Improving the Performance of Surgical Retractors
SLU ID 23-005 | Customizable radiolucent surgical retractor
Intellectual Property Status
Seeking
Provisional patent application filed
Know-how based
Licensee
Development partner
Commercial partner
Investment
University spin out
Background
Currently, metal retractors are used in surgeries. They are rather expensive. They also tend to block the surgical field of view for physicians on x-rays because of the material used. In addition, traditional metal retractors are not customizable to patient-specific anatomy. A retractor that is not customizable can make it difficult for the physician to create an appropriate window to conduct the surgery.
Overview
Researchers at Saint Louis University have conceived of a customizable surgical retractor that addresses many of the shortcomings of traditional metal retractors. The retractor is inexpensive to produce and is radiolucent.
Benefits
The potential benefits of this technology include:
Minimizing the cost of surgery
Minimizing visual obstructions
Increasing the ability to tailor to patient-specific anatomy
Increasing the ability to create an adequate window to conduct surgery
Applications
The potential applications of this technology include surgical retractors.
Opportunity
Saint Louis University is seeking a partner to further develop and commercialize this technology.