Specimen Retrieval Pouch Stop Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional specimen retrieval devices in minimally invasive surgical procedures face challenges in efficiently and reliably detaching the pouch from the inner shaft during specimen collection and handling, leading to potential spillage and increased procedural complexity.

Innovation Solution

The specimen retrieval device features a selectively detachable pouch mechanism with a pouch retention mechanism, including a pin and leaf spring system, and a cinch puller, allowing for controlled detachment and retraction of the pouch from the inner shaft, ensuring secure specimen containment and ease of use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the pouch is permanently attached to the inner shaft, then specimen containment is secure, but the device complexity increases and procedural efficiency decreases due to inability to reuse

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocedural efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into separable components: the pouch can be detached from the inner shaft through a controlled release mechanism involving the cinch puller and retention features, allowing the pouch to be reused across multiple procedures while maintaining secure containment during use

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The retention mechanism transitions from a static permanent attachment to a dynamic controllable state, where the pouch can be securely retained during specimen collection and then selectively released through actuation of the cinch puller and stop mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the pouch detachment mechanism is simplified, then ease of operation improves, but reliability of specimen containment decreases leading to potential spillage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of pouch detachmentVSAvoidspecimen containment reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cinch puller is pre-positioned and the release mechanism is pre-configured within the handle assembly, allowing the operator to simply pull the cinch puller to initiate detachment. The stop mechanism is pre-set to engage at the appropriate position, ensuring reliable containment is maintained until intentional release occurs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The cinch puller acts as an intermediary control element that translates a simple pulling motion into the coordinated action of releasing the retention mechanism and detaching the pouch, maintaining both ease of operation and reliability through this intermediate control step

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the inner shaft can slide freely distally, then the pouch retention mechanism can be easily positioned, but the pouch may detach unintentionally causing specimen spillage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepouch retention mechanism positioningVSAvoidspecimen spillage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The stop mechanism is designed to automatically engage and prevent excessive distal movement of the inner shaft that could cause unintended pouch detachment. This preliminary protective action is built into the mechanism, preventing the harmful effect before it can occur

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The system controls the positional parameter of the inner shaft relative to the outer shaft, allowing free movement within a safe range for positioning the pouch retention mechanism, while the stop mechanism changes the state to prevent movement beyond the safe threshold that would cause detachment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enables secure specimen collection and handling by allowing for repeated use between specimen fillings, preventing spillage and simplifying the surgical process through controlled pouch detachment and closure mechanisms.

Implementation Method 1

A first stop mechanism associated with the housing and is configured to prevent the inner shaft from sliding distally relative to the outer shaft past a first longitudinal position. A first stop mechanism actuator can be actuated to disengage the first stop mechanism

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10154833B2Specimen retrieval device with pouch stop

Publication Date: 2018.12.18 COVIDIEN LP

AI summary

A specimen retrieval device includes an outer shaft defining a bore, an inner shaft slidably disposed within the bore of the outer shaft, a pouch detachably coupled to a distal end of the inner shaft, and a pouch retention mechanism configured to selectively retain the pouch at the distal end of the inner shaft.