Design of a wound protector/retractor for thyroid surgery

Design Award

Tong Biomedical Design Award Honorable Mention

Project Overview

Because of the risks of scarring, smaller incisions are being used in thyroid surgery. These small incisions still require retractors to keep the site visible, but most traditional retractors are incompatible with the smaller incisions. The currently used metal retractors distribute pressure unevenly across the incision site, which can cause ischemic trauma to the local tissues. On the other hand, our client tested round, flexible wound retractors used for abdominal surgery, and requests a similar device for thyroid surgery. The goal is to construct a device that is precise, provides a comfortable fit, and is capable of evenly distributing pressure across the site of incision.

Team Picture

From left: Armand Grabowski, Naomi Humpal, Molly Krohn, Kimberly Maciolek

Images

Tissue Testing in chicken, from left to right; revised Alexis® with polyurethane tube, revised Alexis® with nitrile tube, large metal spring retractor.

Testing in Floral Foam. From back to front: Large metal spring retractor, small metal spring retractor, revised Alexis® with polyurethane tubing, revised Alexis® with nitrile tubing.

Files

Final Poster (April 28, 2011)
Final Paper (May 4, 2011)
Final PDS (May 4, 2011)
Project Design Specifications (February 3, 2011)
Midsemester Presentation (March 3, 2011)
Midsemester PDS (March 9, 2011)
Midsemester Paper (March 9, 2011)

Contact Information

Team Members

Molly Krohn - Team Leader
Kimberly Maciolek - Communicator
Armand Grabowski - BSAC
Naomi Humpal - BWIG

Advisor and Client

Mitchell Tyler - Advisor
David Greenblatt - Client