Integrated Spinal Retraction and Distraction Tool
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal surgery techniques require separate retractor and distractor instruments, leading to increased complexity, additional instrumentation, and reduced reliability and ease of use during the implantation of spinal devices.
Innovation Solution
An integrated retractor-distractor system for use with modular bone screws, comprising a frame with sliding arms, ball joints, and a modular blade that can be removably attached, allowing for independent alignment and simultaneous retraction and distraction of tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate retractor and distractor instruments are used, then each instrument can perform its specific function, but the overall system complexity increases and the number of instruments required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the retractor and distractor functions into a single integrated instrument. The retractor-distractor system includes a retractor component with blades for tissue retraction and a distractor component with expansion mechanisms, both integrated into one device that can be inserted through a single incision, thereby reducing the number of separate instruments needed while maintaining both functional capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated retractor-distractor instrument is designed to perform multiple functions: it can retract tissue using its blades, distract vertebral bodies through expansion mechanisms, and provide stable support during spinal surgery. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple separate specialized instruments
2Ease of manufacture
If separate retractor and distractor instruments are used, then each instrument can be optimized for its specific task, but the number of instruments to be handled and cleaned increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the retractor and distractor into one integrated instrument, the patent reduces the total number of instruments that need to be handled, sterilized, and disposed of. The unified design maintains task-specific optimization through dedicated components (blades for retraction, expansion mechanisms for distraction) while simplifying the overall workflow
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate retractor and distractor instruments are used, then each instrument can perform its function independently, but the reliability and durability of the overall system decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated design creates a more reliable system by reducing the number of connection points and interfaces between separate instruments. The retractor-distractor system functions as a unified, stable platform that maintains consistent positioning and reduces the risk of misalignment or failure that could occur with multiple separate instruments
Data Source
AI summary
A retractor-distractor system comprising a frame with slidably coupled superior and inferior arms extending therefrom. The superior arm comprises a superior clamp arm pivotally coupled to a lateral end of the superior arm, a superior ball joint received between the superior clamp arm and the superior arm, and a superior ball joint lock operable to pivot the superior clamp arm proximate to the superior arm, thereby locking the orientation of the superior ball joint. The inferior arm comprises an inferior clamp arm pivotally coupled to a lateral end of the inferior arm, an inferior ball joint received between the inferior clamp arm and the inferior arm, and an inferior ball joint lock operable to pivot the inferior clamp arm proximate to the inferior arm, thereby locking the orientation of the inferior ball joint. The superior and inferior arms are operable to receive a modular blade to retract and distract tissue.