Modular Tissue Retractor With Inclinable Blades for Surgical Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical retractors lack modularity and versatility for accessing various surgical sites, particularly for spinal disorders, limiting their effectiveness in providing controlled access and visualization during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A modular retractor system with a primary and secondary assembly, featuring independently movable and inclinable blades, a distraction mechanism, and a quick connect coupler for table mount, enabling customizable access and retraction for anterior, lateral, and oblique surgical techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixed retractors are used, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability for different surgical sites is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor system is divided into a primary retractor assembly and a secondary retractor assembly that can be used independently or combined. Each assembly has its own blades, actuators, and mounting mechanisms, allowing the system to be configured for different surgical approaches (anterior, lateral, oblique) without requiring a completely different device.
Solution Approach 2:
The primary and secondary retractor assemblies are designed with universal mounting interfaces and compatible blade systems that can be interchanged. The quick connect coupler allows the same base assembly to accommodate different blade configurations for various surgical sites, making a single system versatile across multiple procedures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If non-modular retractors are used, then the device is easier to manufacture, but the versatility for various surgical techniques is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor system incorporates dynamically adjustable components including inclinable blades with variable angles, extendable blade lengths, and adjustable retraction forces. These dynamic features allow the same manufactured base unit to be adapted through programmable control for different surgical techniques, reducing the need to manufacture entirely different devices.
3Reliability
If traditional retractors without quick connect couplers are used, then the attachment mechanism is simpler, but the stability during surgical procedures is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The quick connect coupler incorporates pre-positioned locking features and alignment guides that ensure proper engagement before full attachment. The coupling mechanism includes pre-loaded springs and detent structures that automatically engage when components are brought together, providing immediate stability without requiring complex manual assembly steps during surgery.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular retractor may include a first body portion that houses a distraction mechanism for opening and closing a first arm and a second arm. A first pivoting member may be coupled to a distal end of the first arm and a second pivoting member may be coupled to a distal end of the second arm, for example. A first blade attachment mechanism may be coupled to the first pivoting member and a second blade attachment mechanism may be coupled to the second pivoting member. The first and second blade attachment mechanisms may be configured to couple to first and second blades and be independently inclinable. Various embodiments may include at least one connection point for connecting to at least one additional retractor module. Various embodiments may include at least one quick connect coupler for connecting to a snap on table mount.