Retractor System With Segmented Rail And Universal Clamps
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Solution Overview
Problem
During anterior approaches to the spine, existing retraction systems face challenges in efficiently retracting body tissue while minimizing damage to surrounding structures, particularly veins and nerve branches, often requiring two surgeons to manage tissue retraction and surgical access.
Innovation Solution
A retractor system comprising a frame rail with widened sections and a supporting frame arm, along with clamps that securely engage the frame rail and allow for movement along its length, enabling precise tissue retraction and surgical access with a single system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing retraction systems are used during anterior approaches to the spine, then tissue retraction is achieved, but the risk of damage to surrounding structures (veins and nerve branches) increases and surgical efficiency decreases due to requiring two surgeons
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines tissue retraction and surgical access functions into a single integrated retractor system with a frame rail and multiple clamps, eliminating the need for two separate surgeons to manage these functions separately. This merging of functions improves surgical efficiency while maintaining tissue safety through precise control.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame rail acts as an intermediary structure that connects the supporting frame arm to multiple device clamps, enabling coordinated tissue retraction and surgical access. This intermediary mechanism allows precise control of retraction forces and positioning, reducing damage risk to surrounding structures while improving operational efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If existing retraction systems are used, then access to the surgical site is obtained, but the complexity of managing tissue retraction increases requiring two surgeons
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor system is designed as a universal platform with a frame rail that can accommodate multiple device clamps for different surgical instruments and retractors. This multi-functional design simplifies operation by providing a single integrated system rather than multiple separate devices, reducing the need for multiple surgeons while maintaining ease of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the retraction function into multiple independent device clamps that can be individually adjusted and positioned along the frame rail. This segmentation allows each clamp to be optimized for specific tissue types or surgical needs while being controlled from a single supporting frame arm, simplifying overall management.
3Stability of the object's composition
If clamps are designed to securely engage the frame rail, then stable tissue retraction is achieved, but the ability to move along the frame rail for precise positioning is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device clamps are designed with dynamic engagement mechanisms that allow them to be easily positioned and locked at various locations along the frame rail. The clamps can transition between movable and fixed states, providing adaptability for precise positioning while maintaining stability during the retraction process through secure engagement features.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for retracting body tissue providing a retractor system that includes a rail having two opposed widened rail portions separated by a narrowed portion, each widened portion engageable by a separate clamp. The clamps are configured to support the rail to a fixed surface, or to support a surgical device. Each clamp may independently be positioned or slid along the rail to a desired location without interference with a clamp on an opposing widened rail portion. A device clamp is formed of spherical mating portions which enable alignment of a surgical device along six degrees of freedom, and tightenable by securing a single fastener. A retractor blade mount enables an angular and tilting disposition of a retractor blade, as well as remote manipulation of the retractor blade.