Tissue Retractor with Navigation Module for Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical retractor systems face challenges with imprecise movement and lack of visual guidance during delicate tissue procedures, particularly when using computerized navigation systems, and may cause tissue damage due to the absence of a through-hole or small diameter stylets.
Innovation Solution
A delicate tissue retraction system comprising a hollow tubular retractor and introducer with a navigation module that includes a shaft and navigation unit, allowing for precise computer-assisted navigation and gentle tissue separation, and optionally featuring a tip closure member for sealing the introducer tip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual manipulation of the retractor is used, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision and navigation accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
A stylet with a through-hole is introduced as an intermediary tool. The stylet is first advanced to the surgery site using computerized navigation, then the introducer/retractor system is slid over the stylet to reach the same location. This intermediary stylet transfers the precision of computerized navigation to the retractor system while maintaining manual operability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces pure manual mechanical manipulation with a hybrid approach where computerized navigation systems guide the positioning. The navigation system provides precise location data while the surgeon maintains manual control for final positioning and manipulation, substituting rough manual estimation with computer-aided precision.
2Measurement precision
If a stylet is used to guide movement, then navigation precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional components: a navigation stylet for precise positioning, an introducer for insertion, and a retractor for tissue separation. Each component performs a specific function, allowing the stylet to be removed after positioning, thus reducing overall system complexity during different phases of the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The stylet is used to pre-establish the correct trajectory and position before the main retractor system is introduced. By performing the navigation and positioning action first with the simpler stylet, the more complex retractor system can then be placed without requiring navigation capabilities, simplifying its design.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the introducer tip is sealed, then tissue damage is prevented, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The introducer is designed with different properties at different locations: the tip is sealed to prevent tissue damage during insertion, while the shaft remains open to allow passage of instruments and visualization. This local differentiation allows the sealed tip to protect tissue without compromising the overall functionality and ease of operation of the introducer.
Data Source
AI summary
A delicate tissue retraction system having a hollow tubular retractor, a hollow tubular introducer that is removably installed within the retractor, and a navigation module that is removably installed within the introducer. The navigation module has a shaft with a proximal shaft end and a distal shaft end, and a navigation unit mounted to the proximal shaft end. When assembled, the distal shaft end is contained generally within the introducer and the navigation module outside the introducer. The navigation module indicates the location of one or more points on at least one of the retractor and the introducer to a navigation system.