Sternal Retractor Cam Lock Radiolucent Arms
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical retractors made from radiodense materials like stainless steel or titanium interfere with x-ray imaging during surgical procedures, requiring time-consuming removal and replacement, which increases the risk of complications.
Innovation Solution
A sternal retractor with a releasable arm mechanism featuring a cam lock system that allows for efficient attachment and detachment of radiolucent or radiodense arms, enabling secure positioning during imaging without disturbing the surgical procedure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If radiodense materials (stainless steel or titanium) are used for sternal retractors, then strength and structural integrity are improved, but x-ray imaging capability deteriorates due to radiation blocking
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor is divided into multiple segments including radiodense portions (adapters, locks, cranial portion) and radiolucent portions (arms, caudal portion). This segmentation allows different parts to have different material properties optimized for their specific functions while collectively solving the imaging interference problem.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the retractor have different material properties: radiodense materials are used where structural strength is critical (adapters, locks), while radiolucent materials are used in areas that interfere with imaging (arms). This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between strength requirements and imaging compatibility.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If metal retractors are removed to allow imaging, then x-ray imaging capability is improved, but surgical procedure efficiency deteriorates due to time loss and procedural disruption
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor's segmented design with radiolucent arms allows imaging to be performed without removing the device, maintaining surgical efficiency while enabling necessary imaging procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
By making specific portions radiolucent while maintaining radiodense structural components, the retractor enables imaging capability without requiring full removal, thus preserving surgical procedure efficiency.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If radiolucent materials are used for the entire retractor, then x-ray imaging capability is improved, but strength and structural integrity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor uses segmentation to place radiolucent materials only where imaging capability is needed (arms) while maintaining radiodense materials for structural components (adapters, locks), thus achieving imaging capability without sacrificing overall strength.
Solution Approach 2:
Different material properties are assigned to different portions: radiolucent materials for imaging-critical areas and radiodense materials for strength-critical areas, resolving the contradiction between imaging capability 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 retractor allows for efficient x-ray imaging by using radiolucent materials outside the surgical site, providing strength and ease of use while minimizing procedural disruptions, accommodating various arm sizes and configurations for optimal patient fitting.
Implementation Method 1
The lock includes a cam that is rotatably mounted to the second connector structure, and that rotates between the release and lock positions
Implementation Method 2
when the cam is in the lock position the cam urges the first leg into engagement with the side wall of the channel
Data Source
AI summary
A retractor in accordance with embodiments of the invention includes an adapter and an arm that can be releasably connected to the adapter. An end portion of the arm includes first and second legs and a lock well between the legs. The adapter includes a tubular channel having side walls configured to receive the end portion of the arm, and a lock having a cam in the channel that is rotatable between a release position and a lock position. The lock is configured such that (1) when the lock is in the release position the end portion of the arm can be inserted into the channel and removed from the channel with the cam passing to and from the lock well between the legs, and (2) when the lock is in the lock position the cam is in the lock well and engages the legs to urge the legs into engagement with the side walls of the channel.