Deformable Resilient Surgical Retractor for Bowel Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
During hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery, small bowel loops frequently prolapse into the surgical field, obscuring visualization and posing risks due to existing retraction methods that either injure patients or cause surgical complications such as strangulation.
Innovation Solution
A biocompatible deformable retractor with a resilient frame and membrane that can be self-extending and self-retaining, allowing for deployment inside the body cavity to retract organs and create a clear surgical space, while being adjustable in size and shape to accommodate various surgical needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the operating table is positioned into steep Trendelenberg position to prevent small bowel prolapse, then bowel retraction is improved, but patient injury and positional hypotension risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a retractor device as an intermediary tool between the gravitational force (Trendelenberg position) and the bowel loops. The retractor with membrane and frame structure physically supports and retracts the bowel loops directly, eliminating the need to use extreme table positioning as a mechanical substitute, thereby preventing patient injury and hypotension while achieving reliable bowel retraction
2Reliability
If laparotomy pads or towels are used to pack small bowel proximally, then bowel retraction is achieved, but risk of surgical complications from retained foreign material increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable retractor device that is intentionally designed to be used once and then discarded. This eliminates the risk of retaining foreign material (like lapsratomy pads or towels) inside the abdomen, as the retractor is removed completely after surgery. The device provides effective bowel retraction during surgery and then is discarded, avoiding any complication from retained foreign objects
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane of the retractor is preferably transparent, allowing surgical personnel to visually confirm whether the retractor is present or has been inadvertently left inside the abdomen. This transparency feature directly addresses the hazard of retained foreign material by enabling easy detection and verification of device removal, preventing surgical complications from missed retractors
3Reliability
If a plastic bag with pull-cord is used to retract small bowel, then bowel containment is achieved, but strangulation risk from mesenteric blood supply constriction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible membrane made of biocompatible material that can conform to the bowel loops without creating rigid constriction points. Unlike a plastic bag with a pull-cord that creates a single tight constriction point, the flexible membrane distributes pressure evenly across the bowel surface, maintaining mesenteric blood supply while achieving effective bowel containment and retraction
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane is designed with inherent cushioning properties to prevent excessive pressure on the bowel and mesenteric vessels. The material and structure provide a protective interface between the retraction force and the delicate bowel tissue, preventing strangulation before it can occur by distributing and softening the retraction pressure
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
The retractor effectively maintains a clear surgical field by retracting small bowel loops out of the pelvis, reducing the risk of patient injury and surgical complications, and can be easily repositioned or removed, enhancing surgical accessibility and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a biocompatible retractor comprises a retractor body comprising a deformable resilient frame defining a central opening and a deformable membrane coupled to the deformable resilient frame... wherein the deformable resilient frame is arranged to vary the size of the central opening and is arranged for complete disposal within the body of a patient
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems, devices, and methods capable of retracting organs are disclosed. In one embodiment, a retractor body comprises a deformable resilient frame defining a central opening and a deformable membrane extending across a portion of the central opening wherein the deformable resilient frame is arranged for complete disposal within the body of a patient and for varying the size of the central opening. In some exemplary embodiments, the retractor is arranged to form a helically coiled arrangement for insertion into the body of a patient. Delivery devices for delivering a deformable resilient retractor and methods of delivery are also disclosed.