Modular Spinal Retractor Assembly for Angulated Vertebral Distraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical retractors lack the flexibility and precision required for various spinal surgical approaches, such as anterior, lateral, and oblique techniques, leading to inadequate access and visualization of surgical sites during spinal procedures.
Innovation Solution
A modular retractor system with customizable primary and secondary assemblies, featuring independently movable and angulatable blades, a distraction mechanism, and a quick connect coupler for table mount, enabling controlled tissue retraction and access to surgical sites.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixed retractor designs are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the adaptability to different surgical approaches (anterior, lateral, oblique) is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor system is divided into multiple independent components including primary retractor assembly, secondary retractor assembly, modular blades, and dilators. Each component can be independently selected and configured based on the specific surgical approach required, enabling adaptability across anterior, lateral, and oblique approaches without requiring completely different retractor designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractor system employs universal connection interfaces and standardized mounting mechanisms that allow the same basic retractor framework to perform multiple surgical functions. The modular blade system with various geometries and the adjustable dilator set enable a single retractor platform to accommodate different surgical approaches (anterior, lateral, oblique) through component configuration rather than requiring separate dedicated retractors for each approach.
2Adaptability or versatility
If retractors provide stable support and access to surgical site, then the mechanical structure must be rigid and fixed, but the ability to adjust and visualize different angles is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor system incorporates adjustable and movable components including articulating joints, telescopic arms, and rotatable blade attachments. These dynamic elements allow the surgeon to adjust the angulation and positioning of retractor blades during the procedure to optimize visualization of different surgical angles while maintaining structural stability through locked positions and rigid connection points when adjustment is complete.
3Manufacturing precision
If the retractor system provides controlled dilation and retraction, then multiple actuators and mechanisms are required, but the ease of operation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor system combines multiple actuation functions into integrated control mechanisms. The primary and secondary retractor assemblies share common actuation systems for dilation, and the blade attachment mechanisms are unified through standardized interfaces. This merging of functions allows controlled dilation and retraction to be achieved through coordinated movement of integrated components rather than requiring separate complex control systems for each function, thereby maintaining ease of operation while providing precise control.
Data Source
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AI summary
A modular retractor may include a first body portion that houses a distraction mechanism for opening and closing a first arm and a second arm. A first pivoting member may be coupled to a distal end of the first arm and a second pivoting member may be coupled to a distal end of the second arm, for example. A first pin receiving cannula may be coupled to the first pivoting member and a second pin receiving cannula may be coupled to the second pivoting member. The first and second pin receiving cannulas may receive a threaded pin therein and be independently inclinable. Various embodiments may include at least one quick connect coupler. During use, a first pin and a second pin may be secured to a first and second vertebrae for distracting and/or adjusting an angle of inclination of the first and second vertebrae.