Nerve Retractor Tool with Modular Articulating Arm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical methods require a secondary assistant to hold nerve root retractors during spinal surgeries, leading to potential nerve damage due to fatigue and lack of visualization, increasing the risk of paralysis.
Innovation Solution
A nerve retractor designed to be secured to the spine, allowing the surgeon to steadily retract the spinal sac and nerve root without an independent holder, featuring a base portion, arm portion, and anatomical structure retractor portion with an actuating device for adjustable orientation and modular engaging members for various configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a surgical first assistant holds the nerve root retractor during surgery, then the nerve root can be retracted, but the assistant may experience fatigue and lack visualization, increasing the risk of nerve damage
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor system is divided into multiple components: a base portion that interfaces with the surgical table or imaging device, an arm portion that provides structural support, and a retractor portion that directly contacts the nerve root. This segmentation allows the heavy support functions to be distributed to stable external structures rather than requiring the assistant to hold the entire retractor.
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical table or imaging device serves as an intermediary structure to support the retractor base portion. This mediator provides a stable, fatigue-free platform that eliminates the need for human assistance in holding the retractor while maintaining continuous visualization through connection to the imaging device.
2Reliability
If the nerve root is retracted manually by an assistant, then the surgical field can be cleared, but movement of the assistant's hand can cause the retractor to move, increasing the risk of nerve damage
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor is segmented into a base portion, arm portion, and retractor portion connected by articulating joints. This allows each segment to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall position stability through the articulated structure that can be secured in fixed positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractor incorporates articulating joints that allow dynamic adjustment of the arm and retractor portions during surgery. These joints can be positioned and locked at various angles to accommodate different surgical needs while maintaining stable retraction once positioned.
3Loss of information
If a traditional retractor is used that requires an assistant to hold it, then the procedure can proceed, but the assistant cannot visualize the deep wound, leading to potential complications
Solution Approach 1:
The base portion connects to the imaging device as an intermediary, allowing the imaging device to serve dual purposes: providing visualization of the deep surgical field and providing a stable support structure for the retractor. This eliminates the conflict between holding the retractor and visualizing the field.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractor system merges the support function with the imaging function by connecting the base portion to the imaging device. This combination allows a single structure to provide both mechanical support for retraction and visual information about the surgical field, eliminating the need for separate assistant roles.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the retractor is designed with fixed configuration, then it is simpler to manufacture, but it cannot adapt to different surgical needs and anatomical variations
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor is divided into separate modular components (base portion, arm portion, retractor portion) that can be manufactured independently using standard manufacturing processes. These modular segments are then assembled through articulated joints, providing configurability without requiring complex custom manufacturing for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulating joints between segments allow the retractor to dynamically adjust its configuration during surgery to accommodate different anatomical variations and surgical approaches. The joints can be positioned at various angles and locked in place, providing adaptability while maintaining structural integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
A retractor, preferably a nerve root retractor, comprising three components: a base portion, an arm portion, and an anatomical structure retractor portion. The nerve retractor is designed to eliminate the requirement of having a person hold the retractor tool during a surgical procedure. The nerve retractor can be secured to a portion of the anatomical structure involved with, or near the surgical procedure site, and utilizes an actuating device which allows the user to manipulate the angle of orientation of the arm portion or anatomical structure retractor portion. The anatomical structure retractor may comprise a modular anatomical structure engaging member/head, allowing the surgeon to use multiple or differently configured structure engaging members/heads during a procedure as needed.