Adjustable Spinal Retractors With Nested Dilators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical retractors lack the necessary configurability and control for accessing spinal surgical sites effectively, particularly in anterior, lateral, and oblique approaches, due to limited adjustability and variability in tissue retraction and dilation.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable surgical retractor system comprising a primary and secondary retractor assembly with independently movable and angulatable blades, along with a set of nested dilators of alternating cross-sectional shapes, allowing for precise and controlled tissue retraction and dilation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional surgical retractors are used, then the device structure is simple, but the configurability and adaptability for different surgical approaches is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor system is divided into a primary retractor assembly and a secondary retractor assembly that can be used independently or combined. Each assembly has its own blades, actuators, and control mechanisms, allowing the system to be configured for different surgical approaches (anterior, lateral, oblique) by selecting and combining appropriate assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractor blades are made dynamically adjustable through independent actuators that control blade position, angle, and depth. The pivoting members allow blades to be angled relative to the arm, and the actuators enable real-time adjustment during surgery to adapt to different anatomical structures and surgical needs.
2Manufacturing precision
If fixed blade angle retractors are used, then the device structure is simple, but the control precision for tissue retraction is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The blade angle and position are made dynamically adjustable through actuators connected to pivoting members. Each blade can be independently angled relative to its arm, and the actuators enable precise control of blade depth and orientation during surgery, allowing adaptation to different tissue structures and surgical requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractor system allows continuous adjustment of multiple parameters including blade depth, blade angle relative to the arm, and arm position. These parameters can be changed during surgery through actuator mechanisms, providing precise control over tissue retraction without requiring fixed pre-set configurations.
3Manufacturing precision
If uniform dilation tools are used, then the device structure is simple, but the tissue separation control is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The dilation tools feature alternating cross-sectional shapes (circular and oval) along their length, creating different local properties. The oval sections provide gentle separation of paraspinous muscle fibers, while the circular sections provide uniform dilation. This variation in local geometry allows controlled tissue separation without excessive force.
Solution Approach 2:
The dilation system uses a set of nested dilators that can be inserted sequentially. Each dilator fits within the previous one, allowing progressive dilation from smaller to larger sizes. The alternating cross-sectional shapes are maintained throughout the nested sequence, enabling controlled tissue separation as each dilator is advanced.
4Ease of operation
If highly adjustable retractors are used, then the surgical access control is precise, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into multiple independent actuators, each controlling a specific function (blade depth, blade angle, arm position). This modular control architecture allows the surgeon to adjust only the parameters needed for each specific surgical step, simplifying operation despite the overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuators and control mechanisms are designed to perform multiple functions. For example, the actuators control both blade depth and angle, and the pivoting members serve both as mechanical joints and as part of the actuation mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A retractor system for enabling access to a surgical site is disclosed. The retractor system may include a primary retractor assembly configured to open and close a first arm and a second arm along a first path of travel. The primary retractor assembly may include a handle assembly having first and second handles configured to open and close the first and second arms, and the first and second arms may be operably coupled to first and second blades, respectively. The retractor system may further include a secondary retractor assembly configured to couple and uncouple with the primary retractor assembly and independently extend and contract a third arm and optionally a fourth arm. The third arm and optional fourth arm may be operably coupled to third and fourth blades, respectively. The inclination of each blade may be independently adjusted and each arm may also be independently moved.