Segmented Surgical Retraction Arms for Spinal Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical retraction systems are hindered by bulkiness, poor visualization, and operational difficulty, leading to increased costs, recovery time, and risk during spinal surgery procedures for accessing intervertebral spaces.
Innovation Solution
A retractor system with interconnected arms and blades that can be translated and locked, featuring a guide dilator and guide wire for tissue engagement, allowing for improved access and stability along an access pathway surrounded by tissue, facilitating the implantation of intervertebral spacers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing retraction systems are used to access intervertebral space, then surgical access can be achieved, but the systems suffer from excess bulk and weight that complicate operation and increase risk
Solution Approach 1:
The retraction system is divided into multiple independent arms (first arm, second arm, third arm) that can be separately positioned and adjusted. Each arm can be independently manipulated to achieve optimal retraction configuration, reducing the complexity of operating a single monolithic device while maintaining effective tissue retraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates translatable arms with locking mechanisms that allow dynamic adjustment during surgery. The second arm can be translated along a retraction direction relative to the first arm, and connection features can be locked or unlocked to change the configuration, making the device adaptable to different surgical needs without requiring a completely complex fixed structure.
2Illumination intensity
If existing retraction systems are used, then access to intervertebral space can be obtained, but visualization of the intervertebral space and access pathway is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple arms extending in different spatial dimensions to create a framework that opens up the surgical field from multiple angles. The third arm with its connection feature to the second arm adds another dimensional aspect to the retraction configuration, improving visualization by creating a multi-dimensional access pathway rather than a single-plane obstruction.
3Productivity
If existing retraction systems are used, then surgical access can be achieved, but recovery time and surgical costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows adjustment of retraction parameters through translation of the second arm and configuration changes of the connection features. This enables optimization of the retraction configuration for each specific surgical case, improving surgical efficiency by allowing precise control over tissue exposure without requiring time-consuming adjustments or multiple device changes.
4Reliability
If existing retraction systems are used, then access to intervertebral space can be obtained, but the risk level associated with the procedure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system includes pre-configured locking mechanisms and connection features that secure the arms in place before surgical instruments are introduced. The locking mechanism with actuator can be engaged to lock the connection feature in place relative to the connection interface, ensuring stable tissue retraction is established beforehand, which reduces surgical risk by preventing accidental tissue release or instrument slippage.
Data Source
AI summary
A retractor system may provide access to a surgical site along an access pathway surrounded by tissue. In some embodiments, the retractor system may include three arms and four retractor blades, each having a tissue engagement surface. The second arm may translate along a first retraction direction relative to the first arm. The first retractor blade may be securable to the first arm and the second retractor blade may be securable to the second arm. The third arm may have a connection feature that may be removably securable to a connection interface of the second arm. The third retractor blade may be securable to the third arm and the fourth retractor blade may be securable to a rack between the first and second arms. The third and fourth retractor blades may have cross-sectional shapes oriented generally parallel to the first retraction direction.