Suction Retractor Continuous Dam Tissue Retraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional mechanical retractors used in surgical procedures, especially in Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS), face challenges in providing effective tissue retraction while limiting access for other instruments and causing trauma due to the need for large incisions and complex manipulation.

Innovation Solution

A suction retractor system comprising a flexible continuous dam with inlets for applying suction, allowing for the retraction of body parts, tissues, or organs by forming a seal and minimizing trauma through even force distribution, which can be disposable and adaptable to different surgical techniques.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If conventional mechanical retractors are used in SILS, then tissue retraction can be achieved, but access for other instruments is limited and trauma increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue retraction forceVSAvoidinstrument access

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical retractors that require manual manipulation and physical space with a suction-based retraction system. The suction retractor uses negative pressure applied through a port to achieve tissue retraction without requiring complex mechanical structures or manual adjustment, thereby improving instrument access while maintaining effective retraction force

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs pneumatic principles by using suction (negative pressure) applied through a port to retract tissue. The suction retractor creates a pressure differential that holds tissue in place, eliminating the need for mechanical contact and manual manipulation, thus resolving the contradiction between retraction effectiveness and instrument accessibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Force

If conventional mechanical retractors are used, then tissue retraction is achieved, but surgical time increases due to complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue retraction forceVSAvoidsurgical time

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The suction retractor eliminates complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms by using a simple suction-based system controlled through a port. This substitution reduces the time required for retractor insertion, adjustment, and positioning, while maintaining effective tissue retraction throughout the procedure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The suction retractor system is self-regulating through the suction pressure applied via the port. Once positioned, the tissue is held in place automatically by the suction force without requiring continuous manual adjustment or complex mechanical interventions, thereby reducing surgical time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If disposable suction retractors are used, then cost and cleaning effort are reduced, but manufacturing complexity must be managed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning and disinfection processVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The suction retractor is designed as a disposable device that can be manufactured using simple molding processes. The single-piece construction with integrated port and suction channels eliminates the need for assembly and cleaning, making it economically viable as a disposable item while reducing the risk of contamination and cleaning-related complexities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 suction retractor simplifies surgical procedures, reduces trauma and scarring, and is compatible with SILS, offering a rapid and effective method for tissue retraction while being cost-effective and easy to manufacture, although it may not be suitable for cases requiring strong force.

Implementation Method 1

suction can be applied through the one or more inlet and into an interior of the continuous dam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP2568873B1Suction retractor

Publication Date: 2018.10.31 LIVAC IP CO PTY LTD

Figure 1A(i)~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 1E(i)~1E(ii)

AI summary

The subject invention provides a suction retractor comprising a flexible continuous dam which forms a closed loop of any shape and which defines one or more inlet opening into an interior of the closed loop, so that suction can be applied into an interior of the continuous dam. The suction retractor may further comprise a suction tube defining a suction channel, the suction tube attached to or attachable to the continuous dam and when attached the suction channel continuous with the one or more inlet. The one or more inlet may open to a continuous channel extending throughout an interior of the closed loop. Preferably, the continuous dam is planar or substantially planar and comprises a first compacted configuration for insertion and a second open configuration for retraction. The suction retractor of the invention finds application in single incision and conventional laparoscopic surgery.