Surgical Tissue Retractor with Rotatable and Linear Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current retractor systems in surgical procedures lack control and refinement in tissue displacement, leading to inadequate access to the surgical site and potential trauma to surrounding tissue.
Innovation Solution
A retractor system comprising a retractor frame with rotatable and linearly translatable arms, allowing for arc and linear movement of blades to angulate and separate, providing controlled tissue retraction and access, along with a shim device for securing the system to the patient's spine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If current retractor systems are used to provide access to the surgical site, then the surgical site can be accessed, but tissue trauma increases and control of tissue displacement is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor system employs dynamic, adjustable arms that can be positioned and locked at multiple angles and depths. The arms are designed to be movable during insertion and positioning, then stabilized through locking mechanisms to maintain precise control over tissue displacement throughout the surgical procedure, reducing trauma while preserving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractor system allows for adjustment of multiple parameters including arm angle, blade depth, and retraction force. These parameters can be modified during the procedure to optimize tissue displacement control for different surgical needs, thereby minimizing tissue trauma while maintaining operational ease through systematic parameter optimization.
2Area of stationary object
If blades are inserted and retracted to displace tissue, then access to the surgical site is enabled, but control and refinement of tissue displacement is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor system divides the tissue displacement function across multiple independent arms and blades, each capable of individual adjustment. This segmentation allows precise control over the displacement of different tissue regions, enabling refined control while maintaining adequate surgical site access through coordinated positioning of multiple blade elements.
3Ease of operation
If a retractor system with multiple movable arms is used, then controlled tissue retraction is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor system employs a nested structure where adjustable arms are integrated within the retractor frame, and blades are positioned within the arms. This nesting allows multiple functional elements to be compactly arranged, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the controlled tissue retraction capability through the hierarchical organization of movable components.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices and methods related to retractor systems that retract tissue to allow access to a surgical site are described. The retractor systems can include a first rotatable arm attachable to a first blade, a second rotatable arm attachable to a second blade and a third linearly translatable arm attachable to a third blade. An attachment mechanism that is attachable to a fourth blade can be removably coupled to a mount on the frame. The retractors systems can also include two blade systems whereby when the retractor is in a closed configuration, the two blades form an oval opening.