RF Retrieval Bag Electrodes for Large Tissue Specimen Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing large tissue specimens during minimally invasive procedures, such as hysterectomy, nephrectomy, and splenectomy, are time-consuming and require multiple steps, or result in larger incisions leading to increased patient pain and longer recovery times.
Innovation Solution
A tissue removal system comprising a retrieval bag with flexible electrodes and a return electrode, utilizing RF energy to segment and extract large tissue specimens through a minimally invasive approach, with controlled cutting and containment in a bag to facilitate easier removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If morcellators or manual reduction methods are used to remove large tissue specimens, then the tissue can be removed through minimally invasive procedures, but the procedure requires considerable time and many sequential steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical morcellation systems with an RF energy-based tissue reduction system. The RF electrodes deliver electromagnetic energy to vaporize and reduce large tissue specimens into smaller fragments that can be removed through small incisions, eliminating the need for mechanical cutting instruments and multiple sequential morcellation steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of tissue through RF energy application. By controlling RF power delivery, the system transforms solid tissue into vaporized material and condensed fragments, changing the tissue's physical parameters from intact solid mass to removable particulate matter, thereby reducing procedure time while maintaining minimally invasive benefits.
2Ease of operation
If a larger incision is made to remove the tissue specimen in whole, then the removal is simpler, but the patient experiences more pain and longer recovery times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by using RF energy to divide large tissue specimens into smaller fragments in situ within the body cavity. These segmented tissue fragments are then contained in a retrieval bag and removed through a small incision, combining the simplicity of en bloc removal with the benefits of minimal incision size, thereby reducing patient pain and recovery time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a retrieval bag as an intermediary device that contains the RF-reduced tissue fragments during removal. This bag allows the fragmented tissue to be extracted through a small incision as a contained unit, simplifying the removal process while avoiding the need for larger incisions that would cause more patient discomfort.
3Quantity of substance
If traditional RF energy or mechanical cutting methods are used for manual tissue reduction, then tissue can be reduced in size, but the process requires many sequential steps and considerable time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous useful action by delivering RF energy continuously or in sustained pulses to the tissue specimen. Unlike mechanical cutting that requires repeated positioning and cutting strokes, the RF system maintains continuous energy delivery to progressively reduce tissue volume, significantly increasing productivity and reducing the number of sequential steps required.
Solution Approach 2:
The RF electrode system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it heats, vaporizes, cuts, and reduces tissue volume all through a single energy delivery mechanism. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate cutting, coagulation, and reduction steps, thereby increasing tissue reduction speed and overall surgical productivity.
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
Reduces procedure time, minimizes patient discomfort, and allows for more controlled tissue cutting, enabling faster recovery and easier pathological assessment of tissue segments.
Implementation Method 1
The coating is configured to degrade during application of electrosurgical power and wherein the degradation expands the first active electrode surface area during the application of the electrosurgical power
Implementation Method 2
The first electrode may have a conductive wire with a coating having a first active electrode surface area, an exposure area, and an impedance that is greater than an impedance of the conductive wire
Data Source
AI summary
A tissue removal system for extracting a tissue specimen from a patient is disclosed. The system has a retrieval bag, a first electrode, and a return electrode. The retrieval bag has a flexible container with an opening. The first electrode is coupled to an interior of the flexible container, and has a conductive wire with an exposure area, a first load-bearing area, a coating having a first active electrode surface area, and an impedance that is greater than an impedance of the conductive wire. The first active electrode surface area is less than the exposure area. The coating is configured to degrade during application of electrosurgical power and wherein the degradation expands the first active electrode surface area during the application of the electrosurgical power.