Spine Access Retractor With Rotating Distal Arm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal access systems and retractors lack the ability to effectively displace tissue in multiple directions, limiting their versatility and effectiveness in minimally invasive surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A retractor system comprising a first arm, a second arm, and a translating member, where the distal portion of the first arm can rotate relative to the proximal portion about a first axis, and the second arm retains a retractor member, allowing for pivoting and translation to facilitate tissue displacement in various directions, along with a rotating member that applies a drive force to bias the distal portion, enabling bilateral or unilateral retraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional spinal access retractors are used, then the structure is simple, but the ability to displace tissue in multiple directions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor is divided into multiple independent arms (first arm with proximal and distal portions, second arm) that can move relative to each other. Each arm can be controlled independently to displace tissue in different directions, providing versatility without requiring a completely complex new design.
Solution Approach 2:
The distal portion of the first arm is configured to rotate relative to the proximal portion about a first axis, and retractor members can pivot toward or away from each other. This dynamic capability allows the retractor to adapt to different tissue displacement needs during surgery, improving versatility while maintaining a relatively simple base structure.
2Loss of time
If minimally invasive techniques are used, then recovery time is reduced, but the ability to access surgical sites effectively is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor system adds rotational freedom and pivoting capability to traditional linear retraction. The distal portion rotates about a first axis, and retractor members can pivot toward or away from each other, creating multi-dimensional tissue displacement capability that enhances surgical access while maintaining minimal incision requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic rotation and pivoting mechanisms allow the surgeon to access difficult-to-reach surgical sites through small incisions by manipulating tissue in multiple directions, thereby maintaining the benefits of minimally invasive surgery while improving operational effectiveness.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the distal portion rotates relative to the proximal portion, then tissue displacement versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation mechanism is segmented into discrete components: the proximal portion, distal portion, and the rotational joint between them. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall mechanism while achieving versatile tissue displacement capability.
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
The retractor system provides enhanced tissue displacement capabilities, allowing for more precise and versatile access to surgical sites, reducing tissue trauma, and improving surgical efficiency and recovery times by enabling better control over tissue retraction during minimally invasive procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The translating member is threadedly coupled to the rotating member, wherein the translating member is configured to translate upon rotation of the rotating member to urge the distal portion to rotate with respect to the proximal portion about the first axis
Implementation Method 2
a rotating member coupled between the proximal portion and the distal portion, the rotating member configured to rotate about a second axis, wherein rotation of the rotating member about the second axis causes the distal portion to rotate relative to the proximal portion about the first axis
Data Source
AI summary
A retractor includes a first arm, a second arm, and a translating member. The first arm comprises a proximal portion configured to retain a first retractor member and a distal portion configured to rotate relative to the proximal portion about a first axis. The second arm is configured to retain a second retractor member, such that rotation of the distal portion about the first axis causes the first retractor member to pivot toward or away from the second retractor member when the first retractor member and the second retractor member are coupled to the first arm and the second arm, respectively. The translating member is coupled between the proximal portion and the distal portion, and is configured to receive a drive force that causes the translating member to bias the distal portion to pivot relative to the proximal portion about the first axis.