Industrial Design · Medical Device
Hybrid Retractor
A hybrid surgical system that lets surgeons switch seamlessly between laparoscopic and open procedures — one instrument that eliminates the tool swap, the sterile-field break, and the wasted minutes mid-operation.
The Challenge
When a laparoscopic procedure has to convert to open surgery, the team stops to swap instruments, breaks the sterile field and loses minutes mid-operation. Laparoscopic retractors aren't built for open work, and open retractors can't pass through small ports. The challenge: one instrument that does both.
Research & Requirements
Shadowed OR procedures and interviewed surgeons to catalog the dexterity, force, and access requirements of both laparoscopic and open retraction. Defined the mechanical and ergonomic performance envelope.
Mechanical Design
Developed an articulating retractor with hybrid rigid-flexible construction: compact enough to work through small ports, with the stability and range of motion to keep retracting once the procedure opens up.
Surgeon Feedback & Refinement
Reviewed the concept with general surgeon and surgical oncologist Dr. Madhu Prasad, whose direct feedback shaped the refinements to the final design.
Outcome
A surgeon-reviewed design concept for one instrument that retracts through minimally invasive ports and carries on through an open procedure, without the tool swap or the sterile-field break.
