Deformable Light Instrument in Retractor Channel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Minimally invasive surgical procedures face challenges with traditional lighting methods that increase invasiveness by requiring additional portals or obstructing the surgical space, as lights often occupy space in the working channel or obstruct access.
Innovation Solution
A retractor system with a deformable light instrument that is positionable and movable within the working channel, engaging with the inner wall surface to provide illumination without obstructing the surgical space, using light transmitting elements distributed along the inner perimeter to minimize shadowing and maintain access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a second portal is provided to position a light at the surgical space, then illumination of the surgical space is improved, but the invasiveness of the procedure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light instrument with the retractor by positioning the light within the retractor's working channel. This merging eliminates the need for a separate second portal, as the light is delivered through the same access point used for the retractor, thereby maintaining minimal invasiveness while providing surgical space illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractor system is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural retraction of tissue while simultaneously housing and supporting the light instrument for illumination. This multi-functionality allows a single portal to fulfill both retraction and lighting needs, avoiding additional incisions.
2Device complexity
If a light is inserted through the same portal used by the surgeon, then the number of portals is reduced, but the light occupies space in the working channel making instrument maneuvering more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The light instrument is designed with a compact, localized structure that engages with the inner wall surface of the retractor's working channel. This localized engagement minimizes the space occupied by the light instrument, leaving sufficient room in the working channel for surgical instruments to maneuver freely without obstruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The light instrument is positioned in a different spatial dimension within the working channel, engaging with the inner wall surface rather than occupying the central axial space. This dimensional repositioning allows the light to provide illumination while maintaining clear passage for surgical instruments through the center of the working channel.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the light is secured to the portal during the procedure, then the light position is stabilized, but access to or visualization of the surgical space through the portal is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The light instrument is extracted from the portal structure itself and repositioned within the retractor's working channel. By removing the light from the portal, the portal remains unobstructed for instrument access, while the light is securely positioned within the retractor to provide stable illumination of the surgical space.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables effective illumination of the surgical space while maintaining minimal invasiveness by allowing flexible positioning and adjustment of the light instrument within the retractor channel, reducing obstruction and improving surgical maneuverability.
Implementation Method 1
a light instrument positionable in the working channel of the retractor with a plurality of light transmitting elements spaced about the distal end thereof
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and devices for illuminating a surgical space during surgery in a patient are provided. A retractor provides a working path for access to a location in the patient. A light instrument is positionable in working channel to emit light at the surgical space without substantially obstructing access to the surgical space.