Fenestrated Tongue Retractor for Distributed Smoke Suction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical tools for controlling smoke plume and aerosol particles during head and neck procedures, such as tonsillectomies, are inadequate due to single suction ports that are acutely angled and not grooved for endotracheal tubes, limiting access and effectiveness in capturing viral particulates.
Innovation Solution
A fenestrated tongue retractor with grooved channels for endotracheal tubes and multiple suction ports along its length, allowing hands-free operation and enhanced smoke and aerosol capture, with angled attachments for easy connection to suction tubing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single suction port is used at the distal end of the retractor, then the device structure is simple, but the smoke plume control effectiveness is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The suction retractor is divided into multiple functional zones along its length, with multiple suction ports distributed at different positions (distal end, intermediate, and proximal regions). This segmentation allows each port to capture smoke plume at different locations, significantly improving overall smoke control effectiveness while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The suction ports are arranged in multiple dimensions along the retractor body, including longitudinal distribution along the length and lateral distribution on different surfaces. This multi-dimensional arrangement creates comprehensive smoke capture coverage throughout the oral cavity, transforming a single-point suction into a distributed multi-point suction system
2Ease of manufacture
If the suction port is acutely angled, then the device is easier to manufacture, but the access to connect suction tubing is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
Different suction ports are designed with different angles and orientations according to their specific locations and functional requirements. The distal suction port may have one angle optimized for smoke capture, while intermediate and proximal ports have different angles optimized for their respective connection accessibility, allowing each local region to have optimal properties for its specific function
3Device complexity
If the retractor is not grooved for endotracheal tubes, then the device structure is simpler, but the operational versatility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor is designed with a groove that can accommodate an endotracheal tube, allowing the same device to serve multiple functions: both as a smoke suction retractor and as a device that provides structural support and positioning for endotracheal tubes. This multi-functionality increases operational versatility without significantly complicating the overall device structure
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, hands-free smoke and aerosol removal during surgeries, minimizing contamination risks and improving surgical safety by ensuring comprehensive capture of particulates near the oral/nasopharyngeal source.
Implementation Method 1
multiple suction ports along its length, allowing hands-free operation and enhanced smoke and aerosol capture
Data Source
AI summary
A tongue blade (retractor) with fenestrated suction ports along the length of the blade to remove (suction) smoke, fluid and/or particulate from the oral cavity during surgery (e.g. tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy, oral cavity/tongue/airway procedures). This blade can connect to routine mouth retractors and commonly available suction tubing. It has a groove along the length of the blade to accommodate endotracheal tubes for stabilization and to minimize pressure against the tongue during retraction.