Cavity Inspection Retractor with External Laser Support
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inspection devices for patient cavities, such as anoscopes and proctoscopes, face challenges with the precision and flexibility of using surgical instruments, particularly lasers, due to inadequate support structures that obstruct the camera's field of view and limit three-dimensional movement.
Innovation Solution
A retractor body with a support seat configured to securely hold a laser head, allowing it to rotate within a defined angle, positioned externally to avoid obstructing the camera view, combined with a handle for maneuvering and auxiliary components for adjustable placement of surgical instruments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If surgical instruments are introduced through lateral windows in the retractor body, then the surgeon can access the patient's mucosa, but the precision required for laser surgery cannot be adequately supported
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional segments: the retractor body for access, the support structure for stability, and the laser head for precision. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function without compromising others.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is pre-positioned within the retractor body to provide a stable base before the laser procedure begins. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the laser head is attached, precision can be immediately achieved without requiring the surgeon to manually stabilize the instrument during the procedure.
2Stability of the object's composition
If support structures are applied internally to the retractor body to support surgical instruments, then instrument stability is improved, but the field of view for the camera is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is designed to be minimally intrusive, extracting only the essential stabilizing function while leaving the majority of the retractor body's internal volume available for camera observation. The support elements are positioned to provide maximum stability with minimum obstruction to the line of sight.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure provides localized stability precisely where needed - at the interface between the retractor body and the surgical instrument - while remaining transparent or minimal in regions where the camera requires an unobstructed view of the surgical site.
3Stability of the object's composition
If support structures are applied internally to the retractor body, then instrument positioning is improved, but complete three-dimensional movement is precluded
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to provide stable positioning while accommodating necessary movements. The support elements can adapt their position or orientation within defined ranges, enabling the surgical instrument to move in three dimensions while maintaining stable contact with the support structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure allows for changes in positional parameters (x, y, z coordinates and orientation angles) within controlled ranges. This enables the surgical instrument to achieve complete three-dimensional movement capability while maintaining stable positioning through the support structure, which adapts to the instrument's position rather than constraining it to fixed locations.
Data Source
AI summary
Device for inspecting a cavity of a patient comprising a retractor body, extending along a longitudinal axis between a distal end and a proximal end, and a handle applied or fixed to the proximal end of the retractor body.The retractor body has a distal portion having a substantially tubular shape and a proximal portion extending from the distal portion in a diverging fashion. The distal portion defines a retraction zone of an internal cavity of a patient and internally delimits an internal volume accessible from a rear access opening made on the proximal portion, wherein said distal portion of the retractor body has at least one front and/or lateral opening to allow access to the mucosa or tissue of the patient from said internal volume. The device further comprises at least one support seat arranged in the proximal region of the retractor body and configured to supportingly receive a front surface of a laser head, said at least one support seat being arranged in a radially external position with respect to an external profile of the proximal portion.