Surgical Retractor Blade With Embedded LED Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical retractors with integrated lights lack optimal illumination and visualization capabilities, particularly in adjustable and sterilizable designs that can be used in various surgical settings.
Innovation Solution
A surgical retractor with an integral shaft and blade, where the blade has multiple LED lights embedded and exposed on its upper surface, surrounded by opaque material, and optionally includes a camera for enhanced visualization, with adjustable angles and sterilizable materials, and a kit for secure mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If LED lights are mounted on a tape strip or externally attached to the retractor, then the lighting components can be easily installed and replaced, but the light distribution and illumination quality are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the LED lights with the retractor blade by embedding them within recesses in the blade surface, creating an integrated unit rather than separate attachable components. This merging ensures proper light distribution through the translucent blade material while maintaining a compact, unified structure that is easier to manufacture as a single piece.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates localized recesses in the retractor blade at specific positions where LED lights are to be mounted. These recesses concentrate and direct the light emission through specific areas of the translucent blade, optimizing illumination quality in the surgical field while maintaining ease of manufacturing through precise mold design.
2Illumination intensity
If the blade is made translucent to allow light to pass through, then illumination quality improves, but the structural strength and sterilizability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a translucent plastic material for the retractor blade that combines optical transparency with sufficient structural strength. This composite material property allows light to pass through for illumination while maintaining the mechanical integrity needed for surgical use and sterilization processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the physical parameters of the blade material by making it translucent rather than opaque, and by creating localized recesses that concentrate light emission. These parameter changes optimize light transmission while the overall blade geometry and material selection maintain structural strength for surgical applications.
3Illumination intensity
If multiple LED lights are embedded within the blade, then illumination quality and surgical visualization improve, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates LED mounting recesses and electrical connection features directly into the blade mold during the initial manufacturing process. This preliminary action of pre-forming the blade with integrated LED housings and wiring channels simplifies subsequent LED installation and reduces overall manufacturing complexity despite having multiple lights.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the electrical wiring, LED mounting structures, and blade body into a single integrated component. By combining these elements during mold manufacturing, the system reduces the number of separate parts and assembly steps, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while providing multiple LED lights for improved surgical illumination.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the retractor design allows adjustable blade angles, then versatility and adaptability to different surgical procedures improve, but the structural stability and ease of sterilization may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a hinge joint between the retractor shaft and blade that allows dynamic adjustment of the blade angle during surgical procedures. This dynamic feature provides versatility for different surgical applications while the hinge mechanism is designed to lock into stable positions, maintaining structural stability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the retractor with a universal hinge mechanism that can accommodate different blade configurations and angles for various surgical procedures. This multi-functional design allows a single retractor unit to serve multiple surgical purposes while maintaining adequate structural stability through robust hinge construction that can be sterilized.
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
Provides effective illumination and visualization in surgical procedures, with adjustable and sterilizable components, enhancing surgical precision and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of LED lights are embedded within the blade and are exposed at the upper surface
Data Source
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AI summary
A surgical retractor has a shaft with an integral blade. The shaft and the blade are joined at an angle. The blade has an upper surface. A plurality of LED lights are embedded within the blade and are exposed at the upper surface. The blade surrounding the LED lights is opaque. The retractor may further include a camera mounted on the blade. Also disclosed is a surgical retractor kit including a mounting ring, at least one of the aforementioned surgical retractors, and a coupler for releaseably mounting the retractor to the ring.