Surgical Retractor with Integrated Stereo Imaging Insert
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Solution Overview
Problem
Minimally invasive surgical techniques face challenges with limited visualization and access due to small incisions, leading to restricted views and workspaces for surgeons, which can result in pain, scarring, infection, and extended recovery times.
Innovation Solution
A medical apparatus featuring a surgical retractor with integrated imaging inserts that include cameras and illumination assemblies, allowing for improved visualization without obstructing the surgical site, and a movable camera platform with electro-mechanical actuators for precise positioning, enabling stereo imaging and enhanced visualization systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If minimally invasive surgical techniques are used with small incisions, then pain and scarring are reduced, but visualization and workspace are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cameras (stereo pair cameras) and illumination sources into a single integrated imaging assembly that is mounted on the surgical retractor. This merging of components allows the system to provide both立体 visualization and adequate illumination through a compact structure that fits within the constraints of minimally invasive surgery, resolving the contradiction between reduced incision size and maintained visualization quality
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging assembly is nested within or mounted on the surgical retractor structure. The cameras and illumination sources are positioned within the retractor blades or on the retractor body, allowing the visualization system to be integrated into the existing surgical instrument without requiring separate large equipment, thus maintaining the benefits of small incisions while providing comprehensive surgical site visualization
2Loss of information
If endoscopes or laparoscopes are inserted percutaneously to visualize the surgical site, then visualization is improved, but the surgeon's workspace and access are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the visualization function from separate percutaneous endoscopes or laparoscopes and integrates it directly onto the surgical retractor. By taking out the cameras and illumination sources from the incised pathway and mounting them on the retractor exterior or on the retractor blades, the system eliminates the need for internal visualization devices that would obstruct surgical access, allowing the surgeon to work freely through the incision while maintaining visualization capability
Solution Approach 2:
The retractor serves as an intermediary structure that carries the imaging assembly. Instead of inserting visualization devices through the incision, the retractor acts as a mediator that provides both mechanical function (holding the incision open) and visualization function (through mounted cameras), eliminating the conflict between access and visualization by using the retractor as a dual-purpose platform
3Loss of information
If multiple cameras are integrated on the retractor for stereo imaging, then visualization quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging assembly is designed as a universal, multi-functional unit that integrates stereo pair cameras, illumination sources, and mounting mechanisms into a single standardized component. This multi-functional design allows the same assembly structure to provide both illumination and visualization functions, reducing overall system complexity despite the presence of multiple cameras. The standardized assembly can be mounted on different retractor configurations, making the complex stereo imaging capability universally applicable without requiring custom complex structures for each application
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical retractor includes a plurality of cameras integrated therein. One such retractor includes a tubular retractor and an insert supporting said plurality of cameras can be disposed within a tubular retractor.