A minimally invasive laparoscopic tissue removal device, namely a
morcellator. The device includes, from proximal end to distal end, a
handle,
handle guard, elongate sheath, and mouth, finally terminating in a safety tip. The elongate sheath and mouth are concentric, such that two elongate, rotating
cutting / shredding blades / teeth and one elongate
auger feed screw can be positioned along the length of the sheath and mouth. The teeth are opposingly disposed and staggered, such that contact with tissue
mass grabs and pulls tissue inwards toward the
auger, which transports the tissue proximally toward the outside of the patient's body. A
motor unit and gear
assembly can be coupled to the teeth and
auger to drive rotation of the teeth and auger. A cup
assembly can be disposed in overlying relation to the mouth for guiding the tissue
mass towards the mouth. Various mechanisms of safely covering the mouth are contemplated as well.