Single-Incision Cardiac Retractor With Rotatable Alignment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cardiac retractors require multiple incisions for deployment and stabilization, complicating minimally invasive cardiac surgery and increasing patient discomfort and recovery time.
Innovation Solution
A cardiac retractor design featuring a fixed collar, inner tube, and keyed link mechanism that allows deployment through a single incision, with a rotatable inner tube and fixed key for alignment, enabling single-incision operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional cardiac retractors are used, then reliable heart valve repair is achieved, but multiple access incisions are required increasing patient trauma
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor assembly is nested within a delivery catheter, allowing the entire retractor mechanism to be delivered through a single vascular access point. The inner tube with retractor blades fits within the outer tube, which in turn fits within the delivery catheter, enabling minimally invasive deployment through one incision rather than multiple incisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery catheter acts as an intermediary device that transports the retractor assembly through the vascular system to the heart. This mediator enables the retractor to reach the surgical site through a single access point, avoiding the need for multiple incisions while maintaining reliable deployment.
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional cardiac retractors are used, then stable retractor alignment is achieved, but a second incision is needed for manipulator insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment and manipulation functions are merged into a single integrated system. The rotatable inner tube with keyed link mechanism combines the alignment function with the deployment function, eliminating the need for a separate manipulator insertion through a second incision. The keyed link engages with the outer tube to provide both alignment and rotational control through one access point.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner tube assembly serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables rotational alignment through the keyed link mechanism, and facilitates retractor blade deployment. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate manipulator devices and second incisions.
3Loss of time
If single incision deployment is implemented, then patient recovery time is reduced, but retractor alignment control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor assembly incorporates dynamic alignment control through the rotatable inner tube and keyed link mechanism. The inner tube can rotate relative to the outer tube to adjust the alignment of retractor blades, providing real-time alignment control during deployment through the single incision. This dynamic adjustment capability maintains ease of operation while enabling minimally invasive access.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual alignment control is replaced with a mechanical keyed link mechanism that automatically engages and provides alignment control. The keyed link interacts with the outer tube to provide precise rotational control of the inner tube, substituting complex manual manipulation with a self-aligning mechanical system.
Data Source
AI summary
A cardiac retractor is disclosed. The cardiac retractor has an outer tube. The cardiac retractor also has a fixed collar fixedly coupled to a proximal end of the outer tube. The cardiac retractor further has a fixed link fixedly coupled to a distal end of the outer tube. The cardiac retractor also has an inner tube rotatable within the outer tube. The cardiac retractor further has a fixed key coupled to a proximal end of the inner tube and configured to rotate the inner tube relative to the outer tube. The cardiac retractor also has a keyed link coupled to a distal end of the outer tube.