Spine Retractor Camera Adapters for Unobstructed Surgical Views
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical visualization systems are cumbersome, difficult to clean, and inadequate for various surgical procedures, particularly in spinal surgeries like LLIF and ATP, due to blocked visualization by instruments and lack of light at the surgical site.
Innovation Solution
A camera system is mounted to a generic access device, such as a spinal retractor blade, allowing improved visualization by positioning the camera at different angles relative to the surgical site, including use of adapters and connectors to facilitate mounting on expanding blade retractors, table-mount arms, or handheld retractors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a camera system is mounted to a generic access device like a bladed expandable retractor, then visualization of the surgical site is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for adapters and mounting mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The camera mounting system is divided into separate modular components including adapters that attach to retractor blades and connectors that interface with the camera system. This segmentation allows the camera to be mounted on generic retractors without modifying the retractor design, thereby improving visualization while adding minimal complexity through standardized interface components
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter system is designed to be universally compatible with multiple retractor blade designs and camera systems. The standardized interface allows a single adapter design to work across different surgical procedures and equipment manufacturers, improving visualization capability without requiring procedure-specific custom mounting solutions
2Loss of information
If the camera is positioned within the long narrow working corridor defined by retractor blades, then direct visualization of the surgical site is achieved, but the working space is reduced and instruments or hands may block the view
Solution Approach 1:
The camera is mounted on the lateral surface of the retractor blade rather than within the working corridor, utilizing the external surface area for positioning. This dimensional relocation allows the camera to observe the surgical site through the corridor without occupying internal working space, thereby maintaining full instrument access while achieving unobstructed visualization
3Measurement precision
If traditional microscopes or loupes are used for visualization, then magnification is achieved, but the long narrow working corridor lacks sufficient light and the surgeon's instruments or hands block the view
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system acts as an intermediary between the surgical site and the surgeon's eyes. The camera captures images at the distal end of the working corridor where lighting is limited, and transmits these images to a display system, thereby providing detailed visualization without requiring the surgeon to position their head or hands within the constrained corridor space
Solution Approach 2:
The camera creates a visual copy of the surgical site conditions, capturing the illuminated field at the distal end of the working corridor and transmitting this copied image to the surgeon. This allows the surgeon to view the surgical site in detail without physically being present at the constrained location, avoiding obstruction by instruments or hands
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are surgical instruments and methods that aid in positioning a surgical visualization system, such as a camera or other imaging device, relative to an access device in a surgical procedure, including spinal procedures. The disclosed instruments and methods provide for mounting a camera or other imaging device to an access device, such as a spinal retractor blade, at various radial positions about a working channel to facilitate use of the camera or imaging device to aid in a variety of surgical steps or procedures.