Foldable Trapezoidal Vaginal Retractor for Swollen Tissue Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vaginal retractors are inadequate for post-partum laceration repair due to limited access, slippage, discomfort, and difficulty in visualization, especially in swollen tissues, and often obstruct the surgical field with external handles and require additional absorbent sponges that can cause complications.

Innovation Solution

A foldable retractor with a trapezoidal frame and compliant panel that expands within the vaginal canal to provide improved access and visualization, featuring bendable crimps and stability posts to secure the frame in place, and an absorbent panel to manage fluids, minimizing slippage and discomfort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If bladed retractors are used to create surgical workspace, then exposure is provided, but the swollen labia expand around the blades and impinge on the field of vision

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgical workspaceVSAvoidfield of vision

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The retractor uses a flexible, thin-walled cylindrical structure that can be inserted into the vaginal canal and expanded to provide retraction. The flexible material allows the device to conform to the swollen labia without being impinged upon, maintaining clear visualization of the surgical field while creating adequate workspace.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The retractor transitions from a collapsed insertion state to an expanded working state. This dynamic transformation allows the device to adapt to the anatomical conditions, providing sufficient retraction and exposure while accommodating the swollen tissues without compromising the field of vision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If metal blades with handles are used, then retraction is achieved, but the handles suspend externally and cause the retractor to slip or displace due to weight

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretraction capabilityVSAvoidposition stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The design removes the external handles from the retractor structure. The retraction function is achieved through the expansion of the cylindrical body itself, which engages with the vaginal walls to provide stable retraction without external suspending elements that could cause slippage or displacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The retractor is self-retaining through its expanded cylindrical configuration that engages with the vaginal canal walls. The device maintains its own position through the mechanical engagement of its structure with the anatomy, eliminating the need for external handles that compromise stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If bladed retractors are inserted against side walls, then initial placement is achieved, but the blades must be manipulated or removed to access lacerations on vaginal side wall or sulcus

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinitial insertionVSAvoidrepair efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible cylindrical structure can be positioned within the vaginal canal and then expanded to provide comprehensive exposure of all vaginal walls and sulci. This allows the surgeon to access lacerations on any surface including the side walls and sulci without manipulating or removing the retractor, maintaining continuous exposure throughout the repair process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If secondary sponge placement is used to absorb fluids, then visualization is improved, but the sponge can become entangled with retractor or sutures and be inadvertently left inside the vagina

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisualization qualityVSAvoidinfection risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The absorbent material is integrated as an inherent component of the retractor device rather than being a separate secondary element. This unified design ensures the absorbent material remains securely attached to the retractor throughout the procedure, eliminating the risk of entanglement with sutures or inadvertent retention in the vagina, while continuing to provide fluid absorption and improved visualization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11026671B2Retractor for vaginal repair

Publication Date: 2021.06.08 MODERN SURGICAL SOLUTIONS

AI summary

A self-expanding retractor is described for placement within the vaginal canal of a post-partum female to aid in performing a vaginal repair. The retractor provides improved exposure and enhanced visualization of an episiotomy or vaginal laceration repair site. The retractor is typically in the form of a foldable, trapezoidal frame defining a central aperture, and includes anterior stability posts at its corners and a panel spanning the central aperture. The panel is typically in the form of a surgical gauze pad for absorbing blood and fluids entering the surgical field. The retractor can be folded by a user for placement within the vaginal canal and then released, which allows it to expand to hold back swollen tissues from obstructing the repair site. The retractor is typically lightweight and compact and is configured to minimize slippage during use.