Surgical Retractor Spline Connector Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical retractors face challenges in providing efficient and versatile access to spinal surgical sites, particularly in aligning and mounting tissue engaging members effectively during surgical treatments for musculoskeletal disorders.
Innovation Solution
A surgical retractor system with a rotatable connector featuring a spline-type connection between the retractor and its mating blade, allowing for multiple rotational orientations and facilitating assembly, which includes a support with a shaft and tissue engaging members with spline configurations for secure alignment and tissue engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional surgical retractors are used to access spinal surgical sites, then basic retraction function is provided, but alignment and mounting of tissue engaging members is difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor system incorporates rotatable connectors that allow dynamic adjustment of tissue engaging members to multiple rotational orientations. This enables the surgeon to rotate blades into optimal positions for different surgical approaches without requiring complete disassembly and reassembly, significantly reducing assembly time and improving operational ease during the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical retractor is divided into modular components including separate tissue engaging members (blades) and connectors that can be independently assembled and disassembled. Each blade can be attached to connectors with standardized interfaces, allowing rapid assembly and reconfiguration during surgery without requiring complex alignment procedures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed-orientation retractors are used, then simple structure is maintained, but adaptability to various surgical approaches and positions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The connectors incorporate rotatable joints that allow tissue engaging members to be positioned in multiple orientations while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. The rotational capability is achieved through straightforward mechanical interfaces rather than complex articulated mechanisms, providing versatility without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractor system uses standardized connectors and tissue engaging members that can be configured for multiple surgical approaches and positions. A single connector design can accommodate different blade types and orientations, making the system universally applicable to various spinal surgical procedures without requiring multiple specialized devices.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical retractor comprises a support comprising a first mating part comprising a shaft, which defines a longitudinal axis, extending therefrom. At least one tissue engaging member extends between a first end defining a first axis and a second end defining a second axis and having a tissue engaging surface disposed along the second axis. The first end comprises a second mating part comprising a wall that defines an elongated cavity disposed along the first axis and being configured to receive the shaft such that the first axis and the longitudinal axis are co-axial. The wall is engageable with the shaft to align the second mating part with the first mating part such that the second axis intersects the longitudinal axis. Methods of use are disclosed.