Transoral Retractor with Segmented Spatula for Robotic Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current transoral retractors are inadequate for use with robotic surgical systems, particularly in providing optimal exposure of the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, and upper esophagus during robotic head and neck surgery, as they fail to distribute pressure evenly and prevent tongue prolapse effectively.
Innovation Solution
A transoral retractor with a universal handle that articulates with a gallows or standard laryngoscope chest brace, featuring interchangeable spatula blades with adjustable lengths and a telescoping frame that pivots and locks, allowing for wide oral opening and precise tissue retraction, along with suction adapters for smoke evacuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional transoral retractors are used, then basic tongue retraction is achieved, but pressure is not distributed evenly causing tissue damage and tongue prolapse
Solution Approach 1:
The spatula blade is segmented into multiple contact surfaces along its length, each capable of independently distributing pressure. The blade includes a first contact surface, second contact surface, and third contact surface that can be positioned at different locations on the tongue, allowing pressure to be distributed across multiple points rather than concentrated at a single point.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractor system adds a vertical dimension to pressure distribution by incorporating contact surfaces at different heights on the spatula blade. The blade can be curved upward along the vertical axis, creating contact surfaces at superior and inferior positions on the tongue, thereby distributing pressure in three-dimensional space rather than along a single plane.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed-length spatula blades are used, then simple device structure is maintained, but adaptability to varying patient anatomy is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The spatula blade length is made adjustable rather than fixed. The blade can be positioned at variable lengths on the handle along the longitudinal axis, allowing the surgeon to adjust the effective length of the blade to match different patient anatomies and target tissue locations. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the same device to adapt to varying patient sizes and surgical requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle is designed with a universal attachment mechanism that can accommodate spatula blades of different lengths and configurations. The attachment structure allows interchangeable blades to be secured at various positions, making the handle a universal platform that can be adapted to different surgical needs and patient anatomies without requiring multiple specialized devices.
3Ease of operation
If the frame is fixed in position, then device simplicity is maintained, but wide oral opening and multi-angle access are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is designed to be movable and adjustable rather than fixed. The frame can be positioned at different locations in the oral cavity and adjusted to various angles relative to the spatula blade. The frame includes adjustment mechanisms that allow it to pivot and lock at multiple positions, enabling the surgeon to optimize the angle of access to different areas of the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, and upper esophagus.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure is segmented into multiple components including a telescoping frame, adjustable arms, and separate retraction devices that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows each component to be adjusted separately to achieve optimal positioning for wide oral opening and multi-angle access to the surgical field.
4Reliability
If single-function retractors are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but robotic surgery integration and smoke evacuation are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor system merges multiple functions into a single integrated device. The spatula blade includes an integrated suction adapter that combines tongue retraction with smoke evacuation capabilities. The frame integrates with robotic surgical systems through universal attachment mechanisms, allowing the retractor to be controlled and positioned by robotic arms. This merging of functions reduces the need for multiple separate devices while improving surgical field management.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractor is designed with universal compatibility features that enable it to perform multiple functions across different surgical contexts. The handle can articulate with both gallows and standard laryngoscope chest braces, the frame can integrate with robotic systems, and the blade provides both retraction and smoke evacuation. This multi-functionality makes the device versatile for various robotic head and neck surgery procedures.
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
The retractor provides enhanced exposure and protection of the surgical field, allowing for safe and effective robotic surgery by distributing pressure evenly, preventing tongue prolapse, and accommodating varying patient anatomy, thereby expanding the scope of robotic head and neck surgery.
Implementation Method 1
Each blade is fitted with a tubular element with a universal suction adapter on the proximal end allowing for smoke evacuation during surgery
Data Source
AI summary
A transoral retractor in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a handle, a retractor blade mount attached to the handle, a frame and a pivot mechanism to pivotally mount the frame to the handle. In another embodiment the frame includes side members and is configured with the side members at transverse locations that will be near or beyond the side of the patient's head. The frame and/or pivot mechanism are configured to locate a plane of the frame generally at or near the plane of the patient's oral commissaries, with the side members located below the plane of the oral commissaries.