Surgical Tissue Retractor with Rotatable Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current retractor systems in surgical procedures lack control and refinement in tissue displacement, leading to inadequate access to the surgical site and potential trauma to surrounding tissue.
Innovation Solution
A retractor system comprising a retractor frame with rotatable and linearly translatable arms, allowing for arc and linear movement of blades to angulate and separate, providing controlled tissue retraction and access, along with a shim device for securing the system to the patient's spine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If current retractor systems are used to provide access to the surgical site, then the surgical access is achieved, but the tissue displacement lacks control and refinement leading to potential trauma
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor blades are designed with rotatable arms that allow dynamic adjustment of blade position and angle during the surgical procedure. This enables the surgeon to control tissue displacement in real-time, optimizing access while minimizing trauma to surrounding tissues through refined, controlled movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for adjustment of multiple parameters including blade separation distance, blade angle relative to the incision, and depth of insertion. By changing these parameters, the surgeon can optimize tissue retraction to provide adequate surgical access while maintaining control to prevent excessive displacement that would cause tissue trauma.
2Area of stationary object
If retractor blades are separated to provide access to the surgical site, then surgical access is improved, but control over the distraction becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable arm mechanism provides dynamic control over blade separation, allowing the surgeon to adjust the degree of distraction incrementally. This enables precise control over the opening size while maintaining the ability to provide adequate surgical access area when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractor system uses multiple independently controllable blades rather than a single rigid structure. This segmentation allows each blade to be positioned and angled independently, providing fine-grained control over the created opening while maximizing surgical access area.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple blades are used for tissue retraction, then access to surgical site is enhanced, but the complexity of the retractor system increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple retractor blades are merged into a single integrated system with a common frame and coordinated control mechanism. This allows the blades to function together as a unified device, enhancing surgical access area while managing complexity through integrated design rather than separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractor system is designed with adjustable and adaptable features that allow it to accommodate different surgical needs and anatomical variations. The rotatable arms and adjustable blade configurations provide multi-functionality, enabling the same device to optimize access area for various surgical procedures without requiring multiple specialized devices.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices and methods related to retractor systems that retract tissue to allow access to a surgical site are described. The retractor systems can include a first rotatable arm attachable to a first blade, a second rotatable arm attachable to a second blade and a third linearly translatable arm attachable to a third blade. An attachment mechanism that is attachable to a fourth blade can be removably coupled to a mount on the frame. The retractors systems can also include two blade systems whereby when the retractor is in a closed configuration, the two blades form an oval opening.