DVR: Single-Use Surgical Vein Retractor with Integrated Illumination

Invented by a cardiac surgeon to aid in patient rehabilitation following bypass procedures, the DVR (Disposable Vein Retractor) was engineered as a high-performance, non-reusable solution for subsurface vein removal.

Safety-Locked Single-Use Engineering

The primary engineering challenge was to integrate a reliable illumination system that guaranteed sterility by physically preventing device reuse after a single surgical procedure.

• Integrated Subsurface Illumination — Engineered a retractor with high-intensity lighting capabilities to significantly enhance visibility under the skin during delicate vein harvesting.
• Timed-Inactive Power Source — Developed a sealed power system that, once activated, cannot be manually turned off. The power is calibrated to expire after the procedure, ensuring the device is safely decommissioned for disposal.
• Clinical Validation — Vertex played a crucial role in conducting rigorous testing, moving from initial animal models to successful human clinical trials to validate safety and efficacy.

This collaborative effort highlights Vertex PD’s commitment to improving patient outcomes through innovative medical device design and development. We help surgeons and startups bring life-saving tools from concept to the operating room.