Electrosurgical Retrieval Bag Slicing for Faster Tissue Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing minimally-invasive surgical procedures for removing large tissue specimens, such as hysterectomy or removal of organs like kidneys or livers, face inefficiencies in tissue morcellation and extraction, particularly due to the need for multiple pieces that prolong the procedure duration.
Innovation Solution
A tissue removal apparatus with a retrieval bag and an electrosurgical slicing wire, utilizing RF electrosurgery to detach and slice tissue specimens into fewer pieces within the bag, facilitated by a slicing segment detachably coupled to the bag's wall and a pulling segment outside, with a return electrode for electrical contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional morcellation techniques are used, then tissue can be removed, but the procedure duration is prolonged due to the need for multiple pieces
Solution Approach 1:
The electrosurgical wire is divided into multiple segments that can be independently activated along its length. By segmenting the wire, the system can selectively activate specific portions to slice the tissue specimen into fewer, larger pieces rather than creating many small fragments, thereby reducing extraction time while maintaining productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The wire segments are pre-positioned and pre-configured within the retrieval bag before tissue insertion. This preliminary arrangement allows the wire to immediately begin slicing the tissue into optimized pieces upon activation, reducing the overall procedure time without compromising the efficiency of tissue removal
2Ease of operation
If a single continuous wire is used for slicing, then the structure is simple, but the ability to control slicing at different locations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The wire is divided into multiple independently controllable segments. This segmentation allows each segment to be activated or deactivated independently, providing precise control over where slicing occurs along the wire's length. The controlled complexity of segmented wire structure enables sophisticated slicing patterns that would be impossible with a single continuous wire
Solution Approach 2:
The wire segments can be dynamically activated or deactivated based on the surgical needs of the moment. This dynamic control allows the system to adapt to different tissue configurations and slicing requirements in real-time, enhancing ease of operation while the modular segment structure keeps the overall device complexity manageable
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 apparatus significantly reduces the number of tissue pieces, often to a single long piece or a few smaller ones, thereby shortening the extraction time to less than 10 minutes, enhancing procedural efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
pulling the pulling segment of the electrosurgical slicing wire, during application of RF electrosurgical power between the electrosurgical slicing wire and the return electrode
Data Source
AI summary
A tissue removal apparatus (20) is provided that includes a retrieval bag (30) having an opening (32) for receiving a resected tissue specimen (22) within a patient's body (24). An electrosurgical slicing wire (34) includes a slicing segment (36) detachably coupled to a wall (38) of the retrieval bag (30), and a pulling segment (40) free of the wall (38) and extending out of the opening (32). The slicing segment (36) winds around a central longitudinal axis (46) of the retrieval bag (30) at varying locations along the central longitudinal axis (46). Pulling the pulling segment (40), during application of RF electrosurgical power when the resected tissue specimen (22) is within the retrieval bag (30), detaches successive longitudinal portions of the slicing segment (36) from the wall (38) and slices the resected tissue specimen (22) within the retrieval bag (30). Other embodiments are also described.