Laparoscopic Tissue Retrieval Bag with Foldable Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laparoscopic tissue retrieval is challenging due to the limited space and variability in surgical instruments, leading to potential tearing of retrieval bags during insertion and contamination risks.
Innovation Solution
A tissue retrieval system comprising a foldable actuator and introducer with a tubular member, allowing the retrieval bag to be easily inserted and cinched closed within the body cavity, minimizing the risk of damage and contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If prior art retrieval bags are introduced through trocars using graspers, then tissue can be removed from the body cavity, but the retrieval bag may tear during advancement through the trocar due to resistance and variability in grasper configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The retrieval system is divided into separate functional components: a retrieval bag for containing tissue, a cinch mechanism for closing the bag, and an introducer for facilitating insertion. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the introducer protecting the retrieval bag during insertion while the cinch mechanism provides reliable closure without requiring traumatic grasping forces
Solution Approach 2:
The introducer acts as an intermediary device that facilitates the insertion of the retrieval bag through the trocar. The introducer provides a smooth, protected pathway that reduces resistance and prevents tearing of the retrieval bag during advancement, eliminating the need for direct grasper contact with the bag
2Force
If larger diameter graspers are used to insert retrieval bags, then the grasping force can be increased, but the force required to insert the retrieval bag through the trocar increases, increasing the potential for the retrieval bag to tear
Solution Approach 1:
The cinch function is extracted from the grasper and integrated into the retrieval system itself. The cinch mechanism is attached to the retrieval bag and can be actuated through the introducer, eliminating the need for external grasper force during the cinching operation and reducing the risk of bag tearing
Solution Approach 2:
The introducer serves as a mediator that transmits the cinching force from the operator to the retrieval bag without requiring direct grasper contact. This intermediate mechanism allows for controlled application of force that is less likely to cause bag tearing compared to direct grasper engagement
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate devices are used for tissue retrieval, then each function can be specialized, but the device complexity and bulk increase, reducing efficiency in the limited space of operating rooms and access ports
Solution Approach 1:
The retrieval bag, cinch mechanism, and introducer are merged into a single integrated system. The cinch mechanism is attached to the retrieval bag, and both are introduced together through the same introducer, reducing the number of separate devices needed while maintaining specialized functions for each component
Solution Approach 2:
The introducer serves multiple functions: it facilitates insertion of the retrieval bag through the trocar, provides a pathway for actuating the cinch mechanism, and can be used to retrieve the closed bag from the body cavity. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized devices
Data Source
AI summary
A tissue retrieval system can contain and withdraw excised tissue specimens from within a body cavity. The tissue retrieval system can include a tissue retrieval bag, a foldable actuator, and an introducer. The foldable actuator can be foldable between an insertion configuration for placement through an access device without the aid of a grasper or applicator, and a deployed configuration for supporting the tissue retrieval bag in an open state. The actuator can have a foldable handle to facilitate withdrawal from the body cavity. After insertion of the tissue specimens into the retrieval bag, the retrieval bag is then cinched closed to prevent spillage of its contents and to prevent contamination of the body cavity and body cavity wall during withdrawal of the retrieval bag from within the body cavity.