Surgical Access Device Internal Retractor Abdominal Cavity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical access devices face challenges in maintaining a clear operative area within the abdominal cavity while limiting the access area, especially during laparoscopic and single-incision surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A surgical access device comprising an internal retractor integrated with or coupled to a wound retractor, allowing for adjustable control of internal structures within the body cavity to define a surgical field.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If smaller incisions are used for laparoscopic surgery, then patient trauma and recovery time are reduced, but maintaining a clear operative area and controlling internal structures becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the retraction function into two separate components: a wound retractor that manages the incision site and an internal retractor that controls internal structures. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, enabling effective structure control through small incisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The internal retractor is designed to be insertable through the wound retractor, creating a nested configuration. The internal retractor can be advanced through the tubular sheath of the wound retractor to reach internal structures, allowing both functions to work together through a single small incision.
2Ease of operation
If a larger single incision is used to accommodate multiple instruments, then access to the abdominal cavity is improved, but the benefit of minimally invasive surgery is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The combined device serves multiple functions through a single incision: the wound retractor maintains the incision opening, the tubular sheath provides a stable access channel, and the internal retractor controls internal structures. This multi-functionality allows adequate access while maintaining a single small incision site.
Solution Approach 2:
The tubular sheath acts as an intermediary component that connects the wound retractor to the internal retractor. It provides a stable pathway through which the internal retractor can be advanced and manipulated, enabling structure control without requiring a larger incision.
3Ease of operation
If gauze pads and sponges are used to dam up displaced structures, then internal structures can be controlled, but the pads and sponges are difficult to place through small incisions and can slip during surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The device replaces the mechanical friction-based retention of gauze pads and sponges with a structured mechanical retraction system. The internal retractor's frame and arms provide positive mechanical engagement with internal structures through hooks, loops, or grasping surfaces, eliminating the slipping problem of soft damping materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The internal retractor is designed with adjustable parameters including the configuration of its frame, the position and angle of its arms, and the type of retention features (hooks, loops, grasping surfaces). These adjustable parameters allow optimization of the retention mechanism for different surgical scenarios and tissue types.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, methods, and systems provide a surgical access device comprising an internal retractor device integrated with or coupled to a body wall or wound retractor. The wound retractor retracts an opening in a body wall into a body cavity, while the internal retractor permits a user to control the positions of internal structures within the body cavity, thereby permitting a user to define a surgical field. Embodiments of the internal retractor are adjustable.