Modular Retractor with Articulating Blades
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surgical retractors are limited in their ability to simultaneously expand and articulate multiple modular blades, leading to tissue creep into the surgical site and requiring multiple mechanical means for articulation.
Innovation Solution
A modular retractor system featuring primary and supplemental blades that can be independently added or removed, allowing for simultaneous expansion and articulation of multiple blades using a handle with annular retaining rings and a ball and socket mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional retractors use a limited number of fixed blades, then the device complexity is reduced, but tissue can creep into the surgical site between the blades
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor system is divided into multiple independent modular blades (primary blades and supplemental blades) that can be individually positioned and articulated. Each blade operates independently to prevent tissue creep, while the modular design allows flexible configuration without requiring a complete increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractors incorporate articulation mechanisms that allow each blade to dynamically adjust its position and angle. This dynamic capability enables simultaneous expansion and articulation of multiple blades, maintaining constant contact with tissue to prevent creep while adapting to the surgical site geometry.
2Ease of operation
If conventional retractors articulate blades, then access to surgical site is improved, but multiple mechanical means are required for articulating each individual blade
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple articulation functions are merged into a single integrated mechanism. The retractor system uses a unified mechanical means that can simultaneously articulate multiple blades through a common actuation system, reducing the number of separate mechanical components while maintaining full articulation capability for each blade.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulation mechanism is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple blades through a single system. The mechanical means can adapt to articulate different numbers and types of blades (primary and supplemental) without requiring blade-specific mechanisms, simplifying the overall device architecture.
3Area of stationary object
If conventional retractors expand blades, then surgical access is increased, but they cannot simultaneously articulate multiple blades
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor system employs dynamic mechanisms that enable simultaneous expansion and articulation of multiple blades. Each blade can be expanded to increase surgical access while the articulation mechanism operates concurrently to position blades at optimal angles, achieving both functions at the same time rather than sequentially.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the expansion and articulation functions across multiple independent modular blades. This segmentation allows each blade to be expanded and articulated independently or in coordination with others, providing the versatility to simultaneously increase surgical access area while maintaining proper blade positioning.
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A modular retractor system may include a first annular retainer and a second annular retainer defining a central axis projecting through a first center point of the first annular retainer and a second center point of the second annular retainer. The modular retractor may further include a plurality of primary blades, pivotally coupled to the first annular retainer and an adjacent primary blade of the plurality of primary blades. In some embodiments, the first annular retainer may be configured to, selectively, radially contract towards the first center point such that each of the plurality of primary blades articulates with respect to the central axis. In some embodiments, the second annular retainer may circumscribe the outside of the plurality of primary blades and be configured to apply a biasing force against each of the plurality of primary blades towards the central axis. Additionally, a plurality of supplemental blades may be provided.