Three-Arm Articulating Spinal Retra
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal implant systems face challenges in accessing the lower lumbar region, particularly the L5-S1 disc space, due to anatomical restrictions and the need for minimally invasive procedures that avoid major blood vessels and muscles, which limits the effectiveness of surgical pathways and instrument stability.
Innovation Solution
A surgical system employing an oblique-lateral approach with a three-arm retractor system that includes articulating arms and blades, allowing for independent movement and attachment to a rail or hub, enabling safe access to the L5-S1 disc space with minimal tissue disruption and avoidance of critical anatomical structures, utilizing image-guided technologies for precise placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a direct anterior approach is used to access the L5-S1 disc space, then the surgical pathway is straightforward, but major blood vessels and muscles must be retracted or cut, increasing tissue damage and vascular risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a direct anterior approach to an oblique-lateral approach, changing the surgical trajectory by introducing angular and spatial dimensions. This allows access to the L5-S1 disc space through a different anatomical corridor that avoids major blood vessels and muscles while maintaining surgical accessibility
2Object-affected harmful factors
If minimally invasive procedures are employed to avoid major blood vessels and muscles, then tissue damage and vascular risk are reduced, but the surgical pathway becomes more restricted and difficult to establish
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor system incorporates articulating arms with multiple degrees of freedom that can be dynamically adjusted and independently positioned. This dynamic capability allows the blades to be oriented at precise angles to create the oblique-lateral pathway while maintaining stability and adaptability during the minimally invasive procedure
3Ease of operation
If traditional retractor systems are used, then the surgical site can be accessed, but the instruments lack stability and precision for accurate implant delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor system is divided into multiple independent articulating arms, each with its own blade that can be individually positioned and stabilized. This segmentation allows each component to be precisely aligned and locked in place, providing stable and accurate pathways for implant delivery while maintaining ease of surgical site access
Data Source
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AI summary
A surgical instrument comprises an element connectable with a fixture. A first member is independently and selectively movable relative to the element and includes a part engageable with tissue of a substantially posterior portion of an incision relative to a body. A second member is independently and selectively movable relative to the element and includes a part engageable with tissue of a substantially anterior portion of the incision relative to the body. A third member is independently and selectively movable relative to the element and includes a part engageable with tissue of a substantially cephalad portion of the incision relative to the body. Systems and methods are disclosed.