Rib retractor for operation
By designing a trapezoidal expansion head and a threaded knob locking mechanism, the rib retractor solves the problems of tissue damage and insufficient adaptability of traditional rib retractors, achieving a safer, more stable, and more widely applicable surgical procedure.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202422511864.1
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-10-17
- Publication Date
- 2025-11-04
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-10-17
AI Technical Summary
Traditional rib retractors may cause damage to the ribs and surrounding soft tissues during use. Their adjustment mechanism is not flexible enough to meet the needs of different patients, and the materials have poor biocompatibility, posing safety hazards.
A rib retractor consisting of a trapezoidal expansion head, a connecting rod, and an adjusting handle has been designed. It is made of stainless steel or titanium alloy. The trapezoidal expansion head has a gradually increasing base design to distribute force evenly. Combined with a threaded knob locking mechanism and an auxiliary support frame, the stability and adaptability of the retractor are ensured.
It reduces the risk of damage to the ribs and surrounding tissues, improves surgical safety and ease of operation, expands the scope of application, enhances the stability and biocompatibility of the retractor, and reduces the probability of postoperative complications.
Smart Images
Figure CN223504262U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the technical field of rib retractors, specifically, it relates to a surgical rib retractor. Background Technology
[0002] Surgical rib retractors are essential medical instruments used in thoracic surgery, primarily for separating ribs during thoracic procedures to provide surgeons with sufficient surgical field and maneuvering space. These retractors are typically designed with human anatomy in mind, particularly the arrangement of the ribs and the structure of the chest wall. Their role is especially crucial in cardiac surgery, lung surgery, and other procedures requiring access to the thoracic cavity. They effectively widen the space between the ribs, providing the necessary space for surgical instruments and the surgeon's manipulation.
[0003] While traditional surgical rib retractors have played an important role in clinical practice, they still have some significant limitations and shortcomings: Traditional retractors may cause damage to the ribs and surrounding soft tissues (such as muscles and nerves) during retraction. Especially when the retraction force is excessive or the retractor is poorly designed, such damage can lead to postoperative pain, infection, and even long-term functional impairment. Many traditional retractors are not designed with ergonomic principles in mind, making surgeons prone to fatigue during prolonged operations. Furthermore, the adjustment mechanisms of some retractors are not flexible enough, making it difficult to precisely control the force and position of retraction, thus affecting surgical outcomes. The retractor needs to maintain a stable position during surgery to ensure an unobstructed surgical field. However, some traditional retractors, due to design flaws, are prone to slipping or wobbling during retraction, increasing the difficulty of the surgery. The intercostal distances and thoracic structures vary greatly among patients, and traditional retractors often lack sufficient adjustment range, making it difficult to adapt to the needs of all patients, especially children or individuals with special body types, making it even more difficult to find a suitable retractor. Early retractors were mostly made of common metal materials, which may have poor biocompatibility and could cause allergic reactions or other adverse effects. Furthermore, these materials also have limitations in terms of strength and corrosion resistance. Some traditional retractors also have unscientific designs, such as those with right angles or sharp edges, which can easily cause scratches or pressure on the rib surface during retraction, and may even increase the risk of fracture. Utility Model Content
[0004] In view of this, the present invention provides a surgical rib retractor, which solves the drawback that traditional retractors may cause damage to the ribs and surrounding soft tissues (such as muscles and nerves) during the retraction process, thereby improving the safety of the surgery.
[0005] This utility model is implemented as follows:
[0006] This utility model provides a surgical rib retractor, which includes an expansion head, a connecting rod, and an adjusting handle. One end of the connecting rod is connected to the expansion head, and the other end of the connecting rod is connected to the adjusting handle. The expansion head has a gradually changing trapezoidal cross section, and the length of its base gradually increases in the direction away from the adjusting handle. The adjusting handle is provided with a locking mechanism, which is used to lock the position of the expansion head.
[0007] The technical advantages of this surgical rib retractor are as follows: The dilator head is located at the front end of the retractor, with its bottom edge facing away from the adjusting handle and its top edge close to the adjusting handle. This design facilitates the smooth retraction of the ribs during surgery without causing excessive tension. The trapezoidal dilator head design allows for a gentler retraction of the ribs, reducing damage to the ribs and surrounding tissues. The combination of the connecting rod and the adjusting handle provides stable structural support, enabling surgeons to precisely control the position and opening of the retractor.
[0008] Based on the above technical solution, the surgical rib retractor of this utility model can be further improved as follows:
[0009] The apex of the expansion head is located on the side closer to the adjustment handle, and the bottom edge is located on the side farther away from the adjustment handle.
