Table-Mounted Tension Retractor for Spine Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current retraction systems for open-spine surgery are cumbersome to adjust and require multiple staff members, posing accessibility issues during large-scale body access procedures.
Innovation Solution
A table-mounted retractor system with variable height, width, and angle, featuring a frame with longitudinal and vertical rods, retractor hooks, and tension lines that allow for customizable and stable tissue retraction, utilizing hooks, bungee cords, wires, or springs for tension, and adjustable locking mechanisms for precise operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If scissor-like self-retaining retractors are positioned around the wound to hold tissue in place, then tissue retraction is achieved, but the system becomes cumbersome to adjust and requires more staff in the operating room
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical self-retaining retractor system with a tension-based system using wires, bungee cords, or springs that can be adjusted by pulling or releasing tension. This substitution allows for easier adjustment and better accessibility while maintaining reliable tissue retraction through tensile forces rather than mechanical interlocking mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The retractor system transitions from a static self-retaining mechanism to a dynamic tension-adjustable system. The wires, bungee cords, or springs can be dynamically adjusted during surgery by changing the tension level, allowing the surgical team to easily modify the retraction force and position without requiring multiple staff members to manipulate complex mechanical components
2Reliability
If multiple staff members are used to ensure smooth operation of the retractor system, then operational reliability is improved, but operational complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tension-based retractor system is designed to be easily adjusted by a single operator through simple pulling or releasing actions on the wires, bungee cords, or springs. The system's inherent mechanical advantage and simple adjustment mechanism allow one person to perform tasks that previously required multiple staff members, reducing coordination time and operational complexity while maintaining smooth operation
3Ease of operation
If a versatile and easily adjusted retractor system is designed, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universal tensioning elements (wires, bungee cords, or springs) that can be interchanged based on surgical needs, allowing a single basic framework to serve multiple functions. The frame structure with attachment points provides versatility without adding complexity, as the same simple tension-based mechanism handles all adjustment requirements regardless of the specific retraction configuration needed
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
Enables efficient and adjustable tissue retraction with reduced operational complexity, allowing for improved access to large body areas during open-spine surgery with fewer staff requirements.
Implementation Method 1
bungee cords as tensioners
Implementation Method 2
wires as tensioners
Implementation Method 3
springs as tensioners
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure generally relates to a table-mounted retractor system for open-spine surgery. The table-mounted retractor system includes a frame, wherein the frame is situated lateral to the patient. The table-mounted retractor system further comprises a plurality of retractor hooks wherein each of the plurality of retractor hooks are in operative association with one of a plurality of tension lines, wherein each of the plurality of tension lines is engaged with the frame. Each one of the plurality of retractor hooks are operable to engage with the flesh of a patient as each of the tension lines pull the flesh back laterally towards the frame along each side of the patient.