Spreadable Surgical Retractor Integrating Lifting and Spreading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical retractors require multiple devices for lifting and spreading, complicating procedures, especially in pediatric patients, and increasing the risk of complications such as hemorrhage and prolonged surgery times during re-sternotomy.
Innovation Solution
A surgical retractor with spreadable rakes that combines lifting and spreading functions, featuring a rake plate with laterally separated mountings, moveable rakes, and a rake spreader linked via an elongated threaded member and spreader rings, allowing for simultaneous lifting and spreading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate devices (retractor and spreader) are used for lifting and spreading, then lifting and spreading functions are provided, but device complexity and procedural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the retractor and spreader functions into a single integrated device. The retractor body includes both lifting capability and an integrated spreader mechanism that can be deployed to provide spreading action, eliminating the need for separate devices and reducing procedural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The retractor device is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a lifting device and a spreading device. The spreader component can be extended or deployed from the retractor body to provide additional spreading function, allowing one device to perform multiple surgical functions
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple devices are mounted in sequence during surgery, then lifting and spreading are achieved, but surgical procedure time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the retractor and spreader into a single device that can be implanted as one unit, the patent eliminates the sequential mounting steps required for separate devices. The integrated design allows both functions to be established simultaneously during a single implantation procedure
Solution Approach 2:
The spreader mechanism is pre-integrated into the retractor body during manufacturing, so that when the retractor is implanted, the spreading capability is already prepared and can be immediately activated without requiring separate mounting steps or additional preparation time during surgery
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple devices are used during prolonged surgery, then lifting and spreading are maintained, but risk of contamination and complications increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces the number of device components that need to be handled and implanted separately, thereby reducing the number of potential contamination events. The integrated design means fewer surgical steps involving device manipulation, device interfaces, and mounting operations, all of which are potential sources of contamination
Solution Approach 2:
The spreader mechanism is pre-assembled and sterilized as part of the retractor device during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation ensures that the entire integrated device can be implanted as a single sterile unit, minimizing the time the surgical field is exposed to potential contamination from multiple device introductions and manipulations
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 spreadable retractor reduces surgical complexity, minimizes the risk of hemorrhage, and shortens operative time by providing direct visualization and efficient access to the sternum, making re-sternotomy safer and faster.
Implementation Method 1
The rake spreader is operably linked to the pair of rakes via an elongated threaded member and a pair of spreader rings, the pair of spreader rings threadingly mounted on the elongated threaded member
Implementation Method 2
the first and second portions are threaded in opposite directions such that when the elongated threaded member is rotated with the spreader rings attached, the spreader rings move laterally on the threaded member in opposite directions from each other
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a spreadable retractor, including a rake plate having a pair of laterally separated rake mountings; a pair of rakes, one of the rakes moveably mounted to each of the laterally separated rake mountings, wherein each of the rakes comprises a rake shaft extending away from the rake plate; and a rake spreader mounted to the rake plate at a position between the laterally separated rake mountings, the rake spreader operably linked to and configured to spread the pair of rakes apart from each other. The spreadable retractor of the present invention provides the ability for surgical personnel to use a single device to both lift and spread tissues and bones in the vicinity of a surgical incision.