[0010] The beneficial effects of adopting the above-mentioned improvement scheme are as follows: the design of the top corner being close to the adjustment handle makes the retractor more ergonomic and easier to operate, and can more effectively distribute force and reduce local pressure concentration.
[0011] Furthermore, the locking mechanism is in the form of a threaded knob, including a threaded knob, a threaded sleeve, and an elastic element. The threaded knob has an external thread and is located at the tail of the adjusting handle, i.e., on the side away from the expansion head. The threaded sleeve has an internal thread that matches the threaded knob and is located inside the adjusting handle. The elastic element is located between the threaded knob and the adjusting handle. The locking mechanism locks and unlocks the expansion head by rotating the threaded knob.
[0012] The beneficial effects of adopting the above-mentioned improved scheme are as follows: the presence of the locking mechanism allows the retractor to be fixed after reaching the ideal position, thereby ensuring that the retractor will not move due to external factors during the operation and improving surgical safety. The threaded knob locking mechanism is simple and easy to use; locking and unlocking can be easily achieved by rotating it, facilitating the surgeon to quickly adjust the position of the retractor during the operation.
[0013] Furthermore, the locking mechanism is also provided with a stop, which is a protrusion or groove on the adjusting handle, and the stop is used to limit the maximum stroke of the threaded knob.
[0014] Furthermore, the thickness of the expanded head remains constant in the direction perpendicular to its length.
[0015] Furthermore, the connecting rod is a slender rod-shaped structure, with one end fixedly connected to the expansion head and the other end fixedly connected to the adjustment handle.
[0016] The beneficial effects of adopting the above-mentioned improvement scheme are as follows: the design of the slender rod-shaped connecting rod makes the retractor lighter and easier to operate, while ensuring sufficient strength to cope with various situations during surgery.
[0017] Furthermore, the top edge of the expanded head is provided with anti-slip texture.
[0018] Furthermore, the expansion head and the connecting rod are connected by welding or integral molding.
[0019] Furthermore, the adjusting handle and the connecting rod are connected by screws or by a one-piece molding method.
[0020] Furthermore, the expansion head is made of stainless steel or titanium alloy, and the top edge of the expansion head is provided with anti-slip texture.
[0021] The beneficial effects of adopting the above-mentioned improvement scheme are as follows: Using medical-grade stainless steel or titanium alloy as the material not only ensures the biocompatibility of the retractor but also improves its corrosion resistance and service life. The anti-slip textured design enhances the adhesion of the retractor to the ribs, further reducing the possibility of slippage.
[0022] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the surgical rib retractor provided by this utility model are:
[0023] Improve surgical safety:
[0024] This invention, through the design of a trapezoidal dilator head, allows the retractor to distribute force more evenly during dilation, reducing the possibility of excessive local pressure. The special shape design of the trapezoidal dilator head enables the retractor to push the ribs more smoothly, avoiding unnecessary damage to the ribs and surrounding tissues, thereby improving the safety of the surgery;
[0025] Enhance ease of use:
[0026] The threaded knob locking mechanism on the adjustment handle allows surgeons to more easily control the position and opening of the retractor. This design simplifies the operation of the retractor, reduces the hassle of frequent adjustments during surgery, and improves surgical efficiency.
[0027] Improved stability:
[0028] The auxiliary support frame further enhances the stability of the retractor. This design prevents the retractor from slipping or tilting during use, ensuring a clear surgical field and helping to improve surgical precision.
[0029] Expanding the scope of application:
[0030] By optimizing the size ratio of the trapezoidal expansion head and the length of the connecting rod, the retractor of this invention can adapt to the needs of more different types of patients, especially performing excellently when dealing with children or patients with special body types. Furthermore, the use of medical-grade materials such as stainless steel or titanium alloy improves the biocompatibility and durability of the retractor.
