Novel, Integrated Tissue Retraction and Suction Device for Spinal Surgery

Every year in the U.S., over 400,000 spinal fusion surgeries are performed to treat scoliosis, degenerative disk disease, and spinal stenosis. The dissection phase of the spinal fusion surgery relies on three handheld tools: a monopolar cautery, a Cobb elevator, and a suction. Despite having two operators, the reliance on four hands for only three tools makes the spinal exposure inefficient and time-consuming. Allowing one surgeon to operate all three devices to perform dissection on both sides greatly reduces the operation time, thereby alleviating health risks for both patients and surgeons. We developed a novel device integrating suction and retraction functionalities by incorporating a deployable suction tip directly into the Cobb elevator. Designed with feedback from neurosurgeons, the device incorporates novel mechanics and automation to address an unmet need in spinal exposure. Motorized angulation and extension mechanisms enable rapid and precise deployment of the suction tip without disrupting the surgeon’s ability to maintain muscle retraction. This combined, one-handed device will reduce the surgeon’s physical and mental fatigue, the number of personnel needed to perform the procedure, and the time under anesthesia for elderly patients.