Adjustable Surgical Retactor for Minimally Invasive Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical access devices fail to effectively retract tissue beyond the initial incision, making it difficult to position and remove the device, especially in minimally invasive procedures, which can lead to tissue damage and prolonged surgical times.
Innovation Solution
A surgical access device with a flexible retractor and an actuation member, such as a stability thread or cable, that can change diameter to securely position and remove the device from the incision, allowing for adjustable size and shape to accommodate different tissue openings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If existing surgical access devices are used, then the incision size is minimized for cosmetic benefits, but the device cannot be effectively positioned or removed without causing tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor is designed with dynamic size adjustability through an actuation member that allows the retractor to change its diameter. This enables the retractor to be inserted in a compressed state through a small incision, then expanded to a larger diameter to engage and retract tissue effectively, and finally compressed again for easy removal without tissue damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes parameter changes by modifying the diameter of the retractor through the actuation member. The retractor can transition between a first diameter for insertion, a second larger diameter for tissue engagement and retraction, and back to the first diameter for removal. This parameter change resolves the contradiction between minimal incision size and effective device operation.
2Reliability
If the access device is made snugly positioned in the incision to provide stable access, then the seal is improved, but the device becomes difficult to remove requiring forceful pullout that damages tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor's dynamic diameter adjustment capability allows it to maintain a snug fit for stable sealing during the procedure, then be easily collapsed for removal. The actuation member enables the surgeon to adjust the retractor diameter as needed - expanded for stability and sealing, compressed for effortless removal without tissue damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates preliminary action by pre-configuring the retractor with an actuation member that enables size adjustment. This preliminary design feature ensures that the retractor can be easily removed by simply reversing the expansion action, preventing the need for forceful pullout and associated tissue damage.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the retractor diameter is fixed to maintain stability during the procedure, then the seal is reliable, but the device cannot be easily inserted through small incisions or removed without damage
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor transitions from a static fixed-diameter design to a dynamic adjustable-diameter design. The actuation member enables the retractor to be compressed to a smaller diameter for easy insertion through small incisions, then expanded to a stable larger diameter for reliable sealing and tissue retraction during the procedure, and finally compressed again for easy removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes parameter changes by allowing the retractor diameter to vary between a first smaller diameter for insertion and removal, and a second larger diameter for stable operation. The actuation member controls this parameter change, resolving the contradiction between stability during use and ease of insertion/removal.
4Productivity
If the incision size is kept small for minimally invasive benefits, then cosmetic outcome and recovery time are improved, but the surgical access device cannot be effectively positioned within the incision
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic diameter adjustment capability allows the retractor to be inserted in a compressed state through a small minimally invasive incision, then expanded to a larger diameter that provides effective tissue engagement and retraction. This resolves the contradiction between small incision size for cosmetic benefits and effective device positioning for surgical efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes parameter changes by transitioning the retractor diameter from a compressed state for insertion through small incisions to an expanded state for effective tissue access and manipulation. The actuation member controls this transformation, enabling both minimally invasive insertion and effective surgical positioning.
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 device provides secure positioning and easy removal with minimal tissue damage, reducing surgical time and improving cosmetic outcomes by maintaining a stable and effective seal during procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible retractor configured to be positioned in tissue of a body to form a pathway therethrough into a body cavity... an actuation member, e.g., a stability thread or actuation cable, spiraling around a perimeter of the retractor. The actuation member is configured to selectively effect a change in a diameter of the retractor.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and devices are provided for providing surgical access into a body cavity. In one embodiment, a surgical access device is provided that includes a proximal housing and a distal retractor. At least one stability thread can extend around a perimeter of at least a portion of the distal retractor. In some embodiments, the stability thread can be mechanically adjustable to change a diameter of the distal retractor.