Silicone retractor with embedded force-sensing function for attachment to surgical suction pipes

A silicone retractor that can be attached to suction pipes was developed in order to enhance the usability [1]. The measurement of the retracting force is desired in order to avoid damage to brain tissue due to an unexpected large force. This paper presents a force-sensing embedded silicone retractor that can be attached to suction pipes. The developed silicone retractor can provide three functions at the same time: suction, retracting, and retracting force measurement. The force-sensing system is based on a visualization mechanism that displays the force as a colored pole motion. The surgeon can then roughly estimate the retracting force. With a fiberscope, the retracting force can be measured with a resolution of 0.05-0.3 N. The retractor is made of silicone and has the advantages of disposability, low cost, and easy sterilization/disinfection. The system was validated through finite element method analysis and experiments.

I. Introduction

Recently, many medical devices for surgical operations have become popular. For example, medical devices for neurosurgery include the electrical scalpel, forceps, retractor, bipolar forceps, endoscope, and suction. These devices are very convenient for the surgery itself, but surgeons are required to change medical devices many times. This decreases the usability for complex surgical procedures and increases the surgery time, which places a burden on the patient. Devices with more functions are desired. A key resolution is for a single medical device to provide more than two functions.