Segmented Surgical Retract With Adjustable Blades

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surgical retractor systems often lack sufficient retraction blades or optimal blade shapes for effectively holding back human organs during surgical procedures, particularly in deep incisions, leading to reduced visibility and increased risk of accidental injury.

Innovation Solution

A surgical retractor device with a flat, elongated body featuring a textured portion and integral teeth, designed to be attached to a retractor system, allowing for better organ retraction and visibility by bending into a body cavity and utilizing a support plate and fasteners for secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing retractor systems are used, then basic retraction function is provided, but sufficient retraction blades or optimal blade shapes are lacking for effectively holding back organs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveorgan retraction effectivenessVSAvoidblade configuration flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The retractor system is divided into multiple independent blades (first blade, second blade, third blade, fourth blade) that can be individually positioned and adjusted. Each blade can be independently manipulated to provide optimal retraction at different locations, allowing the system to adapt to various organ shapes and surgical requirements while maintaining reliable retraction throughout the procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The retractor blades are designed to be dynamically adjustable during surgery. The blades can be moved, repositioned, and reconfigured based on the specific anatomical structures encountered and surgical needs. This dynamic adaptability allows the same retractor system to effectively hold back different organs (bladder, bowel, etc.) with optimal blade shapes and positions for each specific case.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Illumination intensity

If manual assistance is used for organ retraction, then visibility is maintained, but surgeon attention is diverted and risk of accidental injury increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgical site visibilityVSAvoidhands-free operation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The retractor system is designed to be self-retaining and self-adjusting. Once the blades are positioned around the organs, the system maintains retraction automatically without requiring continuous manual manipulation. The blades can be secured in place using the locking mechanism, allowing the retractor to serve itself and maintain optimal organ displacement throughout the procedure, thereby providing hands-free operation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The retractor blades act as intermediaries between the surgeon and the organs. Instead of the surgeon directly manipulating organs or requiring assistant hands-on retraction, the blades serve as mechanical intermediaries that provide continuous, stable retraction. This intermediary mechanism improves visibility by consistently holding organs away from the surgical site while freeing the surgeon's hands for the primary surgical task.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Length of moving object

If retractor blades are inserted deep into body cavity, then access to surgical site is improved, but risk of accidental injury to organs increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblade insertion depthVSAvoidaccidental injury risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The retractor blades exhibit local quality variations with different sections designed for specific functions. The distal portions of the blades that contact organs are shaped and positioned to provide gentle, distributed pressure rather than concentrated force. The blades can be selectively positioned to contact only specific anatomical landmarks, allowing deep insertion for access while minimizing injury risk through localized, controlled contact points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The retractor system incorporates built-in protection mechanisms that cushion against accidental injury before it occurs. The blades are designed with rounded edges and smooth surfaces to prevent tissue damage during insertion. The system allows for gradual advancement and adjustment, enabling the surgeon to carefully navigate blades into deep positions while maintaining awareness of organ locations. Security features prevent sudden movements that could cause injury, providing beforehand protection against harmful effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS10856859B1Retractor device and methods for using the same

Publication Date: 2020.12.08 CHAPPUIS JAMES L

AI summary

The present disclosure relates generally to a retractor device for allowing visible access to the surgical site. According to particular embodiments, the present retractor may include two portions: an integral arm portion at one end and a textured surface potion at the opposite end. In some embodiments, the integral arm portion may be positioned inside the body cavity of the patient to restrain and/or occlude targeted organs during surgery to allow for increased visibility of other organs and/or portions of a patient during surgical procedures.