Surgical Retraction Device with Locking Track
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surgical retraction devices require active operation by a surgeon or assistant to maintain retraction during procedures like distal radius fracture surgery, often slipping or disengaging due to misaligned forces and lacking precise control, especially in complex anatomical regions with numerous adjacent structures.
Innovation Solution
A surgical retraction device featuring a pair of opposed prongs on an elongated locking track that allows for self-retaining, linear movement to retract neurovascular and musculotendinous structures, providing unimpeded access to skeletal structures with a track lock mechanism for secure positioning without manual assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional surgical retraction devices are used, then surgical access can be obtained, but the devices require active operation by surgeon or assistant and may slip or disengage due to misaligned forces
Solution Approach 1:
The retraction device is designed to be self-retaining through a locking mechanism that automatically maintains the retracted position of anatomical structures without requiring continuous manual operation. The device locks into position once deployed, eliminating the need for surgeon or assistant intervention to maintain retraction during the surgical procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a static manual retractor to a dynamic self-adjusting system that uses spring-loaded mechanisms and locking tracks to automatically adapt to tissue forces and maintain stable retraction without manual intervention, preventing slippage and disengagement.
2Reliability
If conventional retraction devices with ratcheting mechanisms are used, then the open position can be maintained, but the devices travel in an arcuate path and tend to slip out or disengage from misaligned opposed forces
Solution Approach 1:
The retraction system is divided into segmented components including opposing retractors with independent locking mechanisms that travel along separate linear tracks. This segmentation allows each component to maintain independent force alignment while collectively providing stable retraction, preventing the arcuate path problems of conventional ratcheting devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs dynamic locking mechanisms on linear tracks that allow the retractors to move independently along straight paths, maintaining proper force alignment throughout the retraction process and preventing disengagement from misaligned opposed forces.
3Measurement precision
If conventional retraction devices are used, then anatomical structures can be retracted, but precise control is lacking especially in complex anatomical regions
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates adjustable and lockable linear tracks that allow precise positioning of retractors along defined paths. The locking mechanism provides fine control over retraction distance and position, enabling precise control in complex anatomical regions while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure through the use of standardized track and lock components.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical appliance includes a pair of opposed prongs slideably disposed on an elongated locking track for retracting neurovascular and musculotendinous anatomical structures through an incision for affording access to deeper structures for inserting osteosynthesis hardware in the surgical treatment of a distal radius fracture or other surgical procedure. The prongs extend from retractors that traverse the locking track for opposed linear movement while recessed in a surgical working region accessible through an incision. The prongs terminate in curvatures defining a void that gather and engage the elongated anatomical structures on top of the skeletal members receiving the plate. The prongs draw back the tendons, blood vessels and nerve structures to allow unimpeded surgical access for manipulating and attaching skeletal and soft tissue members and/or appliances. The device retracts anatomical structures along a linear track for a fixed locking engagement maintaining a surgical gap without direct manual assistance.