Tissue Retractor with Blocking Members for Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional surgical procedures for spinal pathologies cause significant trauma to intervening tissues due to the need for large incisions and extensive tissue retraction, while existing minimally invasive techniques require improvements in tissue retraction methods to effectively access deep spinal sites with minimal damage.
Innovation Solution
A tissue retraction system comprising a tubular body with a distal end that can be inserted into a surgical site, featuring external and internal tapers to reduce trauma, and elongated blocking members that are passed through passages to prevent tissue return, allowing for controlled retraction and protection of non-target tissues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional open surgical procedures are used to access deep spinal sites, then complete access to the surgical site is achieved, but significant trauma is caused to intervening tissues including muscle stripping and extensive retraction
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor system is divided into multiple components: a tubular body with working channel, separate blocking members, and retractor tools. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling minimally invasive access while protecting tissues.
Solution Approach 2:
The tubular body acts as an intermediary structure that provides a protected working channel to the surgical site. Blocking members serve as intermediaries that physically prevent tissue from returning to block the working channel, maintaining clear access without requiring extensive retraction of surrounding tissues.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If minimally invasive techniques with small incisions are used, then tissue trauma is reduced, but effective retraction and protection of non-target tissues becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking members are inserted through passages in the tubular body and extend beyond the distal end to block tissue return. This nested configuration allows the retraction and protection functions to be achieved within the constraints of a minimally invasive tubular structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking members extend in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tubular body, blocking tissue movement in the radial dimension while the tubular body maintains access in the longitudinal dimension. This multi-dimensional approach enables effective tissue control through small incisions.
3Productivity
If extensive tissue retraction is performed to maintain clear surgical field, then access to deep spinal sites is maintained, but recovery time increases and complications arise from denervation and devascularization
Solution Approach 1:
Blocking members are inserted through passages in the tubular body to preemptively block the return of deflected tissue before it can obstruct the working channel. This preliminary blocking action maintains clear surgical access throughout the procedure without requiring continuous extensive retraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking members automatically maintain tissue displacement and protect the working channel throughout the surgical procedure. Once positioned, they continuously prevent tissue return without requiring additional active retraction or intervention, reducing surgical time and tissue damage.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and devices for minimally invasive surgery in a patient. A tubular body is disclosed which includes in its side wall a plurality of longitudinal passages. Elongated blocking members are also disclosed which are inserted into the passages. The elongated blocking members block deflected interfering tissue during the surgery.