Retractor Blade Wire Paths for Controlled Surgical Wire Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical wires are difficult to insert or remove, especially when bent, and minimally invasive surgical techniques require precise trajectory control and protection of both the wire and patient tissue during insertion.
Innovation Solution
The use of retractor blades with defined surgical wire paths, including tubes and channels, to guide and secure surgical wires, allowing for controlled trajectory changes and protection during insertion and removal, and the implementation of surgical wire removers with mechanisms to facilitate easy extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If surgical wires are inserted using traditional methods without defined paths, then insertion is simpler, but trajectory control precision and tissue protection deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (the defined wire path structure within the retractor blade) that mediates between the surgical wire and the patient tissue. This intermediary provides a pre-defined trajectory channel that guides the wire precisely while protecting surrounding tissues, resolving the contradiction between precision control and device simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If surgical wires are bent to navigate anatomical structures, then adaptability to patient anatomy improves, but wire insertion and removal difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining multiple wire paths within the retractor blade before surgery begins. These pre-configured paths accommodate different anatomical variations and patient-specific requirements, allowing surgeons to select the appropriate path without needing to bend wires during the procedure, thereby maintaining ease of operation while achieving adaptability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If minimally invasive techniques are used to reduce tissue displacement, then patient morbidity decreases, but wire insertion complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated retractor blade structure. The blade simultaneously provides tissue retraction, defines wire insertion paths, and protects surrounding tissues, eliminating the need for separate guiding devices. This consolidation maintains minimally invasive benefits while reducing overall procedural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical wire is part of a system that includes a retractor blade defining one or more paths for the surgical wire to follow. The paths can be one or more openings, cannulations, paths, tubes, other structures, or combinations thereof. The surgical wire can be routed through the front, back, and/or middle of the retractor blade and into a vertebral body. The surgical wire can be routed through a shim in communication with the retractor blade and into a vertebral body Systems and methods are used to insert surgical wires into bone. Systems and methods are used for removing surgical wires from bone. Systems include those for gripping and pulling or pushing surgical wires. Systems include those that interact with a retractor (e.g., an arm, body, or blade thereof) to facilitate removal of the surgical wire.