3D Printed Surgical Retractor for On-Site Manufacturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical facilities face challenges in maintaining reliable access to surgical instruments due to unpredictable external supply sources, necessitating on-site regeneration and modification capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A surgical retractor designed for 3D printing using desktop-sized devices, made from materials like 17-4 PH steel or nylon-12, which can be sterilized and tailored for medical use, featuring adjustable arms and radiolucent properties for compatibility with medical imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional surgical instruments are manufactured externally and stored in inventory, then reliable access to surgical supplies is maintained, but dependency on external supply sources increases and on-site regeneration capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables surgical facilities to manufacture their own surgical instruments on-site using 3D printing technology, eliminating dependency on external supply chains. The system allows hospitals to regenerate surgical retractors and other instruments independently, transforming from a passive inventory model to an active self-service manufacturing model that ensures both reliable access and adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in material parameters and manufacturing parameters to enable on-site production. By selecting appropriate 3D printing materials (biocompatible polymers, metals) and optimizing printing parameters (temperature, layer height, infill density), the system can produce surgical instruments with required mechanical properties directly at the surgical facility
2Adaptability or versatility
If 3D printing is used to manufacture surgical retractors, then on-site regeneration and customization capability is improved, but manufacturing time and production speed may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-designing and storing digital 3D models of surgical retractors and other instruments. When a surgical instrument is needed, the pre-prepared digital files can be immediately printed without design time, significantly reducing the effective manufacturing time. The digital library of instrument designs allows for rapid deployment of printing tasks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable surgical retractors manufactured via 3D printing, eliminating the need for expensive, time-consuming sterilization and reprocessing of reusable instruments. These single-use instruments are printed on-demand, used once, and then disposed of, which simplifies the workflow and reduces the time burden of instrument preparation and maintenance while maintaining cost-effectiveness
3Adaptability or versatility
If surgical retractors are designed with complex arm configurations for versatility, then adaptability to different surgical needs is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs surgical retractors with universal features that can accommodate multiple surgical applications. The retractors include adjustable arm configurations, interchangeable components, and modular designs that allow a single instrument to perform multiple functions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized instruments while maintaining adaptability to different surgical needs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the surgical retractor into modular components such as separate arms, adjustable joints, and detachable elements. This segmentation allows for easier 3D printing of individual parts, simplifies assembly, and enables customization by combining different modules. The segmented design reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining the ability to create complex overall configurations
Data Source
AI summary
The systems and methods provided herein are directed to a surgical retractor which is optimized for production by additive manufacturing systems in situations where external medical supplies are interrupted or unavailable.