Retractor Introducer for Stable Inner Ring Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical procedures face challenges in deploying retractors through small incisions and limited body cavities due to difficulties in maintaining the inner ring of the retractor in a collapsed state during insertion, limited visibility, and the need for manual manipulation, which can lead to multiple attempts and potential tissue damage.
Innovation Solution
A retractor introducer system comprising a circumferential protector/retractor and a retractor introducer with an actuator, retractor blade, and handle, designed to guide and stabilize the inner ring for deployment through small incisions and natural orifices, minimizing manual force and improving visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the inner ring of the retractor is collapsed for insertion through a small incision, then the retractor can be inserted through the incision, but the inner ring tends to twist and bow and does not remain collapsed during insertion
Solution Approach 1:
A delivery device is introduced as an intermediary tool to hold and guide the inner ring during insertion. The delivery device maintains the collapsed configuration of the inner ring and provides stable guidance through the vaginal canal and incision, preventing twisting and bowing that occur when manual manipulation alone is used.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner ring is pre-collapsed and secured in the collapsed state within the delivery device before insertion begins. This preliminary preparation ensures the ring maintains its compressed configuration throughout the insertion process, eliminating the need for continuous manual manipulation and preventing shape instability during the procedure.
2Ease of operation
If a surgeon uses hands to collapse and guide the inner ring through the vaginal canal, then the inner ring can be inserted, but the surgeon's hand blocks the view of the colpotomy and limited space makes guidance difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery device serves as a mediator that performs the guidance function previously requiring the surgeon's hand. By transferring the inner ring to this dedicated tool, the surgeon's hand is freed from the insertion task, eliminating the blockage of the colpotomy view and allowing continuous visual monitoring of the insertion process.
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery device is designed to self-guide the inner ring through the vaginal canal and incision using its own structural features and orientation mechanisms. This self-guiding capability reduces the need for active manual manipulation, thereby improving visibility while maintaining ease of insertion.
3Productivity
If surgical forceps or clamps are used to insert the inner ring through the colpotomy, then insertion can be achieved, but film tears can occur as unintended consequences
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery device is designed as a specialized intermediary tool with a gentle, purpose-built interface for the inner ring. Unlike generic forceps or clamps, this dedicated device distributes contact forces evenly and uses atraumatic design features that prevent tissue damage such as film tears while maintaining efficient insertion capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery device incorporates locally optimized features at the insertion interface, including smooth surfaces, appropriate curvature matching the inner ring geometry, and controlled flexibility in specific zones. These localized quality enhancements enable efficient insertion while preventing the tissue damage associated with rigid or ill-fitting instruments.
4Reliability
If multiple attempts are made to successfully insert the inner ring, then correct placement can be achieved, but procedure time increases and surgeon frustration grows
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery device acts as a reliable intermediary that ensures correct placement on the first attempt by providing stable guidance and control throughout the insertion process. Its design features, including orientation markers and self-centering mechanisms, eliminate the trial-and-error approach previously necessary, thereby reducing procedure time while maintaining high placement reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery device incorporates visual feedback mechanisms such as orientation markers, alignment indicators, or transparent sections that allow the surgeon to monitor insertion progress in real-time. This immediate feedback enables correct placement to be confirmed during the procedure rather than requiring multiple attempts or post-insertion verification, reducing both time and frustration.
Data Source
AI summary
A retractor introducer system is provided that includes a circumferential retractor and a retractor introducer. The circumferential retractor retracts and protects a patient's body opening and the retractor introducer facilitates insertion and positioning of the circumferential retractor within the patient's body.