Trackable Retractor Alignment for Self-Correcting Surgical Optics
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical retractors lack the ability to self-correct their positions during surgery, requiring manual adjustment of optical alignment with the retractor, which is time-consuming and frustrating, especially during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A trackable retractor system with a pair of retractor blades, actuation arms, a positioning arm, and movable clamp, equipped with distinct tracking features to maintain optical alignment along the blade axis, ensuring the retractor blades remain orthogonal to the tracking plane and adjust automatically for optimal focus and magnification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual adjustment of optical alignment is used with traditional retractors, then the retractor can be positioned initially, but the optical alignment becomes misaligned during surgery requiring time-consuming manual readjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a tracking system with distinct tracking features on the retractor blades and optical components. The system continuously monitors the position and orientation of these features, providing real-time feedback to automatically adjust and maintain optical alignment between the surgical microscope and retractor during the procedure, eliminating manual readjustment time
Solution Approach 2:
The retractor system performs self-alignment through integrated tracking features and automated control mechanisms. The system automatically detects and corrects misalignment between the optical pathway and retractor position without requiring surgeon intervention, enabling the device to maintain optimal alignment independently throughout the surgical procedure
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate narrow field and wide field scopes are used, then different zoom ranges can be obtained, but switching between scopes requires manual adjustment of optics which is difficult and frustrating
Solution Approach 1:
The system integrates multiple field-of-view capabilities into a single optical system. The surgical microscope can dynamically switch between narrow field and wide field views, and adjust zoom ranges, without requiring physical scope changes. The tracking system maintains optical alignment across all viewing modes, making the single system as versatile as multiple separate scopes
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts optical parameters including zoom level, field-of-view width, and focus in real-time during surgery. The tracking system continuously monitors retractor position and automatically adjusts optical settings to maintain optimal alignment, enabling smooth transitions between different viewing modes without manual intervention
3Extent of automation
If traditional retractors without tracking features are used, then the structure remains simple, but the retractor cannot self-correct its position during surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical adjustment mechanisms with an automated optical tracking and control system. Tracking features (optical markers) are attached to the retractor blades, and an optical tracking system with cameras and processors automatically detects position and triggers motorized adjustments, substituting complex manual mechanical operations with automated opto-mechanical control
Solution Approach 2:
The tracking features serve as intermediaries between the physical retractor position and the control system. These markers enable the optical tracking system to detect retractor location and orientation, which then translates into automated positioning commands, bridging the gap between mechanical structure and automated control without requiring direct mechanical sensors in the retractor
Data Source
AI summary
Trackable retractor systems, apparatuses, devices, and methods involving: retractor blades, each retractor blade having a proximal end and a distal end, the retractor blades having a blade axis defined by a midline therebetween or thereamong; actuation arms, each actuation arm having a proximal end and a distal end, each actuation arm distal end configured to correspondingly couple with each retractor blade proximal end, and each actuation arm configured to correspondingly actuate each retractor blade; a positioning arm configured to position each actuation arm; a movable clamp configured to movably couple with the positioning arm and one actuation arm and to move the one actuation arm relative to another actuation arm; and three distinct tracking features disposed in a tracking plane, two distinct tracking features configured to correspondingly couple with the retractor blade proximal ends, one other distinct tracking feature configured to couple with the movable clamp, and each distinct tracking feature having a distinct tracking token, whereby the blade axis is maintained in a position orthogonal to the tracking plane, and whereby optical alignment is maintained along the blade axis in relation to a desired focal depth.