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Device to securely position and hold a vocal cord retractor

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Device that effectively maintains the desired position of a vocal cord retractor during endoscopic laryngeal surgeries.

Design Award

  • Design Excellence Award Winner

Project Overview

A vocal cord retractor (VCR) is a surgical instrument that has advanced minimally invasive and endoscopic laryngeal surgeries. A VCR is used to improve the visualization of complex laryngeal structures by retracting the vocal cords open. Once the VCR is appropriately placed, its self-retaining mechanism enables the surgeon to use other instruments without needing to hold the VCR. Currently, surgeons either let the instrument rest against a laryngoscope edge by gravity or secure it to the surgical tray with rubber bands. With the potential risk of knocking the VCR out of position during surgery and causing potential harm to the exposed vocal cords, these methods are not safe. In addition, these methods limit stability as the surgeon is unable to maintain the VCR in an ideal position. Therefore, surgeons do not have an effective method for maintaining the position of a VCR during surgery, which increases potential safety risks and decreases efficiency.

Team Picture

Team Members (left to right): Annabelle Olson, Kasia Klotz, Eva Coughlin, Jenna Krause, Tevis Linser, Tommy Kriewaldt 🧍‍♂️
Team Members (left to right): Annabelle Olson, Kasia Klotz, Eva Coughlin, Jenna Krause, Tevis Linser, Tommy Kriewaldt 🧍‍♂️

Contact Information

Team Members

  • Jenna Krause - Team Leader
  • Eva Coughlin - Communicator
  • Thomas Kriewaldt - BSAC
  • Kasia Klotz - Co-BWIG
  • Tevis Linser - Co-BWIG
  • Anabelle Olson - BPAG
  • Allison Leasure

Advisor and Client

  • Dr. Russ Johnson - Advisor
  • Dr. Tony Kille - Client

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