Pedicle Screw Retractor Blade Assembly With Reversible Secure Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pedicle-based retractors require secure connections between the blade and pedicle screw, with minimal tissue disruption during attachment, especially after the screw is implanted in bone.
Innovation Solution
The development of pedicle-based retractors with specially designed connections, such as shims and screw mounts, that allow for a secure and reversible attachment between the pedicle screw and retractor blade, minimizing tissue disruption during intra-operative attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a secure connection between the blade and pedicle screw is implemented, then the reliability of the retractor is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into separate modular components: a blade assembly with proximal and distal ends, a pedicle screw with head and shaft portions, and an intermediate attachment mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining secure connection through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediate attachment mechanism serves as a mediator between the blade and pedicle screw, providing a standardized interface that ensures secure connection without requiring direct complex integration. This intermediary component simplifies the overall system by creating a modular connection protocol.
2Ease of operation
If the blade is attached to the screw after implantation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the loss of substance (tissue disruption) increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism is designed to be prepared and positioned before the final blade-to-screw connection is made. The proximal end of the blade can be attached to the retractor body beforehand, and the distal end is positioned to engage the pedicle screw head after implantation, minimizing the time the blade is exposed in the surgical field.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment process is optimized to skip unnecessary intermediate steps. The blade is rapidly engaged with the pedicle screw head using a direct engagement mechanism that eliminates prolonged exposure of the blade in the surgical field, thereby minimizing tissue disruption while maintaining operational flexibility.
3Ease of repair
If a reversible connection is implemented, then the ease of repair is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism incorporates dynamic characteristics that allow it to transition between locked and unlocked states. The connection can be reversed through controlled manipulation of the attachment mechanism, enabling easy removal and reattachment of the blade to the pedicle screw without requiring complex disassembly procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
Retractor blade assemblies, retractors, kits, and methods of using the same. The retractor blade assembly may include a retractor blade, a pedicle screw, and a screw mount that connects the pedicle screw to the retractor blade. The retractor blade may have a proximal end configured to engage a retractor body and a distal end configured to retract soft tissue. The pedicle screw may have a head portion removably connected to the distal end of the retractor blade and a shaft portion configured to engage the pedicle of a vertebra. The screw mount couples the pedicle screw to the retractor blade.