Curved Retractor Tip Extender for Endolaryngial Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current retractors used in laryngoscopes are ineffective for endolaryngial surgeries, as they fail to adequately move and maintain pharyngeal, epiglottal, and endolaryngeal tissues, limiting access for traditional or robotic surgical instruments.
Innovation Solution
A retractor with a curved maxilla and mandibular portion that provides a cylindrical passage for instruments, combined with a tip extender to lift the epiglottis, enhancing visualization and access to the larynx and trachea by creating a clear operative field for robotic instruments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional retractors are used in laryngoscopes, then the device structure is simple, but they fail to adequately move and maintain pharyngeal, epiglottal, and endolaryngeal tissues for endolaryngial surgeries
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor blade is divided into multiple functional segments: a maxillary portion with upper teeth engagement, a mandibular portion with lower teeth engagement, and a curved blade portion. This segmentation allows each segment to perform specific functions (holding mouth open, positioning tongue, retracting tissues) independently, improving overall retraction effectiveness while maintaining manageable complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The retractor introduces a third dimension by curving the blade portion in an arc and positioning the maxillary and mandibular portions at different vertical levels. This dimensional change creates a cylindrical passage that accommodates surgical instruments while providing multi-planar tissue retraction, solving the limitation of traditional linear retractors
2Length of moving object
If the maxilla portion is made shorter than the blade, then access to deep laryngeal structures is improved, but the structural support may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of extending the maxilla portion length, the invention curves the blade portion in an arc that extends deeper into the larynx. This dimensional change allows the shorter maxilla portion to achieve the same deep access function while maintaining structural support through the curved geometry and connection to the mandibular portion
Solution Approach 2:
The blade portion is curved in an arc to follow the anatomical path to deep laryngeal structures. This curvature provides mechanical advantage and structural support, allowing the shorter maxilla portion to reach deep targets without compromising strength, as the curved shape distributes forces more effectively than a straight extension
3Illumination intensity
If a tip extender is added to lift the epiglottis, then visualization of the laryngeal introitus is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tip extender is integrated with the existing blade structure, merging the epiglottis-lifting function with the tongue-retracting function. The extender becomes an extension of the blade rather than a separate component, providing enhanced visualization while minimizing additional complexity through functional integration
Data Source
AI summary
A retractor used in inner-oral surgery is provided that includes a maxilla portion configured to maintain a patient's mount in an open state. The retractor also includes a blade that maintains the position of the tongue so that surgical tools are not obstructed. The maxilla portion of one embodiment only extends a portion of the length of the blade.