Camera Rotation on Cervical Distractor for Surgical Visualization

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current cervical spine surgery techniques lack effective visualization of the surgical workspace, particularly when using retractors and distractors, which can limit the precision and effectiveness of procedures.

Innovation Solution

A retractor, distractor, and camera system is designed where the camera system is configured for releasable attachment to the distractor, allowing for rotation of the camera assembly to adjust the viewing axis, providing improved visualization of the surgical workspace.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a microscope is used for visualization in cervical spine surgery, then the surgical workspace can be visualized, but the precision and effectiveness of procedures are limited compared to camera-based systems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisualization precisionVSAvoidsurgical effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical microscope system with a camera-based visualization system. The camera is mounted on the distractor device and captures images of the surgical workspace, which are then displayed on a screen for the surgeon to view. This substitution provides superior visualization precision and surgical effectiveness compared to the microscope.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Illumination intensity

If the camera is placed on the retractor, then visualization is provided, but the view of the surgical workspace is limited due to distance from the vertebrae

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveview qualityVSAvoiddistance from surgical site

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the distractor device as an intermediary to mount the camera closer to the surgical workspace. The distractor is positioned between the retractor and the vertebrae, allowing the camera to be placed in close proximity to the surgical site while maintaining stability and proper positioning for optimal image capture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the camera assembly is fixed to the distractor, then stable positioning is achieved, but the ability to adjust the viewing axis is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera positioning stabilityVSAvoidviewing axis adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic mounting system that allows the camera assembly to be rotated relative to the distractor. The mounting mechanism includes rotational joints or degrees of freedom that enable the surgeon to adjust the viewing axis of the camera while maintaining stable attachment. This dynamic capability provides both stability and adaptability for optimal visualization from different angles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12207845B2Retractor, distractor, and camera system for cervical procedures

Publication Date: 2025.01.28 VISEON

AI summary

A retractor, distractor, and camera system with the camera system and/or distractor configured to provide releasable attachment of the camera system to the distractor, and also provide for rotation of the camera assembly relative to the distractor to allow for adjusting the aim of the camera viewing axis to obtain an image of the surgical workspace established by the retractor.