Surgical Base Unit with Integrated Retractor Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Minimally invasive lumbar fusion surgery requires a method to apply forces to bones relative to a fulcrum and to locally support surgical retractors, while maintaining sterility and convenience, as existing systems are unwieldy and prone to sterility breaches.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical apparatus with a base structure and leg extension coupled to a pedicle screw, allowing for force application via a rotatable coupling, and optionally incorporating a simple machine for axial and transverse movement, and a retractor support mechanism that is independent of the operating table.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a retractor is tethered to the operating table via a flexible arm, then the retractor can be supported during surgery, but the system becomes unwieldy and prone to sterility breaches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the retractor support function with the existing surgical base unit that is already anchored to the patient's spine via pedicle screws. By integrating the retractor support mechanism into the base unit rather than using a separate operating table-mounted system, the invention eliminates the need for flexible arms and multiple connection points, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining sterility through the already-established sterile surgical field anchorage.
Solution Approach 2:
The base unit serves as an intermediary structure between the patient's skeleton and the retractor. Instead of tethering the retractor directly to the operating table (which creates sterility risks), the base unit anchored to the spine acts as a sterile intermediary that can support the retractor locally at the surgical site without breaching the sterile field.
2Ease of operation
If existing external mounting systems are used for retractors, then support is provided, but the system is cumbersome and requires external structures
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the retractor support function into the base unit that is already part of the minimally invasive surgical system. The base unit includes integrated support structures such as uprights and crossbars that can directly hold retractors, eliminating the need for separate external mounting systems and making the system more self-contained and easier to operate.
Solution Approach 2:
The base unit is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as an anchor for applying forces to bones and as a support structure for retractors. This universal design eliminates the need for separate dedicated retractor mounting systems, reducing overall device complexity while improving ease of operation through integrated functionality.
3Measurement precision
If a base structure is anchored to pedicle screws for force application, then precise force control is achieved, but the structure requires additional anchoring components
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines the force application mechanism with the pedicle screw anchoring system that is already in place for spinal stabilization. The base unit integrates with the existing pedicle screws and rods, using the same anchoring points to provide both structural support and precise force application capability, thereby avoiding additional anchoring components.
Solution Approach 2:
The pedicle screw and rod system serves dual purposes: providing structural stabilization for the spine and serving as the anchoring mechanism for the base unit that applies forces during surgery. This multi-functional use of existing components achieves precise force application without requiring separate anchoring systems.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and methods for exerting force on a first bone with respect to a fulcrum, which may be a second bone. A base structure, mechanically coupled to the fulcrum, is coupled to the closure top so that a force may be exerted by the base structure, acting against the fulcrum, in at least one of axial and transverse directions with respect to a pedicle screw inserted into bone. A leg extension, allowing force to be applied through the pedicle screw to a bone, has a first end rotatably coupled to the base structure; and a second end threaded as the closure top. The base structure may also support a retractor in a manner local to the immediate region of surgery.