Flexible Retractor with Integrated Hooks for Surgical Incision Closure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Minimally invasive surgical procedures, such as laparoscopic surgeries, often require significant effort to close the surgical incision after the procedure, as the larger incision size needed for better access complicates the closure process.
Innovation Solution
A surgical access device with a flexible retractor and a wound closure component, such as hooks or a ring with hinges, that can be used to retract tissue and approximate it for easier closure, either through suture strands or an adhesive, allowing for closure without additional tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a larger incision (20-35mm) is made to improve instrument access and range of motion, then surgical access is improved, but wound closure becomes significantly more difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor is designed with integrated wound closure components (sutures, staples, or adhesive application mechanisms) that are prepared in advance. During surgery, after the incision is made and the procedure completed, the closure mechanism is activated to automatically approximate the wound edges, eliminating the need for separate manual closure steps
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines two separate functions - tissue retraction during surgery and wound closure after surgery - into a single integrated device. The retractor structure incorporates closure mechanisms such as pre-attached sutures, staple dispensers, or adhesive delivery systems, allowing both functions to be performed by one device rather than requiring separate instruments
2Adaptability or versatility
If a larger incision is made to accommodate multiple instruments, then surgical versatility is improved, but tissue approximation and closure become more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor design includes self-applying closure mechanisms where the device itself performs the tissue approximation function. For example, elastic retraction forces built into the retractor structure automatically pull wound edges together when the device is removed, or integrated sutures are tensioned by the retractor's own mechanical action during removal
Solution Approach 2:
The retractor employs dynamic closure mechanisms that adapt to the specific incision size and tissue characteristics. Elastic materials provide progressive retraction forces that adjust to tissue resistance, and movable components allow the closure mechanism to be activated at the optimal moment during device removal
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and devices are provided to allow the same component used to access a surgical site to assist in closing the surgical opening in which it was disposed. In one exemplary embodiment a flexible retractor is provided that includes proximal and distal ends and a lumen extending therethrough. A wound closure component is associated with the flexible retractor and is configured to engage tissue adjacent to a surgical incision in which the retractor is disposed and move tissue from one side of the surgical incision toward a second side of the surgical incision to assist in closing the surgical incision. In one embodiment the wound closure component includes strands of suture having hooks disposed on a distal end. In another embodiment the wound closure component includes a ring having hooks disposed around a circumference of the ring. Exemplary methods for closing a surgical opening are also provided.