Spinal Retactor Oximeter Sensor Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical devices lack the ability to effectively monitor nerve root damage during spinal surgery, making it difficult for surgeons to ensure tissue integrity during retraction.
Innovation Solution
A tissue retractor equipped with an oximeter sensor that measures oxygen saturation of retracted tissues using optical fibers and a system unit to emit and detect light signals, providing real-time feedback on tissue health.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a retractor is used to hold aside tissues during surgery, then access to the surgical site is improved, but the ability to monitor tissue health is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the retractor function with the oximeter sensor function into a single integrated device. The retractor blade and oximeter sensor are merged into one instrument, allowing simultaneous tissue retraction and oxygen saturation monitoring without requiring separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractor is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating an oximeter sensor that can monitor tissue oxygen saturation levels. This universal device serves both mechanical retraction and physiological monitoring purposes, eliminating the need for separate monitoring equipment.
2Device complexity
If traditional retractors are used without sensors, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical monitoring methods with optical measurement technology. Instead of using mechanical sensors or complex mechanical systems to assess tissue health, the invention uses optical fibers and light-based oximetry to non-invasively measure tissue oxygen saturation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical fibers as intermediaries to transmit light signals through the tissue. The optical fibers serve as mediators between the light source/detector and the tissue, enabling indirect measurement of oxygen saturation without direct contact or complex instrumentation at the tissue site.
3Ease of operation
If no monitoring system is integrated, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability of tissue protection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback by continuously monitoring tissue oxygen saturation levels and providing immediate information to the surgeon. The oximeter sensor provides ongoing feedback about tissue health status, allowing the surgeon to adjust retraction forces or techniques to prevent nerve root damage.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables surgeons to monitor tissue oxygen saturation in real-time, reducing the risk of nerve root damage and improving surgical precision and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The first optical fiber passes through a channel in the shaft and a distal end of the first optical fiber is coupled to a first sensor opening of the tip. The second optical fiber passes through the channel in the shaft and a distal end of the second optical fiber is coupled to a second sensor opening of the tip.
Implementation Method 2
The signal emitter circuit sends a signal through the optical fiber and the signal detector circuit receives the signal from the second optical fiber
Data Source
AI summary
A retractor has an oximeter sensor at its tip, which allows measuring of oxygen saturation of a tissue being retracted by the retractor. The tip includes one or more openings for at least one source and detector. A specific implementation is a spinal nerve root retractor with an oximeter sensor.