Multi-Plane Surgical Rib Retractor with Segmented Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical rib retractors fail to provide controlled and varying amounts of rib separation in both cephalad-caudal and anterior-posterior directions while minimizing force exerted on ribs and surrounding tissue, leading to potential tissue damage and limited access during minimally invasive cardiac procedures.
Innovation Solution
A surgical rib retractor with a housing and pivotably coupled body, featuring first and second arm units with struts and rib engaging fingers, allowing for independent movement in multiple planes to achieve controlled rib separation, and an anti-cant feature to prevent tipping during use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If traditional mechanical rib retractors are used to spread ribs apart, then access space is increased, but high concentration of force is exerted on ribs and surrounding soft tissue causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor blades are segmented into multiple contact points along their length, allowing the force to be distributed across several locations on the rib rather than concentrated at a single point. This segmentation of the contact interface reduces peak stress on the tissue while maintaining effective rib separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractor blades feature varying local properties including different contact surface areas, curvature radii, and material compliance at different locations. These local quality variations allow optimal force distribution across the rib structure, providing gentle engagement at tissue-contacting surfaces while maintaining structural integrity for effective retraction.
2Device complexity
If single plane retractors are used for thoracotomy, then device simplicity is maintained, but insufficient access is provided for certain cardiac procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor system transitions from single-plane to multi-plane operation by enabling blades to move and engage ribs in multiple anatomical directions. This dimensional expansion of the retraction capability provides superior access space for cardiac procedures while maintaining a relatively simple device architecture through modular blade design.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractor blades are designed with dynamic capabilities allowing adjustment of engagement angles and positions during the procedure. This dynamic adaptability enables the same basic device structure to provide varying degrees and directions of rib separation, optimizing access space without requiring multiple specialized retractors.
3Area of stationary object
If rib resection is performed to provide additional room, then access space is increased, but patient trauma and recovery time are increased
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of removing rib tissue through resection, the retractor creates a virtual expansion of access space by mechanically separating intact ribs. This copying of the effect of rib removal through controlled separation achieves similar surgical access benefits without the harmful consequences of actual tissue loss and associated trauma.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical rib retractor has a housing and a body pivotably coupled to the housing and moveable between a closed position and an open position. The retractor also has a first arm unit coupled to the housing and configured to atraumatically receive tissue. The first arm unit has a first arm, a first strut movable relative to the first arm in a first plane defined by the first arm, and a first frame attached to the first strut. The retractor also has a second arm unit coupled to the body and configured to atraumatically receive tissue. The second arm unit has a second arm, a second strut movable relative to the second arm in a second plane defined by the second arm, wherein the second plane is not parallel to the first plane when the body is in the closed position, and a second frame attached to the second strut.