Atraumatic Tissue Retraction via Flexible Ring and Hook Fasteners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Minimally invasive cardiac surgery techniques using trocars cause trauma to tissues and nerves due to the need for forced instrument insertion through narrow channels, limiting movement and surgeon sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
A surgical retractor with a flexible ring, adjustable straps, and a connector system using hook and loop fasteners, made of soft resilient materials like silicone, allows for atraumatic tissue retraction and adjustable access without expanding the incision, enabling standard instrument use and improved tactile feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If a trocar is used to provide access channel for surgical instruments, then the incision size is minimized, but tissue trauma increases due to forced instrument insertion through narrow channels
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor system transforms the static narrow trocar channel into a dynamic, expandable space. The flexible ring can be adjusted from a compressed state for insertion to an expanded state for surgery, allowing the tissue to be gently retracted rather than forced through a rigid narrow channel. This dynamic adaptation eliminates the need for forced instrument insertion while maintaining minimal incision size.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractor utilizes a flexible ring made of compliant material that can conform to the tissue and be inserted through a small incision. Once positioned, the flexible ring expands to create a larger working space without requiring forced insertion. The flexibility allows the device to adapt to tissue contours and provide atraumatic retraction while maintaining minimal incision access.
2Measurement precision
If a rigid trocar channel is used to constrain instrument movement, then access precision is improved, but surgeon tactile feedback is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible ring replaces the rigid trocar channel, providing guidance and positioning precision while allowing tactile feedback to pass through. The flexibility of the ring enables it to conform to tissue movements and transmit tactile information to the surgeon's hand, unlike rigid trocars that block such feedback. This maintains instrument positioning accuracy while restoring sensory feedback.
3Adaptability or versatility
If standard surgical instruments are used without a retractor, then instrument availability is maximized, but tissue trauma increases due to direct contact with ribs and soft tissues
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor acts as an intermediary between the surgical instruments and the patient's tissue. It creates a protected workspace where standard instruments can be used freely without directly contacting and traumatizing the ribs and soft tissues. The flexible ring and straps form a barrier that prevents instrument-induced trauma while allowing full instrument versatility.
4Device complexity
If fixed-size trocars are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different surgical needs is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor incorporates adjustable components including flexible straps with varying lengths and an expandable flexible ring that can be adjusted to different diameters. This allows the device to adapt to different surgical needs and patient anatomies while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. The adjustability is achieved through straightforward mechanical means rather than complex systems.
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 retractor reduces tissue trauma, enhances surgical precision, and allows for adjustable access, enabling more effective minimally invasive procedures with reduced recovery time and costs.
Implementation Method 1
Atraumatic retractors include a flexible ring and may include a plurality of flexible straps connected to the flexible ring
Implementation Method 2
The connector may take the form of an adhesive patch on the flexible strap. Alternately, the connector may be a patch of hook or loop material connected to a surface of each of said plurality of straps
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for a surgical retractor include a ring, a plurality of flexible straps connected to the ring, a patch of hook or loop material connected to each strap, a coordinating patch of hook or loop material connectable to the patient's skin or the surgical drape. The flexible straps of the surgical retractor may be frangibly connected together. LEDs molded into the distal end create a light source to illuminate the surgical site. The ring may take several forms including a flexible or adjustable ring and an inflatable bladder. The ring of the surgical retractor is inserted into the surgical incision, a patch of loop fastener is attached to the patient, a set of straps connected to the ring are pulled outward and the hook portion is applied to the loop portion to hold the incision open. The retractor is useable for thoracic and other types of surgery.