Low Profile Surgical Retactor Clamp With Elevated Blade Arm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical retractors used in open heart procedures have a high profile, leading to difficulties in accessing the surgical site due to entanglement of sutures, which prolongs surgery and causes frustration for surgeons, and do not provide optimal visibility and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A low profile retractor clamp system with a gripping assembly, main body, extension arm, retractor blade arm, and securement assembly, which includes a threaded member and adjustment knob for secure positioning and retraction, allowing for improved access and visibility during surgical procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional high profile retractor is used, then the retractor can provide structural stability and holding force, but it causes suture entanglement and reduces accessibility to the surgical site
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor blade arm is positioned at a retractor blade arm level above the arm level, creating a multi-level spatial arrangement. The extension arm connects the main body at arm level to the retractor blade arm at the elevated level, effectively using vertical dimension to separate the retractor structure from the surgical site plane, reducing profile interference while maintaining retraction function
Solution Approach 2:
The retractor is divided into distinct functional segments: a gripping assembly for engaging the spreader at arm level, an extension arm connecting to the main body, and a retractor blade arm positioned at an elevated level. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function independently at optimized positions, reducing overall profile interference
2Ease of operation
If the retractor clamp is positioned at arm level, then the securement assembly is accessible to the operator, but the retractor blade arm must extend to a higher level
Solution Approach 1:
The extension arm extends from the main body at an obtuse angle (about 120 degrees from the top surface), utilizing three-dimensional spatial arrangement to achieve both accessibility at arm level and elevated positioning of the retractor blade arm. This angular extension optimizes the length required while maintaining both accessibility and elevated positioning
3Ease of operation
If the retractor blade arm extends perpendicular to the extension arm forming an L shape, then the retractor blade arm can extend parallel to the spreader arms, but the extension arm must extend at an obtuse angle
Solution Approach 1:
The extension arm extends from the main body at an asymmetric obtuse angle (about 120 degrees from the top surface) rather than a symmetric perpendicular or parallel arrangement. This asymmetric angular configuration optimizes the spatial relationship between the gripping assembly at arm level and the retractor blade arm at the elevated level, enabling proper alignment while minimizing interference
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 low profile retractor clamp system reduces the risk of suture entanglement, enhances visibility, and improves ease of use by providing a more efficient and accessible surgical site, thereby facilitating successful surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The securement assembly includes a threaded member extending substantially at the arm level and substantially perpendicular to the at least one of the first arm, second arm, and cross-bar when the retractor clamp is secured to the at least one of the first arm, second arm, and cross-bar
Data Source
AI summary
A retractor clamp is provided for a low profile retractor system including a spreader including first and second arms joined by a cross-bar. The first and second arms define an arm level. The refractor clamp includes a gripping assembly, a main body, an extension arm, a retractor blade arm, and a securement assembly. The refractor clamp is movably and securably joined along the at least one of the first arm, second arm, and cross-bar at substantially the arm level. The refractor blade arm is joined to the main body by the extension arm, and is positioned at a refractor blade arm level above the arm level. The refractor blade arm accepts a blade clamp. The securement assembly includes an adjustment member accessible by an operator substantially at the arm level. The securement assembly is operatively connected to the gripping assembly.