Cantilever Liver Retraction Device Frictional Abdominal Wall Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laparoscopic surgical devices for liver retraction often cause damage to the liver due to their design, require anchoring to the diaphragm, and obstruct the surgeon's view, failing to provide a clear field of operation.
Innovation Solution
A J or L shaped liver retraction device with a stabilizing member and flexible filament that allows for frictional engagement with the abdominal wall, lifting the liver without anchoring to the diaphragm, and maintaining a clear surgical site.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional retractors with inflatable balloons are used to prevent organ damage, then organ protection is improved, but device size increases and blocks the surgeon's field of view
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a thin, flexible protective film that can be inserted between the retractor and the liver surface. This film provides organ protection without adding significant bulk, thereby maintaining a clear surgical field of view while preventing damage to the liver during retraction procedures
2Object-affected harmful factors
If large retractors are used to protect the organ, then organ protection is improved, but the device blocks the surgeon's field of view
Solution Approach 1:
The protective film is designed to be thin and flexible, providing necessary organ protection while minimizing obstruction of the surgical field. The film's minimal profile ensures that it does not significantly block the surgeon's view or illuminate the surgical area effectively
3Stability of the object's composition
If anchoring to the diaphragm is used to secure the retractor, then retraction stability is improved, but device complexity and surgical difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the diaphragm anchoring component from the retraction device, replacing it with a simpler design that achieves stable retraction through alternative mechanisms such as friction engagement with the abdominal wall or gravity-assisted positioning, thereby reducing device complexity and surgical difficulty
Solution Approach 2:
The retraction device is designed to achieve stable positioning and maintenance of retraction without requiring active anchoring to the diaphragm. The device utilizes self-retaining features such as friction engagement or gravitational forces to maintain position, eliminating the need for complex anchoring procedures
4Ease of operation
If conventional graspers are used to move the liver, then retraction function is achieved, but organ damage occurs due to scraping, puncturing, or bruising
Solution Approach 1:
A thin protective film is placed between the grasper/retractor and the liver surface, allowing the surgical instrument to move and retract the liver effectively while the film prevents direct contact that would cause scraping, puncturing, or bruising of the organ
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
The device effectively lifts the liver without causing damage, maintains a clear surgical field, and is easy to use and cost-effective, allowing for efficient laparoscopic procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The stabilizing member is configured to be brought into frictional engagement with a portion of the abdominal wall of the patient
Data Source
AI summary
Intra-abdominal liver retraction devices and methods of use. One device includes a body, a stabilizing member, and a lifting filament. The stabilizing member is configured to be swiveled so that the device can be introduced through a trocar into the abdomen of a patient. The filament pulls the stabilizing member into engagement with the abdominal wall while a foot section lifts the liver. Another device includes first, second and third sections coupled together by a filament. The first and second sections are pivotably connected by a first pivotable joint. The second and third sections are pivotably connected by a second pivotable joint including the flexible filament. The second and third sections are pivoted with respect to each other to form a support surface to lift the liver by pulling the filament. The second pivotable joint separates to enable the device to be removed.