Spinal Retractor with Cam Lock Radiolucent Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical retractors made from radiodense materials like stainless steel or titanium interfere with x-ray imaging during surgical procedures, requiring time-consuming removal and replacement, which can increase the risk of complications.
Innovation Solution
Design of radiolucent retractors with a retractor element and releasable arms featuring a cam lock mechanism that allows for efficient attachment and detachment, enabling the use of radiolucent materials that allow x-ray transmission while maintaining structural integrity and functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If radiodense materials (stainless steel or titanium) are used for retractors, then structural strength and durability are improved, but x-ray imaging is blocked and interference with anatomical imaging occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor is divided into separate components: a radiodense retractor body for strength and radiolucent arms for imaging compatibility. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the retractor have different material properties - the body uses radiodense material for strength while the arms use radiolucent material for imaging compatibility. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between strength and imaging interference.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If metal retractors are removed to allow x-ray imaging, then imaging capability is improved, but procedure time increases and surgical disruption occurs
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the retractor into radiodense body and radiolucent arm components, the design enables continuous imaging capability without removal, eliminating the time loss associated with taking the retractor out and putting it back in.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If radiolucent materials are used for retractors, then x-ray transmission is improved, but structural strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor is segmented into radiodense body portion for strength and radiolucent arm portions for imaging compatibility, allowing both requirements to be satisfied simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractor combines different materials with complementary properties - radiodense material for the body providing strength and radiolucent material for the arms providing imaging compatibility, creating a composite structure that satisfies both requirements.
4Ease of operation
If releasable arm connection mechanism is added, then ease of operation and adaptability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism transitions from static to dynamic, allowing the arms to be easily attached and detached during the procedure. The cam lock mechanism provides a simple rotational action that engages and disengages the connection, improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam lock mechanism is designed to be manually operated by the surgeon without requiring additional tools or complex procedures. The rotational motion of the cam automatically engages the lock and secures the arm connection, providing self-service functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A retractor in accordance with embodiments of the invention comprises a retractor element and a retractor arm releasably connectable to the retractor element. A first connector structure on the retractor arm includes a first end portion having a first edge, a first pin slot extending into the first end portion from the first edge, and a first lock well in the first pin slot. A second connector structure on the element includes an end portion having an aperture, the end portion configured to receive the first connector structure at a connected position with the aperture aligned with the first lock well of the first connector structure. The lock includes a first cam and is rotatable between a release position and a lock position. The cam is configured such that (1) when the lock is in the release position the end portion of the second connector structure can be moved to the connected position with respect to the first connector structure with the first cam passing through the first pin slot and into the first lock well of the first connector structure, and (2) when the lock is in the lock position the first cam engages the first end portion of the first connector structure to resist withdrawal of the first end portion of the first connector structure from the second connector structure.