Visualization Tissue Retract With Guide Track Camera
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Minimally-invasive vessel-harvesting procedures often require long skin incisions and result in significant scarring and lengthy recovery times, and existing less-invasive techniques lack effective visualization tools for precise vessel removal.
Innovation Solution
A visualization tissue retractor system comprising a handle, dock, retractor arm, and surgical camera assembly that includes a portable display device interface, motorized or manually movable camera, and light source, allowing for enhanced visualization and control during minimally-invasive procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional vessel-harvesting technique is used, then the vessel can be removed, but long skin incisions are required resulting in long scars and lengthy recovery
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the visualization function into multiple components: a retractor arm with guide track for positioning, a separately movable surgical camera assembly that slides along the guide track, and a portable display device. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and enables minimally-invasive access while maintaining comprehensive visualization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide track acts as an intermediary mechanism between the retractor arm and the surgical camera assembly, providing a precise pathway for the camera to move independently along the retractor arm. This intermediary structure enables the camera to be positioned at various locations along the vessel without requiring long incisions, while still providing continuous visualization of the surgical site.
2Length of moving object
If minimally-invasive vessel-harvesting technique is used, then skin incisions are reduced, but effective visualization tools are lacking for precise vessel removal
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical camera assembly is designed to be dynamically movable along the guide track of the retractor arm, allowing real-time adjustment of the camera position to follow the vessel's path. This dynamic positioning capability provides continuous and precise visualization throughout the minimally-invasive procedure, overcoming the limitation of fixed visualization positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds a dimensional degree of freedom by allowing the surgical camera assembly to move independently along the guide track in addition to the retractor arm's insertion depth. This two-dimensional movement capability (depth + lateral position along guide track) provides comprehensive three-dimensional visualization of the vessel and surrounding tissue, enabling precise minimally-invasive vessel harvesting.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the surgical camera assembly is made movable along the guide track, then visualization coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide track is designed to be self-contained within the retractor arm structure, providing an integrated pathway that guides the surgical camera assembly without requiring external control mechanisms. The camera assembly simply needs to slide along the pre-formed guide track, eliminating the need for complex motorized positioning systems while still achieving extensive visualization coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide track serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the retractor arm, defines the precise pathway for camera movement, and acts as a mechanical guide for the surgical instruments. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high adaptability and versatility.
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
Enables precise vessel harvesting with reduced scarring and faster recovery by providing real-time video feed and control, facilitating more accurate and efficient minimally-invasive surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The surgical camera assembly is engaged with the guide track and configured to slide therealong. The surgical camera assembly includes a camera and a light source.
Implementation Method 2
The surgical camera assembly includes a camera and a light source.
Data Source
AI summary
A visualization tissue retractor includes a handle defining a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, a dock extending from the proximal end portion of the handle and configured to receive a portable display device, a retractor arm extending from the distal end portion of the handle and defining a guide track disposed along at least a portion of a length thereof, and a surgical camera assembly engaged with the guide track and configured to slide therealong.