Modular Tissue Retractor With Pivoting Arms for Multi-Approach Spinal Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical retractors lack the flexibility and precision needed for various surgical approaches to the spine, particularly for anterior, lateral, and oblique techniques, limiting access and visualization of the surgical site.
Innovation Solution
A modular retractor system with customizable primary and secondary assemblies, featuring pivotable and extendable arms, actuators for angulation control, and a quick connect coupler for table mount, allowing for precise tissue retraction and access to the surgical site.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixed retractors are used, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability to different surgical approaches is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor system is divided into multiple independent modules including primary retractor assembly, secondary retractor assembly, various blades, and positioning elements. Each module can be independently selected and configured based on the specific surgical approach needed, allowing high adaptability without requiring a completely different retractor for each procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design enables a single retractor system to perform multiple surgical approaches (anterior, lateral, oblique, etc.) by simply reconfiguring the modules. The primary and secondary assemblies can work together or independently, and various blades can be attached to different assemblies, making one system universally applicable to multiple surgical techniques.
2Manufacturing precision
If fixed geometry retractors are used, then the device is simple, but the precision of tissue retraction is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor system incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable elements including interchangeable blades, positionable secondary assemblies, and modular components that can be configured during surgery. This dynamic configurability allows precise adaptation to the specific anatomical structures and surgical needs, achieving high precision tissue retraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows changing multiple parameters including blade geometry, blade size, secondary assembly position, and retractor orientation to optimize tissue retraction precision. These parameter changes are achieved through modular component selection and adjustment mechanisms rather than fixed geometry.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modular components are added for versatility, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into distinct functional modules (primary assembly, secondary assembly, blades, positioning elements) that can be independently manufactured, sterilized, and stored. This segmentation allows the surgeon to only assemble and use the specific modules needed for each procedure, managing complexity through selective configuration rather than requiring all components simultaneously.
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 pin receiving cannula may be coupled to the first pivoting member and a second pin receiving cannula may be coupled to the second pivoting member. The first and second pin receiving cannulas may receive a threaded pin therein and be independently inclinable. Various embodiments may include at least one quick connect coupler. During use, a first pin and a second pin may be secured to a first and second vertebrae for distracting and/or adjusting an angle of inclination of the first and second vertebrae.