Enhanced Lateral Retractor System with Advanced Safety Features
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
An improved lateral retractor system designed for spinal surgical procedures, featuring advanced safety features such as proximity sensors, automatic blade adjustment, and real-time feedback to the surgeon, enhancing patient safety and procedural efficiency.
Background and Problem Solved
The original lateral retractor system, while effective, still poses risks to patients due to potential nerve damage. The new inventive concept addresses this limitation by integrating sensors and automation to maintain a safe distance between the retractor blade and the patient's nerve, ensuring a safer and more efficient surgical procedure.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The enhanced lateral retractor system comprises a retractor body with a medial longitudinal axis, featuring a proximity sensor to detect the patient's nerve proximity. Upon detection, the system automatically adjusts the blade's position to maintain a safe distance. Additionally, the system includes a mechanism for dynamic blade angle adjustment in response to changes in patient anatomy during the procedure. Real-time feedback is provided to the surgeon regarding the position and orientation of the retractor blade, ensuring optimal control and precision.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new inventive concept's novelty lies in the integration of advanced safety features, including proximity sensors and automatic blade adjustment, which are not present in the original patent. The inventive step is the combination of these features to provide a safer and more efficient surgical procedure.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the enhanced lateral retractor system could include varying sensor types, such as optical or electromagnetic sensors, and different automation mechanisms, such as motorized or hydraulic systems. Additionally, the system could be adapted for use in various surgical procedures beyond spinal surgery.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced lateral retractor system has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in the spinal surgery market. The system's advanced safety features and improved procedural efficiency could lead to increased adoption and market share, resulting in increased revenue and growth for companies operating in this space.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61B17/0206 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/025 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/7079 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/00477 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/0256 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Surgical instrumentation, specifically lateral spine retractor systems, involving biomechanical design, sensor integration, and surgical procedural technologies
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or surgical instrument designer with expertise in medical device design, mechanical engineering, sensor technologies, and minimally invasive surgical techniques, holding at least a master's degree with 3-5 years of specialized experience
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that integrating proximity sensing and automated blade adjustment into a lateral retractor system represents a predictable technological extension of existing surgical retractor designs. The source patent establishes a foundational retractor mechanism with pivoting armatures, which naturally invites incremental safety and precision improvements. The proposed variations demonstrate logical engineering progressions that address known limitations in existing surgical retractor technologies.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,173 |
|---|---|
| Title | Lateral retractor system and methods of use |
| Assignee(s) | Zimmer Biomet Spine, Inc. |