Sternal Retraction Insert with Resilient Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sternal retractors during open chest surgery often cause fractures, bleeding, and infection due to uneven stress distribution and inadequate hemostasis, leading to slow healing and patient discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A surgical retraction system with a flexible insert having rigid sections and a resilient connector that can bend into a U-shape to fit between cut sternum edges, distributing pressure evenly and applying hemostatic agents to control bleeding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a sternal retractor is used to laterally separate the two opposing halves of the sternum, then the sternal opening is sufficiently large to provide access to the surgical site, but more stress is placed on the shorter, upper ribs which can cause fractures, broken ribs, and improper or slow healing
Solution Approach 1:
The insert is divided into multiple sections (first section, second section, and intermediate section) that can independently distribute stress along the sternal edges, preventing concentration of force on specific ribs and reducing fracture risk while maintaining adequate sternal opening
Solution Approach 2:
The insert provides localized protection and support at different positions along the sternal edges, with each section tailored to address specific stress distribution needs at different anatomical locations, thereby protecting vulnerable ribs while maintaining overall sternal separation
2Object-generated harmful factors
If wax and gel substances are applied to the bleeding surfaces of the cut sternum to reduce bleeding, then bleeding is inhibited, but the substances are left in the sternum after surgery which may result in contamination of blood cells, infection, and improper or slow healing
Solution Approach 1:
The insert acts as an intermediary hemostatic device that mechanically controls bleeding through pressure and design features rather than relying on chemical substances, achieving hemostasis without introducing foreign materials that could cause infection or delay healing
Solution Approach 2:
The insert is designed as a disposable device that is removed after surgery, providing temporary hemostatic function during the critical period without leaving any residual material in the sternum that could cause contamination or infection
3Ease of operation
If the connector section is flexible to enable the insert to flex between flat and bent configurations, then the insert can be easily inserted and adapted to the sternum, but the structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connector section transitions from a flexible state during insertion to a stabilized state during use, allowing the insert to adapt to the sternum geometry initially and then maintain structural integrity when force is applied during surgical retraction
Solution Approach 2:
The insert combines materials with different properties - the connector section uses resilient material for flexibility during insertion, while the first and second sections use rigid material for structural support, creating a composite structure that achieves both ease of insertion and structural integrity
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 system reduces the risk of fractures and bleeding, promotes faster healing, and minimizes infection by evenly distributing pressure and using hemostatic agents to control bleeding during open chest surgery.
Implementation Method 1
a connector section made of resilient material interconnecting proximal ends of the first and second sections
Implementation Method 2
inserts that are placed inside the sternal retractor blades to tamponade blood flow from the cut sternal edges
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical retraction system includes a sternal retractor having a first retractor arm and a second retractor arm. An insert is coupled with the sternal retractor. The insert includes a first section having a first rigid backing, a second section having a second rigid backing that is spaced from the first rigid backing, and a connector section including resilient material interconnecting proximal ends of the first and second sections. The first section of the insert is coupled with the first retractor arm, the second section of the insert is coupled with the second retractor arm, and the connector section extends laterally between the proximal ends of the first and second sections. When the insert is bent, the resilient connector section normally urges the first and second sections of the insert away from one another for returning the insert to a flat configuration.