Specimen Retrieval Pouch with Segmented Bottom and Reinforced Tabs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional specimen retrieval bags face difficulties in removing tissue due to bulging and air entrapment, which complicates their extraction through small access openings, and are prone to tearing when a single-point pull force is applied.
Innovation Solution
A specimen retrieval pouch with an elongated tube and suture system, featuring a closed bottom and open upper portion, with a suture that can be used to draw tissue in and reinforced tabs for counter-pulling, reducing the likelihood of tearing and air entrapment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional specimen retrieval bags are used to remove tissue through small access openings, then tissue removal is enabled, but the bags are prone to tearing when single-point pull force is applied
Solution Approach 1:
The pull force is segmented from a single-point application to a distributed application across multiple reinforced tabs positioned at the bottom of the pouch. This segmentation prevents stress concentration that would cause tearing, while still enabling effective tissue removal through the coordinated action of multiple force application points.
Solution Approach 2:
Reinforced tabs serve as intermediary elements between the user's pull force and the pouch material. These tabs distribute the mechanical stress across a larger area of the pouch, preventing direct stress concentration on the pouch material itself and thereby preventing tearing while maintaining the force transmission needed for tissue removal.
2Ease of operation
If tissue is placed in conventional specimen retrieval bags, then tissue containment is achieved, but air becomes trapped in the bag increasing its volume and making removal difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom closure of the pouch is segmented into multiple separable sections rather than a single continuous seal. This segmentation creates multiple small gaps that allow trapped air to escape during the tissue removal process, reducing the pouch volume and facilitating easier extraction through the access opening while maintaining effective tissue containment.
Solution Approach 2:
The bottom closure incorporates porous or permeable material characteristics that allow air to pass through while preventing tissue leakage. This selective permeability enables air entrapment prevention during extraction without compromising the containment function, effectively reducing pouch volume during the removal process.
3Ease of operation
If tissue is placed in conventional specimen retrieval bags, then tissue containment is achieved, but the tissue gathers and bulges at the bottom making removal difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom closure is segmented into multiple sections that can independently adjust to tissue placement. This segmentation prevents tissue from gathering and bulging by distributing it more evenly across the pouch base, maintaining a more uniform shape that facilitates easier removal through the access opening while preserving containment effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The bottom closure sections are designed to be dynamically adjustable, allowing them to adapt to the tissue placement and distribute it evenly. This dynamic adjustment prevents static bulging formations, maintaining an optimal shape for removal while ensuring complete tissue containment throughout the process.
Data Source
AI summary
A specimen retrieval pouch (pouch) is provided. The pouch including a closed bottom portion, an open upper portion and an elongated tube operably coupled to an interior wall of the pouch. The elongated tube has a plurality of openings positioned along a length thereof. A suture accessible at a proximal end of the pouch is positioned within the elongated tube and extends past a distal end thereof. The suture is movable within the elongated tube and relative to the pouch. The suture has either a needle or a loop at a distal end thereof for attaching to tissue and subsequently drawing the tissue into the pouch when the suture is pulled. One or more reinforced tabs are operably disposed on the pouch. The reinforced tab(s) is/are configured to be grasped by a user to provide a counter pull force as the suture is being pulled through the elongated tube.