Foldable Vaginal Retractor with Integrated Absorbent Panel

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vaginal retractors are inadequate for post-partum laceration repair due to limited access, visibility, and stability issues, particularly in swollen tissues, and often cause increased blood loss and infection risks.

Innovation Solution

A foldable retractor with a biased frame and compliant panel that expands within the vaginal canal to provide improved visualization and tissue support, minimizing slippage and discomfort, while absorbing fluids to maintain a clear surgical field.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If standard bladed retractors are used, then the vaginal canal can be opened for examination, but the swollen labia expand around the blades and impinge on the field of vision

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefield of visionVSAvoiddifficulty of repair

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The retractor is divided into multiple components: a speculum portion with blades for opening the vaginal canal, and separate retracting members that can be independently positioned to hold back labial tissues. This segmentation allows the blades to provide access while the separate retracting members clear the field of vision from obstructing tissues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The retracting members act as intermediary elements between the blades and the labial tissues. These members are positioned to engage and hold back the swollen labia, serving as a mediator that prevents the tissues from impinging on the surgical field while allowing the blades to remain in place.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Area of stationary object

If metal blades with handles are used, then the vaginal canal can be opened, but the handles suspend externally and obstruct the range of movement of the surgeon

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgical workspaceVSAvoidrange of movement

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The handles are extracted from the surgical field and repositioned to extend from the patient's body rather than suspending within the vaginal canal. This removes the obstructing elements from the surgical workspace while maintaining the functional capability of the retractor to hold the vaginal canal open.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The handles are repositioned in a different spatial dimension - extending outward from the patient's body rather than suspending within the vaginal canal. This dimensional change eliminates the obstruction to surgical movement while preserving the retractor's primary function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Area of stationary object

If blades are inserted against the side walls of the vagina, then access to the vaginal canal is achieved, but the blades must be manipulated or removed to access lacerations on the side wall or sulcus

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to vaginal canalVSAvoidtime to complete repair

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The retractor system is segmented into blades for opening the canal and separate retracting members for holding back specific tissue structures. This allows the blades to remain stationary providing continuous access while the retracting members are positioned to expose difficult-to-reach areas such as side wall lacerations and sulci without requiring blade manipulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Illumination intensity

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

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisualization qualityVSAvoidrisk of retained foreign object

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The absorbent pad is merged with the retractor structure itself, forming an integrated unit. The pad is positioned within the speculum blades and held in place by the retractor's own structure, eliminating the need for separate sponge placement. This integration ensures the absorbent element remains securely attached and cannot be inadvertently left inside the vagina.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The retractor structure itself provides the fluid absorption function through its integrated pad, rather than requiring separate sponges. The retractor's design incorporates the absorbent element as part of its own structure, allowing it to serve its primary retraction function while simultaneously managing fluid absorption without external assistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11759101B2Retractor for vaginal repair

Publication Date: 2023.09.19 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.