Pectus Bar Extraction Tool Leverage Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical tools are inadequate for removing pectus bars implanted in patients to correct pectus excavatum, as tissue growth around the bars makes removal difficult and often requires excessive cutting or tearing.
Innovation Solution
A pectus bar extraction tool with a handle, engagement member, and lever arm that engages the posterior and anterior sides of the pectus bar, allowing for a straightening force to be applied to facilitate removal without damaging surrounding tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If current surgical tools are used to remove pectus bars, then the bars can be removed, but excessive cutting or tearing of tissue is required
Solution Approach 1:
The extraction tool acts as an intermediary mechanism between the surgeon and the pectus bar. The engagement member inserts through the aperture in the bar to provide mechanical grip, while the lever arm provides controlled prying force. This intermediary tool enables bar removal without requiring direct excessive cutting or tearing of surrounding tissue, as the tool distributes and controls the extraction force.
Solution Approach 2:
The extraction tool is segmented into distinct functional components: a handle for surgical control, an engagement member with a hook for bar grasping, and a lever arm for force application. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally - the hook engages the bar through the aperture, while the lever arm provides the prying motion, enabling tissue-sparing removal.
2Reliability
If tissue grows around and adheres to the pectus bar, then the bar remains stable in the patient, but removal becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement member is designed with a hook that can be inserted through an aperture in the pectus bar before the bar is fully encapsulated by tissue. By engaging the bar early and maintaining access through the aperture, the tool can gradually work its way through the tissue adhesion without requiring aggressive cutting, thus preserving bar stability during the treatment period while enabling eventual removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The extraction tool serves as a mediator that interfaces with the bar through the aperture, allowing controlled interaction with the bar even when surrounded by tissue. The engagement member can grasp the bar through the aperture while the lever arm provides controlled prying force, enabling removal without requiring aggressive cutting through the tissue adhesion.
3Ease of operation
If a tool is designed to engage the pectus bar through an aperture, then the bar can be grasped effectively, but the tool structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is segmented into three simple components: a handle, an engagement member with a hook, and a lever arm. Each component has a single clear function - the handle provides surgical control, the hook engages the bar through the aperture, and the lever arm provides prying force. This segmentation achieves effective bar grasping without requiring complex integrated structures.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of designing a complex multi-component tool, the invention uses a simple lever mechanism where the engagement member inserts through the aperture and the lever arm provides the prying motion. The simplicity of the lever arm rotating on the engagement member achieves effective bar extraction without complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables safe and effective removal of pectus bars by applying a straightening force, reducing the need for excessive cutting or tearing of tissue and improving the ease of extraction for surgeons.
Implementation Method 1
The lever arm is fixed to and extends from the handle opposite to the engagement member to rest upon the pectus bar on the anterior side of the pectus bar and act as a fulcrum
Data Source
AI summary
A pectus bar extraction tool for removing a pectus bar having posterior and anterior sides includes a handle, an engagement member fixed to and extending from the handle for extending from the anterior to the posterior sides of the pectus bar to engage the posterior side of the pectus bar, and a lever arm fixed to and extending from the handle opposite to the engagement member for engaging the pectus bar on the anterior side of the pectus bar. A system and method for removing a pectus bar are also disclosed.