Robot-Mounted Retractor Assembly for Sterile Rapid Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional retractor systems for minimally invasive spine surgery require time-consuming and potentially disruptive installation on a patient table, 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, using 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 compromises the sterile field
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor is pre-assembled with the articulating arm and locked in a predetermined position before entering the sterile field. This preliminary positioning action eliminates time-consuming adjustments during surgery and prevents sterile field compromise, as the entire assembly is introduced as a single sterile unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into separable components: a non-sterile table-mounted base and a sterile articulating arm assembly with retractor. The sterile portion can be prepared independently and attached to the base after sterilization, allowing parallel preparation of components and reducing total installation time while maintaining sterile integrity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the articulating arm is rigidly fixed to the table frame, then stability is improved, but the installation becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
A quick-release coupling mechanism serves as an intermediary between the articulating arm and table frame. This mediator provides rigid, stable fixation when engaged while allowing rapid attachment and detachment without complex procedures. The coupling mechanism simplifies the mounting procedure while maintaining stability during use.
3Adaptability or versatility
If intraoperative adjustment of the arm is required, then adaptability is improved, but the sterile field may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor and articulating arm are positioned and adjusted to the required configuration before entering the sterile field. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for intraoperative adjustments that would require breaking sterile barriers, thereby preventing contamination while maintaining the necessary adaptability for different surgical scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulating arm provides inherent flexibility and range of motion through its articulated joints, allowing it to adapt to different retractor positions and angles without requiring additional adjustments during surgery. This dynamic capability is built into the structure, enabling adaptability while maintaining sterile field integrity.
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
Enhances surgical efficiency and patient safety by providing a rapid, sterile, and stable retractor setup, minimizing disruption to the operating field.
Implementation Method 1
using a magnetic interface and lockout mechanisms to prevent inadvertent movement
Data Source
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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.