Flexible Laparoscopic Morcellation Containment System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current laparoscopic power morcellation containment systems face challenges in providing sufficient visibility and maneuverability for surgeons without increasing incision size, adding extraneous steps, or increasing contamination risk, while maintaining instrument mobility and visibility.
Innovation Solution
A containment system featuring a thin, flexible membrane with pouches that conform to laparoscopic instrument shafts, allowing for efficient morcellation without tissue escape, and a retractable sleeve for controlled tissue removal, reducing the risk of contamination and improving surgical access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a large proximal opening with flexible collar is used for specimen insertion, then the specimen can be easily inserted into the containment system, but the incision size must be increased to 3-5 cm
Solution Approach 1:
The containment system is designed to be inserted inside a trocar sleeve, which itself is inserted through the incision. This nested configuration allows the containment system to access the abdominal cavity through a smaller incision than would be required for direct insertion of a large-opening container.
Solution Approach 2:
The containment system utilizes a flexible membrane structure that can conform to the instrument shaft and seal around it. This flexibility allows the system to be inserted through smaller openings while maintaining the ability to accommodate large specimens once inside the cavity.
2Ease of operation
If secondary ports with narrow flexible sleeves are added for instrument insertion, then visibility and mobility are improved, but the device complexity and number of surgical steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The containment system is designed with a single primary port that serves multiple functions: specimen insertion, instrument insertion, and morcellated tissue removal. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate secondary ports and sleeves, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The functions of multiple ports (specimen insertion, instrument access, tissue removal) are merged into a single primary port configuration. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components and surgical steps required compared to systems with multiple dedicated ports.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a firm distal end trocar sleeve is used for tissue removal, then the structure provides stability, but the morcellated tissue gets caught on the sleeve during removal
Solution Approach 1:
The containment system employs a flexible membrane that can adapt its shape and conform to passing instruments and tissue. This flexibility prevents the rigid catching problem experienced with firm distal ends, while the membrane's structural integrity maintains system stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The containment system transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible structure that can adapt during different phases of the procedure. The membrane flexes and conforms during tissue removal to prevent catching, while maintaining stability for containment during morcellation.
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible and expandable containment system for laparoscopic morcellation that can be inserted into a patient's cavity and configured for a targeted tissue specimen to be placed inside through a closable large opening. The containment system includes a thin, flexible membrane defining an internal cavity and having an opening for insertion of the biological specimen into the internal cavity. Said system can include one or more pouches having a proximal opening on the membrane and that extend towards the internal cavity, terminating at a distal segment. The one or more pouches are configured to allow passage of a laparoscopic instrument shaft into the internal cavity, such that the distal segment of the one or more pouches conforms to the instrument shaft. Additional embodiments are directed to containment systems having a retractable sleeve for removal of the morcellation specimen.