Telescoping retractor holder for cardiac surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surgical lifting devices for sternum retraction in cardiac surgery impose high forces on patients, risking sternal and rib fractures, and are cumbersome to reposition, especially when dissecting both mammary arteries, often requiring assistance and interrupting the surgical process.
Innovation Solution
A telescoping retractor holder with a support rod and retractor lever system that allows one-handed operation, adjustable length, and easy repositioning, distributing forces to the attachment system rather than the patient, enabling horizontal sternum opening with reduced stress on the patient and maintaining sterility during repositioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional lifting systems are used to raise the sternum, then the sternal half can be exposed and raised, but high forces are exerted on the patient causing risk of sternal and rib fractures
Solution Approach 1:
A telescoping support rod is introduced as an intermediary element between the retractor and the operating table. This support rod absorbs and distributes the lifting forces to the operating table structure rather than concentrating them on the patient's sternum and ribs, thereby reducing the risk of fractures while maintaining effective sternal exposure
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting system is divided into separate functional components: the retractor for sternal separation, the telescoping support rod for height adjustment and force distribution, and the attachment mechanism. This segmentation allows the force-bearing function to be separated from the sternal interface, reducing harmful forces on the patient
2Productivity
If conventional lifting systems are used, then the sternum can be raised, but the devices are cumbersome to reposition and require assistance, interrupting the surgical process
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor holder is designed with a telescoping support rod and attachment mechanism that enables the surgeon to reposition the device independently without requiring surgical assistance. The surgeon can detach, reposition, and reattach the holder while maintaining sterility, thereby eliminating interruptions to the surgical workflow
Solution Approach 2:
The telescoping support rod provides dynamic height adjustment capability, allowing the device to be easily repositioned to different heights and positions. This dynamic design facilitates quick repositioning by the surgeon without requiring complex mechanisms or additional personnel
3Adaptability or versatility
If the retractor holder needs to be repositioned to the other side, then both mammary arteries can be dissected, but the surgeon must leave the sterile region, losing valuable time
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism is designed to be operable from the sterile region, allowing the surgeon to detach and reposition the retractor holder without leaving the sterile field. This self-service capability eliminates time loss and maintains surgical efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The retractor holder is designed as a universal device that can be positioned on either side of the operating table to accommodate dissection of either the left or right internal mammary artery. This multi-position capability allows the surgeon to switch between sides without requiring different devices or procedures
Data Source
AI summary
A telescoping retractor holder includes a length-adjustable support, the one end section of which can be supported on an operating table, and including a retractor lever, the one, distal end of which includes a retractor receptacle adapted to releasably grip a retractor, and the other, proximal end section of which can be operatively connected in a supporting manner to the other free end section of the telescoping support, preferably by way of a detachable connecting means, for the application of a lever force.