Surgical Retractor Integrated Handle and Detachable Arm

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional surgical retractors often lack efficient mechanisms for positioning and securing retractors during surgical procedures, which can hinder access to the surgical site and require additional handles or arms, complicating the process.

Innovation Solution

A retractor system with a detachable retractor arm and integrated handle that allows for precise positioning and secure attachment to a surgical site, featuring adjustable components and accessory channels for additional functionalities like illumination or evacuation modules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional surgical retractors are used without integrated handles, then the basic retraction function is achieved, but positioning and securing the retractor becomes difficult and requires additional components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning and securing retractorVSAvoidadditional handles or arms

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the handle directly into the retractor body, combining two previously separate components (handle and retractor) into a single unified structure. This eliminates the need for additional separate handles or arms while maintaining ease of positioning and securing the retractor during surgical procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated handle serves multiple functions: it provides a grip for positioning the retractor, acts as a securing mechanism, and eliminates the need for separate positioning components. This multi-functional design simplifies the overall system while improving operational ease.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If detachable retractor arms are used, then adaptability and positioning precision are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning and attachmentVSAvoiddetachable components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The retractor system is divided into detachable components including the retractor arm and the main body, allowing for flexible assembly and disassembly. This segmentation enables adaptability for different surgical scenarios while maintaining relatively simple individual components that connect through standardized interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20240197310A1Surgical retractor with integrated handle and system

Publication Date: 2024.06.20 THOMPSON SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS INC

AI summary

A retractor system includes a retractor arm and a retractor. The retractor arm includes an elongated member and a retractor connector coupled to an end of the elongated member. The retractor includes a neck, a blade extending from a distal end of the neck, and a nipple protruding from a top side of the neck at a position toward a proximal end of the neck. The retractor connector includes a port configured to receive the nipple of the retractor and couple the retractor to the retractor arm via the nipple. The neck includes a handle between the nipple and the blade.