Retractor Rods with Integrated LED Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current techniques for minimally invasive spinal surgery face challenges in efficiently lighting the surgical portal, leading to obstructions, increased procedural time, and tissue creep, which compromises the stability and access to the surgical site.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system that includes rod structures with integrated lighting, using LEDs and light pipes or light bars, attached to a tissue retractor, providing efficient and localized lighting within the surgical portal, while also maintaining the portal's size and shape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If fiber optic lighting cables are attached to the retractor frame, then lighting is provided in the surgical portal, but the cables consume valuable space within the surgical portal and make it difficult to avoid contact with cables during the procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lighting function with the retractor rods by integrating light sources (LEDs) and light-guiding structures directly into the rod assembly. This merging eliminates the need for separate fiber optic cables and external light boxes, allowing lighting to be provided without consuming additional space within the surgical portal.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractor rods are designed to serve multiple functions: mechanical retraction to create the surgical portal and integrated lighting to illuminate the surgical site. The rod structure incorporates both the retraction mechanism and the lighting system, making the rod a multi-functional device that eliminates the need for separate lighting equipment.
2Illumination intensity
If a headlamp with light emitting device is worn by the surgeon, then light can be directed into the portal, but it encumbers the wearer and causes lost efficiency due to the distance light must travel
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is merged with the retractor assembly that is already positioned at the surgical site. The light sources are integrated into the rod structure, eliminating the need for the surgeon to wear a headlamp and directing light immediately at the portal without the time loss associated with positioning and adjusting external lighting devices.
3Stability of the object's composition
If additional stabilizing structures such as rings are used to preserve the opening, then tissue creep is reduced, but they consume a significant amount of physical space within the surgical portal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the portal stabilization function with the retractor rod structure itself. The rod assembly provides both the retraction force and the stabilization function through its rigid construction and engagement with the tissue, eliminating the need for separate stabilizing rings that would consume additional space.
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
This solution enhances lighting efficiency, reduces heat generation, minimizes space consumption within the portal, and stabilizes the surgical site by reducing tissue creep, thus improving the overall effectiveness and safety of minimally invasive spinal surgery.
Implementation Method 1
Each rod with a light pipe inserted therein includes a light emitting diode ('LED') attached thereon so that light generated by the LED is transmitted through the light pipe
Implementation Method 2
light generated by the LED is transmitted through the light pipe and out of the side of the rod
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a system includes a retractor with a plurality of rods that are cylindrical over part of their length, a light source, and a fiber optic cable, where at least one rod includes a body with an opening therein. The opening extends from an upper surface of the rod, through an interior of the rod, and then to a side surface of the rod located between ends of the rod. The opening is sized so that at least a single monofilament fiber optic cable is disposable therethrough. The system is adapted so that any number of rods may include a fiber optic cable disposed therein and so that the cable may be easily removed or inserted from the rod during use of the retractor.