Coaxial Specimen Retrieval System with Geared Cutting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current minimally invasive surgical techniques face challenges in safely and efficiently removing large uterine specimens or adnexal masses through natural orifices, particularly due to risks of tumor spillage and trauma to surrounding tissues during morcellation or use of endoscopic bag pouches.
Innovation Solution
A minimally invasive specimen retrieval system featuring coaxial hollow tubes with cutting elements and geared mechanisms, allowing for controlled counter-rotation and precise cutting of tissue, thereby facilitating safe and efficient removal of uterine specimens through the vaginal route.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If morcellation is used to reduce tissue size for removal, then specimen removal becomes feasible through natural orifices, but the risk of tumor spillage and intraabdominal tumor spread increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a retrieval bag as an intermediary device between the morcellation site and the external environment. The bag contains the morcellated tissue fragments during retrieval, preventing direct contact with the peritoneal cavity and eliminating tumor spillage risk while still allowing size reduction for removal through natural orifices
2Reliability
If endoscopic bag pouches are used for specimen removal, then intact specimen removal is achieved, but the complexity of the procedure increases and leakage risk remains
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where the retrieval bag is placed inside the hysteroscope channel, which itself is inserted through the natural orifice. This nested arrangement integrates multiple functions (cutting, containment, retrieval) into a single streamlined device, reducing procedural complexity while maintaining reliable specimen containment
3Object-affected harmful factors
If larger incisions are made to remove intact specimens, then tumor spillage risk is reduced, but the invasiveness of the procedure increases and cosmetic outcome deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the specimen into smaller morcellated fragments that can pass through a small natural orifice incision. By combining segmentation with a retrieval bag containment system, the patent achieves both small incision size and tumor spillage prevention, eliminating the need to choose between the two opposing requirements
4Volume of moving object
If morcellation is performed to facilitate specimen removal, then removal through natural orifices becomes possible, but the operative time increases and trauma to surrounding structures occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the morcellation function and retrieval bag deployment into a single integrated device operation. The cutting elements are positioned within the bag-containing device, allowing simultaneous tissue fragmentation and immediate containment, eliminating the need for separate morcellation and bagging steps, thereby reducing operative time while maintaining safety
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 system enables safe and efficient removal of uterine specimens, reducing the risk of tumor spillage and trauma, while minimizing operative time and improving patient recovery outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
a first gear on a second end of the first hollow tube, a second gear on a first end of the second hollow tube, a rack coupled to the first gear and the second gear
Implementation Method 2
a rack coupled to the first gear and the second gear, and a first actuator coupled to the rack
Data Source
AI summary
A specimen retrieval system is disclosed. The specimen retrieval system includes a first hollow tube including one or more cutting elements on a first end of the first hollow tube, a first gear on a second end of the first hollow tube, a second hollow tube movable relative to the first hollow tube a second gear on a first end of the second hollow tube, a rack coupled to the first gear and the second gear, and a first actuator coupled to the rack. A second end of the second hollow tube may include cutting elements. The specimen retrieval system also includes a rack coupled to the first gear on the first hollow tube and the second gear on the second hollow tube. The specimen retrieval system may also include a geared tenaculum disposed inside the first hollow tube, and a second actuator coupled to the geared tenaculum.