Modular Spinal Retractor with Ball-and-Socket Blade
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal retractors lack flexibility and precision in blade positioning, limiting their effectiveness in spinal surgery by restricting access to the surgical site and stability during procedures.
Innovation Solution
A retractor assembly with a medial arm assembly that includes a releasable ratcheting mechanism, ball and socket interface, and a locking mechanism, allowing for adjustable extension and retraction, rotation, and precise positioning of the blade assembly to enhance surgical access and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed angle retractor blade configurations are used, then the retractor structure is simple and stable, but flexibility and precision in blade positioning are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor blade configuration is changed from fixed angle to variable angle, allowing the blade to be adjusted to different angles during the surgical procedure. This dynamic adjustment capability provides flexibility and precision in blade positioning while maintaining structural stability through the frame and blade assembly design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If variable angle retractor blade configurations are used, then flexibility in blade positioning is improved, but precision and stability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The variable angle configuration allows dynamic adjustment of the blade to different angles during the surgical procedure. The frame and blade assembly is designed to maintain precision and stability even with the variable angle capability, ensuring accurate blade positioning throughout the procedure.
3Ease of operation
If current spinal retractor designs are used, then the basic retraction function is provided, but access to surgical site and stability during procedures are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The variable angle retractor blade configuration enables dynamic adjustment during the surgical procedure, improving surgical site access while maintaining stability through the designed frame and blade assembly structure.
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 retractor assembly provides improved flexibility and precision in positioning, enabling better access and stability during spinal surgery, facilitating more accurate and effective surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The receiving portion and the medial blade are configured to rotatably interface via a ball and a socket
Implementation Method 2
The blade assembly is configured to rotatably interface with the frame via a hinge and pivot about a first axis extending through a center of the hinge
Data Source
AI summary
A retractor assembly includes a base, a first side assembly, a second side assembly, and a medial arm assembly. The first side assembly is coupled to a first side of the base and translates relative to the base along a first direction. The second side assembly is coupled to a second side of the base and configured to translate relative to the base along the first direction. The medial arm assembly is coupled to the base and can extend in an extension direction and retract in a retraction direction. The extension direction is opposite the retraction direction. The extension direction and the retraction direction are perpendicular to the first direction. The medial arm assembly includes a body, and a blade assembly. The blade assembly includes a receiving portion and a medial blade. The receiving portion and the medial blade are rotatably interfaced via a ball and a socket.