cylindrical lower cylinders II disposed on the bottom surface of the upper cylinder II. The upper cylinder II has a second hinge hole along its radial direction for connecting the second wrench. The second wrench is hinged to the second adjusting knob through the second hinge hole. The centers of the two lower cylinders II are located on concentric circles and are arranged opposite each other. The outer diameter of the lower cylinders II is adapted to the inner diameter of the second tooth groove of the second rack. Rotating the second wrench causes the second adjusting knob to rotate in the second through hole, which drives the two lower cylinders II to engage in the second tooth groove in sequence, thereby driving the second rack to move on the second slider.

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