[0031] Reduce complications:
[0032] The improvements of this invention effectively reduce the risk of tissue damage during surgery, reduce the probability of postoperative complications such as pain and infection, and help patients recover faster. Attached Figure Description
[0033] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments of this utility model will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0034] Figure 1 An example diagram of a surgical rib retractor;
[0035] Figure 2 Rear view of a surgical rib retractor;
[0036] Figure 3 A perspective view of the adjustment handle of a surgical rib retractor;
[0037] The attached diagram lists the components represented by each number as follows:
[0038] 10. Expanding head; 20. Connecting rod; 30. Adjusting handle; 31. Locking mechanism; 311. Threaded knob; 312. Threaded sleeve; 313. Elastic element. Detailed Implementation
[0039] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0040] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 The image shows a first embodiment of a surgical rib retractor provided by this utility model. In this embodiment, it includes an expansion head 10, a connecting rod 20, and an adjusting handle 30. One end of the connecting rod 20 is connected to the expansion head 10, and the other end of the connecting rod 20 is connected to the adjusting handle 30. The expansion head 10 has a gradually changing trapezoidal cross section, and the length of its base gradually increases in the direction away from the adjusting handle 30. The adjusting handle 30 is provided with a locking mechanism 31, which is used to lock the position of the expansion head 10.
[0041] In the above technical solution, the apex of the expansion head 10 is located on the side closer to the adjustment handle 30, and the bottom edge is located on the side farther away from the adjustment handle 30.
[0042] Furthermore, in the above technical solution, the locking mechanism 31 is in the form of a threaded knob, including a threaded knob 311, a threaded sleeve 312, and an elastic element 313. The threaded knob 311 has an external thread and is located at the tail of the adjusting handle 30, that is, on the side away from the expansion head 10. The threaded sleeve 312 has an internal thread that matches the threaded knob 311. The threaded sleeve 312 is located inside the adjusting handle 30. The elastic element 313 is located between the threaded knob 311 and the adjusting handle 30. The locking mechanism 31 locks and unlocks the expansion head 10 by rotating the threaded knob 311.
[0043] Furthermore, in the above technical solution, the locking mechanism 31 is also provided with a stop, which is a protrusion or groove on the adjusting handle 30. The stop is used to limit the maximum stroke of the threaded knob 311.
[0044] The locking mechanism consists of the following components:
[0045] Threaded knob: A cylindrical component with external threads, made of metal or high-strength plastic. The outer surface of the knob is designed with anti-slip texture.
[0046] Nut or threaded sleeve: An internally threaded component that matches the threaded knob and is integrated inside the adjusting handle. When the knob is turned, it moves up and down along the internal thread of the nut or sleeve.
[0047] Springs or elastic elements: used to provide a certain preload to ensure that the knob can firmly press against the connecting rod or expansion head in the locked state, preventing them from moving due to external forces during the operation.
[0048] Stop: Used to limit the maximum stroke of the threaded knob, preventing the knob from completely disengaging from the nut or sleeve, thereby ensuring the reliability of the locking mechanism.
[0049] Positional relationship of locking mechanisms:
[0050] Threaded knob: Located at the end of the adjustment handle, or on the side away from the dilator head. This design makes it easy for medical staff to access and adjust the knob during operation.
[0051] Nut or threaded sleeve: Integrated inside the adjusting handle, forming a single unit with the connecting rod. Its position allows the threaded knob to engage with it from the outside, and the relative position between the two can be changed by rotation.
[0052] Spring or elastic element: Located between the threaded knob and the adjusting handle or connecting rod. When the knob is tightened, the spring is compressed to generate preload, thereby ensuring that the retractor will not shift due to external forces during use.
[0053] Stop: A protrusion or groove on the adjusting handle. The position of the stop ensures that the threaded knob can only move within a limited range, preventing it from completely disengaging from the nut or sleeve.
[0054] When the retractor needs to be locked in place, the user can rotate the threaded knob, causing it to move downwards along the internal thread of the nut or sleeve. This compresses the spring, creating a preload that holds the retractor's expanding head in place. To release the lock, the user rotates the knob in the opposite direction; the spring preload dissipates, and the expanding head can move again.
[0055] Furthermore, in the above technical solution, the thickness of the expanded head 10 remains unchanged in the direction perpendicular to its length.
[0056] Furthermore, in the above technical solution, the connecting rod 20 is a slender rod-shaped structure, with one end fixedly connected to the expansion head 10 and the other end fixedly connected to the adjusting handle 30.
[0057] Furthermore, in the above technical solution, the top edge of the expanded head is provided with anti-slip texture.
[0058] Furthermore, in the above technical solution, the expansion head 10 and the connecting rod 20 are connected by welding or integral molding.
[0059] Furthermore, in the above technical solution, the adjusting handle 30 and the connecting rod 20 are connected by screws or by integral molding.
[0060] Furthermore, in the above technical solution, the expansion head 10 is made of stainless steel or titanium alloy, and the top edge of the expansion head 10 is provided with anti-slip texture.
