Illuminated Surgical Retractor with Integrated Light Source

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional breast retractors lack an integrated light source, leading to inadequate illumination during surgical procedures, which can result in shadows within the operating cavity and increased risk of post-surgery infection due to blood drainage into the dissection cavity.

Innovation Solution

A surgical retractor with an integrated light source, comprising a blade, handle, and curved section molded from a glass-fiber reinforced polymer, with an illumination assembly including a light source, battery, and activation device permanently attached, providing an unobstructed, illuminated viewing slot for the physician.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If conventional breast retractors are used without an integrated light source, then the device structure remains simple and cost-effective, but the illumination in the surgical cavity is insufficient causing shadows and poor visibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveillumination in surgical cavityVSAvoidretractor structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the light source, battery, and activation device into an integrated illumination assembly that is permanently attached to the retractor. This merging of components eliminates the need for separate auxiliary lighting equipment while providing sufficient illumination in the surgical cavity, resolving the contradiction between improved illumination and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The retractor is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating an activation device that allows the light source to be energized during the procedure. This enables the single device to serve both as a retraction tool and an illuminated viewing tool, addressing the illumination need without requiring additional specialized equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Illumination intensity

If auxiliary light sources are affixed to the retractor, then illumination is provided, but expensive preparation and reprocessing are required to prevent patient cross-contamination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveillumination in surgical cavityVSAvoidcross-contamination prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent describes embodiments where the entire retractor including the illumination assembly can be disposed of after a single use. This eliminates the need for complex reprocessing procedures and ensures complete prevention of cross-contamination, as the disposable nature of the device guarantees no residual contamination between patients.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Illumination intensity

If auxiliary light sources are assembled and secured to the retractor prior to procedure, then illumination is provided, but the lighting is expensive, difficult to assemble, and requires cleaning and reprocessing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveillumination in surgical cavityVSAvoidassembly and reprocessing

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By permanently attaching the illumination assembly to the retractor during manufacturing, the patent eliminates the need for separate assembly of light sources prior to procedures. The integrated design simplifies both manufacturing and clinical use, as the illumination components are pre-assembled and cannot be lost or misplaced during the procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The disposable nature of the integrated retractor eliminates the need for expensive cleaning and reprocessing of auxiliary lighting components. Each device is used once and then discarded, simplifying the manufacturing process by eliminating reprocessing steps and reducing the overall cost burden of sterilization and maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional retractors without integrated lighting are used, then fewer components are present, but blood sources cannot be properly identified due to inadequate illumination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblood drainage into dissection cavityVSAvoidretractor structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The integration of the light source directly into the retractor structure allows for proper identification of blood sources and other critical developments in the dissection cavity. The illuminated viewing slot provides sufficient lighting to detect potential complications while maintaining a relatively simple overall device design through the permanent attachment of compact illumination components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12201287B2Retractor

Publication Date: 2025.01.21 COOPERSURGICAL INC

AI summary

An illuminated surgical retractor, comprising: a blade; a handle connected to the blade; an illumination assembly comprising at least one direct source provided on an external surface of the blade; a smoke evacuation channel defining a path for evacuating fluids and extending along the at least a portion of the blade, wherein the path partially encloses the at least one direct light source and the smoke evacuation channel is formed around the at least one direct light source.