Surgical Retractor With Torsional Extractor for Predictable Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical retractor systems face inefficiencies in the removal process, with unpredictable and time-consuming release of the retractor from the patient-side opening, high disinfection costs, and logistical challenges, particularly due to the use of compression forceps which can be damaging and require complex disinfection.
Innovation Solution
A surgical retractor system with a tubular design featuring segments that can be irreversibly separated for adjustable length, incorporating an extractor with a handle and active section that applies a torsional moment to radially narrow the retractor, allowing for efficient and safe removal, and a single-use concept to reduce costs and logistical burdens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If compression forceps are used to remove the retractor, then the retractor can be removed from the patient-side opening, but the destructive effect varies from case to case resulting in time-consuming and unpredictable removal process
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor is pre-formed with a plate section and destruction zone that are specifically designed to facilitate predictable removal. The plate section provides a predefined engagement point for the extractor, and the destruction zone is pre-positioned to ensure consistent deformation behavior during removal, eliminating case-to-case variability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state and structural parameters of the retractor by incorporating a specific plate section with defined mechanical properties. This plate section has different radial flexibility compared to other sections, creating a controlled weak point that deforms predictably under extractor force, ensuring consistent removal characteristics across all cases.
2Ease of operation
If compression forceps are used to remove the retractor, then the retractor can be removed from the patient-side opening, but complex and costly disinfection process is required
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor system is designed as a disposable single-use device. The entire retractor including the plate section and destruction zone is intended for one-time use only, eliminating the need for complex disinfection processes. After use, the entire device is discarded rather than sterilized and reused.
Solution Approach 2:
The removal function is integrated into the retractor structure itself through the plate section and destruction zone design. The extractor simply engages with the pre-designed plate section to initiate removal, merging the removal mechanism with the retractor body rather than requiring a separate complex removal system.
3Strength
If the retractor is made of sheet metal for robustness, then the retractor can withstand surgical forces, but the risk of injury from deformed retractor edges increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the potential harm of deformed metal edges into a beneficial controlled deformation process. The destruction zone is specifically designed to deform in a predictable manner that avoids creating sharp or dangerous edges. The plate section guides the deformation to occur in a controlled fashion that maintains safety while achieving removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractor is designed with non-uniform local properties: the plate section has different radial flexibility and material characteristics compared to the main body. This localized variation ensures that deformation occurs only in the intended destruction zone rather than throughout the entire structure, preventing unpredictable edge formation in critical areas.
4Reliability
If additional time and instruments are planned for retractor removal, then the surgical procedure can proceed as planned, but the overall surgical time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor is pre-formed with a plate section and destruction zone that are specifically designed to facilitate predictable removal. The plate section provides a predefined engagement point for the extractor, ensuring that removal can be performed quickly and reliably without requiring additional time for contingency planning or additional instruments.
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
Enables reliable, time-efficient, and safe removal of the retractor intra-operatively, reduces production and sterilization costs, and minimizes the risk of injury and incorrect operation through a predefined interaction between the extractor and retractor, facilitating a single-use disposable system.
Implementation Method 1
an extractor (6, 6') with a handle section (10, 10') and an active section (9, 9'), wherein the active section (9, 9') can be placed on a plate section (5, 5') in such a way that it surrounds it in a quasi-linear manner on its radially inward-facing surface and on its radially outward-facing surface, so that a torsional moment can be applied to the retractor (2)
Implementation Method 2
which brings about a plastic radial narrowing of the retractor (2) that opposes the radial expansion of the retractor (2)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a surgical retractor system (1) with a substantially tubular retractor (2) having several segments (3, 3', 3", 3''') in the axial direction (7) which are irreversibly separable from one another in order to adjust the length of the retractor (2), wherein at least one segment (3) is subdivided circumferentially into at least one expansion section (4) and a plate section (5, 5') which have different radial flexibilities and are preferably integrally joined to one another, so that plastic radial expansion of the retractor (2) is possible, and with at least one extractor (6, 6') which can be actuated such that it causes a plastic radial contraction of the retractor (2) opposite to the radial expansion of the retractor (2), wherein the at least one extractor (6) is prepared to interact with the at least one plate section (5).to effect radial narrowing of the retractor (2). The invention also relates to a surgical instrument for releasing a distractor or retractor (2) from an opening, preferably on the patient side, held open by the distractor/retractor (2), comprising at least one handle section (10, 10') defining a longitudinal axis (21, 21') and at least one working section (9, 9') defining an effective longitudinal axis (20, 20'), which are coupled to each other via a connecting section (22).