Surgical Retractor with Segmented Body and Silicone Sleeve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current percutaneous spinal surgery retractors face challenges with rigid fixation leading to unintentional movement during procedures, inadequate muscle tissue retraction, and failure to accommodate the natural anatomical shape of the spine, resulting in increased morbidity, blood loss, and operative time.
Innovation Solution
A percutaneous tissue retraction device with an anatomically shaped distal end and a patient-based anchoring system that eliminates the need for external fixation, using a retractor with semi-cylindrical and semi-elliptical segments and a silicone sleeve for stable tissue retraction and visualization, allowing for efficient mobilization and dissection of muscle fibers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If rigid fixation is used to secure the retractor, then the retractor can be fixed in position, but unintentional movement occurs during the surgical procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor system transitions from rigid static fixation to dynamic stabilization through patient positioning and soft tissue engagement. The retractor maintains stability through anatomical adaptation rather than rigid external fixation, allowing controlled movement with patient positioning while maintaining surgical position reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting pad serves as an intermediary between the retractor and patient body, distributing forces and providing stable anchoring through soft tissue engagement rather than rigid fixation to external structures.
2Ease of operation
If conventional retractor designs are used, then the retractor can be inserted, but inadequate muscle tissue retraction occurs at the distal end
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor features differentiated local qualities with specific distal end geometry designed for muscle engagement. The distal end incorporates rounded contours and appropriate dimensions to effectively retract muscle tissue, while the proximal end maintains structural integrity for insertion and fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The distal end of the retractor employs curved and rounded geometries rather than sharp angles, enabling smooth engagement with muscle tissue and effective retraction without causing damage. The curved profile adapts to anatomical structures for improved retraction capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional retractor designs are used, then the retractor can be inserted, but the natural anatomical shape of the spine is not accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor profile is designed with curved contours that match the natural anatomical shape of the spine and surrounding tissues. This curved geometry accommodates anatomical structures rather than forcing rigid linear alignment, reducing tissue trauma and improving adaptability to patient-specific anatomy.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractor design incorporates variable dimensions and curvature parameters along its length to adapt to different anatomical configurations. The distal end features specific curvature and diameter parameters optimized for muscle engagement, while the overall profile adapts to spinal anatomy.
4Area of stationary object
If extensive muscle stripping is performed in open surgery, then access to the surgical area is achieved, but significant permanent scarring and fusion disease result
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical approach is segmented into percutaneous access through small incisions rather than large open incisions. The retractor creates a focused working channel through minimal tissue disruption, separating the access function from extensive muscle stripping, thereby reducing scarring and fusion disease while maintaining surgical access.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractor functions as a flexible access device that can be inserted through small incisions and expanded to create adequate working space. This thin-film-like access method replaces extensive open dissection, providing surgical access through minimal incisions that heal with reduced scarring.
Data Source
AI summary
A retractor having an elongate body that provides access to a surgical location within a patient. The elongate body includes a plurality of segments that are connected to one another through a plurality of ratcheting mechanisms. The ratcheting mechanisms permit relative movement of the segments with respect to one another when expander dilators are inserted within the retractor. The segments are surrounded and retained by a resilient elastomeric sleeve or bands. The distal end surfaces of the segments include thin edges that are configured to mobilize, dissect, split and retract the terminal tissues in the surgical area. The retractor is used in conjunction with a resilient elastomeric pad that is affixed to the patient and firmly engages the outer surface of the elongate body to thereby anchor the retractor to the patient. A separate anchoring device can be used to connect the retractor to the pad.