Surgical Retractor With Bendable Pin Anchorage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Minimally invasive orthopedic surgeries face challenges in exposure and visualization due to the need for multiple retractors and additional personnel to manage them, with existing retractors not effectively anchoring in place without deforming Steinmann pins.
Innovation Solution
A unibody retractor with a bendable pin system that includes a site anchor portion with a serrated, angled leading end and a retainer track to secure the retractor to the bone, allowing for stable anchorage and minimization of skin tension, enabling effective retraction and visualization during hip procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional retractors are used in minimally invasive surgery, then exposure and visualization can be achieved, but additional personnel are required to manipulate the retractors and multiple retractors are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the retractor blade and anchoring pin into a single integrated instrument assembly, allowing one instrument to perform both retraction and anchoring functions simultaneously, thereby eliminating the need for multiple separate retractors and additional personnel to manipulate them
Solution Approach 2:
The retractor instrument assembly is designed as a multi-functional device that can anchor to bone, provide retraction, and maintain position through the bendable pin mechanism, allowing a single instrument to replace multiple specialized tools
2Reliability
If Steinmann pins are used to hold the retractor, then the retractor can be anchored, but the pins must be bent or deformed to retain the retractor in position
Solution Approach 1:
The pin is designed to be bendable or deformable, allowing it to be inserted straight through the retainer track and then bent at the distal end to create a hook that engages with the track, providing a simple two-step anchoring process that maintains reliability without requiring complex pre-deformation
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer track is pre-configured with a hollow tubular structure and continuous sidewall that is designed to receive and accommodate the bendable pin, allowing the pin to be inserted in its straight form and then deformed within the constrained space of the track to achieve anchoring
3Reliability
If the retractor is anchored with a bendable pin through a retainer track, then the retractor can be secured in position, but the pin must pass through the retainer track which requires precise positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer track is designed as a hollow tubular body with a continuous sidewall that provides a constrained pathway for the pin, allowing for slight variations in insertion angle while maintaining reliable anchoring, thus reducing the precision requirements compared to rigid fixed-hole designs
Data Source
AI summary
A retractor configured for anchorage to the acetabular area of the hip bone via a bendable pin, such that the bent pin retains the retractor in a selected position. The retractor includes a site anchor portion, with a spacer portion extending upward from a leading end of the site anchor portion. At least one retainer track is affixed to the spacer portion, the track being configured to closely receive the bendable pin. The leading end of the site anchor portion is preferably angled and serrated. The site anchor portion preferably has a curved configuration for use in resting the leading end of the site anchor portion substantially along an outer portion of a rim of the acetabulum. The retractor may be provided with an extension portion. The extension portion is preferably angled and serrated.