Pedicle Screw Retraction Shim for Secure Tissue Distraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pedicle-based retractors face challenges in providing a secure and minimally disruptive connection between the retractor blade and pedicle screw, particularly during surgical procedures where tissue disruption needs to be minimized.
Innovation Solution
The development of a retractor blade assembly with a shim that creates a secure reversible connection between the pedicle screw and the retractor blade, allowing for attachment after screw implantation, utilizing a movable connection portion that can be locked in place to prevent screw displacement and facilitate distraction and retraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a pedicle-based retractor system is used to perform both retraction and distraction functions, then the versatility and efficiency of the surgical system is improved, but the complexity of the device increases due to the need for secure connection mechanisms between blade and screw
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the retractor blade and distractor screw into a single integrated assembly, where the blade is directly connected to the screw head. This merging eliminates the need for separate connection mechanisms while enabling both retraction and distraction functions through one device, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite maintaining dual functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The pedicle-based retractor system is designed to perform multiple functions: soft tissue retraction through the blade and disc space distraction through the screw. By making the system universal and multi-functional, the patent reduces the number of separate devices needed, simplifying the overall surgical setup while maintaining versatility.
2Ease of operation
If the retractor blade is connected to the pedicle screw after screw implantation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the risk of tissue disruption increases during the connection process
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor blade is pre-assembled with the pedicle screw before screw implantation, creating a ready-to-use integrated unit. This preliminary assembly ensures that once the screw is implanted, the blade is already in its final position and configuration, eliminating the need for additional manipulation or connection steps that could cause tissue disruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into separable components (blade and screw) that can be independently prepared and then easily connected after implantation. This segmentation allows for minimally invasive attachment procedures, reducing tissue disruption while maintaining ease of operation.
3Reliability
If a secure connection between blade and screw is implemented, then the reliability of the retraction system is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The blade and screw are merged into a single integrated assembly where the blade is directly attached to the screw head. This merging provides inherent structural security without requiring additional locking mechanisms, as the integrated design itself ensures stable connection while maintaining simplicity.
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 shim 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 shim couples the pedicle screw to the retractor blade. For example, the shim may include an extension portion configured to engage the retractor blade and a connection portion configured to receive and temporarily lock the pedicle screw to the retractor blade.