Flexible Securement Arm for Cervical Retraction Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current retraction devices for cervical spinal surgery lack adjustability and stability, leading to increased procedural time, expense, and risk of injury due to manual handling and potential blade mismanagement during procedures like disc removal and bone grafting.
Innovation Solution
A retractor system with a flexible securement arm that articulates between a frame assembly and a retractor blade, allowing for securement and adjustment to maintain optimal access and visibility, featuring a pivot joint and serrated surfaces to restrict unwanted rotation, enabling secure positioning without manual handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual handling of retractor blades is used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to increased risk of injury and blade mismanagement
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor blade system performs self-service by automatically securing itself to the patient's anatomy through the distal portion engagement mechanism, eliminating the need for continuous manual handling while maintaining reliable positioning throughout the surgical procedure
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible securement arm acts as an intermediary component that connects the retractor blade to the frame assembly, providing a reliable mechanical linkage that maintains blade position without requiring direct manual intervention during the procedure
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid constraint of retractor blade is applied, then stability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates due to inability to accommodate surgical site movement
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible securement arm introduces dynamic adaptability to the retractor system, allowing the blade to accommodate natural movement and adjustment of the surgical site while maintaining stable retraction through the articulated connection to the frame assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the constraint parameter from rigid to flexible through the securement arm mechanism, enabling the retractor blade to adapt to varying surgical conditions while maintaining sufficient stability for the procedure through controlled articulation
3Productivity
If fixed positioning of retractor blade is used, then productivity is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to lack of adjustability
Solution Approach 1:
The articulated securement arm provides dynamic positioning capability, allowing the retractor blade to be adjusted and repositioned during the procedure while maintaining efficient operation through the mechanical advantage provided by the frame assembly connection
Data Source
AI summary
A retractor system includes a retractor blade that is securable to a portion of a patient's anatomy during a surgical procedure. The retractor system includes a manipulator that is releasably securable to the retractor blade for positioning and securing the retractor blade. The retractor system includes a flexible securement arm that movably secures the retractor blade to a frame, wherein a proximal end of the retractor blade is non-rigidly constrained. The securement arm is secured to the retractor blade proximate to one end of the securement arm, and is secured to a retractor frame proximate to another end of the securement arm.