Modular Spinal Retractor with Translating Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal retractors lack flexibility and precision in blade positioning, leading to inadequate surgical site access and stabilization during spinal surgeries.
Innovation Solution
A spinal retractor with adjustable and lockable translating arms and angulating blades, allowing for triangulated medial/lateral and cephalad/caudal tissue retraction, providing improved precision and stability in surgical site access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed angle retractor blade configurations are used, then the retractor structure is simple, but flexibility and precision in blade positioning are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements adjustable and lockable translating arms that enable dynamic repositioning of retractor blades along the arm length. The blades can be moved to different positions and locked in place, transforming a static fixed-angle structure into a dynamic system that adapts to various surgical needs while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The retractor is divided into modular components including translating arms, angulating blades, and adjustment mechanisms. Each component can be independently adjusted and positioned, allowing flexible configuration without requiring complete structural redesign, thus balancing adaptability with manageable complexity
2Manufacturing precision
If variable angle retractor blade configurations are used, then flexibility in blade positioning is improved, but preciseness and stability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The translating arms incorporate adjustment mechanisms that allow precise positioning of blades at variable angles. The lockable feature ensures that once positioned, the blades maintain stable and precise placement throughout the surgical procedure, combining flexibility with precision and stability
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanisms include features that provide visual or tactile feedback to the surgeon during positioning, enabling precise alignment of blades at the desired angles while maintaining stability once the target position is achieved
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple independent adjustment systems are used, then precision and stability in positioning are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor employs multiple independent adjustment systems for different arms (medial/lateral translating arm with first adjustment system, cephalad/caudal translating arms with second and third adjustment systems). Each adjustment system is modular and can be independently operated, providing precise control over each blade's position while maintaining overall system manageability through standardized modular components
Data Source
AI summary
A retractor assembly includes a base; a first side arm assembly coupled to a first side of the base and configured to translate relative to the base along a first direction; a second side arm assembly coupled to a second side of the base and configured to translate relative to the base along the first direction independent from the first side arm assembly; and a central arm assembly coupled to a center portion of the base and configured to translate relative to the base along a second direction different from the first direction.