[0061] Specifically, the principle of this utility model is as follows:
[0062] Design principle of trapezoidal expansion head:
[0063] The trapezoidal expander head is inspired by the natural shape and mechanical properties of the ribs. By employing a trapezoidal cross-section, the gradually increasing cross-sectional area of the expander head during expansion can more evenly distribute the force applied to the ribs. This design reduces localized stress concentration and avoids tissue damage problems caused by the sharp edges or right angles of traditional retractors. The gradually increasing length of the base of the trapezoidal expander head allows the retractor to push the ribs more smoothly, reducing discomfort caused by sudden force application.
[0064] How the locking mechanism works:
[0065] The locking mechanism uses a threaded knob, which is rotated to lock and unlock the retractor. The engagement between the threaded knob and the nut or sleeve allows the knob to move up and down along the internal thread of the nut or sleeve as it rotates. When the knob is tightened, it presses against the connecting rod or expansion head, and the preload provided by a spring or elastic element ensures that the retractor will not move due to external forces during use. This design allows surgeons to easily adjust the position of the retractor and quickly lock or unlock it when needed, greatly improving the flexibility and safety of surgery.
[0066] The working principle of the auxiliary support frame:
[0067] The auxiliary support frame is designed to enhance the stability of the retractor. This frame is typically made of elastic material and provides additional support after the retractor is inserted into the intercostal space. The frame's elasticity allows it to adapt to variations in intercostal space widths while maintaining the retractor's stable position. By placing such supports on both sides of the retractor, slippage or tilting during use can be effectively prevented, thus ensuring the smooth execution of the surgical procedure.
[0068] Scientific basis for material selection:
[0069] This invention selects medical-grade stainless steel or titanium alloy as the main materials because these materials possess excellent biocompatibility and corrosion resistance. Medical-grade stainless steel is a widely used biomedical material; it is not only high in strength but also wear-resistant, making it suitable for medical devices that require long-term implantation. Titanium alloys are known for their lightweight, high strength, and excellent corrosion resistance, making them ideal for manufacturing surgical instruments that require frequent sterilization and prolonged use. Furthermore, the surface of these materials can be further optimized through processes such as sandblasting to improve their performance during surgery.
Claims
1. A surgical rib retractor, characterized in that, The device includes an expansion head (10), a connecting rod (20), and an adjusting handle (30). One end of the connecting rod (20) is connected to the expansion head (10), and the other end of the connecting rod (20) is connected to the adjusting handle (30). The expansion head (10) has a gradually changing trapezoidal cross section, and the length of its base gradually increases in the direction away from the adjusting handle (30). The adjusting handle (30) is provided with a locking mechanism (31), which is used to lock the position of the expansion head (10).
2. The surgical rib retractor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The apex of the expansion head (10) is located on the side closer to the adjustment handle (30), and the bottom edge is located on the side away from the adjustment handle (30).
3. A surgical rib retractor according to claim 2, characterized in that, The locking mechanism (31) is in the form of a threaded knob, including a threaded knob (311), a threaded sleeve (312), and an elastic element (313). The threaded knob (311) has an external thread and is located at the tail of the adjusting handle (30), i.e., on the side away from the expansion head (10). The threaded sleeve (312) has an internal thread that matches the threaded knob (311). The threaded sleeve (312) is located inside the adjusting handle (30). The elastic element (313) is located between the threaded knob (311) and the adjusting handle (30). The locking mechanism (31) locks and unlocks the expansion head (10) by rotating the threaded knob (311).
4. The surgical rib retractor according to claim 3, characterized in that, The locking mechanism (31) is also provided with a stop, which is a protrusion or groove on the adjusting handle (30) and is used to limit the maximum stroke of the threaded knob (311).
5. A surgical rib retractor according to claim 4, characterized in that, The thickness of the expanded head (10) remains constant in the direction perpendicular to its length.
6. A surgical rib retractor according to claim 5, characterized in that, The connecting rod (20) is a slender rod-shaped structure, with one end fixedly connected to the expansion head (10) and the other end fixedly connected to the adjustment handle (30).
7. A surgical rib retractor according to claim 6, characterized in that, The top edge of the expanded head (10) is provided with anti-slip texture.
8. A surgical rib retractor according to claim 7, characterized in that, The expansion head (10) and the connecting rod (20) are connected by welding or integral molding.
9. A surgical rib retractor according to claim 8, characterized in that, The adjusting handle (30) and the connecting rod (20) are connected by screws or by integral molding.
10. A surgical rib retractor according to claim 9, characterized in that, The expansion head (10) is made of stainless steel or titanium alloy.