Surgical Retractor Instrument Securement Against Portal Blockage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Minimally invasive surgical retractors, particularly tubular retractors, are prone to blockage due to tissue creep, especially nerve tissue, limiting the space for introducing instruments and causing potential trauma.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument securement system comprising a bracket and an instrument securement base with a clamp and extension clip, designed to affix to a surgical retractor, which secures surgical instruments like nerve retractors, suction, and lighting attachments, ensuring fixed retraction of soft tissue away from the surgical field.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a small portal is used in tubular retractors for minimally invasive surgery, then tissue trauma is reduced, but the portal is prone to blockage due to tissue creep and limits instrument introduction space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an extension clip as an intermediary component that attaches to the retractor body and extends into the surgical site. This clip provides additional tissue retraction capability while maintaining the small portal size, thereby preventing blockage without increasing tissue trauma. The clip acts as a mediator between the retractor and the tissue, enabling effective tissue displacement through the limited portal opening.
2Ease of manufacture
If a small portal is used in tubular retractors, then minimally invasive access is achieved, but the space for introducing conventional blade and manipulator instruments is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the retraction function by separating the main retractor body from the tissue-contacting extension clip. The extension clip is a distinct component that can be attached to the retractor, allowing the small portal to maintain its minimally invasive advantages while the extended clip structure provides sufficient space for instrument manipulation and introduction at the surgical site.
3Productivity
If soft tissue is retracted through a small portal, then minimally invasive surgery is enabled, but tissue creep causes blockage and potential nerve trauma
Solution Approach 1:
The extension clip is positioned and secured to the retractor body before tissue retraction begins. This preliminary positioning establishes a stable retraction architecture that prevents tissue creep during the surgical procedure. The clip's pre-secured position ensures consistent tissue displacement without slippage or blockage, maintaining surgical efficiency while protecting nerve tissue from trauma.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument securement system for use with a surgical retractor includes a bracket comprising first and second opposing bracket arms, and an instrument securement base that is releasably engageable with one or both of the first and second opposing bracket arms, the instrument securement base comprising an instrument retention seat, the instrument retention seat configured to retain a portion of at least one surgical instrument. The bracket and instrument securement base assembly are configured to secure the at least one surgical instrument to a surgical retractor adjacent at least a portion of the interior surface of the surgical retractor.