Laparoscopic Retractor With T-Like Appendage for LESS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laparoendoscopic Single Site Surgery (LESS) requires multiple instruments to be inserted through a single incision, leading to space and mobility issues due to the need for a video camera, dissector, and two separate retractors, which complicates the surgical process.
Innovation Solution
A laparoscopic retractor with a single shaft and a T-like appendage attached by hinges, allowing independent swiveling and rotation, featuring graspers at both ends that can be actuated to retract the gallbladder, reducing the need for multiple instruments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple instruments (video camera, dissector, and two retractors) are inserted through a single incision in LESS, then the surgical procedure can be performed minimally invasively, but space and mobility become constrained making the procedure unwieldy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate retractors into a single integrated retractor device with a T-like appendage structure. This merging reduces the number of instruments from four (two retractors, video camera, dissector) to fewer instruments through the single incision, thereby improving instrument mobility and ease of operation while maintaining the minimally invasive benefit
Solution Approach 2:
The single retractor device with T-like appendage performs multiple functions that previously required separate instruments. The device can simultaneously retract tissue in multiple directions and accommodate other instruments, making it a multi-functional tool that improves operational ease without sacrificing the minimally invasive approach
2Reliability
If two separate retractors are used to retract the fundus and infundibulum, then proper tissue retraction is achieved, but the complexity of the instrument set increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate retractor functions into a single device with a T-like appendage where the vertical portion retracts the fundus and the horizontal portion retracts the infundibulum. This consolidation maintains effective tissue retraction while reducing the number of instruments from two retractors to one, thereby reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The T-like appendage is segmented into distinct portions (vertical and horizontal) that can independently perform different retraction functions. This segmentation allows each portion to specialize in a specific retraction direction while being part of a single integrated device, maintaining retraction effectiveness without requiring multiple separate instruments
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a retractor for use during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.