Surgical Rib Retractor With Independent Arm Actuators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical rib retractors lack the ability to provide controlled and varying amounts of rib separation in both cephalad-caudal and anterior-posterior directions, often requiring additional personnel or complex equipment, and can be cumbersome or difficult to use, especially on obese patients.
Innovation Solution
A surgical rib retractor with pivotably coupled arm units and rotatable actuators that allow for independent control of rib separation in multiple directions, featuring a housing with shoulders for arm units and a drive actuator for precise movement, including an anti-cant feature to prevent tipping during use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional single plane retractors or hand-pulled retractors are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to operator fatigue and need for additional personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor is divided into multiple independent arm units (first arm unit, second arm unit) that can be separately adjusted and controlled. Each arm unit can be independently positioned to retract ribs in different directions, allowing complex retraction patterns to be achieved through simple, modular components rather than a single complex mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The retractor employs pivotable connections between the body and arm units, allowing dynamic adjustment of retraction angles and positions. The actuators enable continuous variation of arm positions, providing adaptable retraction forces that can be modified during surgery without requiring additional personnel or complex external support systems
2Area of stationary object
If adjacent ribs are spread apart with existing retractors, then access for surgical instruments is improved, but access for larger items like replacement heart valves deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor provides rib separation in multiple anatomical directions (cephalad-caudal and anterior-posterior) simultaneously through its dual arm unit configuration. This multi-dimensional retraction creates a larger three-dimensional access space that can accommodate both surgical instruments and larger items like replacement heart valves, rather than仅提供 single-plane separation
Solution Approach 2:
The retractor allows independent adjustment of retraction magnitude and direction for each arm unit. The actuators enable continuous variation of arm positions and retraction forces, providing adaptable control over the access space dimensions to accommodate different surgical needs and patient anatomies
3Area of stationary object
If rib resection or removal is performed to provide additional room, then access for larger items is improved, but post-operative pain and recovery time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor provides sufficient rib separation through mechanical leverage and multi-directional arm positioning without requiring complete rib resection. The actuators enable precise control over retraction magnitude, providing adequate access space through partial separation rather than excessive rib removal, thereby reducing tissue trauma and post-operative pain
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple retractors or complex equipment are used to provide varying rib separation, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor combines multiple arm units with individual actuators into a single integrated device. The shared body structure and coordinated actuation system allow multiple retraction functions to be achieved through one unified apparatus rather than requiring multiple separate retractors or complex external equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The retractor provides multiple retraction functions (cephalad-caudal separation, anterior-posterior separation, and combinations thereof) through its dual arm unit configuration. Each arm unit can independently perform retraction in different directions, making the single device universally applicable to various surgical access requirements without needing additional specialized equipment
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical rib retractor has a housing having a first shoulder. The surgical rib retractor also has a body pivotably coupled to the housing and having a second shoulder. The retractor further has a first arm unit pivotably coupled to the first shoulder and configured to receive one rib. The surgical rib retractor also has a second arm unit pivotably coupled to the second shoulder and configured to receive another rib. The surgical rib retractor also has a first arm actuator constrained to be rotatable relative to the first shoulder and coupled to the first arm unit to pivot the first arm unit as the first arm actuator is rotated. The surgical rib retractor further has a second arm actuator constrained to be rotatable relative to the second shoulder and coupled to the second arm unit to pivot the second arm unit as the second arm actuator is rotated.