Surgical Introducer Probe Retainer Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical retractor systems face challenges with precision and accuracy when using navigation probes, particularly due to issues with probe retention, fluid interference, and obstructed views, which can lead to tissue damage and procedural complexity during delicate tissue surgeries like neurosurgery.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an introducer system with a probe retainer that includes a receiver and clamps to securely hold a navigation probe, allowing for precise registration and visualization while minimizing lateral movement and fluid obstruction, featuring a tapered receptacle to guide the probe tip and maintain alignment with the introducer tip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a navigation probe is used to guide the retractor system, then navigation accuracy is improved, but probe retention and stability deteriorate due to fluid interference and lack of secure mounting
Solution Approach 1:
The probe retainer is divided into separate functional components: a receiver that interfaces with the probe, clamps that provide securing force, and a mounting structure that attaches to the introducer. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to solve the retention problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe retainer is pre-assembled and attached to the introducer before the surgical procedure begins. This preliminary action ensures that the probe is securely retained from the moment it is inserted, preventing fluid interference and maintaining stability throughout the procedure.
2Illumination intensity
If the introducer tip is made transparent for visualization, then visual guidance is improved, but probe alignment and precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The introducer is designed with different properties in different regions: the distal tip portion is made transparent for visualization, while the proximal portion maintains structural integrity and precision features. The probe retainer incorporates alignment features such as tapered receptacles and registration marks that ensure precise probe positioning despite the transparent material.
3Measurement precision
If the probe shaft diameter is reduced for better navigation, then navigation precision is improved, but probe stability and resistance to fluid interference deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp mechanism applies counteracting forces to balance the probe shaft against fluid interference. The clamps are positioned and sized to provide sufficient securing force on the thin probe shaft, counterweighting the destabilizing effects of surgical fluids and allowing stable navigation despite the reduced diameter.
4Reliability
If a probe retainer with clamps is added to secure the probe, then probe retention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The probe retainer components (receiver, clamps, and mounting structure) are merged into a single integrated assembly that attaches to the introducer as one unit. This merging reduces the number of separate parts and assembly steps, simplifying the overall device while maintaining reliable probe retention through the combined action of all components.
Data Source
AI summary
An introducer system for use with a navigation probe. The introducer system has an introducer and a probe retainer configured to selectively connect to the introducer. The probe retainer includes a receiver configured to receive a navigation probe shaft and limit movement of the navigation probe shaft in the lateral direction. A first clamp and a second clamp are connected to the receiver with the receiver located between the first clamp and the second clamp. Each of the first clamp and the second clamp is selectively engageable with respective portions of the introducer sidewall to hold the receiver at a fixed location relative to the introducer. The receiver, the first clamp, and the second clamp are configured to provide a visual path through the probe retainer and into the introducer passage.