Retractor Distractor Blade With Lasso-Based Disc Space Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spinal surgery techniques face challenges in accessing the disc space while maintaining clear visibility and using pedicle screws for distraction, often leading to complications like infection, blood loss, and nerve damage, and require additional tools that obstruct the surgeon's view.
Innovation Solution
A retractor distractor blade system with a threaded member connected to a flexible lasso or clamping member that secures to pedicle screws, allowing for distraction and retraction without obstructing the surgical site, using minimal hardware and tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional retractor and distractor tools are used to access the disc space, then the surgical site can be accessed, but the surgeon's visibility is obstructed and additional secondary tools are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the retractor blade and distractor blade into a single integrated instrument that can perform both retraction and distraction functions. The blade system includes a retractor portion and a distractor portion that can be used together or separately, eliminating the need for multiple separate tools and maintaining clear surgical visibility
Solution Approach 2:
The blade system is designed to serve multiple functions: it can act as a retractor to expose the surgical site, a distractor to separate vertebral bodies, or both simultaneously. The universal design allows a single instrument to replace multiple specialized tools, reducing complexity while maintaining operational ease
2Manufacturing precision
If pedicle screws are used for distraction, then spinal alignment can be achieved, but the procedure requires additional hardware and tools that block the surgeon's view
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the distraction function directly into the blade system itself, rather than requiring separate pedicle screw hardware. The blade includes a distractor portion that can directly separate vertebral bodies using the blade's own structure, eliminating the need for additional screws and associated installation tools that would obstruct visibility
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the surgical approach is simplified to reduce complications, then patient safety improves, but access to the disc space becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The blade system is designed to perform preliminary retraction and exposure actions before distraction is applied. The retractor portion of the blade first exposes the surgical site and disc space, creating a clear pathway before the distractor portion is used to separate vertebral bodies. This preliminary action ensures safe access is established before more invasive distraction maneuvers
Data Source
AI summary
The invention involves a retraction distraction blade system suitable for use with retractor and distractor tools for the implantation of intervertebral implants into the spine area of an animal, particularly humans. The retractor distractor blade includes structures for attaching the blade to a retractor or distractor tool to provide visual access to a surgical site. The blade is provided with a threaded member connected to a flexible lasso for securement around a portion of a pedicle screw or bone screw. Once the lasso is secured to the pedicle screw, the retractor is prevented from moving out of the surgical site. Operation of the distractor or retractor tool can then be utilized to provide distraction to the spinal vertebrae for implant insertion or spinal alignment. Once the procedure is sufficiently complete, the lasso can be removed from the pedicle screws.