Side-Load Retractor Blade Connector With Swivel Lock Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surgical retraction devices lack efficient mechanisms for securely attaching and adjusting surgical retractor blades, particularly in a manner that allows for swiveling or locking, and do not provide adequate access to the operative site without obstructing the surgeon's view.
Innovation Solution
A retractor system with a swivel lock feature that allows surgical retractor blades to be side-loaded and rotated or locked relative to the retractor arm, and an angle adjustment assembly that adjusts the retractor blades without diving further into the incision, enhancing maneuverability and access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional retraction devices are used, then the surgeon can access internal organs, but the view of the operative site is obstructed and access is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor blade is designed with a swivel mechanism that allows it to rotate dynamically around the retractor arm. This dynamic positioning capability enables the blade to be adjusted to different angles and orientations, providing unobstructed views of the operative site while maintaining effective retraction of soft tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractor system is divided into separate components: a retractor arm and a retractor blade that can be independently positioned. The blade can be swiveled relative to the arm, allowing the surgeon to optimize the position of each component separately to achieve both good retraction and unobstructed visibility.
2Reliability
If retractor blades are rigidly attached to the retractor arm, then secure attachment is achieved, but maneuverability and adjustability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the retractor blade and retractor arm is made dynamic through a swivel mechanism. This allows the blade to rotate and adjust its position relative to the arm while maintaining a secure mechanical connection, thereby achieving both reliability and maneuverability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If angle adjustment is achieved by moving the retractor deeper into the incision, then angle adjustment is possible, but the retractor dives further into the incision causing potential harm
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adjusting the angle by moving the retractor blade deeper into the incision (longitudinal adjustment), the invention enables angle adjustment through lateral rotation of the blade around the retractor arm. This dimensional change in the adjustment mechanism allows angle variation without increasing the depth of insertion, thereby avoiding harm to surrounding tissues.
Data Source
AI summary
A side-load connector comprises a housing, a port into which an attachment post of a retractor blade is loaded, a sidewall opening, a retaining fork between a housing upper surface and a housing lower surface, and a slider. The port passes through the housing upper surface and the housing lower surface. The sidewall opening passes through a housing sidewall and permits lateral passage of the attachment post through the housing sidewall to the port. The retaining fork includes a front tine and a back tine. The slider is coupled to the retaining fork and configured to slide the retaining fork between a closed position in which the front tine and the back tine engage the loaded attachment post and an opened position in which the front tine does not engage the loaded attachment post.