Flexible Surgical Retraction Frame with Adhesive Anchors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical retraction systems compromise visualization and access to the operative site, require multiple personnel for manual operation, and are prone to instability and infection risks due to the need for frequent adjustments and repositioning, especially during procedures involving intraoperative motion.
Innovation Solution
A flexible surgical retraction system with a frame composed of biocompatible materials, featuring anchor points and stabilizing members with adhesive layers, suction, or magnets to secure the system to the patient's anatomy, allowing deformation in one plane while resisting deformation in another, and incorporating antimicrobial agents for infection control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If rigid metal retractor frames are used to provide stable retraction, then retraction stability is improved, but the system compromises surgical field visualization and access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible retractor frame made of elastomeric material that can deform to accommodate surgical site geometry and patient anatomy. This flexibility allows the frame to provide stable retraction forces while maintaining a low profile that does not obstruct the surgical field visualization or access, resolving the contradiction between stability and visualization area.
2Stability of the object's composition
If mechanical holding arms are used to prevent frame movement, then frame stability is improved, but device complexity and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible retractor frame is designed to be self-stabilizing through its material properties and geometric configuration. The elastomeric material inherently resists deformation under load, and the frame's shape is optimized to distribute retraction forces evenly, eliminating the need for additional mechanical holding arms or complex stabilization mechanisms.
3Force
If traditional retractor frames are used during procedures requiring intraoperative motion, then initial retraction is achieved, but the system requires frequent repositioning
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor frame is designed with dynamic flexibility, allowing it to deform and adapt as the surgical site changes during the procedure. The elastomeric material enables the frame to accommodate intraoperative motion such as joint manipulation while maintaining continuous retraction forces, eliminating the need for frequent repositioning and extending the effective duration of action.
4Stability of the object's composition
If multiple elastic stays are used to anchor the frame, then frame positioning is achieved, but infection risk increases due to multiple anchor points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for multiple elastic stays penetrating the tissue by using a flexible frame that can be positioned and secured with minimal anchor points. The frame's flexibility allows it to conform to the surgical site geometry, distributing stabilization forces across a broader area and reducing the number of penetration points, thereby lowering infection risk while maintaining positioning stability.
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 system provides stable and secure retraction with reduced risk of infection and improved visualization, enabling efficient and balanced retraction forces without the need for multiple personnel, allowing for intraoperative repositioning and minimizing complications.
Implementation Method 1
a first adhesive layer applied to a second surface of the frame, the first adhesive layer configured to secure the frame to a patient
Implementation Method 2
a suction apparatus configured to secure the frame to a patient
Implementation Method 3
a magnet configured to secure the frame to a patient
Data Source
AI summary
The system includes a frame composed of materials and geometry allowing selective deformation in a plane perpendicular to a patient's anatomy at the surgical site but resisting deformation in a plane parallel to the anatomy. The frame is connected to stabilizing features and sheets, which are attached to adhesive to secure the frame to the patient. The features, sheets, and adhesive layers extend both into and beyond the frame. An integrated sheet covers the prospective incision site on the patient. When positioned at the site, the frame conforms to the patient. Anchor points are distributed along the frame to reversibly secure and provide a stable base for surgical retractors, even when unilaterally applied. By adaptable positioning and design of the stabilizing members and adhesive layers on the frame, the system is able to provide optimal tractional stability when experiencing tensile loads in myriad surgical environments including ophthalmic and spinal surgery.