Robotic Endoscopic Retactor for Mitral Valve Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current minimally invasive mitral valve surgery techniques require a thoracotomy for retractor insertion, limiting a fully endoscopic approach, are cumbersome to assemble, and may obstruct the surgeon's view or introduce air into the aortic root, with variable exposure quality and difficulty in repositioning the retractor.
Innovation Solution
A minimally invasive surgical retractor with an elongate shaft and articulating retractor assembly, allowing full endoscopic mitral valve surgery without assembly within the patient's body, featuring a pair of blades that can be angularly displaced for tissue retraction, compatible with robotic systems for precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a thoracotomy is performed to insert the atrial retractor, then the retractor can be properly positioned and stabilize the septum, but the approach is no longer fully endoscopic and requires larger incisions
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor system is divided into separate components: a retractor blade that can be inserted through a small port and a retractor rod that remains outside the body. This segmentation allows the blade to be positioned internally without requiring a large thoracotomy, while the rod provides external stabilization and control.
Solution Approach 2:
A port serves as an intermediary structure that allows the retractor blade to pass through while maintaining the sealed endoscopic environment. The port enables the transition from external to internal positioning without requiring open surgical access.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the retractor blade and rod are assembled laparoscopically, then the device can be configured inside the patient, but the assembly process is cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor blade and rod are pre-assembled into a complete retractor unit before surgery. This preliminary assembly eliminates the need for time-consuming intraoperative configuration, allowing the surgeon to simply deploy the pre-configured device during the procedure.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the retractor rod is secured with a holding arm, then the retractor position is stabilized, but the workspace for the patient side surgeon is constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The holding arm and stabilization function are extracted from the internal surgical field and placed outside the patient's body. This allows the retractor to be stabilized without occupying space within the constrained thoracic workspace, giving the surgeon more room to perform surgical maneuvers.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the retractor is designed as a rigid structure, then it provides stable retraction, but it cannot be easily repositioned once positioned
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor system incorporates dynamic elements that allow it to transition from a stable positioned state to a repositionable state. The ability to unlock and reposition the retractor while maintaining stability during use resolves the contradiction between rigid stability and operational flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Minimaily invasive surgical retractors and methods of using the retractors are provided. This retractor may be introduced through a sealed port, controlled by a robotic system, have full articulation, and need not require assembly within the patient's body. As a result, fully endoscopic mitral valve surgery may be performed.