Anterior Cervical Retraction System With Slidable Plate Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current anterior cervical retractor systems face issues such as displacement, tissue creep, and the need for repositioning during multilevel cases, as well as challenges in securely placing anterior cervical plates during surgery, leading to potential complications and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A retractor system comprising a retractor support arm secured to an operating table with slidable blade mounting arms and a plate support assembly that allows for wider blades and angled retractor blades, minimizing displacement and tissue creep, and facilitating stable plate placement through a clamp and fastener system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional anterior cervical retractor systems are used, then ease of use and self-retaining mechanism are provided, but retractor displacement and tissue creep into the operative field occur
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor system is divided into multiple independent components: a headrest assembly, a positioning assembly with multiple blades, and a securing mechanism. Each blade can be independently positioned and secured to different anatomical structures, allowing precise control over retraction forces and positions to prevent displacement and tissue creep.
Solution Approach 2:
The headrest assembly is positioned and secured to the patient's head before the retraction procedure begins. This preliminary positioning establishes a stable reference point that prevents subsequent displacement of the retractor system during surgery, while also preventing soft tissue from creeping into the operative field.
2Productivity
If traditional retractor systems are used in multilevel cases, then initial retraction is achieved, but frequent repositioning is required
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning assembly is designed with multiple blades that can be configured for different retraction depths and angles. The same assembly can accommodate single-level or multilevel cervical procedures without requiring replacement or repositioning, making the system universal for various surgical scenarios and eliminating time loss from repositioning.
3Ease of operation
If unequal resistance is applied on retractor blades, then anatomical structures are retracted, but retractor displacement occurs
Solution Approach 1:
Each blade of the positioning assembly can be independently adjusted to apply appropriate retraction force on specific anatomical structures. The securing mechanism allows differential positioning of each blade, enabling surgeons to apply tailored retraction forces to different sides of the neck while maintaining overall system stability and preventing displacement.
4Ease of manufacture
If traditional plate placement methods are used, then plate fixation is achieved, but plate sliding or angling occurs during screw placement
Solution Approach 1:
The plate placement tool combines plate holding functionality with positioning guidance features. The tool integrates multiple functions into a single device: securing the plate, maintaining proper alignment, and guiding screw placement, thereby eliminating plate sliding or angling during the procedure while preserving ease of plate application.
Data Source
AI summary
An orthopedic surgery system includes: a retractor support arm; a table mounting assembly for securing the retractor support arm to the operating table; a first blade mounting arm slidably engaging the retractor support arm; a second blade mounting arm slidably engaging the retractor support arm in spaced relationship with respect to the first blade mounting arm; a first retractor blade connected to the first blade mounting arm; a second retractor blade connected to the second blade mounting arm; and a plate support assembly for releasably engaging an orthopedic plate wherein the plate support assembly slidably engages at least one of the retractor support arm or the first blade mounting arm or the second blade mounting arm. In one version of the invention, the system used in anterior cervical spine surgery and the orthopedic plate is an anterior cervical plate.