Adjustable Retractor Frame for Stable Retraction on Curved Anatomy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current surgical retractor systems compromise surgical site visualization, require multiple personnel for manual adjustment, are bulky, and fail to accommodate intraoperative anatomical changes, leading to increased costs, infection risk, and procedural complexity.

Innovation Solution

A retractor system composed of flexible materials with stabilizing members and anchor points, allowing secure attachment to patient anatomy, reducing the need for repositioning and maintaining surgical site visibility, while accommodating various anatomical curvatures and intraoperative motion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If rigid retractor frames are used to provide stable retraction forces, then retraction stability is improved, but the device bulkiness increases and adaptability to various anatomical curvatures deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretraction stabilityVSAvoidadaptability to anatomical curvatures

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The retractor frame is divided into multiple segments that can be independently positioned and adjusted. Each segment can be rotated or repositioned relative to others, allowing the frame to adapt to various anatomical curvatures while maintaining stable retraction forces through locked positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The retractor system incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable components that allow dynamic modification of the frame geometry during surgery. This enables the rigid frame to adapt to different anatomical configurations while maintaining structural stability for effective retraction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If retractor frames are made bulky to provide mechanical stability, then retraction force stability is improved, but surgical site visualization deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical stabilityVSAvoidsurgical site visualization

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The frame is segmented into smaller components that can be positioned to provide mechanical stability without creating a large bulky structure. This segmentation allows for better clearance and reduced obstruction of the surgical field while maintaining the necessary structural support for stable retraction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If manual retraction is used to accommodate various patient anatomies, then adaptability is improved, but infection risk and operating room staff requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanatomical adaptabilityVSAvoidinfection risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The retractor system is designed to maintain and adjust itself without requiring continuous manual intervention. The self-adjusting mechanisms allow the device to adapt to patient anatomy autonomously, reducing the need for additional operating room staff and minimizing infection risk by limiting personnel exposure to the surgical site.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Adaptability or versatility

If retractor frames require frequent repositioning to accommodate intraoperative motion, then adaptability to motion is improved, but procedure time and infection risk increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotion accommodationVSAvoidprocedure time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The retractor incorporates dynamic components that can accommodate intraoperative motion through controlled adjustment mechanisms. These mechanisms allow the frame to adapt to patient movement and anatomical changes during surgery without requiring complete removal and repositioning, thereby reducing procedure time and infection risk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 provides stable, flexible retraction that minimizes repositioning needs, maintains surgical site clarity, and supports unilateral retraction without adding bulk, enhancing surgical efficiency and safety.

Implementation Method 1

stabilizing members that include adhesive layers, and adjustable features to securely attach to the patient's skin or surgical drapes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS12629144B2Systems and methods including an adjustable retractor frame

Publication Date: 2026.05.19 BIOPHYX SURGICAL INC

AI summary

A device for surgical retraction having a frame flexible to conform to a patient's anatomy, the frame including at least one anchoring member for retaining a tissue retraction member. A stabilizing member is attached to the frame and secures the stabilizing member to a patient, wherein a tissue retraction member applying a force to the frame in a first direction is counterbalanced by the stabilizing member to provide a force in a second opposite direction.