Robot-Mounted Retractor Assembly for Sterile Spine Surgery Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional retractor systems for minimally invasive spine surgery require time-consuming and potentially disruptive installation on patient tables, compromising the sterile field and reducing surgical efficiency and safety.
Innovation Solution
A retractor mounting assembly that attaches to a surgical robot's robotic arm, allowing for quick, sterile, and rigid fixation of retractors, utilizing a magnetic interface and lockout mechanisms to prevent inadvertent movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional table-mounted articulating arm is used to fix the retractor, then the retractor can be positioned and supported, but the installation is time-consuming and may compromise the sterile field
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate modular components: a base that attaches to the robotic arm, a mounting plate with sterile barrier, and the retractor itself. This segmentation allows pre-sterilization of components and rapid assembly without compromising the sterile field, eliminating time-consuming manual sterilization procedures while maintaining stable positioning through the modular connection system.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting plate and sterile barrier are prepared and positioned in advance before the surgical procedure begins. The base is pre-attached to the robotic arm with all necessary alignment features and locking mechanisms pre-configured. This preliminary preparation eliminates intraoperative adjustment time and ensures the sterile field is established before the retractor is installed.
2Reliability
If a traditional table-mounted articulating arm is used to fix the retractor, then the retractor can be positioned and supported, but the installation may compromise the sterile field
Solution Approach 1:
A sterile barrier film or drape is introduced as an intermediary between the non-sterile mounting components and the sterile surgical field. This barrier allows the mounting mechanism to remain outside the sterile field while still providing stable support to the retractor, eliminating the need to bring non-sterile components into the sterile zone and thus preventing sterile field compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The potentially non-sterile mounting components (base, mounting plate, adjustment mechanisms) are extracted from the sterile field entirely. These components are positioned on the robotic arm outside the sterile boundary, while only the sterile retractor and its immediate interface penetrate into the sterile field. This separation eliminates the risk of sterile field contamination from the mounting system.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a rigid fixation system is used to protect the patient from harmful damage, then patient safety is improved, but the system becomes more complex and harder to install
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system incorporates self-aligning features with keyed interfaces and automated locking mechanisms that engage automatically when components are brought together. The robotic arm's precision positioning system provides self-alignment, and the mounting plate includes self-locking features that secure the retractor without requiring complex manual adjustment or multiple fastening steps, thereby simplifying installation while maintaining rigid fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical adjustment and securing operations are replaced with robotic positioning and automated locking mechanisms. The robotic arm's controlled movement system provides precise positioning, and electronic or spring-loaded locking mechanisms automatically secure the retractor in place, eliminating the need for complex manual mechanical assembly while ensuring rigid, safe fixation.
4Ease of operation
If the arm is rigidly fixed to a non-stiff or loose component of the bed frame, then installation is simpler, but intraoperative adjustment is required which compromises the sterile field
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system incorporates adjustable, dynamic connection points with movable mounting plates that can be repositioned along the robotic arm's length. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt to different surgical scenarios and patient anatomies without requiring intraoperative adjustments that would compromise the sterile field. The adjustability is built into the non-sterile mounting components, eliminating the need for sterile field penetration.
Data Source
AI summary
A retractor mounting assembly including an end-effector having a body extending between first and second faces. The first face is configured for attachment to an interface plate on the robotic arm of a surgical robot. The second face defines an arm mount. An arm extending between first and second ends with the first end configured for attachment to the end-effector arm mount and the second end providing a retractor mount configured for supportive attachment of a retractor.