Medical Fixation Device for Surgical Retractors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical retracting systems require significant personnel and are inefficient, as they rely on manual handling of retractors which can lead to instability and fatigue.
Innovation Solution
A medical fixation device comprising two elongate elements with a secure fixation mechanism, allowing for rotatable connection and secure fixation of surgical instruments like retractors to an operating table, thereby reducing the need for manual assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual handling of surgical retractors is used, then flexibility in retractor positioning is maintained, but personnel requirements increase and stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical retractor system connects directly to the operating table through a fixation device, enabling the system to maintain its own position without requiring manual assistance from surgical staff. The retractor automatically remains stable through the mechanical connection to the table structure.
Solution Approach 2:
A fixation device serves as an intermediary component between the surgical retractor and the operating table. This intermediary structure provides the connection interface that transfers and maintains the retractor's position, eliminating the need for manual holding while ensuring stability.
2Productivity
If manual handling of surgical retractors is used, then ease of operation is maintained, but productivity decreases due to inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor system becomes self-sustaining through direct connection to the operating table, eliminating the need for continuous manual adjustment and assistance. This automation of positioning improves surgical efficiency by freeing personnel for other tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical system is divided into independent functional modules: the retractor for tissue manipulation, the fixation device for positioning, and the operating table for support. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function independently, improving overall system efficiency.
3Extent of automation
If existing external fixation devices are used, then automation of retractor fixation is achieved, but device complexity increases and setup time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation device is designed with universal connection elements that can accommodate different retractor types and operating table configurations. The standardized interface enables quick setup without requiring complex adjustments or specialized components for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation device is pre-configured with connection elements and mounting structures that are ready for immediate attachment to the operating table and retractor. This preliminary preparation eliminates time-consuming assembly steps during surgical procedures.
4Extent of automation
If existing external fixation devices are used, then automation of retractor fixation is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation device is divided into simple, modular components: connection elements for the retractor, mounting structures for the operating table, and support elements. This segmentation reduces overall complexity by using basic mechanical parts rather than complex integrated systems.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of creating a complex automated fixation system, the invention inverts the approach by using simple mechanical connections that naturally provide stability. The fixation relies on basic geometric constraints and mechanical interfaces rather than complex control mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to medical devices and medical device systems for keeping open a wound during surgery as well as to devices and systems for assisting in positioning and keeping in place biological tissue during surgery. More particularly, the present invention relates to medical fixation devices for connecting surgical instruments, such as surgical retractors, to an operating table, as well as medical device sets and medical device systems comprising such medical fixation devices. In addition, the present invention relates to methods for installation of such medical fixation devices, medical device sets and medical device systems.