Adjustable Vaginal Retractor with Fluid Occluder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional retractors for gynecological operations and examinations often obstruct vision, constrain hand movement, and fail to prevent fluid interference, making vaginal repairs and examinations inefficient due to inadequate access and fluid management.
Innovation Solution
A structurally-adjustable retractor with a central body and wings, featuring an occluder that can be impermeable or absorbent to bodily fluids, and optionally inflatable, to reduce fluid flow and provide a clear work area, along with a docking port for secondary devices like balloon tamponade systems for enhanced visualization and access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional retractors are used to provide access to the vaginal cavity, then the work area is exposed, but the vision of deep internal parts is obstructed and hand movement is constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor is divided into multiple independent components: a speculum portion for initial insertion and cervical visualization, and a separate retractor portion with wings that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without interfering with the other, providing both adequate work area exposure and unrestricted hand movement for surgical procedures.
2Area of stationary object
If conventional retractors are used to expose the vaginal cavity, then access is provided, but bodily fluids obscure inspection and obstruct the work area
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful fluid element is extracted from the surgical field by positioning the retractor wings and speculum to create a barrier that prevents bodily fluids from entering the work area. The structured design allows fluids to be directed away from the surgical site, maintaining a clear field for inspection and procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractor structure acts as an intermediary barrier between the fluid-filled vaginal cavity and the surgical work area. By positioning the wings and speculum appropriately, the device mediates fluid flow to prevent obscuration of the surgical field while maintaining access to the necessary anatomical structures.
3Area of stationary object
If episiotomy retractors are used to retract friable postpartum tissue, then the perineum and posterior vaginal wall are exposed, but the labia become engorged and interfere with visualization
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the function of tissue retraction from labial management. The retractor wings are designed to specifically target and retract the perineum and posterior vaginal wall, while the speculum portion and overall structure prevent labial engorgement from interfering with the surgical field, providing focused exposure without the side effects of conventional retractors.
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 system improves access and visualization by reducing fluid interference and enhancing the surgeon's ability to perform repairs with greater ease and precision, facilitating more effective gynecological procedures.
Implementation Method 1
an occluder to occlude bodily fluids... The occluder may occlude the bodily fluid by forming a barrier that is partially impermeable to the bodily fluid. The occluder may occlude the bodily fluid by forming a barrier that is substantially impermeable to the bodily fluids.
Implementation Method 2
The occluder may comprise a material that absorbs bodily fluid. The occluder comprises a porous material. The porous material may comprise gauze, foam, or combinations thereof.
Implementation Method 3
The occluder may comprise an inflatable article. The inflatable article may comprise only one balloon... The inflatable article may be inflatable by a fluid.
Data Source
AI summary
This application presents minimally-obstructive and structurally-adjustable retractors for vaginal repairs, which afford an open work area of desirable size and enhanced visualization for a surgeon about the perineum and the posterior vaginal wall of the patient. The retractors may be lightweight and compact, and also configured and dimensioned to minimize slippage during use. The retractors may have occluders that may partially or substantially block or absorb fluids, for example, from or around the cervix. The retractors may incorporate built-in light sources. The retractors may retract the engorged labia of the postpartum patient as well as the vaginal walls. The retractor may also be used as a speculum.