Atrium Retractor with Segmented Shield and Lockable Joint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing atrial retractors require large incisions near the heart and obstruct the view of the mitral valve during surgery, limiting access and mobility.
Innovation Solution
A retractable system with a ball joint connection between the shield and shaft, allowing for minimal incision and adjustable positioning, featuring a detachable and lockable articulation mechanism that enables precise adjustment and secure locking of the shield relative to the shaft, facilitating a clear surgical field.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a large incision is made near the heart to insert the shield, then the shield can be inserted into the patient's body, but the incision size increases and rib spreading is required
Solution Approach 1:
The shield is divided into multiple articulated segments that can be folded together like an accordion. This segmentation allows the shield to be compressed into a compact configuration for insertion through a small incision, then expanded into its functional shape once positioned near the heart. The segmented structure resolves the contradiction by enabling easy insertion through minimal incision while maintaining the required shield surface area for atrial wall elevation.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulated segments of the shield are designed to nest within each other when folded, similar to nested dolls. This nesting mechanism allows the entire shield structure to be collapsed into a minimal diameter configuration that can pass through a small incision and catheter, while still providing sufficient shield surface area when deployed to elevate the atrial wall effectively.
2Ease of operation
If the shield is curved to align with the longitudinal axis of the shaft, then the shield can be inserted through the incision, but two adjacent ribs must be spread open with another retractor
Solution Approach 1:
The shield incorporates an articulated hinge mechanism that allows it to dynamically change its shape and orientation. The shield can be folded into a linear configuration aligned with the shaft for insertion, then pivoted and expanded into its functional position to elevate the atrial wall. This dynamic adaptability eliminates the need for additional rib spreading devices, as the shield itself can adjust its configuration to navigate the insertion path and achieve the desired positioning.
3Volume of moving object
If the shield consists of articulated segments that can be rolled together, then the retractor can be inserted with minimal diameter, but a relatively large incision is required and the rolling mechanism blocks the view of the mitral valve
Solution Approach 1:
The shield is segmented into articulated sections that can be folded compactly for insertion. However, unlike completely telescopic designs, the segments remain connected by hinges that allow the shield to maintain structural integrity and provide an open framework. This segmented hinge design enables minimal diameter insertion while creating gaps between segments that do not obstruct the surgical view of the mitral valve, resolving both the size and visibility requirements.
4Ease of operation
If the ventral wall of the atrium is elevated excessively to expose adequate field of view, then the mitral valve is accessible, but the atrial wall elevation may cause tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The shield is designed with non-uniform thickness and curvature characteristics. The shield provides localized elevation at specific contact points with the atrial wall, rather than uniform elevation across the entire surface. This localized support mechanism allows adequate exposure of the mitral valve surgical field while distributing forces to minimize tissue damage. The shield's geometry is optimized to contact only the necessary portions of the atrial wall required for proper positioning and exposure.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present application discloses an atrium retractor with a plate (10) and a shaft (30), which has a shaft sleeve (31), an inner rod (32) and an operating mechanism (40). The operating mechanism (40) is designed to effect a relative movement between the shaft sleeve (31) and the inner rod (32). An articulation device (20), which is firmly connected to either the plate (10) or the shaft (30) and can be separably connected to the other of the plate (10) or the shaft (30), is provided in the atrium retractor. The operating mechanism (40) has been designed so as to optionally block and release the articulation connection (20) by means of the relative movement between the shaft sleeve (31) and the inner rod (32).