Modular Surgical Instrument System Shank-Based Retraction Distraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spine surgery techniques require the interchange of multiple instruments for retraction and distraction, increasing surgical time during procedures like mini-open transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) due to the need for separate tools for retraction and distraction.
Innovation Solution
A modular surgical instrument system comprising a retractor blade with an inverted-arch curvature and a distractor pair, where the retractor blade integrates a connector for mating with the distractor leg, allowing for simultaneous retraction and distraction using a medial-lateral distractor rack tool.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate instruments are used for retraction and distraction, then each function can be performed with specialized tools, but the surgical time increases due to instrument interchange
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate retraction and distraction functions into a single integrated instrument assembly. The retractor blade is connected to the distractor through a connector that interfaces with the distractor leg, allowing both retraction and distraction to be performed simultaneously without instrument interchange, thereby reducing surgical time while maintaining functional specialization.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated instrument assembly serves multiple functions: the retractor blade provides tissue retraction, the distractor provides distraction, and the connector enables both functions to work together. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate specialized instruments, reducing surgical time while maintaining the reliability of specialized functions.
2Reliability
If multiple separate instruments are used, then each instrument can be optimized for its specific function, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate instruments (retractor blade, distractor, connector) into a single integrated assembly that functions as one cohesive device. This reduces the number of separate instruments needed while maintaining the functional optimization of each component through their integrated design and coordinated operation.
3Reliability
If separate retraction and distraction instruments are used, then procedural steps can be performed with specialized tools, but procedural efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated instrument assembly combines retraction and distraction capabilities into a single device that can perform both functions simultaneously. This eliminates the need for sequential instrument changes and improves procedural efficiency while maintaining the procedural precision achieved through specialized functional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated assembly allows continuous simultaneous performance of retraction and distraction without interruption for instrument interchange. The retractor blade and distractor work together continuously throughout the procedure, eliminating downtime and improving procedural efficiency while maintaining the precision of specialized functions.
Data Source
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AI summary
A surgical device includes at least one retractor blade. Each retractor blade includes a blade body having a lateral side, a medial side opposite the lateral side and a bottom end. The bottom end has an inverted-arch curvature. The inverted-arch curvature includes a lowest point in proximity to a midline of the blade body. Each retractor blade includes a connector integrated into a mid-section on the medial side of the blade body and a leg interface configured to mate and/or pair with a leg of a distractor. The at least one retractor blade may include two retractor blades configured as mirror images of each other. Each blade is configured to pair with a respective one distractor.