Inflatable Multi-Layer Tissue Containment for Puncture Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical procedures for tissue removal, such as myomectomy and hysterectomy, face risks of cancerous cell dissemination due to potential perforation of tissue containment bags, leading to unintended seeding of cancer growth in the body.
Innovation Solution
A tissue containment device with a multi-layered bag structure featuring inflatable volumes between layers, providing continuous cavity-wall protection against accidental puncture, and integrated pressure monitoring to detect and prevent leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single-layer containment bag is used for tissue removal, then the device complexity is low and ease of manufacture is high, but the reliability is insufficient due to risk of undetected perforation and cancerous cell leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The containment bag is divided into multiple layers (first layer and second layer) with inflatable volumes positioned between them. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high reliability through multiple containment barriers while managing complexity through modular design of the layered structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The inflatable volumes are nested between the first and second layers of the containment bag, creating a protected internal structure. This nesting arrangement provides redundant containment where a puncture in one layer does not necessarily compromise the other layer, thereby improving reliability without excessive complexity.
2Productivity
If tools are introduced during the surgical procedure to perform tissue reduction, then the productivity is improved, but the risk of bag perforation increases leading to potential cancerous cell dissemination
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable volumes are inflated before tissue reduction procedures begin, creating a protective cushioning layer between surgical tools and the containment bag walls. This prior cushioning reduces the risk of tool-induced perforation while allowing efficient tissue reduction to proceed, thereby maintaining productivity while reducing harmful factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The containment bag utilizes flexible layered membranes with inflatable volumes that can deform and absorb mechanical stresses from surgical tools. This flexible shell structure provides passive protection against puncture during active tissue manipulation, enabling safe and productive surgical intervention.
3Reliability
If pressure monitoring is implemented to detect perforation, then the reliability is improved through immediate detection, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Pressure sensors are integrated into the inflatable volumes to provide continuous feedback on the integrity of the containment bag. When a puncture occurs, the pressure change is immediately detected and communicated to the surgical system, allowing for real-time response. This feedback mechanism improves reliability while keeping the monitoring system relatively simple through direct pressure measurement.
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 significantly reduces the risk of cancerous cell leakage by ensuring any puncture affects only one layer, with pressure monitoring for immediate detection and corrective action, enhancing safety during tissue removal procedures.
Implementation Method 1
wherein the at least two layers are interconnected at spaced-apart connection regions, the spaced-apart connection regions being configured such that, when a fluid is introduced to the at least one inflatable volume, regions of the at least two layers between the connection regions form wall cavity regions substantially surrounding an internal volume of the containment compartment
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~3
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
A tissue containment device (10) for isolating tissue from surrounding tissue during a surgical procedure to remove the tissue includes a bag (12) formed by one or more walls (14) defining a containment compartment (16) and an opening (18) for accessing the containment compartment. Each wall (14) is formed from at least two layers including an inner layer (20) facing the containment compartment and an outer layer (22) facing outwards from bag (12). The layers define between them one or more inflatable volumes (24). Layers (20) and (22) are interconnected at spaced-apart connection regions (28) that are arranged such that, when a fluid is introduced into the inflatable volumes (24), regions of the at least two layers between the connection regions form wall cavity regions surrounding an internal volume of the containment compartment.