Force-Sensing Rib Clip for Thoracotomy Retraction Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thoracotomy procedures face challenges in assessing the force applied to rib bones during retraction, leading to potential trauma, such as rib fracture or nerve damage, as existing shields do not provide feedback on applied force and require surgeons to adapt their techniques for force-sensing retractors.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of sensor-enabled rib clips that provide real-time feedback, compatible with any retractor, offering force feedback in the desired direction and allowing for disposable use, with additional sensing capabilities like accelerometers and proximity sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If force-sensing retractors are used to provide feedback on applied force, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and surgeons must adapt their techniques
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the force-sensing functionality into separate rib clips that can be attached to individual ribs, rather than requiring a completely instrumented retractor system. This segmentation allows force measurement at specific locations while keeping the overall system modular and compatible with existing retractors
Solution Approach 2:
Rib clips serve as intermediary devices between the retractor and the rib bone. These clips provide the force-sensing capability without requiring the retractor itself to be complex or modified, acting as a mediator that enables measurement while maintaining compatibility with standard surgical instruments
2Object-generated harmful factors
If shields are applied to rib bones to prevent trauma, then object-generated harmful factors are reduced, but loss of information occurs as no feedback is provided on applied force
Solution Approach 1:
The rib clips incorporate force sensors that provide real-time feedback on the magnitude of force being applied to the rib bone. This feedback loop allows surgeons to monitor applied forces and adjust their technique to prevent trauma, combining the protective function of shields with the information capability of sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The rib clips serve multiple functions simultaneously: they act as protective shields for the rib bone, provide force measurement capability, and deliver real-time feedback to the surgeon. This multi-functionality eliminates the need to choose between protection and information provision
3Measurement precision
If preferred retractors are used with force-sensing capability, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates as surgeons must adapt techniques
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows for dynamic adjustment of force thresholds and feedback parameters during surgery. Surgeons can set acceptable force ranges and receive alerts when thresholds are approached, allowing flexible adaptation to different surgical scenarios without requiring complete technique retraining
Solution Approach 2:
The rib clips and sensors are designed to integrate seamlessly with existing retractor systems, requiring minimal modification to surgical workflow. The system serves itself by providing automatic force monitoring and feedback without requiring surgeons to learn entirely new operational procedures
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
Reduces post-operative complications, hospital stay lengths, and chronic pain by providing accurate force feedback, reducing the need for preferred surgical technique adaptations and minimizing trauma.
Implementation Method 1
a load cell positioned between the upper shell and the lower shell
Data Source
AI summary
A force-sensing rib clip comprises an upper shell, a lower shell and a rib clip. The upper shell comprises an elongate body, an exterior surface of the elongate body, a rib-receiving channel extending along an interior surface of the upper shell and a ridge extending along the rib-receiving channel. The lower shell is configured to mate with the exterior surface. The load cell is positioned between the upper shell and the lower shell. A method of receiving feedback during a rib retraction procedure comprises attaching a force-sensing rib clip to a first rib bone, inserting a rib retractor into an intercostal space between the first rib bone and a second rib bone, applying retraction force to the first rib bone and the second rib bone through the force-sensing rib clip, outputting force-sensor data from the force-sensing rib clip to an interrogation device, and displaying force indicia on the interrogation device.