Spinal Access System With Segmented Retractor Blades
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal surgery methods face challenges in accessing intervertebral spaces with minimal tissue stress and maintaining vertebral body alignment and spacing during procedures, which affects visualization and stability in the surgical field.
Innovation Solution
A surgical access system comprising a connector with an arm, coupling element, and ridged slider, along with a distractor device featuring elongated members and pins, allows for controlled distraction and access to vertebral bodies, enabling better visualization and alignment while minimizing tissue stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional surgical approaches are used to access intervertebral spaces, then surgical access is achieved, but tissue stress and damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical access system divides the retractor into multiple independent blades that can be positioned and adjusted separately. Each blade can be independently manipulated to create the necessary surgical corridor with minimal force concentration on any single tissue structure, thereby reducing overall tissue stress while maintaining access.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractor blades are designed with dynamic adjustment capabilities, allowing the surgeon to modify blade position, angle, and retraction force during the procedure. This dynamic adaptability enables optimal tissue engagement with minimal stress, accommodating different anatomical variations and surgical needs without requiring excessive force.
2Manufacturing precision
If vertebral bodies are distracted during surgery, then alignment and spacing are improved, but stability of the vertebral alignment becomes challenging to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The distractor device incorporates real-time feedback mechanisms through visual indicators and mechanical stops that provide continuous information about vertebral alignment and distraction magnitude. This feedback loop allows the surgeon to make precise adjustments to maintain optimal alignment and spacing while preventing over-distraction that could compromise vertebral stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables controlled changes in physical parameters such as distraction force, angle, and magnitude. By systematically adjusting these parameters during the procedure, the surgeon can achieve precise vertebral alignment and spacing while maintaining stability through gradual, controlled modifications rather than abrupt changes.
3Manufacturing precision
If complex distraction systems are used to maintain vertebral alignment, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The distractor device is designed as a multi-functional tool that combines alignment, distraction, and stabilization capabilities in a single instrument. This universal design eliminates the need for multiple separate devices, achieving precise alignment through integrated features while actually reducing overall system complexity compared to using multiple specialized tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The distractor device employs a nested structure where components are arranged concentrically or hierarchically, allowing precise alignment mechanisms to be contained within the overall distraction apparatus. This nesting approach maintains high alignment precision while compacting the device structure and reducing the number of external components required.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical access system includes a connector including an arm, a coupling element, a rod, and a ridged slider. The arm includes first and second notched sections disposed in opposed lateral sides thereof. The coupling element includes a body section defining an opening therethrough, and opposed tabs protruding therefrom that are configured to receive the second notched section therebetween such that the arm is pivotably coupled to the coupling element. The rod includes a shaft having a plurality of angled grooves defined partially along a length thereof. The rod extends through the opening of the coupling element and the first notched section of the arm. The ridged slider includes a first surface having a plurality of ridges extending along a partial length thereof. The ridged slider extends through the coupling element with the plurality of ridges operably engaged with the plurality of angled grooves of the rod.