Segmented Rollable Tissue Specimen Bag Brim for Minimally-Invasive Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Minimally-invasive surgical procedures face challenges in retrieving large tissue specimens due to restricted access, which often requires breaking down specimens into smaller pieces, and there is a need for a method to contain and remove tissue specimens while preventing cancer cell seeding.
Innovation Solution
A tissue specimen retrieval bag assembly with a flexible bag brim that transitions between collapsed and expanded configurations, featuring a cuff with a tri-lobular or D-shaped cross section and scallops or slots for easy furling and handling, made from materials like nylon or polyurethane, to facilitate secure containment and manipulation of specimens during surgery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a large tissue specimen is retrieved through a minimally-invasive opening, then the specimen can be removed from the body, but the restricted access makes it difficult to maneuver and visualize the specimen
Solution Approach 1:
The bag brim is segmented into multiple scallops (typically 3-6) arranged around its circumference. Each scallop can be independently manipulated by surgical instruments, allowing the large specimen to be controlled and maneuvered through the restricted minimally-invasive opening by acting on multiple smaller segments rather than trying to maneuver the entire large brim at once
Solution Approach 2:
The bag brim transitions from a collapsed one-dimensional configuration during insertion to an expanded three-dimensional configuration inside the body cavity. This dimensional transformation allows the brim to provide a large working surface area for specimen manipulation while still passing through a small opening, effectively adding spatial dimensions to overcome the restricted access problem
2Reliability
If a flexible wire support brim is expanded to encapsulate tissue specimens, then the specimen can be contained securely, but the brim becomes difficult to manipulate or roll to enhance surgical access
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous circular brim is divided into multiple discrete scallop segments. This segmentation allows surgical instruments to grasp and manipulate individual scallops or small groups of scallops independently, making it feasible to roll, fold, or reposition the expanded brim to enhance surgical access without having to manipulate the entire large-diameter circular structure at once
Solution Approach 2:
The bag brim is designed with dynamic flexibility, allowing it to transition between expanded and collapsed states. The scallop structure provides controlled flexibility that maintains specimen containment when expanded while enabling easy rolling and manipulation when needed to improve surgical access, adapting its rigidity and form based on operational requirements
3Reliability
If a standalone tissue bag is used to contain large tissue specimens, then the specimen can be contained and removed, but the bag requires complex manipulation to tent or position the specimen as needed
Solution Approach 1:
The brim is divided into multiple scallop segments that can be independently manipulated. This segmentation simplifies the complexity of tenting and positioning operations by allowing surgeons to work with smaller, more manageable segments rather than attempting to manipulate a large, continuous circular brim, reducing the overall operational complexity while maintaining containment reliability
Data Source
AI summary
A tissue specimen retrieval bag assembly includes a tissue specimen bag having an open proximal end and a closed distal end, the proximal end including a cuff defined therein and extending therearound. A flexible bag brim is disposed within the cuff, the flexible bag brim transitionable between a first, collapsed configuration and a second, expanded configuration. The flexible bag brim includes a D-Shaped cross section configured to facilitate both furling the tissue specimen bag onto itself around the bag brim when the bag brim is disposed in the second, expanded configuration and securing the tissue specimen bag in a desired furled configuration. The flexible bag brim defines a cavity therein configured to facilitate compression thereof and to facilitate handling of the bag brim by a surgical instrument.