Adjustable Cannula with Expanding Leaves and Integrated LEDs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical retractors for accessing spinal surgical sites are inefficient, requiring time-consuming bleeding control and limited visualization, and often move unintentionally during procedures, complicating treatments for musculoskeletal disorders.
Innovation Solution
A surgical system featuring a cannula with expanding leaves and integrated LEDs for improved visualization, a wag-and-hold notched ring for hands-free positioning, and a design that remains stationary with the patient, allowing for precise tissue retraction and access to spinal sites without shadows, facilitating procedures like lumbar decompression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional surgical retractors are used to access spinal surgical sites, then tissue retraction is achieved, but the device moves unintentionally during procedures and requires time-consuming bleeding control
Solution Approach 1:
The cannula employs expandable leaves that can dynamically adjust between compressed and expanded states. The leaves are configured to expand radially outward to engage and stabilize against bone surfaces, providing reliable positioning that prevents unintentional movement during spinal procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The expandable leaf structure provides self-stabilizing functionality by automatically engaging with the surgical site upon expansion. The leaves' radial outward movement creates inherent stability through mechanical engagement with surrounding anatomical structures, eliminating the need for additional stabilization mechanisms or procedures.
2Illumination intensity
If traditional surgical retractors are used, then access to surgical site is provided, but visualization is limited and shadows are created
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges illumination functionality directly into the cannula structure by integrating LEDs within the cannula body. This combination allows the illumination source to be positioned close to the surgical site, providing direct lighting that eliminates shadows created by external light sources and improves overall visualization quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The cannula serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides access to the surgical site through its structural design, stabilizes positioning through expandable leaves, and enables illumination for visualization. This multi-functionality integrates what would traditionally require separate devices into a single unified system.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional surgical retractors are used, then tissue retraction is achieved, but bleeding control is required
Solution Approach 1:
The expandable leaf structure provides self-stabilizing functionality by automatically engaging with the surgical site upon expansion. The leaves' radial outward movement creates inherent stability through mechanical engagement with surrounding anatomical structures, eliminating the need for additional stabilization mechanisms or procedures.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system reduces procedural time, enhances visualization, and maintains stability during surgeries, enabling more effective treatment of spinal disorders by providing clear access and minimizing bleeding control needs.
Implementation Method 1
integrated LEDs for improved visualization
Implementation Method 2
cannula with expanding leaves
Data Source
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AI summary
A surgical instrument includes a first member including a groove. A second member includes an aperture and teeth configured to slidably engage the groove. A third member is positioned in the aperture and includes a passageway defining a first longitudinal axis and a flange. A fourth member is positioned in the passageway and includes a lip that engages the flange. The lip extends at an acute angle relative to a second longitudinal axis defined by the fourth member. A fifth member is rotatably disposed in the passageway and includes a first end surface that engages a second end surface of the fourth member defined by the lip. In a first configuration, the fourth member extends perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis. In a second configuration, the fourth member extends at an acute angle relative to the first longitudinal axis. Systems and methods are disclosed.