Flexible Contact Member for Surgical Retractors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surgical retractor tools face challenges due to their fixed-shape and fixed-sized retractor members, which lack adjustment options and concentrate forces at specific engagement points, leading to inadequate tissue engagement and potential tissue damage.
Innovation Solution
A support apparatus comprising a first sleeve, a second sleeve, and a flexible contact member, which can be coupled to endoscopic tools to modify their engagement with tissue or organs. The flexible contact member moves between a collapsed and expanded configuration based on the orientation of the tool members, allowing for improved tissue engagement and distribution of forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional surgical retractors use fixed-shape and fixed-sized retractor members, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability to different tissue types and surgical procedures is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor member transitions from a fixed configuration to a dynamic one, capable of changing shape and size. The framework structure allows the retractor blades to move between collapsed and expanded configurations, enabling adaptation to different tissue types and surgical procedures while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractor is divided into multiple movable retractor blades rather than a single fixed member. This segmentation allows each blade to independently engage with tissue and enables the overall structure to adapt to different anatomical configurations through relative movement of the segmented components.
2Force
If conventional surgical retractors use fixed-shape retractor members, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the ability to distribute forces evenly across tissue is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The movable retractor blades can dynamically adjust their positions and orientations to distribute forces more evenly across the tissue surface. The framework structure enables the blades to spread out and contact tissue at multiple points rather than concentrating force at single engagement points, reducing the risk of tissue damage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional surgical retractors use single flexible retractor member, then the device is compact for insertion, but the engagement options with tissue are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The single flexible retractor member is segmented into multiple movable blades that can independently engage with tissue. This segmentation maintains the compact collapsed configuration for insertion while providing multiple engagement options when expanded, as each blade can contact tissue at different locations and angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractor blades move from a one-dimensional collapsed linear configuration to a multi-dimensional expanded configuration when engaged with tissue. This dimensional transition enables the blades to engage tissue at multiple points and orientations, significantly increasing engagement options while maintaining compactness during insertion.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional surgical retractors concentrate forces at engagement members, then the retractor structure is simple, but tissue damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable retractor blades dynamically adjust their positions to distribute contact forces across multiple tissue engagement points rather than concentrating force at single points. The framework structure enables the blades to spread the mechanical load, reducing peak stresses on the tissue and minimizing the risk of damage.
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 support apparatus enhances the engagement of surgical retractors with tissue, reducing the risk of tissue damage by distributing forces more evenly and providing adjustable engagement options, thereby improving the effectiveness of retractor functions during surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible contact member, which can be coupled to endoscopic tools to modify their engagement with tissue or organs. The flexible contact member moves between a collapsed and expanded configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A support apparatus for a medical device includes a first sleeve, a second sleeve, and a flexible contact member. The first sleeve is configured to be coupled to a first tool member of an end effector assembly that includes the first tool member, a second tool member, and a clevis, in which the first and second tool members are each rotatably coupled to the clevis such that second tool member can be moved relative to the first tool member between a first and a second orientation. The second sleeve is configured to be coupled to the second tool member. The flexible contact member is coupled to the first sleeve and the second sleeve, and is configured be moved between a collapsed configuration when the second tool member is in the first orientation and an expanded configuration when the second tool member is in the second orientation.