Laparoscopic Workspace Device for Safe Tissue Morcellation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing large masses during laparoscopic surgery, such as morcellation, risk scattering tissue and causing injury to abdominal organs, and existing devices for specimen removal are invasive or pose risks of spillage and infection.
Innovation Solution
A workspace device with a collapsible and expandable body, equipped with inflatable rigidizer compartments and a tool channel, maintains a pressure differential to isolate tissue from the abdominal cavity, featuring sensors for leak detection and a design that resists collapse, allowing safe and controlled morcellation and retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If morcellation is performed to remove large masses during laparoscopic surgery, then the mass can be removed through a laparoscopy port, but tissue scatters in the abdominal cavity and abdominal organs may be injured
Solution Approach 1:
A containment bag is introduced as an intermediary device between the morcellator and the abdominal cavity. The bag receives and contains the morcellated tissue particles, preventing them from scattering into the abdominal cavity while allowing the morcellation process to proceed efficiently. The bag can be sealed and removed as a single unit, ensuring complete containment of all tissue particles.
Solution Approach 2:
The containment bag is constructed from flexible, biocompatible material that can conform to the tissue being contained while maintaining integrity. The flexible nature of the bag allows it to accommodate irregularly shaped masses and the morcellation process without rupturing, while the thin film structure provides containment without interfering with the surgical procedure.
2Productivity
If a large incision is made in the abdominal wall to remove the mass, then the mass can be removed completely, but the procedure converts to laparotomy with increased morbidity
Solution Approach 1:
The containment bag serves as a mediator that enables complete mass removal through a small laparoscopic port. By containing the morcellated tissue within the bag, the system allows the entire processed mass to be extracted through the small port without requiring a large incision, thus maintaining the benefits of laparoscopic surgery while achieving complete removal.
3Productivity
If the cyst is drained and the capsule removed through a port, then the mass can be removed laparoscopically, but there is risk of spillage of cyst contents
Solution Approach 1:
The containment bag acts as an intermediary receptacle that receives the cyst capsule after drainage. The bag can be sealed around the capsule, allowing safe manipulation and removal through the port without risk of spillage. This is particularly important for cystic masses that may contain infectious or malignant contents.
4Productivity
If multiple incisions are made including culdotomy for mass removal, then the mass can be removed through the cul-de-sac, but injury and infection risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The containment bag system provides a universal solution that can be used regardless of the access route (direct abdominal port or culdotomy). By standardizing the containment method, the system eliminates the need for additional incisions and reduces infection risk associated with multiple entry points, while maintaining the ability to remove various types of masses.
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 device ensures safe and controlled processing of tissue within the abdominal cavity, minimizing the risk of scattering and organ injury while maintaining a sterile environment, facilitating efficient specimen removal without the need for additional incisions.
Implementation Method 1
at least one inflatable rigidizer compartment in the wall, which causes the body to resist collapse from the expanded state by an external pressure of at least 5 mm Hg above a pressure within the internal volume
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A workspace device including (a) a body having a wall defining an internal volume, collapsible to fit through a laparoscopic passageway in an abdominal wall to an abdominal cavity and expand therein; (b) a first opening defined in said body; (c) a tool channel contiguous with said first opening and extending from said body and configured to remain, at least in part, outside of abdominal wall and sized to receive a laparoscopic tool therein therein; and (d) the body defining an orifice configured to lie in said abdominal cavity when said body is inserted therein, said orifice sized to receive tissue with a minimal cross-sectional area that is twice a minimal cross-sectional area of said first opening, thereby defining a workspace volume to process said tissue in said cavity while said body is not collapsed, using a tool inserted through said first opening.