Adjustable Locking Surgical Retract With Ratchet Segments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical retractors, such as the Balfour and Bookwalter systems, face limitations in providing adequate exposure for large or obese patients, with the Balfour retractor offering suboptimal exposure due to its fixed design and the Bookwalter requiring non-sterile assistance and significant setup time, making them inadequate for emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
A surgical retractor with an adjustable circumference comprising interconnecting frame segments and a ratchet mechanism that allows expansion in multiple axes, enabling maximal retraction and stabilization without the need for non-sterile assistance or extensive setup, allowing for better exposure and reduced scarring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed-size retractor frame is used (Balfour design), then the device is simple and easy to use, but it provides inadequate exposure for large or obese patients
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor frame transitions from a fixed static structure to a dynamic adjustable structure. The frame segments can be moved relative to each other along the longitudinal axis, allowing the circumference to be expanded or contracted based on patient size and surgical requirements, while maintaining the simplicity of the overall design through the use of a ratchet mechanism for easy adjustment and locking.
2Productivity
If the Balfour retractor is used for rapid exposure, then deployment is fast, but the frame is too short for larger patients requiring conversion to another system
Solution Approach 1:
The frame circumference is made dynamically adjustable by allowing frame segments to slide along the longitudinal axis relative to each other. The ratchet mechanism enables quick expansion or contraction of the frame to accommodate different patient sizes without requiring conversion to another system, maintaining the rapid deployment advantage while adding adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the Bookwalter retractor is used for adequate exposure, then exposure is sufficient, but it requires non-sterile assistance and significant setup time
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor is divided into multiple frame segments that can be independently adjusted and positioned. This segmentation allows the frame to be quickly configured to different sizes by moving individual segments along the longitudinal axis, reducing setup time compared to assembling a complete Bookwalter system while maintaining adequate exposure capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The ratchet mechanism allows the surgical team to independently adjust and lock the frame segments without requiring non-sterile assistance. The self-contained adjustment mechanism enables sterile team members to perform all setup operations within the sterile field, eliminating the need for non-sterile assistance while maintaining exposure capability.
4Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed circumference frame is used, then the structure is stable, but it cannot be adjusted for different incision sizes or patient characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The frame transitions from a fixed static structure to a dynamic adjustable structure where segments can be repositioned along the longitudinal axis. The ratchet mechanism provides stable locking at each position, maintaining frame stability during use while enabling adjustment to different incision sizes and patient characteristics before surgery begins.
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 adjustable retractor provides improved exposure in both transverse and longitudinal axes, reducing the need for incision size and minimizing scarring, while maintaining a sterile field and rapid deployment, suitable for emergency situations.
Implementation Method 1
The connectors are configured to provide a ratchet mechanism. The ratchet mechanism of the connector is configured to interact with ratchet teeth that are position along all or a portion of the inner edge of the frame segments.
Implementation Method 2
The stop can be in the form of a screw, pin, hole, or elevated material that can contact or engage a connector to stop the movement of the frame segment through the connector resulting in disassembly of the retractor.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical retractor assembly for providing surgical exposure. The surgical retractor assembly consists of multiple ring segments connected by adjustable ratchet mechanisms to form a complete ring. The ratchet mechanisms are attached to tissue retractor blades which provide exposure of the wound when expanded, without the requirement of a direct connection/attachment to an operating table. The tissue retractor blades are attached in a manner which is adjustable and facilitates the ability of the overall surgical retractor assembly (ring segments and connectors) to be raised or lowered with respect to the patient. The ring segments also allow attachments of additional retractor blades or other surgical retractor accessories for additional surgical exposure.