Variable-Shaped Tissue Retract with Suction-Induced Rigidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional retractor systems used in minimally-invasive surgeries are rigid and prone to causing tissue damage, failing to conform to surrounding tissues and limiting the working channel diameter, which restricts the use of instruments beyond probe-like tools, especially in neurosurgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A biocompatible, malleable tissue retractor device that transitions from a malleable to a rigid state upon suction application, featuring a conduit body with interlocking layers and a fill material to maintain rigidity, allowing for a variable conduit diameter and conforming to tissue shapes, enabling the creation of a surgical corridor for minimally-invasive procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional rigid retractors are used, then structural strength is maintained, but tissue damage occurs and conformability to surrounding tissues deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor device transitions from a flexible state during insertion to a rigid state during surgery. The conduit body includes an expandable member that can be inflated to expand the conduit and a retractable member that can be advanced to engage with the conduit body, enabling the device to dynamically change its mechanical properties based on the surgical phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes its physical state from flexible to rigid through parameter transformation. The expandable member, when inflated, changes the volume and rigidity parameters of the conduit body, allowing it to provide structural support while maintaining conformability during insertion and then becoming rigid for stable retraction during surgery.
2Strength
If conventional rigid retractors are used, then structural strength is maintained, but conformability to surrounding tissues deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor device transitions from a flexible state during insertion to a rigid state during surgery. The conduit body includes an expandable member that can be inflated to expand the conduit and a retractable member that can be advanced to engage with the conduit body, enabling the device to dynamically change its mechanical properties based on the surgical phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The conduit body is constructed with flexible walls that can conform to the shape of surrounding tissues during insertion. The flexible nature of the conduit body allows it to adapt to various tissue geometries, and the flexible walls can be strengthened internally by the expandable member without compromising the overall conformability.
3Device complexity
If conventional retractors with fixed working channel diameter are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but versatility of instruments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor device transitions from a flexible state during insertion to a rigid state during surgery. The conduit body includes an expandable member that can be inflated to expand the conduit and a retractable member that can be advanced to engage with the conduit body, enabling the device to dynamically change its mechanical properties based on the surgical phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes its physical state from flexible to rigid through parameter transformation. The expandable member, when inflated, changes the volume and rigidity parameters of the conduit body, allowing it to provide structural support while maintaining conformability during insertion and then becoming rigid for stable retraction during surgery.
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 device effectively forms a surgical conduit that avoids tissue damage, allows for the use of conventional instruments, and maintains a stable corridor for procedures like tumor resection, enhancing the versatility and safety of minimally-invasive surgeries.
Implementation Method 1
The conduit body is configured to transition from a first state to a second state upon application of a suction force to the intervening cavity
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are devices and systems adapted to position within a subject and methods of use therewith. The device includes a conduit body having at least a first layer and a second opposable layer manufactured from a biocompatible and malleable material that permits safe positioning within the subject. The device also includes an enclosed intervening cavity positioned between the first and second layers, the first surface of the first layer having at least one feature configured to interlock with the second surface of the second layer. The conduit body is configured to transition from a first state to a second state upon application of a suction force to the intervening cavity wherein the conduit body is less rigid in the first state than when the conduit body is in the second state, and wherein the conduit body is adapted to remain in the second state after removal of the suction force.