Circumferential Retractor With Flexible Sheath for Small-Incision Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical instruments face challenges in limited working space within body cavities, particularly with small incisions, where small retractors provide reduced instrument triangulation and limited visibility, complicating procedures.
Innovation Solution
A circumferential retractor system with adjustable outer and inner rings connected by a flexible sheath, allowing for 360-degree retraction and insufflation, facilitating instrument passage and manipulation, especially suitable for endoscopic procedures in vaginal canals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a traditional retractor system is used, then the retractor can be inserted into the patient's body, but the retractor blades may contact and damage delicate neural tissue during insertion and use
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor system is divided into multiple independent blades that can be individually controlled. Each blade can be independently inserted, retracted, and positioned to avoid contact with delicate neural tissue while still achieving the surgical exposure objective
Solution Approach 2:
The retractor blades are designed with dynamic control mechanisms that allow real-time adjustment of blade position and orientation during surgery. The blades can be dynamically retracted from the surgical site and repositioned as needed, transforming a static potentially harmful structure into a dynamic controllable one
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple retractors are used to achieve complex surgical exposure, then adequate exposure can be obtained, but the number of separate devices increases surgical complexity and risk
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple retractor blades that would traditionally require separate devices are merged into a single integrated retractor system. The blades are connected through a common control mechanism, allowing them to be manipulated as one unit while still providing complex surgical exposure configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The retractor system is designed with universal functionality to perform multiple surgical exposure tasks. The same device can be configured for different surgical sites and exposure requirements through adjustable blade positions and orientations, eliminating the need for multiple specialized retractors
3Stability of the object's composition
If the retractor blades are held in a fixed position, then surgical exposure is maintained, but the surgeon cannot adjust the retractor configuration during surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor blades transition from a fixed static configuration to a dynamic adjustable system. The blades can be moved between fixed stable positions and intermediate adjustable positions, allowing the surgeon to maintain stable exposure when needed while also being able to reconfigure the retractor during surgery
Solution Approach 2:
The retractor system allows changes in key parameters such as blade position, orientation, and spacing during surgery. These parameter changes enable the surgeon to adapt the retractor configuration to different surgical requirements while maintaining adequate exposure stability through controlled adjustment mechanisms
Data Source
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AI summary
A circumferential retractor system is provided that includes a circumferential retractor and a flexible retainer. The circumferential retractor and retainer retracts and protects a patient's body opening, providing access into a patient.