Integrated Surgical Retactor with Suction Cavity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current surgical retractors and suction devices used in orthopedic surgeries are cumbersome to operate simultaneously, hindering the operator's movement and visibility, as they require separate instruments for tissue retraction and debris removal.

Innovation Solution

A surgical retractor with integrated suction capabilities, featuring a cylindrical body, retractor arm, suction connector, and inner cavity, allowing for tissue retraction and debris collection from a single instrument, reducing the need for additional devices and enhancing operator mobility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate suction device is used alongside surgical retractor, then debris collection function is provided, but operator movement freedom is reduced and view is blocked

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional capabilityVSAvoidoperator mobility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the suction device and retractor into a single integrated instrument. The retractor body includes an internal cavity that receives a suction catheter, allowing both tissue retraction and debris suction to be performed simultaneously through one instrument rather than requiring separate devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The surgical instrument performs multiple functions: it acts as both a retractor to hold and reposition tissue, and as a suction device to collect blood, fluid, smoke, and surgical debris. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for a separate suction device operated by an assistant

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate suction device is used alongside surgical retractor, then debris collection function is provided, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional capabilityVSAvoidnumber of instruments
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the suction device and retractor into a single integrated instrument. The retractor body includes an internal cavity that receives a suction catheter, allowing both tissue retraction and debris suction to be performed simultaneously through one instrument rather than requiring separate devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10507014B1Surgical retractor
Publication Date: 2019.12.17 KING SAUD UNIVERSITY
  • US10507014B1 patent drawing
  • US10507014B1 patent drawing
  • US10507014B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A surgical retractor includes an elongated body having a handle portion, a retractor arm connected to the handle portion, a retractor tip at an end of the retractor arm, and a suction connector extending through a wall of the handle portion. An inner retractor cavity extends within the retractor from the suction connector to an opening at an outer surface of the retractor tip. The suction connector can be selectively connected to an external suction or vacuum device. The surgical retractor can be used to hold and/or move tissues to expose a surgical field and to collect blood, fluid, smoke, and/or surgical debris from a surgical field.