A Disposable Retractor is a tool used for obtaining a precise angle measurement, usually a distance measurement. It is made of a silicone material and is available in various sizes and designs. It has been designed with safety and durability in mind. There are many types available, but the following are the most common:
The preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a body member 100 and two arms 102, each with replaceable retractor blades 104. The arrangement of the arms is similar to that shown in FIGS. 1 through 4, with the exception of the presence of a flexible portion 106 between the arms. In the preferred embodiment, the body member 100 also includes mating locking members adjacent to the split in the ring. These locking members encourage the blades to fully separate in the desired orientation.
The proposed force-sensing system measures retraction force with a resolution of 0.05 N. It is inexpensive and can be sterilized easily. Moreover, the retractor is a disposable product. It can be sterilized and disinfected. Its design has been validated by experiments and finite element analysis. These results will be considered in further studies. So far, this retractor is a promising option for use in a wide variety of applications.
A preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a retractor frame that is sufficiently light. The retractor frame is a single piece of extruded metal. The retractor blades are adjustable and have a locking mechanism for avoiding unnecessary trauma to delicate tissue. There are three specific embodiments of the invention:
In one embodiment, the retractor frame is a curved, substantially cylindrical, or asymmetrical frame. The frame and snap-on clip are connected by parallel indented tracks that engage the securing lip of the snap-on clip. Another embodiment uses a generally rectangular or elongated frame. The frame is prefabricated at the factory to minimize setup time. This makes the retractor frame easy to use and saves time for the surgeon.
In one variation of the disposable retractor, the locking member has one or two locking pins 42. The pins fit into multiple holes. The locking member also features teeth 1070f that provide the retractor blades with a locking mechanism. During the procedure, the surgeon can visually monitor the force on the patient with the retractor and estimate the force. If the force is not accurate, it will not be effective. A retraction force is not reliable if the retractor cannot be used.
In accordance with the invention, the retractor of claim 11 includes adhesive-backed gauze-like pads on the blades. The pads are larger than the retractor blade and overlap the edges 54 and the bottom 52. This design prevents tissue damage by presenting a fully padded retractor blade. In a preferred embodiment, the retractor has an elongated blade. The gap in the blades is wide enough to fit soft tissue, and the adhesive-backed gauze-like pads have an overlapping design.
