Anatomical Spinal Retractor with Conforming Mounting Pad
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current percutaneous spinal surgery retractors face challenges with rigid fixation leading to unintentional movement during procedures, inadequate muscle tissue retraction, and failure to accommodate the natural anatomical shape of the spine, resulting in increased morbidity, blood loss, and operative time.
Innovation Solution
A retractor system with an anatomically shaped distal end and a patient-based anchoring pad that eliminates the need for external fixation, allowing for stable tissue retraction and visualization, and an ovoid shape that reduces muscle retraction efforts while maintaining consistent access to the surgical site.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If rigid fixation is used to secure the retractor, then the retractor can be fixed in position, but unintentional movement occurs during the procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation system transitions from rigid static fixation to dynamic fixation that accommodates patient movement. The mounting pad with conforming material and adjustable positioning allows the retractor to maintain stable tissue retraction while adapting to changes in patient anatomy during the procedure, eliminating unintentional movement caused by rigid fixation failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation system changes physical parameters of the mounting interface by using conforming material that adapts its shape and friction characteristics. This allows the retractor to be secured with appropriate friction and contact pressure that prevents movement while accommodating natural patient motion, rather than relying on rigid mechanical fixation.
2Ease of operation
If traditional retraction methods are used, then access to surgical area is achieved, but muscle tissue damage and morbidity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor utilizes a flexible distal end portion that conforms to the natural curvature of the spine and surrounding tissues. This flexible structure distributes retraction forces across a broader area rather than concentrating them at discrete points, reducing muscle fiber damage and tissue trauma while maintaining adequate surgical access.
Solution Approach 2:
The distal end of the retractor is shaped to match the anatomical curvature of the spine, creating a conforming interface that follows natural tissue contours. This curved geometry allows the retractor to access the surgical site without forcing tissues into unnatural positions, thereby reducing muscle damage and morbidity associated with traditional straight-edged retractors.
3Ease of operation
If sequential dilation is performed to access deep spinal area, then percutaneous access is achieved, but operative time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor system is pre-configured with a staged dilation capability where the mounting pad and retractor body are prepared in advance with conforming surfaces and engagement features. This preliminary preparation allows for smoother, more efficient sequential dilation without requiring time-consuming adjustments during the procedure, reducing overall operative time while maintaining percutaneous access benefits.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If anatomical shaping is implemented to reduce muscle damage, then tissue trauma decreases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor is divided into distinct functional segments: a mounting pad portion for patient interface, a shaft portion for structural support, and a distal end portion for tissue interaction. Each segment can be independently designed and manufactured with optimal characteristics, allowing the complex anatomical shaping to be concentrated in the distal end while keeping the overall device design modular and manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
A retractor having an elongated body that provides access to a surgical location within a patient. The elongate body includes a plurality of segments that are connected to one another through a plurality of ratcheting mechanisms. The ratcheting mechanisms permit relative movement of the segments with respect to one another when expander dilators are inserted within the retractor. The segments are surrounded and retained by a resilient elastomeric sleeve or bands. The distal end surfaces of the segments include thin edges that are configured to mobilize, dissect, split and retract the terminal tissues in the surgical area. The retractor may be used in conjunction with a shim.