Multi-Axis Surgical Retraction System with Radiolucent Blades
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current retractor systems in surgery lack refined and controlled tissue displacement, leading to potential trauma and limited access during procedures like spinal surgeries, where precise manipulation and visualization are crucial.
Innovation Solution
A multi-axis retractor system with adjustable blades and a base configuration that allows for independent translation and pitching of blades, enabling controlled tissue retraction and minimization of physical obstruction, while being radiolucent for improved visualization during imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional retractor systems are used to provide access to the surgical site, then the opening size is sufficient for instrument insertion, but tissue displacement is unrefined and uncontrolled causing trauma
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor system is divided into multiple independent blades (first blade, second blade, third blade) that can be individually positioned and controlled. Each blade can be independently translated and pitched to provide refined tissue displacement without affecting other blades, thereby reducing tissue trauma while maintaining surgical access.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractor blades are designed with dynamic adjustment capabilities through translation mechanisms and pitching mechanisms. The blades can be dynamically repositioned along their respective arms and angled relative to the frame, allowing real-time control of tissue displacement to minimize trauma during the surgical procedure.
2Ease of operation
If multiple blades are used to retract tissue, then access to the surgical site is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor frame and arms are designed as multi-functional components that support multiple blades with different orientations and functions. The frame includes multiple arms that can each hold blades for different surgical needs, allowing a single device to provide diverse surgical access requirements without requiring multiple separate retractors.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractor system employs a nested structure where blades are positioned within arms, which are attached to the frame. The blades can be inserted into the patient's body through a cannula while the arms and frame provide structural support externally, creating a compact nested configuration that reduces overall device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If blades are positioned to maximize surgical access, then tissue retraction is effective, but physical obstruction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor system utilizes multi-dimensional positioning with blades that can be translated along arms in one dimension and pitched at various angles in another dimension. This three-dimensional adjustment capability allows blades to retract tissue effectively while positioning the bulk of the retractor structure away from the surgical site, reducing physical obstruction.
4Illumination intensity
If opaque retractor materials are used for structural integrity, then blade strength is sufficient, but visualization during imaging is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor blades and frame are constructed from radiolucent materials that change the radiographic properties of the device. These materials maintain sufficient mechanical strength for surgical application while allowing X-rays and other imaging modalities to pass through, enabling real-time visualization during imaging-guided procedures.
Data Source
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AI summary
A surgical retractor for retracting body tissue in a therapeutic procedure includes two lateral arms each having a block with an aperture extending transverse to a longitudinal axis of the arm. The distal end of each arm pivotably supports a retractor blade. A transverse extension, forming a retractor core, extends through the aperture and slideably supports a lateral arm at each end. A central arm also pivotably supports a retractor blade, and has an extension on a proximal end that is insertable into an aperture within the core. The lateral and central arms are translatable in connection with the core. The retractor blades can be pivoted by rotating a tool engagement. A rack and pinion, controlled by a pawl, is used to translate the side and central arms.