Retractable Sheath Morcellator for Tissue Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laparoscopic morcellation devices are inefficient, unsafe, and cause excessive scarring due to manual operation, exposure of blades, and incomplete tissue removal during hysterectomies, leading to prolonged surgery times and surgical fatigue.
Innovation Solution
A morcellator with a gripping apparatus, elongate sheath, and rotating jaws with blades that cut and transport tissue through an auger, featuring a retractable sheath for adjustable blade exposure and a cup assembly for guiding tissue, reducing manual effort and minimizing tissue remnants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a morcellator uses an exposed blade to cut tissue, then cutting efficiency is improved, but safety deteriorates due to potential damage to vital organs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a sheath as an intermediary component that covers the cutting blade during insertion and transport. The sheath can be selectively retracted to expose the blade only when needed for cutting, and then re-covered to protect surrounding tissues. This mediator allows the blade to perform its cutting function while minimizing direct exposure to vital organs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic blade exposure mechanism where the sheath can be moved between covered and exposed states. The blade transitions from a hidden state during insertion to an exposed state during cutting operations, and back to a covered state when retraction is needed. This dynamic control allows optimization of both cutting efficiency and safety based on the operational phase.
2Device complexity
If a morcellator requires manual operation, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to prolonged surgery time and surgical fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The morcellator is designed with multiple functions integrated into a single device: tissue grasping, cutting, and removal capabilities. The device can perform these different functions through a unified mechanism structure, allowing it to handle various tissue types and surgical requirements without requiring multiple separate instruments, thus improving productivity while maintaining reasonable complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The morcellator incorporates a self-advancing mechanism where the cutting action automatically feeds tissue through the device. As the blade cuts tissue, the device's structure facilitates automatic advancement and removal of cut tissue segments without requiring continuous manual manipulation, reducing surgical fatigue and improving efficiency.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a morcellator uses a small incision port, then patient trauma is reduced, but device adaptability deteriorates due to inability to accommodate larger instruments
Solution Approach 1:
The morcellator employs a nested structure where the cutting blade is housed within a sheath, which itself is inserted through a small port. The blade can be extended from the sheath when needed, and the entire assembly fits through a minimally invasive port. This nesting allows the device to have a larger effective working size while maintaining a small insertion profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is segmented into distinct functional components (sheath, blade, grasping mechanism) that can be independently positioned and operated. This segmentation allows the cutting elements to be larger and more effective while the overall device maintains a compact profile for minimal incision access. The segmented structure also provides flexibility in how the device navigates and operates within the surgical field.
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 efficient, safe, and ergonomic tissue removal with reduced surgery time, minimizing scarring and tissue left behind, while accommodating larger instruments through a vaginal port for reduced abdominal trauma.
Implementation Method 1
An auger is positioned in fixed, spaced relation underneath the jaws. The auger transports the cut or shredded tissue proximally toward the gripping apparatus and out of the body via rotation of the auger.
Data Source
AI summary
A minimally invasive laparoscopic tissue removal device, namely a morcellator. The device includes, from proximal end to distal end, a handle, handle guard, elongate sheath, and mouth, finally terminating in a safety tip. The elongate sheath and mouth are concentric, such that two elongate, rotating cutting/shredding blades/teeth and one elongate auger feed screw can be positioned along the length of the sheath and mouth. The teeth are opposingly disposed and staggered, such that contact with tissue mass grabs and pulls tissue inwards toward the auger, which transports the tissue proximally toward the outside of the patient's body. A motor unit and gear assembly can be coupled to the teeth and auger to drive rotation of the teeth and auger. A cup assembly can be disposed in overlying relation to the mouth for guiding the tissue mass towards the mouth. Various mechanisms of safely covering the mouth are contemplated as well.