Surgical Retractor with Curved Non-Cutting Tip for Cuff Implantation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surgical retractors lack the necessary degrees of freedom and comfort for precise cuff placement and tissue protection during implantation, often causing damage to surrounding organs and requiring additional instruments.

Innovation Solution

A surgical retractor with a six-degree-of-freedom design, featuring a rounded passive grip handle, main shaft with finger rests, and a retracting end with a curved, non-cutting tip, providing enhanced control and protection for soft tissue, and accommodating various instrument ends for user convenience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If prior art retractors are used for cuff placement and tissue retraction, then basic retraction function is achieved, but tissue damage occurs and additional retractors are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue protectionVSAvoiddamage to surrounding organs, muscles, nerves and veins

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The retractor integrates multiple functions into a single instrument: the main body provides retraction capability while the integrated cuff placement tools (scissors, forceps, needle driver) eliminate the need for separate retractors and surgical instruments, reducing tissue exposure to multiple instruments and potential damage points

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The design nests multiple surgical instruments within the retractor structure itself - scissors, forceps, and needle driver are integrated into the retractor body, allowing cuff placement and tissue manipulation without requiring separate instruments to enter the surgical site independently

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Measurement precision

If prior art retractors are used for cuff placement, then basic access is provided, but precision and control are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision in cuff placementVSAvoidcontrol and comfort for users

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The retractor features a curved tip design that conforms to the anatomical contours of tubular structures, providing precise positioning and control during cuff placement while the ergonomic curved handle improves user comfort and grip control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The retractor incorporates a flexible or articulated shaft that allows dynamic adjustment of the tip position and angle, enabling precise control during cuff placement while maintaining ergonomic operation for the user

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Area of stationary object

If standard retractors are used, then basic retraction is achieved, but visualization and access at surgical site are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess area at surgical siteVSAvoidvisualization at surgical site

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The retractor is designed with a specific geometric configuration that creates optimal spacing and angles for surgical access, positioning the cuff placement tools in a dimensionally optimized arrangement that improves both visualization and instrument access at the surgical site

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS11883015B2Retractor used to assist cuff implantation, tissue repositioning and other applications

Publication Date: 2024.01.30 SU NING MIAO

AI summary

A retractor is designed to assist in cuff implantation procedure. It has a flat non-cutting retracting end at the distal. Its function is to isolate tissue of interest, to make access, and to retract tissue for cuff placement and removal while protecting critical tissue at the surgical site.