Flexible Sling Liver Retraction Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laparoscopic surgical devices often damage organs like the liver during retraction due to their size and design, which can obstruct the surgeon's view and increase procedural complexity.
Innovation Solution
A compact, flexible intra-abdominal liver retraction device comprising a translucent sling with a stiffening member, an anchor, and a lifting filament, allowing for safe and effective liver retraction without obstructing the surgical site, featuring a hook member for secure diaphragmatic attachment and easy manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional retractors are used to lift the liver, then the liver can be moved to clear the surgical field, but the organ is susceptible to being scraped, punctured, bruised or otherwise damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible, thin film retractor that conforms to the organ surface without rigid edges or structures that could cause damage. The film is sufficiently compliant to avoid scraping, puncturing, or bruising the liver while providing adequate retraction force to clear the surgical field.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a protective intermediary layer between the retractor and the liver organ. This intermediary structure distributes contact forces across a larger surface area and prevents concentrated stresses that could lead to organ damage, effectively mediating the interaction between the retraction mechanism and the delicate tissue.
2Reliability
If inflatable balloons are used to avoid organ damage, then the organ is protected from damage, but the retractors are rather large and block the field of view of the surgeon
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces bulky inflatable balloons with a thin, flexible film retractor that provides equivalent organ protection with minimal profile. The thin film structure maintains protective functionality while occupying significantly less space in the surgical field, thereby improving the surgeon's field of view without sacrificing organ safety.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If larger retractors are used to protect the organ, then the organ is protected from damage, but the field of view of the surgeon is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes a thin film construction that provides comprehensive organ coverage and protection without the bulk associated with traditional retractors. The film's flexibility allows it to drape over the organ surface, maintaining protective function while presenting a minimal visual obstruction to the surgeon's field of view.
Data Source
AI summary
An intra-abdominal liver retraction device and methods of use. The device includes a flexible sling, an anchor and a filament. The sling has a base edge and a pair of side edges tapering toward a leading edge. The sling also includes a stiffener extending across it adjacent the base edge to enable it to be gathered and inserted through a port into the abdomen, whereupon it can be opened. The anchor is configured to be releasably secured to the diaphragm with the base edge adjacent the diaphragm so that the liver can be disposed on the sling. The filament is connected to the sling adjacent the leading edge and configured to be drawn through an aperture in the abdominal wall to lift the sling with the liver thereon upwards.