Swivel Distractor System for Spine Surgery Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retractor systems in orthopedic spine surgery are bulky, lack maneuverability, and are prone to displacement during procedures, requiring frequent repositioning and compromising surgical access and visibility.
Innovation Solution
A swivel distractor system with a blade portion, flange, and distraction portion, secured to pedicle screws, allowing for adjustable alignment and manual manipulation, forming a rigid construct with a handle and support frame to maintain optimal surgical access and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If table-mounted retractor systems are used, then surgical access is maintained, but the system becomes bulky and loses maneuverability
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor system is divided into separate components: a handheld retractor device that can be manually manipulated and a separate support frame system. This segmentation allows the retractor to be small and maneuverable while the support frame provides stability, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractor incorporates movable and adjustable components including a movable distraction portion and adjustable arms that can be repositioned during surgery. This dynamic design enables the retractor to adapt to different surgical needs and patient anatomies, improving maneuverability without requiring a bulky fixed structure.
2Ease of operation
If handheld retractors are used, then maneuverability is improved, but manual manipulation is required to maintain position
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor design incorporates counterbalancing mechanisms and a support frame system that offsets the weight and forces applied during manual manipulation. This allows the clinician to maintain position with minimal effort, reducing fatigue and the need for frequent repositioning while preserving handheld maneuverability.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractor includes self-retaining features such as friction-fit connections and adjustable locking mechanisms that maintain position automatically once placed. This self-service capability reduces the need for continuous manual adjustment and minimizes repositioning time while preserving initial placement flexibility.
3Reliability
If soft tissue anchored retractors are used, then positioning is achieved, but frequent re-positioning is required when dislodged
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor combines multiple retention mechanisms: soft tissue anchoring through the distraction portion, structural support from the adjustable arms, and mechanical locking features. This combination of methods creates redundant stabilization that prevents dislodgement while allowing easy repositioning if needed, resolving the contradiction between reliability and repositioning frequency.
4Reliability
If retractor systems are secured to maintain position, then displacement is reduced, but procedural flexibility may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor features dynamically adjustable components including movable distraction portions, adjustable arm lengths and angles, and selectable locking positions. These dynamic features allow the device to be secured stably during surgery while maintaining the ability to reconfigure for different procedural needs, resolving the contradiction between position stability and procedural flexibility.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides self-retention and flexibility, minimizing displacement and repositioning needs, enhancing procedural flexibility and maintaining optimal surgical access and visibility by compensating for pedicle screw offsets.
Implementation Method 1
The distraction portion is pivotally coupled to a second end of the blade portion opposite the first end
Data Source
AI summary
A swivel distractor includes a blade portion, a flange, and a distraction portion. The flange extends at an angle from a first end of the blade portion. The distraction portion is pivotally coupled to a second end of the blade portion opposite the first end. The distraction portion may include a first foot that is configured to be received in a head of a first pedicle screw and a second foot that is configured to be received in a head of a second pedicle screw. The second foot may be movable relative to the first foot.