Lateral Access Alignment Guide With Rigid Arm Surgical Support
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spinal surgery instruments, particularly for lateral access, suffer from instability due to the 'springboard effect' and require excessive use of X-ray imaging, which complicates positioning and access to the surgical site.
Innovation Solution
The development of surgical rigid arms and frames that provide rigid support for surgical instruments, allowing for precise positioning and alignment using adjustable linear actuators and bearing joints, and alignment guides that facilitate accurate placement of retractor systems without the need for extensive X-ray imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If surgical clamps with long extended arms are used to connect the retractor system, then access to the surgical site is improved, but the springboard effect occurs causing instability
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid arm is divided into multiple segments connected by joints, allowing the structure to adapt to different positions while maintaining stability. The segmented design enables the arm to reach the surgical site without creating excessive leverage that would cause the springboard effect.
Solution Approach 2:
A counterbalance mechanism is introduced as an intermediary element between the retractor system and the surgical bed. This counterbalance mechanism offsets the springboard effect by providing equal and opposite force, thereby stabilizing the retractor system during surgery.
2Measurement precision
If X-ray imaging is used extensively for positioning the retractor assembly, then alignment precision is improved, but the operating space requirements and procedure time increase
Solution Approach 1:
Alignment guides are introduced as intermediary tools that facilitate precise positioning without requiring extensive X-ray imaging. These guides provide visual and physical reference markers that enable accurate alignment of the retractor assembly while minimizing the need for complex imaging procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/X-ray imaging system with a guidance system that uses visual markers and mechanical alignment features. This substitution reduces the dependency on X-ray equipment and simplifies the positioning process while maintaining precision.
3Ease of operation
If the retractor assembly is positioned vertically to the target surgical site, then access is improved, but alignment becomes challenging within restricted operating space
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid arm incorporates adjustable joints and segments that allow dynamic repositioning. This enables the arm to adapt to different surgical site configurations and maintain optimal alignment angles, making it easier to position the retractor assembly vertically while overcoming the constraints of restricted operating space.
Solution Approach 2:
Alignment guides serve as intermediary reference systems that simplify the alignment process. These guides provide clear visual and mechanical references that enable precise positioning of the retractor assembly at the desired vertical orientation, reducing the difficulty of alignment within the restricted surgical space.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a surgical rigid arm (100, 150, 200, 900) includes a first portion (102, 152, 202, 902), a second portion (103, 153, 203, 903) and a central portion (105, 154, 205, 906), where the central portion is extends between the first and second portions. A first end of the first portion and a second end of the second portion are each attached to a peripheral side (14) of a surgical bed (10, 30) such that the first portion and the second portion extend from the surgical bed in a first direction. The central portion extends substantially horizontally and is positioned over the surgical bed, the central portion being connected to the surgical instrument such that a load from the surgical instrument is distributed across the central portion to the first portion and second portion to provide rigid support for the surgical instrument.