Dura Cutting Assembly With Elevator Shield for Brain Tissue Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for opening the dura mater during brain surgery are time-consuming and risk damaging underlying brain tissue, requiring two surgeons and involving potential hazards.
Innovation Solution
A surgical device with an elongated handle and a cutting assembly comprising an elevator and retainer, which allows a single surgeon to safely and efficiently cut the dura mater without power, providing precise control and protection to surrounding tissues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two surgeons are used to open the dura mater (one to retract, one to cut), then the cutting can be performed, but the surgical time increases and the risk of brain damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the retraction function (elevator) and cutting function (blade) into a single integrated surgical device. The elevator portion elevates and retracts the dura mater while the cutting blade simultaneously or sequentially cuts the dura, eliminating the need for two separate surgeons to perform these functions separately. This merging of functions reduces surgical time while maintaining safety through the protective shield that prevents accidental brain damage.
2Reliability
If scissors or dental tools are used to cut the dura mater, then cutting is achieved, but the risk of damaging underlying brain tissue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a protective shield as an intermediary element between the cutting blade and the brain tissue. This shield acts as a physical barrier that prevents the blade from accidentally contacting or damaging the underlying brain tissue. The shield works in conjunction with the elevator and retainer to provide controlled, safe cutting while maintaining ease of operation through the integrated design.
3Ease of operation
If a single surgeon operates the device, then control and safety are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the surgical device into distinct functional segments: an elevator portion for retracting the dura, a cutting blade for cutting, a retainer for holding the dura in place, and a protective shield. Each segment performs a specific function, and together they provide comprehensive control to a single surgeon. The segmentation allows for simplified operation while managing complexity through modular functional design.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical device includes an elongated handle and at least one cutting assembly at an end of the handle. The at least one cutting assembly includes an elevator, a retainer located above the elevator, and at least one cutting blade positioned between the elevator and the retainer. The surgical device may be used to cut tissue, such as dura mater during brain surgery.