Self-Retaining Vaginal Vault Retractor with Curved Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical retractors, such as speculums, obstruct the surgeon's view and require assistance, failing to provide adequate exposure of the perineum and distal vagina, posing safety risks during procedures.
Innovation Solution
A self-retaining vaginal vault retractor with curved arms and fingers made of high-friction materials, featuring a hinge with adjustable friction and a unique shape to facilitate safe and unobstructed access, allowing for improved exposure and manipulation of vaginal tissues without the need for additional assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional surgical retractors are used, then surgical procedures can be performed, but the surgeon's view is obstructed and additional assistance is required
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor is designed to be self-retaining through its specific geometric configuration, eliminating the need for surgical assistants to hold it in place. The device maintains itself in the opened position through its structural design, allowing the surgeon to work independently without requiring additional personnel to manipulate the retractor.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractor consists of two separate curved arms that can be independently positioned and adjusted. This segmentation allows each arm to be optimized for specific functions - one arm provides stable support while the other facilitates tissue retraction, improving surgical accessibility without requiring additional assistance.
2Area of stationary object
If conventional speculums are used, then the vaginal canal can be accessed, but adequate exposure of the perineum and distal vagina is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor arms are configured to open in a lateral direction rather than following the longitudinal axis of the vaginal canal. This dimensional change in opening direction provides superior exposure of the perineum and distal vagina while maintaining clear visibility for the surgeon, as the arms extend outward to create a wider viewing angle.
Solution Approach 2:
The curved geometry of the retractor arms is specifically designed to conform to the natural anatomy of the vaginal vault and perineal region. The curvature allows the arms to gently engage and hold tissues in optimal positions, maximizing the exposed area while maintaining unobstructed surgical view through the created space.
3Reliability
If traditional retractors are used, then surgical procedures can proceed, but safety risks are posed to the patient, surgeon, and surgical assistants
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor is pre-configured with its self-retaining geometric design before insertion, eliminating the need for complex intraoperative adjustments or assistance to maintain positioning. This preliminary design ensures safe and stable tissue exposure is achieved immediately upon placement, reducing procedural risks without complicating the ease of operation.
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
Enables safe and effective exposure of the perineum and distal vagina, reducing the risk of injury and improving surgical accessibility, allowing for procedures like vaginal tears and biopsies without obstructing the surgeon's view or requiring additional personnel.
Implementation Method 1
The pivot of the vagina vault retractor is a smooth slide with tightening screw to allow flexibility
Implementation Method 2
Each of the plurality of fingers is made of a material having a high coefficient of friction
Data Source
AI summary
A self-retaining retractor that facilitates surgical procedures and inspection by a surgeon and eliminates the need for surgical assistance. The self-retaining retractor includes a hinge, a pair of curved arms, a pair of perpendicular arms, and a plurality of fingers emulating from each pair of perpendicular arms. Each of the pair of curved arms includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The near end of the lower portion of the each of the pair of curved arms is coupled to the hinge. The near end of each of the pair of perpendicular arms is coupled to the distal end of the upper portion of the each of the pair of curved arms.