Articulating Tissue Retrieval Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Minimally-invasive surgical procedures face challenges in retrieving large tissue specimens due to restricted access and limited maneuverability, often requiring specimen breakdown and inadequate specimen bag size, especially during procedures like hysterectomy or myomectomy where occult malignancies are present.
Innovation Solution
A tissue specimen retrieval device with articulation mechanisms, including a housing, end effector assembly, and drive shaft with a biasing member or shape memory alloy, allowing for deployment and articulation of the end effector assembly to facilitate proper positioning and loading of large specimens, enabling easier retrieval through small body cavity openings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a straight-shafted instrument is used for tissue specimen retrieval, then the device structure is simple, but it is difficult to achieve proper elevation and positioning of the specimen bag due to the low position of the vaginal canal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies articulation mechanisms that allow the end effector assembly to dynamically change its orientation and position relative to the outer shaft. The articulating link and biasing member enable the specimen bag to be elevated and positioned at optimal angles, transforming the rigid straight-shafted structure into a dynamically adjustable configuration that adapts to the surgical field requirements
2Ease of operation
If the specimen bag opening is oriented parallel with respect to the cavity, then the device structure is simplified, but it is very difficult to contain large tissue specimens
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation mechanism allows the specimen bag opening to dynamically adjust its orientation away from the parallel position. The biasing member provides the force necessary to articulate the link, enabling the bag to be positioned at angles that facilitate containment of large specimens while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure
3Volume of moving object
If traditional specimen bags are used for large specimens, then the device structure is simple, but the bag size is inadequate and port location limits mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector assembly with the specimen bag is nested within the outer shaft during insertion and can be deployed from the distal end. This nesting arrangement allows a larger capacity specimen bag to be delivered through a relatively small access port, as the bag is collapsed within the shaft and then expanded at the target location
Solution Approach 2:
The articulated deployment system provides dynamic positioning capability that enhances the effective capacity of the specimen bag. By articulating the end effector assembly, the system can optimize the bag's orientation and position to maximize its containment capability for large specimens, overcoming the limitations of fixed port location and limited mobility
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The articulation mechanism improves specimen retrieval by allowing for proper elevation and orientation of the specimen bag, enabling the retrieval of large specimens in intact form, enhancing surgical efficiency and reducing the need for specimen breakdown.
Implementation Method 1
The link includes a biasing member that, once the link is fully exposed, articulates the end effector assembly to a position to engage tissue
Implementation Method 2
The link includes a biasing member that, once the link is fully exposed, articulates the end effector assembly to a position to engage tissue
Implementation Method 3
A tissue specimen retrieval device with articulation mechanisms, including a housing, end effector assembly, and drive shaft with a biasing member or shape memory alloy
Data Source
AI summary
A tissue specimen retrieval device includes a housing having an outer shaft that extends distally therefrom. An end effector assembly is included that extends distally from the outer shaft in a deployed position. A first actuator is operably associated with the housing and actuatable to deploy and retract the end effector assembly. A drive shaft operably couples to the first actuator and includes a link disposed at a distal end thereof that operably couples to the end effector assembly. The drive shaft is movable via actuation of the first actuator from a first position wherein the end effector assembly and link are retracted within the outer shaft to a second position wherein the end effector assembly and link are fully exposed from the outer shaft. The link includes a biasing member that, once the link is fully exposed, articulates the end effector assembly to a position to engage tissue.